Chapter Text
“Easy Boys!” The Captain shouted as his crew worked. They used long pole hooks to move the squirming net from over the Boiling Sea to above the deck.
“Clear The Deck!” The First Mate yelled as he pulled a lever. The net full of wiggling fish came apart, dumping its contents onto the lowered part of the deck.
A cheer went up at the sight of their haul.
“Good job men!” The Captain congratulated his crew. “Looks like we have enough to call it a day today!”
The crew cheered again, before hurrying to finish their tasks. The captain shouted some orders to prepare the motor as the first mate approached him, his bootsteps reverberating through the metal hull.
“Just in time huh?” He asked.
“Aye, don’t like the sound of that thunder,” The Captain nodded ahead where the sound of thunder echoed just beyond the horizon.
“Boilers all warmed up, Cap’n!” A crewmate shouted from below deck.
“Here we go,” The Captain shifted a lever by the wheel, and the giant paddle propellor started up. It slowly turned, pushing the ship towards the horizon, but quickly picked up steam as the steam continued to cycle.
Soon they were making good time, The Captain pushing the ship a bit harder than normal due to his weather concerns. Though it was weird there didn’t seem to be a cloud in the sky.
Well, there was one rising over the horizon a trail of white snaking higher into the air. Wait…
The Captain pointed as he addressed his First Mate, yelling over the sound of the motor, “You See That!?”
The First Mate nodded as the cloud turned from white to an angry black, “Smoke!”
The Captain grumbled under his breath, the words quickly becoming lost. He turned the wheel of the ship slightly to investigate.
Soon a distant speck on the horizon grew into the shape of a larger ship, covered in black smoke. The Captain handed the wheel to the First Mate and pulled his telescope from his jacket to investigate. But before he could an enormous fireball erupted from the center of the ship; the explosion clearly heard even over the sound of the noisy motor.
“Titan!” The First Mate yelled as they both instinctually ducked down.
“The main coal store must have ignited,” The Captain removed his hat at the thought of such a tragedy.
“Man Overboard!” One of his crew shouted pointing towards the burning wreck.
With one hand the Captain trained his scope towards the ship watching as sailors jumped from the deck, braving the heat of the sea over the heat of the inferno. “We Have to Help! Get Us Closer!” He ordered the First Mate, while fixing his hat.
The demons that gravitated towards the Sailing Coven were usually semi-aquatic in nature but could still expect some nasty burns if they dawdled, so they wasted no time coming in close.
The ship was already starting to go under when they decided it was close enough. A big ship like that could suck their small ship under with it, given the chance.
The First Mate set the motor to idle, cutting the noise greatly, as the crew started to help sailors out of the water. The Captain glanced up taking note of the markings, it was an Emperor Coven Frigate! What could have possibly…
“Captain…” The First Mate grabbed his arm. “Do you hear that?”
He could, now that the engine was quiet.
The two looked up as the prow of a ship silently cut through the smoke that enveloped the water before them. It was easily as big as the burning frigate, but entirely made of wood. That was, quite frankly, archaic. The Boiling Sea would destroy any ship made completely of wood after a while, hence the use of Iron ships.
As more of it appeared, they saw masts of timber standing vertically on the deck, holding yards upon yards of canvas sail. An extremely old style to propel the ship, catching the wind to drive it forward. No noisy engine or even boiler, if the lack of smoke was evidence. Why anyone would build such a ship in this day and age, the Captain couldn’t fathom.
But now the crew could clearly hear the sound of singing.
The entire crew of the small fishing ship had taken notice as the multitude of voices died down and a single singer started up, singing a mournful song.
The Bell has been Raised,
From its Watery Grave,
Do you Hear its Sepulchral Song?
We are a Call to All,
Pay Heed the Squall,
And Turn your Sail toward Home!
The crew of this odd ship took up the chorus, singing dolorously together as they bustled around the deck.
Yo, Ho! Haul Together!
Hoist the Colors High!
Heave, Ho! Thieves and Demons!
Never Shall we Die!
The crew continued to repeat the chorus as the last of the ship slipped from behind the smoke.
The Captain saw he was right about there not being motor or propellor, as crazy as it was. He glanced up and saw someone holding the wheel of the ship, turning them away from his small ship.
It was a female witch, dressed in a long green coat over a striped turtle neck, with a red wool cap pulled over her long brown hair. A smallish demon, the size of a large cat, scrambled up onto her shoulder, it’s cracked sun-bleached skull looking straight towards them.
The demon reached over and tapped the woman on the top of her head and pointed. She let one hand go and turned. The woman stared at them through some sort of horned bird mask, reminiscent of the Emperor Coven Guards but different.
Somehow that emotionless mask made being discovered that much worse, as the Captain held his breath. His only hope was that his small vessel wasn’t worth attacking.
After a tense moment the witch turned back to steering, the demon jumping off and scrambling to the railing overlooking the deck of their ship.
The chorus died down again and they saw a few of the crew on that ship turn towards the small demon.
Then it started to sing, dramatically waving its arms as its mouth remained close.
The King and his Men, Stole the Queen from her Nest!
And Bound her in The Stone!
The Sea be Ours! and By the Powers!
Where We Will, We’ll Roam!
The crew took up the song, singing the chorus together as they worked. The small demon jumped from the railing back onto the witch’s shoulder, sparing a quick glance back at the fishermen before setting his gaze forward.
The small fishing ship and all aboard watched as the strange vessel sailed past them, turning towards the Boiling Isle. Large painted letters on the back read “Tenebris” and a black flag depicting a bird skull and crossed staves, flapped in the wind as it headed for their home.
“What was that…” The First Mate whispered.
“That…” A sailor groaned against the side of the ship, clutching his burned leg in pain. “Be Pirates…”
The captain and First Mate watched the ship recede, the crew still singing.
Yo, Ho! Haul Together!
Hoist the Colors High!
Heave, Ho! Thieves and Demons!
Never Shall we Die…
Amity shot up from her bed panting, looking around quickly. She was in her apartment; it was still early.
She ran a hand back, getting her hair out of her face. It came back slick with sweat.
“Titan dammit. Thought I was done with these nightmares…” Amity groaned. She decided to get up, knowing there was no way she would get back to sleep now.
“Are we still on for tonight?” Willow examined the plant, using her clippers to cut an errant twig.
“About that,” Gus responded from the crystal ball. “Some group attacked a town on the right arm and I’m being sent out to do interviews and such. So, I might be running a bit late.”
“Wow,” Willow turned back to the crystal ball. “Someone really attacked a town?”
“Well, that’s the funny thing,” Gus glanced around despite being in his home, before leaning in close to the crystal ball. “Seems they left most of the town alone except for an emperor’s coven building. Oh, and they raided some food stands, oddly enough.”
“That is odd,” Willow nodded.
“Yeah, I’ll tell you more when I find out. But I better get going if I want to make it on time.”
“Alright Gus,” Willow reached over to her crystal ball turn it off. “Be safe, ok?”
“Of course, Willow. I’ll see you tonight!” Gus waved before the crystal ball went off.
Willow chuckled, as she grabbed the plant she was trimming and bringing it back downstairs. She flicked the lights of her store on and placed the plant on the counter before starting her daily chores. Caring for a shop worth of magical plants wasn’t the easiest but it was rewarding in Willow’s mind.
Some gentle knocks on the front door caused Willow to look up from watering a pot of Simbelmyne, to see an Emperor Coven Guard waving her over.
Tilting her head, Willow placed the watering can down before crossing over and unlocking the glass door. She pulled it open and leaned onto the door frame, “What do you want Blight?”
“It’s nice to see you too, Willow,” Amity said from under the mask of her guard uniform.
“I thought I told you not to wear that ridiculous thing around me,” Willow gestured to Amity’s head. “I can barely understand you through that beak.”
“You know I can’t take it off in public Willow,” Amity sighed the sigh of someone who’s explained a thousand times and knew she would have to keep explaining.
Willow dramatically rolled her eyes before turning and moving back into her shop. Amity followed her in, pulling her mask back on top of her head.
“I brought those snails I owe you,” Amity retrieved said snails from a pouch.
“Thanks, you can just leave it anywhere,” Willow waved towards the counter before stooping and hefting a large bag of fertilizer. “You still coming to game night tonight?” Willow asked as she effortlessly walked the bag to the other side of the store, dropping it with a solid thunk.
“Barring a disaster, I’ll be here,” Amity chuckled, placing the snails next to the register. “Or if Mrs Jenkemeyer gets pulled over for a FUI.”
Willow laughed, turning to a fluffy plant as she took a pair of shears from her jacket’s pocket, “That woman could never hold her Apple Blood. She wasn’t even subtle about it back in Hexside. I remember The Owl Lady telling us about the time she lost her teeth and blamed it on her. Luz laughed so hard juice came out her nose!”
Willow laughed loudly, but when Amity didn’t respond she looked over. Amity was gazing out the window towards the town square with a long look.
“Titan, Amity,” Willow turned towards her friend. “I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking…”
“It’s fine,” Amity turned and gave a small smile. “It’s been years since…” She took a deep breath, “I’m fine Willow. I’m over it.”
“Are you sure Amity?” Willow asked with concern.
“Yeah, well that’s what they tell me,” Amity turned, fixing her mask back in place. “I should get back to my patrol.”
“Right,” Willow nodded watching Amity move towards the door. “I’ll see you tonight?”
“Of course, Willow,” Amity said just before slipping out the door.
Willow went to the front window and watched as Amity paused, gazing towards the town center once again. She shook her head and turned, quickly retreating from the petrified Owl Beast that stood in the center of town.
“Tell her what you told us.”
“Aye,” The sea captain turned and greeted the seated figure. “Miss Lilith. We were returnin from fishin. Off the right side of the Isle, when we came upon one o’ yer ships undr attack. Uhh, it blew up and we went to save as many sailors as we could.”
“Did you see who did this?” Lilith Clawthorne raised an eyebrow towards the salty sailor.
“Aye,” The captain nodded. “Wooden ship with sails. Real Arch- Archai- uhh, real old style maam. I ain’t eva seen a ship like that outside o’ museums or old wrecks. The name on the back read Tenebris.”
“And this, archaic ship defeated our frigate?” Lilith leaned over her desk to look the captain in the eyes. “How?”
I’m not sure maam,” The captain shook his head. “We only arrived as the fightin stopped. We did hear some odd rumblin as we approached.”
“Rumbling?”
“Aye. Like thunder.”
“Hmm,” Lilith leaned back with a thoughtful look. “Thank you, Captain. Both for speaking with me and rescuing our sailors.”
“Aye, it’s only right,” The captain nodded as a guard led him away, out of Lilith’s office.
Lilith hummed in thought again before turning to the other guard, “Make sure he’s amply reward for his actions.”
“He will,” Steve the guard nodded. “You don’t think these pirates are related to the attack on the arm, do you?”
“It certainly fits,” Lilith turned to a map of the Isles. “The town is close enough to the shore. And it’s obviously an organized group that carried out the attack. A captain and crew could certainly pull something like that off.”
“Hmm,” Steve’s gaze followed the coastline, noting the multiple towns dotting the map. “They could be a problem.”
“Yes, but I don’t like how they took out our frigate,” Lilith turned. “Have any of our sailors said anything?”
Steve shook his head, “Most of them were put under by the healers so they wouldn’t be in too much pain while they heal, and the few that weren’t…”
He gestured helplessly before leaning forward to whisper, “They’re…broke. Healers say the emotional trauma was too much and they won’t be much help.”
“My Titan! What could have done that?” Lilith didn’t like the thought of that. “They didn’t say anything useful?”
“Hmm, bits,” Steve shrugged again. “One was speaking of thunder and fire. Another was gibbering about pounding on the hull and holes in the metal. A third…” Steve tilted his head, studying Lilith’s reaction, “mentioned a masked pirate… With an owl face…”
Lilith seemed surprised, before shaking her head and turning towards the nearby window, “Thank you Steve.”
“Miss Lilith,” Steve said before turning and exiting her office.
“Hmm,” Lilith hummed, looking in the direction of Bonesborough. “That means nothing, the Golden Guard has an owl mask as well. This pirate must just like owls.” She tried to convince herself.
Amity paused on the trail, casting a glance around the woods before continuing. She didn’t do this often, in fact she had come here less and less as the years went by, but she still came when she was feeling particularly masochistic.
Amity passed through the trees and stopped in the empty field. She pulled her mask up on top of her head and moved towards a large divot in the grass. She stopped with a melancholic smile and reached out into the empty air.
“I can’t believe I even ended up missing that stupid bird tube,” Amity laughed and shook her head, lowering her hand from where the front door to the Owl House used to be.
“What ever happened to you?” She asked the imaginary occupants of the Owl House for the umpteenth time. Only silence answered her, the same as the last thousand times she asked.
Amity sadly shook her head, “What am I doing? I’m living in the past and I should just move on. You’re all gone and I need to accept that like Miss Lilith says. Right?” The empty field held no answer.
She reached into her robes and pulled out a small necklace. It was quite simple; a handmade trinket Amity had crafted it when she was bedbound after breaking her leg during the Grudgby match against Boscha. There was a round bit of blue fabric as a pendant with the words ‘The Good Witch Luzura’ embroidered on it. It was simple, but it had been a simpler time.
She had thought she could have used it to ask out the human, before…
Well, she didn’t know. No one did.
Willow and Gus had said that Luz was captured to lure the Owl Lady out, but after the petrification no one knew where the Owl House and the rest of the occupants went.
Now here Amity was, years later, still stupidly pining over a human that had disappeared. She could barely remember what the Owl House and the two demon residents looked like, but she could picture Luz’s bright smile clear as day.
“I’m sorry Luz,” Amity felt tears begin to form as she gazed on the necklace. “I can’t keep living like this…”
Slowly, she tilted her hand, dropping the necklace onto the soft grass and turned to leave, wiping some stray tears from her face.
Amity sighed, taking one last look at the empty field where the Owl House once stood. With a long look, she fixed her coven mask over her face before turning and heading back towards Bonesborough proper.
She did not see the growing shape on the horizon. As she entered the woods, following the trail, she missed the speck that flew from that shape. Minutes later that speck landed upon the beach, boots thumping down in the sand.
They looked around at the beach and adjourning forest, and took a deep breath. A demon jumped from her shoulder and ran over to the divot looking around. It spotted something, darting to grab it before running back to the witch.
The demon scrambled up their arm to their shoulder and dropped the necklace into her hand, whispering in the woman’s ear.
A smile crossed the witch’s face before she pocketed the item.
Reaching up they lowered an owl themed mask over their face then pulled her red beanie down low. She fixed the collar of her long green jacket before the woman twirled and tossed her owl topped staff to her right hand, before laying her left on the hilt of a cutlass
More boots thumped to the ground behind her as her crew landed, the various demons and witches readying weapons and staves. The woman turned and nodded back at them before leading the way onto the trail towards Bonesborough.
Behind them the shape on the water coalesced into the form of a large wooden ship. Groups of witches on staves flew off it and spread out over the coast of the Isle heading inland.