All four members of the Lyre charged through Mainland Square in such a way, they couldn't help but look suspicious. It did not help that they barreled over several innocent villagers in the market place alongside a fruit vendor and his cart.

"Nice oranges!" Archibell said with a playful salute to Sincirce.

"Thanks!" she purred, holding them at torso level. "I figured you nonmagiks could use em to prevent scurvy."

The vendor waved his newspaper like he was angrily swatting at insects. "My oranges!"

Elise peered nervously behind her as a surrouding hubbub began to amass in the town square. Butchers, bakers, priests, ladies and noblemen both young and old angrily squabbled to each other.

"Who were those trouble makers?!"

"Pirates! Those scoundrels!"

"I've waited for this day to happen. Everyone! Grab your torches and pitchforks and let's give em the ole' angry mob routine."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Metallic clatters and the burning of crackling flames erupted behind the Lyre's crew, followed by the angry sound of marching of feet on cobblestone. Elise caught a peek of men and women of all occupations with their lowered pitchforks and torches swinging overhead. It only made her run even faster with her pal Tony held over her head.

The Lyre's crew ran towards the wooden town gate, hustling as fast as their bodies could take them.

A furious butcher hurled his meat's knife directly at Elise and Tony, causing both of them to scream in abject horror as they leaned up against the gate. Elise opened her eyes to find the knife sticking out slightly above Tony. "Son of a fish," he screamed. "One inch lower and I woulda been sashimi!"

"Sowey," Elise shivering, "Why do they want revenge so much?"

But Archibell grabbed both of them and tucked them beneath his arm.

"We're pirates," the good captain declared, "and you know what they say: An aye for an aye leaves a scurvy scoundrel blind! Now let's get outta here!"

High tailing it out of town, the four dashed down the hill towards Prison Island. Much to their relief, the bridge to the island provided them a way back to the Lyre. Elise could not believe how thankful she was to see that patchwork sail docked in front of the steel island.

With a simple slice of the rope after they hopped on the boat, the Lyre and its crew left the citizens of Mainland Isle standing on the beach. For those villagers, their vengeful journey had come to an end, but for young Elise, her seaside journey had just begun!