As part of the crew, the girls were assigned tasks like cleaning and cooking, but whenever possible, June would join Thulium and practice her sword fighting skills. She also had a keen interest in cartography and had even managed to learn how to read from a sailor, but for her, the most important thing was, that Mei slept in a warm hammock and had all the essentials like blankets, clothes, and food.

During battles, their orders were to hide, but June defied authority and joined the crew on a few occasions. Despite her petite stature, she was an excellent marksman and helped with loading the cannons.

It was the middle of September, the ship had just sailed few hours aways from the last island, and the crew was having a good time when the signal was given by the other redhead vessels.

It was a signal of attack and soon enough, a small pirate ship was intercepted and pilfered by Redbeard and his men.

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The pirates who had surrendered were Redbeard's nemeses, and to everyone's surprise, the fiery captain ordered them to be auctioned off as slaves.

The next morning, a haunting stillness engulfed the ship. No one dared to breathe, for they all knew that trafficking slaves violated the code of conduct amongst pirates. But who dared to oppose such a mad leader?

The sun was rising in the morning sky, when the sister's ship docked at El Porto, and there he was, Redbeard negotiating face-to-face with a group of noblemen. Suddenly, one of the men gazed in June's direction. And a deal seemed to have been struck.

Mei clutched June's arm in fear, and they both trembled uncontrollably.

"Send the girls on their way!" the man bellowed.

"But..."- Thúlium attempted to speak, but the words didn't seem to come out. The crew was flabbergasted, paralyzed by fear, and unable to defy their captain's orders or to protect the girls.

And so June interposed herself, brandishing her sword.

"This must be Father's ploy, right?" June reassured Mei, hoping to calm her down.

With a deep sigh, she lowered her sword. "We must trust Father."

The men retrieved handcuffs and shackled the girls. As they descended towards the docks, Túlium slipped a knife into June's garments and whispered, "When the moment presents itself, run."