At dawn the next day, the entire kingdom was streaming toward the palace. Everyone wanted to witness the trial, except for one person: Ethan. He couldn't bear the thought of seeing his friends—One-Eyed Willy and Long John Silver—standing trial alongside the pirates.
He had to do something. Perhaps, if he spoke to his parents—the king and queen—they might spare his friends from punishment. No matter what, he had to try.
With determined steps, Ethan entered the grand hall. Just as he had expected, his parents were seated on their thrones, whispering urgently to one another.
Ethan hurried over. "Mother, Father, I have a request," he said, his throat dry with tension. "Among those pirates who will soon stand trial are two of my friends—One-Eyed Willy and Long John Silver. Please, do not punish them. Let them serve as knights in the palace. I promise you, they are skilled fighters."
He realized he had spoken without taking a breath and drew in a deep one. King Marlon opened his mouth to object, but Queen Nyla spoke first.
"Do not worry, my son," she said gently but firmly. "Your friends will remain in the palace and become knights, just as you wish."
King Marlon opened his mouth, but one look from the queen silenced him. Ethan's heart leapt. Overjoyed, he hugged his parents before hurrying to Rowena in the infirmary.
Before Rowena could ask where he had been, Ethan recounted the exchange. "Mother said it will happen, but I still don't want to see them in court," he admitted.
Rowena gave him a knowing look. "Then we'll stay in the library and read," she suggested.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you going to the trial?"
Rowena's expression turned serious. "Friends don't leave each other alone."
---
The royal court convened to judge Blackbeard and his crew. The grand hall was packed with people eager to witness the trial. Guards stood at every corner, keeping a careful eye on the crowd.
King Marlon and Queen Nyla sat on their thrones, silently watching Blackbeard and his crew chained at the center of the room. Blackbeard showed no remorse; only arrogance and mockery shone in his eyes.
The rest of the crew—Anne Bonny, Cat-Furred Jack, Red Roger, One-Eyed Willy, and Long John Silver—stood with bowed heads, fear and sorrow written on their faces.
The judge struck his gavel three times, breaking the tense silence. "Blackbeard, you may present your defense. You stand accused of kidnapping, piracy, and murder—crimes that are unforgivable."
Blackbeard stepped forward, constrained by chains but radiating confidence. "Defense?" he growled. "I have none. But I do have a confession."
A murmur rippled through the hall. The king and queen focused their attention on him.
"None of these people," Blackbeard said, gesturing to his crew, "were ever truly free. I kidnapped them as infants, raised them, and taught them the ways of piracy. I shaped their destinies; I committed their crimes."
Shock spread through the courtroom. The crew seemed even more withdrawn. The crowd whispered among themselves—kidnapping children and forcing them into crime was a monstrous act.
King Marlon drew a deep breath. "Blackbeard, for piracy and kidnapping, you are sentenced to life in prison. As for your crew…" He glanced at Queen Nyla.
Queen Nyla's voice was soft yet firm. "The rest of the crew may have been forced into piracy, but now they will have a chance to start anew. They will be sent to live in different parts of the kingdom to build fresh lives. However, at Ethan's request, One-Eyed Willy and Long John Silver will remain in the palace as knights. Their skills will serve this kingdom."
Willy and John lifted their heads, gratitude and surprise shining in their eyes. Staying in the palace was both an honor and a new beginning. The decision showed that justice and mercy could coexist.
Blackbeard was led away to prison, his head held high. The rest of the crew was sent to rebuild their lives elsewhere. Anne Bonny, Cat-Furred Jack, and Red Roger faced new challenges, while Willy and John began their duties as palace knights.
A hopeful new chapter had begun—for the royal family and for the kingdom.
---
A week later, life at the palace had settled into a calm rhythm. Ethan spent his days with his friends, Willy and John. The two former pirates were adjusting to life as knights, though leaving behind the past would take time.
Their greatest change was simple yet profound: living in a safe, peaceful environment, free from fear.
That morning, Ethan, Rowena, and Koa enjoyed breakfast in the infirmary. Koa remained calm, Rowena cheerful, and Ethan content in the quiet happiness of the moment. Suddenly, the door opened.
Willy and John entered, leaving their pirate pasts behind, now preferring simply "Willy" and "John." With warm smiles, they greeted, "Good morning, young ones!"
Ethan stood and welcomed them warmly. "Good morning, Willy, John! Join us for breakfast—you must be hungry after your first week here."
Willy laughed. "Ah, having breakfast in the infirmary is a luxury no captain at sea could imagine."
John sat down. "I suppose I'll get used to such fine meals soon enough," he added.
As they ate together, their conversation turned to their first week in the palace and sweet memories of Ethan's childhood. Laughter filled the room.
It was the weekend, which meant Ethan and Rowena could explore freely. Ethan grinned. "Today, we'll show you the beauty beyond the palace. Our first stop is Mikmak Village—you'll meet some truly wonderful people."
Soon, the group left the palace, excited to see the world beyond. Mikmak Village was one of Ethan's favorite places: peaceful, in harmony with nature, and full of life.
Ethan introduced Willy and John to Wenona, a wise and hospitable girl, though cautious with strangers. Willy was enchanted by her warm welcome. "This place is magical," he said. "It's so peaceful—it feels like it heals the soul."
John played with the village children. "We have to come back! Next time, we'll bring gifts!"
Wenona guided them around the village, introducing them to other locals and teaching them the secrets of village life.
---
Next, they traveled to Shadowbrook Town, a place of shadows and mystique, yet home to kind-hearted people.
On the way, Ethan said, "This is where Raidne lived." He explained how she had arrived at the infirmary injured and transformed, adding, "Now she's optimistic and kind-hearted."
Raidne's home was an old stone house decorated with mystical symbols. She welcomed them warmly. "What a wonderful surprise!" she said. Inside, the home radiated warmth. Raidne served herbal teas, and they enjoyed cheerful conversation.
She shared her experiences with Willy and John, who were moved by her story.
"We have so much to learn from you, Raidne," Willy said.
John added, "We're so happy to be here. We can't wait to return."
Throughout the day, Ethan, Rowena, Raidne, Willy, and John explored, laughed, and shared stories. Willy and John were determined to make the most of their second chance, eager to atone for past mistakes. This adventure marked a new beginning—not only for Ethan but for Willy and John as well.