Suddenly—
A deep, thunderous bell rang through the air, its sound rolling across the island like a wave crashing upon the shore.
BOOOOOM!
Everything stilled.
The festival's music faltered, merchants froze mid-haggle, and even the rowdiest of pirates turned their heads toward the source.
Every soul on the island recognized that sound.
Pirates, locals, even the drunkards who had barely been standing knew exactly what it meant.
It was the signal.
The moment when the chief priest of Magnus began his procession, escorting the statue of the bearded God of the Sea through the streets.
For the people of the island, this was the heart of the festival—the moment where faith and tradition intertwined.
The Holy Church knights, however, did not understand the sudden excitement.
They stood in place, confused, watching as children darted between legs, scrambling onto chairs and walls, eager to get a better view.
Then, from a distance, it began.
