Raid

I ran out of the house, my heart racing as I drew my sword. The scene before me was apocalyptic. Pirates were looting and setting fire to homes, their shouts of victory cutting through the night. I could hear the clatter of metal and the cries of the wounded as I fought my way through the inferno.

As I pushed forward, I noticed the blacksmith, Baren, stumbling through the smoke. His face was streaked with soot and his clothes were singed. He looked as though he had been caught in the middle of the firestorm.

"Captain Talion!" he bellowed, his voice barely audible over the cacophony. "The town is overrun! We need to get the civilians to safety!"

"Take them to the shelter!" I ordered, fighting back a group of pirates who were attempting to break into a nearby home. "I'll hold them off!"

Baren nodded and disappeared into the smoke, guiding the townsfolk toward safety. I continued to fend off pirates, my sword flashing in the flickering light of the flames. Every clash of steel, every shout, added to the chaos that surrounded me.

Amid the chaos, a chilling realization dawned upon me. There, at the forefront of the pirate assault, stood a man with a gleaming golden tooth. It was the same man from the newspaper—the Golden Tooth Pirate himself. His presence was commanding, his eyes cold and calculating as he directed his crew with ruthless efficiency.

My heart sank as I watched him. He seemed to be enjoying the destruction, his grin widening with each new fire that erupted in the town. I had to confront him.

With renewed determination, I fought my way through the chaos and made my way toward the shelter where Ioreth and Dirhael should have been. But as I neared the entrance, I was met with a horrifying sight.

The Golden Tooth Pirate stood at the entrance, flanked by his crew. They had already reached the shelter, and the captives were huddled together in fear. Among them were Ioreth and Dirhael, their faces pale with terror. My heart sank as I saw Ioreth, clutching Dirhael close to her.

"Talion!" she screamed, her voice filled with desperation.

The Golden Tooth Pirate's laughter echoed through the smoke-filled room. "Ah, Captain Talion. How delightful to see you. Drop your sword, and perhaps we'll let them go."

My blood boiled with rage as I glared at him. "Don't worry, I'll save you!" I shouted to Ioreth, trying to ignore the fear creeping into my voice.

But the Golden Tooth Pirate's response was chilling. "Nah," he said with a cold grin, and without hesitation, he drew his sword and slashed it across Ioreth's throat. Her scream was heart-wrenching as she fell, blood pouring from her wound.

"No!" I cried, rushing toward her, but as I moved, a pirate struck me from behind with a heavy club. Pain exploded in my head, and the world spun out of control. I staggered, my vision blurring, and then darkness closed in around me.

The last thing I heard before losing consciousness was Dirhael's terrified cries and the Golden Tooth Pirate's cruel laughter.