Beast of Howling Treetop [2]

As the woman's bell rang out, Jack and Mary locked eyes, sharing a knowing look before nodding in unison. They were ready to make a dash for their lives, prepared to outrun any danger that lay ahead.

With haste, they sprinted away from the exposed area, leaving the men who had been frozen in shock to regain their wits and organize themselves. The air was filled with a chorus of shouts, their words muddled and unintelligible from the distance.

As Jack and Mary raced through the thick foliage, their hearts pounding, they suddenly found themselves confronted by seven rugged men standing on a platform just five meters above them. These burly buccaneers held wooden buckets brimming with mysterious herbs.

With a swift motion, the men emptied their buckets, releasing a breathtaking flurry of delicate pink-white flowers into the air. These blooms possessed clusters of tubular petals that unfurled like the bells of a pirate's treasure chest.

The atmosphere became saturated with the captivating scents of herbs and sweet florals, their alluring fragrance mingling with the earthy undertones of the island.

Some of the flowers gracefully descended upon the emerald-hued ground, while others landed upon Jack and Mary, who were too focused on their escape to pay much heed to the men's actions.

"HALT!" one of the men bellowed, his voice commanding attention.

Jack and Mary's pace slowed, their heads turning slightly to identify the source of the booming voice.

"'Twas a mistake, we be peaceful folk!" another man shouted, attempting to rectify the situation.

Intrigued and cautious, Jack and Mary came to a complete stop, turning to face the men who had showered them with flowers.

"And how be we supposed to believe ye after the chaos ye just caused?" Jack demanded, his voice filled with skepticism.

"We offer our sincerest apologies, fellow travelers! Allow us to explain. Those flowers we flung at ye were meant to test yer mettle, and ye passed," the man informed them, his tone contrite.

As Jack pondered the situation, a thought crossed his mind. Blast me barnacles! These flowers... they bear a striking resemblance to the leaves we plundered afore. Could these be the mighty blooms, reached their full glory, while the ones we snatched were but sprouts in wait? By the kraken's tentacles, how in the seven seas would a mere flower put folks to the test? Hmm... truth be told, I care not, as long as these scurvy dogs prove themselves to be civilized souls, worthy of our trust.

Meanwhile, Mary's mind was filled with caution. This be a trap, mayhaps. Should I speak up to our captain? Nay, I reckon he knows best, she thought to herself.

"IF YE DARE HARM US, WE SHALL FIGHT BACK! WE BE STRONG! MAY WE ASCEND AND PARLEY WITH YE?" Jack bellowed, his voice carrying the defiance of a true pirate.

The men pointed towards a nearby tree, its trunk adorned with a sturdy wooden ladder. Jack and Mary approached it with determination, their boots thudding against the rungs as they made their way upward.

Upon setting foot on the platform, they were greeted by a group of men who bowed formally, a sign of both greeting and apology.

Jack responded with a self-assured bow, casting a sideways glance at Mary, who received a light smack on the head, prompting her to join in the gesture.

"What be yer names, fellow travelers?" inquired a man clad in a pristine white cotton shirt and modified black breeches, tighter than a pirate's grip on his treasure.

"I be Ca- Jack Thunder, and this be me mate, Mary Grace," Jack declared proudly.

"I be Ort, and these be Art, Ret, Lar, Urt, Ope..." Ort introduced himself and his comrades, each bearing a name as unique as their pirate souls.

Jack couldn't help but ponder the curious three-letter names. What be the meaning behind these peculiar monikers? he wondered. Well, 'tis surely better than encountering a tribe woman with a name longer than the wind's whisper.

Mary, ever observant, had a question burning in her mind. "I've sailed many seas, but this island be a sight to behold. Yet, why do ye choose to make yer home high up in the trees?" she inquired, her curiosity shining through her gaze.

The group exchanged glances, their expressions laden with concern, but they quickly masked it behind forced smiles. It was the oldest among them, Ort, who finally spoke up. "Such matters be of no importance in this moment, weary travelers. Ye be our honored guests, and we shall gladly show ye the wonders of our island, if ye so desire."

Jack nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement for the adventure that awaited. "Aye, Ort, lead the way. We be eager to discover the secrets this island holds."

He couldn't simply spill the beans and admit that their true purpose on this island was to dig up the dirt and lay claim to the hidden chest. Instead, he chose to portray themselves as daring adventurers, ones who sailed the seas in search of excitement and enlightenment.

With Ort leading and the rest of the men following, Jack and Mary followed their newfound companions.

Ort, the seasoned guide, led the way to a magnificent spiraling wooden staircase, its steps encircling the mighty tree trunk. A sturdy wooden railing, fashioned from the very timber of the island, hugged the staircase, ensuring safe passage as they ascended to the pinnacle - the highest platform of all.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Jack blurted out, "Why did ye shower us with flowers, matey?"

Ort, with a mischievous grin, responded, "Arr, that be a tale for another time, me hearty. Let's set our course for Erl's, a tavern nestled within the embrace of the trees. There, we shall quench our thirst and share tales."

Mary, with a sparkle in her eyes, caught wind of their conversation. The mere mention of a tree-house tavern filled her heart with delight. Aye, this be a rare adventure, she thought, her anticipation growing.

With Ort leading the way, his crew following closely behind, and our brave 'adventurers' in tow, they made their way through the treetops.