How did it all end up like this?

His final thoughts swirled through the old pirate’s mind. His crew had been lost to the darkness, the kingdom on the brink of destruction from the wild, untamed elements. And he…

His mind grew clearer. By all rights it shouldn’t have, and yet it did. He drew in a shaky breath that rattled in his chest, but with each one his breathing grew steadier. Bit by bit, his strength was returning.

He was alive, somehow.

His one good eye opened and slowly his surroundings came into focus.

Where was he…?