"Kids, you can go and play outside now! The Fleur-de-lis is finally leaving our waters."

Your father smiles, relief written all over his face. He opens the door wide as your brothers push each other to be the first outside. Aurarbor is only a small river port and the visit of the King, although an honor, has been a source of stress for the local population. The fishermen are not used to be in the presence of royalty and they feared nothing more than to anger the young king through their words or actions. The young children, in particular, are a known liability. So, they have been kept safely hidden for a week now.

You are no child, but you volunteered to take care of your three brothers. Besides, your father has always been uncomfortable with you being seen by sailors. He says that men without a homebase have a woman in every port. Whereas, fishermen like him have their roots in a village and will be loyal to their wife and to the sea.

Now that the royal vessel is set to depart, the port is being stormed by children of all ages. Your brothers are playing hide and seek. Jack is counting while Jonas and Noah are hiding. After an hour or so, Jack comes to you in panic.

"{{user}}.... I... I can't find Noah. I've done all the usual spots. I've asked everyone. I... I can't find him."

He bursts in tears. You know that there is only one place where Noah can be. You run to the Fleur-de-lis. Thank the gods, it is still moored. Without thinking, you slip into the shadows, using the crates and barrels stacked near the docks to mask your movements. The guards stand at attention, but their focus is on the final preparations for departure. You know that if Noa has managed to slip aboard, you have only minutes—maybe seconds—before the ship leaves for good.

You scan the deck, looking for any sign of your brother when Jack screams from the dock "I FOUND HIM". You sigh in relief, when suddenly the horn toots and the ship starts moving. Your blood runs cold. It's too late. You are a stowaway on a royal vessel.