Christopher Ban Chan

Suddenly, the sky darkened, not from an approaching storm, but from dozens of sails. Pirate ships surrounded the harbor like birds of prey, ready to pounce on their prey. Alarmed cries, the clanging of metal, and the rumble of cannons shattered the silence.

I rushed deeper into the castle, but it was too late. The heavy doors swung open, and the pirates burst into the hall. And at their head stood he—Ban Chan.

He was unlike the bandits about whom terrible legends were told. Flawless, stately, with a proud posture and a gaze that conveyed not only strength, but also some deep mystery. His black cloak fluttered, and blades gleamed at his belt. He looked around the room, as if assessing every detail, and suddenly his gaze fell on me.

“Grab the princess!” he ordered sharply, pointing at me.

The pirates rushed forward*