Not much time passes until the crew has their destination on sight.
A town-sized island with a small forest to the north. Next to the port is the town square with several gallows that give the island its name.
The group docks their ship at the port and heads to the shipwright's workplace guided by Pearl.
-Alright, you guys don't look much like pirates so you should be fine. Just follow me and don't do anything stupid.
They walk through the town square getting a good view of the gallows. Some of them with dead bodies still hanging. Something that doesn't seem to bother the inhabitants of the island.
People just walk by giving little to no attention to the hanged bodies. Even the children don't seem to care about them.
-These people are weirdly desensitized to the sight of death – Expressed Verona while looking at the bodies as they walk.
-Yeah. I thought that I'll be safe here since there is no Navy presence. But I knew that if I really wanted to be safe I had to go to a deserted island.
-Oh, I can see how you'll feel very safe in a place like this – Says William full of sarcasm
-Shut up. We're here.
They stop at a big building with a simple dock-like area where's an almost finished ship. As they walk through the archway they see a bald man wearing goggles with a fairly muscular build working on the ship.
He notices the group walking in and goes to greet them.
-Customers I assume. Come on in, come on in!
He greats them with a firm handshake.
-What a marvelous establishment you have here, my friend! – Says William taking his hat off – I and my crew were looking for a new sailing vessel and I heard from this girl that you are the best shipwright in the town.
He looks at Pearl and recognizes her immediately.
-Oh if it isn't Pearl! I thought that you were staying on that small island near Gallows.
-Hi mister Frigeworth. That was my plan. But these morons shipwrecked on my island so I brought them here so they can get a new ship.
-Well, that is certainly unfortunate. But it looks like you guys are in luck today. I'm working on this baby over here ready to be sold. Just a couple of days more and it will be ready to sail. You guys got the money?
William looks inside his pockets to find that they are empty. Apparently, money wasn't one of their priorities after the shipwreck.
-Well good sir, we do not have the money with us at the moment. But don't worry, we will provide it to you when the ship is complete. We just need to go and pick it up, you know how these things go.
Mr. Frigeworth looks at William for a moment. Seeing right through his deception and goes:
-Aye, don't think me an idiot. I'm not some lousy shipwright that works on one of those Navy sanctioned islands. I know you lot are pirates and are just waiting for me to complete the ship and steal the damn thing.
William tries to rectify the situation but Duros stops him.
-My good sir, we will never even think of robbing an honest man such as yourself.
-Back in my home town when I used to make houses for people, sometimes they didn't have money so they traded goods or services. – Says Ragnar also stepping in to try and save the situation.
-Perhaps we could do a service for you? - Says Duros.
Frigeworth thinks for a moment.
-Hmm. Well, there is something you can do for me.
-Is it one ship worthy? – Says William stepping back in.
Frigeworth takes off his goggles and puts them over his forehead.
-It's my son. My pride and joy…
He says with a bit of sadness in his voice. – He went missing a few days ago. I asked around a little bit but wasn't able to get any information.
William thinks for a moment. It's not in a Pirate's nature to rescue people. They usually do the opposite. But William knows that this is the only way to get a new ship without having to pay for it. Also, Duros won't turn down the offer to help someone in need.
-Well, if finding him means getting this fine craftsmanship then yes, my crew is at your disposal!
-Thank you very much. His name is Samillion. He was last seen at the Sparrow Eye Tavern.
-Very well then. We shall begin the search at once.
Before leaving William looks at Pearl as if he forgot that she was still there.
-Sigh, Pearl would you like to accompany us, or would you rather stay here?
-Well, if you insist, I'll go with you since I know you dummies will be helpless without me – She says with her hands on her hips thinking so much of herself.
William is already regretting his decision.
While all of that was happening, Ragnar goes to speak with the shipwright.
-Mister Frigeworm, I too have lost a son, so I know how you feel. I'll make sure to bring him back to you safe and sound.
-Thank you. What is your name big guy?
Ragnar smirks and puts his ax over his shoulder.
-I'm Ragnar. The one who will become the strongest man in the world!