As the guardians of the temple, the gray-skinned creatures, suddenly dashed out of the forest, the pirates were taken completely by surprise.
"What the hell?" one pirate exclaimed.
"They're back!" another shouted.
Panic swept through the group as they scrambled to their feet, drawing their weapons and keeping their guards up.
The creatures hissed menacingly, their sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light of the forest. Draven unsheathed his dagger, ready to fight if necessary.
However, as the creatures approached and caught sight of the crown on Devon's head, their demeanor changed. They began to emit a mournful, crying sound, and then, to the astonishment of the pirates, they knelt down, banging their heads on the ground in a show of submission.
Devon couldn't resist mocking them. "Look at that, lads," he jeered. "Even the fearsome guardians of the temple bow before the power of this crown!"
