Warius stood on the deck of the sky pirate ship, his hands gripping the railing as he savored the familiar sight of his home. The wind tousled his hair and carried with it the faint scents of spices and roasting meats from the market below.
"Ah, Enthia," he murmured to himself, a smile playing on his lips. "It's good to be home."
"Captain!" a voice called out. Warius turned to see his first mate approaching. "We're ready to dock."
"Thank you, Debonne." Warius nodded, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the zeppelin docks just ahead. "Prepare to disembark, everyone!" He then called out, addressing his crew. They hastened to obey, securing ropes and adjusting sails as they neared the docking tower.
As the zeppelin finally came to a halt, Warius stepped off the ship, expecting the welcoming of Enthia’s Sky Guard. Instead, he was met by the cold steel of shackles. A squad of the Sky Guards had gathered around them, their faces grim and their weapons drawn.
"By order of the Council, you are under arrest!" one of the guards barked.
"Arrest?" Warius scoffed, confused and somewhat agitated. "What for?"
"Sky piracy. Don't play dumb, Captain. We know who you are and what you've done."
"Sorry, gentlemen, but I think you have the wrong man. I'm a professor of zeppelin engineering at the Floutin Expeditionary Association!"
"Save it for the judge," The guard sneered as he tightened the shackles around Warius' wrists. "Take him to the dungeon."
As Warius was being led away, he couldn't help but think that Koe'ul had betrayed him. It seemed too coincidental that the zeppelin had never docked, only dropped him off. His heart ached with disappointment, but his mind raced with plans for escape.