Spike was sitting at a table, gathered with six famous pirates around the table. First, there was Captain Gideon "Stark" Ironsides, captain of the famed "Iron Leviathan." Gideon was famous for his technological know-how. Hailing from Valencia, he made his mark on the Spiral by rebuilding destroyed clockworks and reprogramming them to be his loyal crew. He was also one of the richest pirates in the Spiral, partially because his clockwork crew had no need for food, water, or pay, so he was free from the need to pay and tend to his crew.

Next was Lucius Darkbane, a famed and mysterious Witchdoctor who commands an entire crew of loyal Witchdoctors. He was a student at Ravenwood who was at the top of his class. He was revered for his knowledge of not only Hoodoo, but of the Spiral, its history, and almost anything you could think of. If there was knowledge, chances are he knows it.

Among them was a pirate that Spike grew up reading about, Razakel "Blackscale" Bloodfang. Blackscale was a famous dragon pirate from the time his father was in the Royal Navy. He was a master of aerial combat and unique fire-breathing techniques. He was known to seek ancient dragon hordes and knowledge of their customs and traditions. For many dragons, he is seen as the embodiment of the power and mystery of dragons.

The captain of the Tempest's Fury, Isabella Stormrage was gathered at the table as well. She was known for her unmatched naval tactics and strategic prowess, and is respected by both pirates and sailors alike, as she protects her territory from other rival pirates. She was also the first person to discover a Stormgate to Karamelle from Skull Island and is renowned for charting the sugary world's skyways.

The fearless Marleybonian Anne "Stormchaser" Bonnypaws was known for her marksmanship, as well as her skill with an ancestral weapon of the cats of Marleybone, the Bladestaff. She also knows many safe passages through dangerous skyways, to the point where she got the nickname "Stormchaser" for her ability to navigate even the strongest storms.

Finally, there was Greybeard, a famed veteran pirate who was distinguished by his trademark beard, which has grown grey over the years as his career as a pirate. Greybeard may be old, but he still has a lot of fight in him. He was famous for his many treacherous quests for lost pirate treasures and is an expert navigator, able to decipher ancient maps and charts with ease. He is also quite charismatic and often forms alliances with other pirates to achieve his goals.

Spike cleared his throat and said, "Welcome to all of you. We're gathered here today to form the Court of the Brotherhood, an organization built to govern pirates and their business ventures." before showing them his hand with the Ring of the Skies. "If piracy is to survive, we need to organize ourselves. We can't let our constant bickering and blatant murder getting in the way of our business, and more importantly, our profit."

Lucius scoffed, "Organized piracy? What are we, gangsters? There's no need for this."

Greybeard stroked his beard and said, "I disagree Lucius. Think about it, less fighting means less loss of men, resources, and money."

Gideon nodded, "Greybeard's right. If we do business fairly and with less violence, we make more money. And for you Lucius, more money allows you to expand your collection of magical artifacts."

Lucius smiled, "I do like the sound of that, but why are we letting a kid form the court?"

Isabella spoke up, "Because he commands Davy Jones' fleet, and he's the Pirate Prince. We may be famous, but we're the stuff of legends, he's more well known than any of us. The Pirate Prince is known in every realm of the Spiral, there's not a single realm that doesn't know his name and reputation. He did unmask Valencia's disguised clockworks."

Razakel nodded, "I agree, plus, any dragon who has a sense of pride in his work, be it a pirate or sailor, prince or commoner, I'm behind them all the way."

Spike smiled, "Then let's talk business. Our first matter of business is establishing a code. We can't just go around acting like we have no laws. Here's what Avery and I have proposed."

Spike placed a piece of parchment on the table, titled "Laws of the Brotherhood." and had the rules written out. Spike spoke the laws out loud.

The Court of Lords must have a majority vote in order to change the Laws of the Brotherhood.Below the Court of Lords are seven Judges of the Court, one chosen by each member of the Court, who settle matters not important enough to require a meeting between the Lords.Don't pull a gun when your opponent only has a sword.If a ship has raised the white flag, end hostilities and negotiate terms of surrender. This rule does not apply to the undead or ships sailing under Valencia's flag.Don't do business with the undead or the Valencians.The word of the captain is law while on the ship unless his word violated the Laws of the Brotherhood.If a fair deal is cheated or altered through violence, intimidation, or any other ill-gotten methods, the violator must pay double in compensation.Breaking the Laws of the Brotherhood is punishable by the Court of Lords' vote. Be it death, exile, or incarceration, the Court decides the punishment.

As Spike finished speaking, the others voice their agreement of the rules and laws that Spike had proposed, to which he asked, "Then we're all in agreement?"

They nodded and said, "Aye." before lifting their glasses and clinking a toast, "To Skull Island!"

Over the next few days, the new Court of Lords discussed, revised, and signed the new document that governed their ways. Each of them chose their representative on the Judges of the Court, Spike choosing Time Turner as his representative. After parting ways, news of the Laws and the Court spread to pirates like flies to an outhouse. Pirates started following the rules, whether it was out of respect, or fear of anger seven of the Spiral's most famous and dangerous pirates.

And so, Spike has formed the Court of the Brotherhood, helping Avery achieve his dream of turning Skull Island into a Pirates' Republic. With the warning from Davy Jones, Spike has started to prepare the pirates of the spiral to whether the storm of the return of the Armada. Will these preparations be enough, or is there still more to be done?

Find out next time!

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