By noon the next day, black flags fluttered high over Iron Anchor Bay.
Thousands of pirate ships, large and small, had all sailed from their berths, stretching like a dark, oppressive cloud across the wide waters outside the harbor, extending to the very edge of the horizon.
Yet, they were starkly divided into two opposing factions.
These were led respectively by the Vice President of the Pirate Council, Redbeard Edward, aboard the *Goddess of Vengeance*, and the Bayfolk Princess Violet, aboard the *Flame Rose*.
It was obvious that the former commanded significantly more ships than the latter.
Before the proceedings began, every pirate had already chosen their side; there was no room for fence-sitters.
Byron and his *Golden Deer* were, naturally, among them.
To strengthen his control over the motley forces under his command, Redbeard had dispatched many of his confidants to various pirate ships.
