As dawn breaks on a biting, frosty January morning, an air of foreboding cloaks the Admiral Benbow Inn.

Jim Hawkins’ father is growing weaker, but the shadow over their lives comes not from illness alone—it comes from the sinister presence of their “unpleasant” guest, the enigmatic captain.

While the captain roams outside, a menacing stranger steps into the inn. His name is Black Dog, and the tension he brings is palpable.

Black Dog isn’t just passing through; he’s hunting for Billy Bones, a name Jim reluctantly confirms belongs to the very man lurking under their roof. But Black Dog has a plan, dragging Jim into a dangerous game of surprise and confrontation.

When the captain returns, the storm brewing between the two men erupts. Words turn to violence, and the clash of steel echoes through the inn as Billy Bones wields his cutlass in a desperate struggle. Blood is spilled, and the chaos leaves everyone shaken.

But just when the situation seems at its darkest, salvation appears in the form of Dr. Livesey—a figure who may hold the key to calming the storm or fanning its flames. Chapter two tightens the knot of mystery and danger, leaving us to wonder:

What secrets do these dangerous men hold, and how far will they go to protect—or seize—what’s theirs?

The stakes are rising, and Jim’s life is about to change forever.

ORGANIC PIRATE TATTOOS

“It was tattooed in several places. ‘Here’s luck,’ ‘A fair wind,’ and ‘Billy Bones his fancy,’ were neatly and clearly executed on the forearm; and up near the shoulder there was a sketch of a gallows with a man hanging from it…”

It’s time to make our own pirate tattoos, personally designed and organically made. Roll up your sleeve and ready your aaaarrrm.

TERMS TO KNOW

Heavy gales - strong, intense winds at sea, ranging from 39 to 46 mph. A heavy gale is usually in the range of 54 to 63 mph.

Hoar-frost - when water vapor in the air directly crystallizes onto grass, leaves, or branches, creating an icy coating.

Death-hurt - a wound that is fatal or causes great suffering.

Pale, tallowy creature - a sickly, sallow, or unclean appearance, possibly indicating they are ill or malnourished.

Smack of the sea about him - someone who has a rugged, salty character or has the taste, smell, or feel of the ocean.

Cutlass - a short, broad-bladed, single-edged sword. Its curved blade and sturdy design made it ideal for combat on ships.

Talons - the sharp, curved claws found on the feet of birds of prey but used by Black Dog to describe his two missing fingers.

Talk square - to speak honestly, directly, and without deception.

“None of your keyholes for me, sonny” - Black Dog doesn’t want to be spied upon, nor trapped behind a locked door.

“Showed a wonderful clean pair of heels” - to run away so quickly that all you can see is the back of their heels.