**Chapter 25: Tides of Deception**

The sun was setting over the horizon as Scorch, Sir Valoric, Eira, Finnley, and Captain Ortega huddled together on the dock, discussing the finer points of their plan. The young sailor's eyes shone with excitement as he outlined the route he would take in the decoy boat, a small but agile vessel that would be perfect for luring the pirates out to sea. "I'll sail out about five miles," Finnley said, using a piece of chalk to draw a rough map on the dock. "Once I'm in position, I'll start to make a bit of a show, pretending to be a lone merchant ship. The pirates should take the bait and give chase." Scorch nodded, her mind racing with the possibilities. "And then we'll be ready for them. Sir Valoric, Eira, and I will sneak onto the pirate ship, catch them off guard." Sir Valoric grinned, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I'll take point, as always. Eira, you'll cover our backs, and Scorch... well, Scorch will fly us onto the ship, I suppose." Eira chuckled. "You're getting more confident in your flying abilities, Scorch." Scorch smiled, a thrill of excitement running through her veins. "I have to be. It's the only way we're going to get out of this alive." Finnley nodded, his face set in determination. "And while you're taking down the pirates from within, I'll climb aboard and join the fight. We should be able to take them down quickly, if everything goes according to plan." Captain Ortega eyed them all warily, but a small smile played on his lips. "Alright, let's get to it. We'll set sail just after midnight, when the tide is in our favor. Finnley, you get your decoy boat ready. The rest of you... well, you get your gear ready, I suppose." As they dispersed to make their preparations, Scorch felt a sense of anticipation building inside her. This was it – their chance to take down the pirates and get back on track. She just hoped that everything would go according to plan. The hours ticked by slowly, but eventually it was time to set sail. Finnley pushed off from the dock in his decoy boat, a small silhouette on the horizon as he sailed out to sea. Scorch, Sir Valoric, and Eira boarded Captain Ortega's ship, their gear stowed and ready for battle. As they waited, Scorch's eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of the pirates. And then, just after the sun had dipped below the horizon, a faint cry went up from the lookout in the crow's nest. "Pirate ship ahead, bearing two-seven-zero!" Scorch's heart leapt with excitement as she turned to her companions. "It's time," she said, her voice low and steady. Sir Valoric grinned, drawing his sword. "Let's go catch us some pirates." With a fierce cry, Scorch spread her wings and launched herself into the air, Sir Valoric and Eira clinging tightly to her back. They soared over the water, the pirate ship growing larger with every beat of her wings. As they approached the ship, Scorch could see the pirates scrambling to respond to the sudden attack. But she and her companions had the advantage of surprise – and Scorch was determined to make the most of it.