We jumped up from the table in unison, our eyes flying to each other’s faces, taking in the expression we knew would be mirrored there. This was nothing like the games we played as children. This was the real deal.

“Here, take this! I have another one in my room.” Violet handed me her gun and ran outside. I checked the barrel and saw that the gun was fully loaded. I prayed I wouldn’t have to use it. I’d taken an aversion to bullets ever since getting one lodged in my side.

Running out into the hall, I was momentarily stunned by the sight of Bertha bringing down a frying pan with all her might on the very bald head of a very fat man. He swayed from left to right a few seconds before falling to the floor in a dead faint.

Bertha flourished her frying pan triumphantly. “Ha! Who’s next?” She cried. At least two pirates ran away from her. It looked like Bertha could fend for herself.

I ran past her towards the sound of swords clashing. In the distance I could see my father fighting with a tall, dark stranger.