“He didn’t tell me what was in the chest,” James said, remembering when Blackbeard had handed it over to him before they made their way to the Floating Boneyard:

“Don’t open this chest, James, not until you are well away from these lands, and safely in Never Land. And no matter how tempted, do not open it while you are in the Many Kingdoms. Trust me, James. The Odd Sisters would do anything to get their hands on what’s inside this chest. But I have long paid the price for taking these treasures, and they are my most prized possessions. Now they belong to you.”

“Are you sure you want to give them to me, sir?”

“I won’t need them where I’m going, James. Now go! Find the life you always wanted to live.”

James hadn’t even thought about opening the chest. His friend had told him not to. But he liked knowing he had something the Odd Sisters wanted if it came to it.

Just then Opal swooped down, landing besides James. She stretched out her little leg, offering it to him so he could remove the scroll attached. She gave a soft caw, and bowed her head as she took off, her wings glistening in the sunlight, reflecting blue and purple highlights in her black feathers.

“It’s from the Odd Sisters,” said James, reading the scroll. “It looks as if I am invited to tea with them in the Dead Woods this evening. They’ve instructed me to pick up a cake on my way,” he said, laughing. “How powerful can these witches be if they can’t conjure themselves their own cake?” Skylights cringed at the sound of their name. It was clear these Odd Sisters evoked fear in almost everyone, even Blackbeard, so perhaps James was being a bit too cavalier, but he couldn’t help it.

“Shhh! They’re probably listening, sir! Don’t speak ill of the Dreaded Three; they have eyes and ears everywhere.” Skylights looked around as if he expected to see them lurking behind every corner.

“Don’t be ridiculous, man!” James said. “Smee, find me something suitable to wear. I want to look the gentleman for these Strange Sisters.”

“They’re called the Odd Sisters, sir. And what pray tell is a suitable outfit for an afternoon tea with witches?” asked Smee.

“My finest suit of course, with the black morning coat, and my top hat,” James said, thinking of what a fine figure he will cut for the ladies. “Yes, Smee, I think that will do nicely.” As much as he loved his pirate garb, he quite liked the idea of changing things up, and putting on a good show for these witches of the Dead Woods.

“If you say so, sir,” said Smee, rolling his eyes.

“If it’s good enough for tea with the queen, it’s good enough for the Weird Sisters,” said James.