Prologue competition entry by BestBet

A young man returns home after a long and prosperous voyage. Upon being set on shore he hastens to his wealthy fathers Coastal mansion, expecting a warm welcome home. But something is wrong. A deathly hush cloaks the house and there seems to be no one waiting to greet him. Alarmed, he rushes from room to room, searching for some sign of life. When he reaches the door of his fathers room he encounters Theresa, their faithful old servant. She motions for him to enter the room. Inside, his father lies on the bed. He is dying.
The young man kneels beside the bed, filled with grief. Weakly, his father waves Theresa from the room and begins to speak...
"I was hoping to see you before I leave you forever my son. There is something important I must tell you. Do you see the sea chest over there? Bring me the package inside, covered with seals." THe young man obeys. His father then opens the package and hands an ancient piece of paper to his son. To his amazement, the son sees that it's a treasure map!
"This map has been handed down from father to son in our family for generations. But now I think the time has come for it to be used. Find all eight pieces of treasure and a whole new world will be opened to you. Then, and only then, will you discover your true destiny."
With that, the father dies...