Captain Merrick stood at the main deck railing and squinted at the setting sun. The Redemption gently bobbed in the shallow waters among the cluster of islands, safe for the moment behind the natural barriers of reef and cay.

Sloane handed the telescope back to him. "The galleon's anchored herself as close to the islands as her keel will take her. But thanks be to God, we be out of her gun range, eh?"

Merrick took a look as well. "Yes indeed." He lowered the glass. "It ...