Eark clouds moved in and hovered over the battle scene like ominous spectators. The wind picked up. Tying his hair behind him, Merrick donned his captain's hat. Thankful for the cooling breeze, he hoped it wasn't cool enough to calm the heightened temper of his opponent. If Edward had any weaknesses in battle, they were his pride and his temper. Often he allowed them free reign when reason demanded otherwise.

It appeared from the activity aboard the Hades' Revenge that the ...