E familiar voice slithered over Merrick's earsa voice he had hoped never to hear again, a voice that now sent a chill through his heart. He looked up. Kent emerged from below, holding a knife to Charlisse's throat. Edward glanced up too. Both men abandoned their opponents. Merrick jumped over the quarterdeck railing and landed with a thud on the main deck while Edward rushed down the ladder, sword in hand.

"Hold up there, boys." Kent leaned over Charlisse, pressing the blade ...