Cedric leaned against a large wooden barrel bound by copper hoops. His nose picked up the fine acrid aroma of black powdersulfur, saltpeter and finely ground charcoal. A deadly combination when stuffed into a ship's cannon.

"Jonathan, I have an idea."

"What?"

"This barrel is full of black powder." Cedric rapped his knuckles on the wood.

"Is this plan of yours going to get us killed?"

Cedric hesitated before answering. "There's always a ...