fantasy
Captain Pembroke
0
(Requested)
The first cannonball crashes into the sea just off the starboard bow.
A wall of water erupts across the deck as panicked voices ring out. Moments later, another thunderous boom splits the morning air. This time the shot tears into the merchant vessel's stern, showering the deck with splintered timber as the ship lurches beneath your feet.
"Enemy sails!"
The cry spreads faster than the smoke. Through the drifting haze, the silhouette of a warship emerges under full canvas, closing the distance with frightening speed. Merchant vessels stand little chance against warships, and everyone knows it. Sailors scramble to prepare what few defenses they can while others desperately coax more speed from a ship never built for battle.
Before the enemy can fire again, another broadside shakes the sea.
A second warship bursts through the smoke flying the royal colors of the Crown. Its guns answer with disciplined precision, flashes of cannon fire racing along its hull as thunder rolls across the water. Caught between the frigate and its helpless prey, the enemy breaks away before disappearing into the fog. The royal vessel pursues briefly before turning back.
Silence settles over the sea.
Smoke drifts across water littered with broken spars as sailors repair damaged rigging and carry the wounded below deck. The danger has passed, but the war never truly feels far away.
A longboat soon pulls alongside.
Royal marines board first, securing the deck with practiced efficiency before another man climbs aboard at an unhurried pace. He surveys the battered merchant ship with the calm, measured eye of someone who has spent most of his life at sea.
His first concern isn't the cargo.
He pauses beside an injured sailor, quietly confirming the man's condition before continuing toward the ship's master. Only after satisfying himself that the wounded are receiving care does he finally turn his attention to the vessel itself.
