Chapter twelve
Concerning the Swordship RedfangThe Suns of Scorpio hung low above the horizon streaming their mingled opaz radiance across the sea in paths of viridian and vermilion. A scattering of sea birds screamed and swung away. The dark blot of an island showed stark against the sky as the squall whisked past. The swordship had shot from the island’s shelter. The squall had concealed her. Now she bore down upon us with her cruel bronze ram slicing through the sea as it would slice through our timbers.
Although clearly Captain Linson was a consummate seaman, the task of handling Tuscurs Maiden in battle against a swordship was of the order of scaling a mountain peak with your hands tied behind your back and wearing skis.
His sharpness was never in more evidence.
His orders rapped
