Roo forced himself to the surface, choking and spitting water, and by sheer force of will he kept himself from panic. He managed a deep breath as arrows sped by him, and with a single gulp of air, he dove under the water again and started swimming toward the shore. After he had held his breath as long as possible, he broke the surface and turned, treading water.
Panic had erupted on both ships, as the sailors on the deck of his ship were frantically scrambling to gain the ropes they had just used to board it. The reason was that the galley was backing water, attempting to free the ram from the foundering ship. And the reason for that was the two Kingdom warships that were now bearing down on the galley.
The two ships were fast cutters. Neither alone could stand up to a Quegan war galley, but with the galley’s ability to maneuver hindered by the sinking freighter, the two cutters were like hounds on a wounded bear with its muzzle stuck in a trap.
Men ran around on deck like ants after a stick had been jammed in their hill. The first cutter fired a ballista bolt that sheared rigging and fouled lines. The second fired a bolt that shattered several oars on the port side of the galley, probably killing a dozen slaves as the oars suddenly slammed around inside the hull.
Then the Kingdom ship closest to Roo blocked his view of the galley for several minutes. He heard ballistae fire several times before the ship passed and he could again see the galley. The galley was afire. The ship on the far side loosed another flaming bolt and the crew of the galley began to abandon ship.
Roo turned and swam toward the shore, memorizing landmarks in the distance. After a few minutes another Kingdom ship appeared, bearing down on him, and Roo raised his hand, waving his arm back and forth. The ship lowered sail and armed men on deck stood ready to retrieve those in the water. Roo looked again at the two Quegan ships locked in a death embrace. The sinking treasure ship turned, and Roo could see the stern. There painted in red were the words, Shala Rose. Roo realized he hadn’t even known the name of the ship until that moment. Now she was down by the stern and forcing the burning galley down by the bow.
Both ships were taking on water and men still swarmed off the decks of the galley. For a moment he wondered if anyone had unchained the slaves belowdecks, and said a silent prayer for those who wouldn’t get abovedecks.
Then the Kingdom ship was upon him and a rope was lowered. He grabbed it and climbed aboard. Rough hands pulled him over the railing, and as he stood dripping seawater upon the deck, one of the officers said, “And who might you be?”
“Rupert Avery of Krondor,” he answered.
The name caused a visible shift in manners. “Mr. Avery,” said the officer. “I’m Lieutenant Aker, second officer of the ship.”
“Glad to meet you,” said Roo. “A few of those swimming around may be my men, but most of them are Quegans.”
“Quegans?” said the young officer. “Are they taking a hand?”
“Let’s say it’s a personal matter. Still, they were not kindly disposed to our cause.”
“If you’d like, sir, I’ll escort you to our Captain.”
“Thank you.”
Roo followed the officer to the quarterdeck, where they halted just before the ladder to the sterncastle. Roo knew that Kingdom navy tradition forbade anyone to climb the stairs to the Captain’s domain without invitation.
The Lieutenant called up, “Captain Styles, sir!”
A grey-haired head peered over the railing and called down, “What is it, Mr. Aker?”
“This is Mr. Rupert Avery of Krondor, sir.”
“Heard of you,” said the Captain to Roo. “Forgive my lack of hospitality, but we have to rescue some drowning men.”
“Understood, Captain,” replied Rupert.
“Perhaps you’ll dine with me this evening, after we reach Sarth,” suggested the Captain. He turned away before Roo could answer.
Roo looked at the young officer. “Lieutenant, what ship?”
“You’re aboard the Royal Bulldog, sir. If you’ll come with me, we’ll get you into some dry clothing.”
As they crossed the deck, Roo saw other Kingdom ships racing northward, carrying soldiers to reinforce Sarth. “How many ships?” asked Roo.
“A dozen. Five carrying troops and the rest of us running screens. So far no enemy ships, until this one.”
Roo said, “I’m confused a bit. Two squadrons of Kingdom ships?”
Aker said, “We’re from the Far Coast, Mr. Avery. This is what’s left of the command in Carse, with a couple of ships from Tulan and Crydee tossed into the bargain.” He pointed to the rear. “The other squadron are the lads from Port Vykor.”
Roo said, “Well, wherever you’re from, I’m very glad you got here.”
Roo went down belowdecks, to a small cabin he assumed belonged to the Lieutenant. The officer produced trousers and a white shirt, dry stockings, and small clothes. Roo quickly changed, and said, “When we get situated, I’ll make sure these are returned.”
“No rush, sir. I’ve another set.”