Chapter 130: River Battle (Part 1)

The smacking of the oars against the surface of the river suddenly seemed as loud as thunder.

"Should I sound the alarm, admiral?" asked Pool.

"Hell no," Gunnar replied.

"Even if we could turn around, they'd run us down all the way to the ocean!" said Ragny. "What'll we-?"

"Shut up," said Gunnar, whispering now. "Get below deck, Ragny. On my mark, I want you to give the order: All oars at full speed."

"Oars at-?"

"Do as I say, sailor," said Gunnar.

"Your, uh, mark, sir?"

"You'll know it when you hear it!" snapped Gunnar. "Now go!"

Ragny hustled to comply, leaving Gunnar flaring his nostrils. These fools would be the death of him-if he wasn't the death of himself, first.

"Cap'n," whispered Pool, reverting to Gunnar's old title from their fishing days. "What are we doin'?"