Eark clouds moved in and hovered over the battle scene like ominous spectators. The wind picked up. Tying his hair behind him, Merrick donned his captain's hat. Thankful for the cooling breeze, he hoped it wasn't cool enough to calm the heightened temper of his opponent. If Edward had any weaknesses in battle, they were his pride and his temper. Often he allowed them free reign when reason demanded otherwise.
It appeared from the activity aboard the Hades' Revenge that the warning shots had accomplished their purposeto stir the tempers of Edward's crew. Now all Merrick had to do was goad Edward into making a reckless mistake. Jackson approached. Merrick lowered his glass.
"Turn her to larboard, bearing our guns loaded and ready," he ordered. "But keep three hundred yards' distance from her. Let's see if she'll take the bait."