Collier momentarily forgotten, Merrick drew his cutlass and took on the first man who reached him, halting a furious blow with a quick lift of his blade. Another man attacked from the side. Merrick plunged his boot into his stomach, sending him stumbling backward. Other Spaniards swept past Merrick, engaging Collier and his men, and he silently prayed they would kill Collier, free their governor, and end this senseless slaughtereven though he knew it would also mean his own demise.
The Spaniard slashed at Merrick from the right, then from above in a quick move that Merrick handled effortlessly. By his common dress and lack of skill, Merrick realized the man was no soldiermost likely a farmer or merchantand someone whom, with a few well-placed blows, Merrick would have no trouble dispatching.
"Amado," the Spaniard shouted in a panicked voice to his friend, who bumbled to his feet. "Ayúdeme!" Fear skipped across his darting eyes.