Chapter 132: The Unveiling, Part 2

Isabel snatched up the smoldering pipe, clutched her skirts, and darted down the stairs, ignoring Kent's beckoning call. Terror raked over her, prodding her forward, a single thought racing through her mind: Hann was injured, possibly dead.

A blackened, smoking hole gaped at Isabel from the starboard bulwark. Spears of charred wood littered the deck. Two pirates grabbed Hann's legs and arms and lifted her. Isabel peered between them to see a blotch of deep red creeping across Hann's waistcoat. At its center, a wooden spike at least one inch thick protruded from her side. Droplets of blood marred her face and neck.

"Easy men, easy," Cutter admonished, fear quaking his voice.

Isabel flew to his side. "Will shehebe all right?"

"I don't know yet." He nudged her out of the way and assisted the men down the companionway.