Chapter 17
New Face, New PrinceThe days that followed the arrival of the Wasa and the newly elected Crown Prince were busy for Petroc. One of his first tasks was to visit all the British merchantmen in port and ascertain their condition and readiness to put to sea if this became necessary.
“I assure you, Captain,” the speaker was a large bluff man, Master of the brig Stella Maris. “The merchants of this city know the score with this Bernadotte, an’ they’ll not stand for him blockin’ the trade.”
“I have no doubt they will stand up to him, but I ask you to ensure your ship is kept as ready for sea as possible.” Petroc smiled in an attempt to overcome the man’s evident reluctance to take orders from a naval officer. “I too have very good connections here – and sound information that Bernad
