They had had to retreat from the battle before it had even begun. Everything had happened so fast, so precise, so perfectly executed by the enemies it had seemed unreal.
He had ordered rope thrown to Sea Lion’s crew to try and rescue those who had jumped into the waters to avoid the deadly fires that consumed it. Only nine had made it aboard, nine out of ninety-six souls. Scores had remained in the waters, trying desperately to swim to the Paradise, seeing a chance at survival.
A chance he had had to deny them.
Stephan finished his drink in a single swallow.
The only way any of them would survive the calculated attack had been to flee, so the order had been given. An order that had refused to leave his lips, and so his Lieutenant, James Featherstone, had ordered it, as Stephan had watc
