With the taxes paid, and the Gods honoured, Creticus’ three corbita, led by the Europa, left the port of Gades and made for the Pillars.
Almost immediately, the sea became rougher, the current stronger, as if the ships were being sucked into the throat of a great beast. The rigging groaned more loudly and the dolphins upon the great sails stretched and strained with the winds.
“Hold on tightly!” Creticus yelled from the bow where he clung to the railing, his eyes scanning the waves as he pointed to his left or right to indicate which way Castor and Pollux should steer from the portside and starboard rudders.
The faint cries of the crews of the other two ships could be heard on the wind as they followed the path cut by the Europa.
Nerissa stood at the door of the cabin with Lucius and A
