Charlisse watched as Kent slashed his cutlass once again toward Merrick. The captain sidestepped, bringing his blade in from one direction then quickly shifting to another. With a swift flick of his sword, he snapped the cutlass from Kent's hand, sending it clattering to the deck. Merrick lowered his sword. He took a step toward his opponent. Kent drew a knife and lunged at his captain. Charlisse gasped. Her heart leapt to her throat.
Merrick arched to the side. The knife met air. Kent drew back for another deadly thrust, but before he could plant the blade, Merrick pounded the knife from the first mate's grip with the hilt of his cutlass. The knife joined Kent's sword on the deck with a clank that echoed over the ship. Chest heaving, Merrick positioned the tip of his blade at Kent's hear
