Merry gave the order for oars to be lowered, and the ship moved faster, away from the cannons of the approaching Vocan navy.
They were not much closer to safe harbour, however, and Lord Exsil Vis' ships had oars, too. And more men to man them, Lares knew. Soon Merry's ship was sandwiched between the Vocan ships, and before a surrender could go up the BOOM of cannons rent the air, followed soon by the sound of splintering wood.
Lares ran up to Merry. "I'm down to a handful of arrows, Captain, and those cannons will destroy us before we reach harbour." Merry regarded Lares expectantly, a captain awaiting news he knew he wouldn't like. "Surrender," Lares said, unable to believe his own suggestion. "It's the only way we'll survive."
"Never," Merry said. "Death first."
Lares bowed and acqui
