Gabe glanced at his watch. It seemed like hours ago he’d been awakened from a dream and placed into a nightmare but in truth it had only been minutes. SeaWolf was now slicing through the water on a collision course with the fireship. It was now a blazing inferno. A blazing inferno not unlike the fires of hell, Gabe thought, headed directly toward the flagship.

The wind blew at the flames and sparks filled the night air as a popping and cracking sound was now easily heard. The flames rapidly spread consuming all in its path, the deck, where the fire was started, the mast, the riggings and now the sails were ablaze. All of which created an intense heat.

No wonder the men had fear on their faces as apprehensively they carried out their duties. The ships were now close enough that Gabe could see two men going over the side of the fireship into a small boat they had been towing. One of the men made it into the boat but the second man’s clothes were suddenly on fire and Gabe thought he could hear the man’s screams as he dove into the water.

‘That one ain’t likely to start any more fires,’ Dagan volunteered.

‘Aye,’ Gabe replied, his thoughts returning to whether he’d rather die from drowning or from burning. At that moment he felt wetness on his shoulder as water dripped down from above.

Seeing Gabe’s look, Dagan said, ‘You told them to soak the sails.’

‘Hopefully they stay soaked,’ Gabe responded. As he continued forward he thought, I hope it’s enough.

Suddenly it dawned on Gabe the flagship had stopped firing. Not only had it stopped firing but men had lined the deck shouting encouragement. Looking up Gabe thought he could see the admiral.

‘They’re cheering us on,’ Gunnells said as Gabe approached.