He said, "I am ordered to Cape Town, Val, to ensure there is no further complacency. We need more local patrols than ever now that the anti-slavery bill has been passed in Parliament. Slavers, pirates, privateers-they will all need seeking out."

Keen stared at him as if he had not heard properly.

Bolitho added quietly, "They require an experienced post-captain to command there. He will have the broad-pendant of commodore for his pains. I will return to Black Prince eventually, but if you accept this appointment, you will not."

"I, sir?" Keen put down his goblet without seeing it. "Quit Black Prince?" He looked up, his eyes full of dismay. "And leave you, sir?"

Bolitho smiled. "This war is coming to a crisis, Val. We must put an army into Europe. We shall need our best leaders when that time comes. You are an obvious choice-you've earned it ten times over, and the fleet will need flag officers like you now that Our Nel is dead."

He recalled the general he had met just before they had managed to retake Cape Town. Despite all the triumphs at sea, they will be as nought until the English foot-soldier plants his boots on the enemy's own shores.

Keen walked to the spray-streaked stern windows and stared down at the distorted waves beneath the counter.

"When might this be, sir?" He sounded dazed by the sudden turn of events. Trapped.

"Soon. Black Prince, I am assured, will be in dockyard hands for some while yet."

Keen turned. "Advise me, sir."

Bolitho took a knife and slit open the thick envelope. "I know what it means to be parted from a lover. But it is the lot of every sea officer. It is also his duty to seize any opportunity for advancement, to which he is truly suited, and from which his country may benefit."

Keen looked away. "I would like to accept, sir." He did not even hesitate.