HoG - Chapter 62

Chapter 62: A Decisive Shot

"Is that... a pirate ship?" Guss had dashed to the crow's nest of the mainmast at the first opportunity, spotting the outline of the looming shadow. The 'Golden Hind' unfurled its fore-and-aft sails and adjusted the yards, transforming the square sails on the foremast into fore-and-aft sails, executing a maneuver to sail close-hauled against the wind.

The colossal shadow opposite was riding the coastal current, soon coming face to face with them. Byron could see distinctly that the shadow, reeking of a brutal massacre and exuding a strong smell of blood, was indeed a pirate ship. The vessel, bearing a black pirate flag, was in a state of "braking."