Nathaniel's fleet was caught in the deadly stretch of sea and was tossed by raging waves. Gigantic swells slammed onto the deck one after another, and each impact was deafening.

The ship rocked violently, threatening to come apart. Every groan of the wooden deck echoed the impending destruction.

A soldier was swept into the air by a giant wave. He flailed his arms in despair, but the wind swallowed his scream. He plunged into the sea and was swallowed by the whirlpool without much of a splash.

Nathaniel gripped the railing with all his strength. His knuckles turned white, his nails digging deep into the wood.

His bloodshot eyes stayed fixed on the chaos. Seawater mixed with sweat slid down his face and traced the hard line of his jaw.

"Quick, tie down the ropes," he shouted, his voice raw.

A young soldier nearby fumbled for the rope with trembling hands. Fear was written across his face, his lips quivering as he stammered, "Your Highness, I… I can't hold it."

No sooner had he s