The captain of the sloop escort ship said decisively, "Turn the helm! Return to the convoy and report this matter with flag signals!"
"Yes, Captain!"
The escort ship swiftly changed course as well.
Relying on their speed, they had been patrolling the outer perimeter, at least twenty nautical miles from the convoy.
After some time, they drew near the convoy and used flag signals to inform the other ships in the merchant convoy of their discovery.
When Sherry received the news, he frowned. "This isn't good news."
"Have everyone raise their guard!"
"Distribute weapons to the sailors as well. Everyone must be ready for battle!"
"Yes, Captain!"
After delivering the report, the sloop escort ship departed again and continued cruising along the outer perimeter.
On the other ships in the merchant convoy, the guards began assembling, putting on armor and taking up weapons.
The other sailors were also assigned weapons.
Once pirates were spotted and they began boarding, no one aboard would be able to stay out of it.
Pirates did not care whether the people on the ship were guards or sailors.
As long as they were men, they would either be killed or sold as slaves.
The atmosphere in the merchant convoy became tense.
Before the battle had truly begun, the busiest place aboard was the galley.
Several cooks and their temporary sailor apprentices bustled about there.
The moment danger was sensed, the crew needed an extra meal. Letting the guards and sailors eat something good, so they could hold out a little longer in battle, was still a good thing.
That little while might be enough to change the course of a battle.
The anticipated battle did not come even after they waited for most of the day.
When night fell, the ships of the convoy gathered