Werther held the Flintlock and aimed it at Ferdinand's forehead.
"I don't want to kill someone I once called a friend with my sword."
Werther's voice was low. He looked at Ferdinand without expression.
"So I was your friend. What an honor. I mean it, Werther. You're so powerful, yet you considered a little merchant like me a friend. I'm truly honored."
Despite the gun pointed at him, Ferdinand burst out laughing. He was genuinely happy.
"I don't choose my friends based on strength. But Ferdinand, will you answer one more question?"
"Ask away." Ferdinand sounded hesitant despite his answer.
"Why did you help Blackbeard lure me here? To save your life? Impossible.
"You were prepared to die. What surprises me is that you brought your sister along as bait. I know how much Catarina means to you."
Werther's question clearly put Ferdinand in a difficult position.
After a sigh, Ferdinand looked east, toward Tutu Island. His eyes filled with tenderness and reluctance.
"You know, Werther, I'm a father now. I have a son. The little fellow weighed seven pounds when he was born. Little Six nearly died giving birth.
"I can't even describe how I felt when I saw my son. I'd give anything for that little fellow, including my life!"
Ferdinand took a tiny shoe from inside his coat. It was a baby's shoe.
"Even your sister?"
Werther looked at Ferdinand. Now he understood why Ferdinand had betrayed him.
"I had no choice. That's how it is on this sea. Sometimes you don't get to choose."
Bang. A sharp gunshot rang out.
Having gotten his answer, Werther had pulled the Flintlock's trigger.
The hammer struck, igniting the gunpowder. The blast propelled the bullet from the barrel at tremendous speed.
The smoke, the shock wave at the muzzle, and