Three five-masted sailing ships in a straight line cut through the lead-gray sea.
On the deck of the flagship at the front, a dashing red-haired woman stood on the battering ram, threw back her head, and let out a howl of delight.
This was the West Coast. They were "home."
When the Red Witch returned, a pirate who had followed her since Evernight Port came over. "Boss, should we take this chance to sail off and break free of Free City's control...?"
"What did you have in mind?" The Red Witch's hair streamed in the sea breeze, amusement in her voice.
The pirate said viciously, "We kill the outsiders aboard, take the ships, and sail away!"
"Good idea. Wait here."
The Red Witch sized him up, then walked right up to the liaison officer, who was cleaning the deck with the crew. Pointing at the pirate, she said, "That man told me to kill you all, steal the ships, and run."
The liaison officer, sleeves rolled up, had just straightened when he froze. Then his gaze sharpened, and he beckoned.
The crew members beside him quickly raised their muskets.
The pirate stared, stunned by the turn of events. Then he shouted at the Red Witch, "Boss, I'm loyal to you—"
"Bullshit!"
The Red Witch cursed at him. "Free City treats you so well, and you still want to betray it. I do nothing but hit you and yell at you, and you claim you're loyal to me?"
The pirate had no answer. He could hardly believe this was how he had been caught.
After a moment's hesitation, he gave up resisting. He had seen what those weapons could do. Without metal armor, a shot anywhere would leave a hole. Besides, they were at sea. Where could he run?
And he