Lemaire reveled at how responsive the ship was. It moved with an agility that could only be described as otherworldly. But such should be expected since the powers that fashioned their beautiful powerful new vessel indeed was beyond the constraints of this world; yes, even beyond magic. And with such a power it was no wonder that the battle was short-lived. Lemaire had ordered the mortars fired and it hit its target-- the pirate hunter-- right on its center. As those rained down on their opponent, he had the broadside cannons loaded and fired as two of the smaller sloops that accompanied the hunter passed within range. They fired at the same time but both ships were no match for the heavily-gunned merchantman. Both took on heavy damage; one of them had its main mast engulfed in flames, the other was taking on water.
On the starboard side was the third of the three sloops. It fired as it passed the ship and one of the men fell overboard from the impact, a few others lost a limb or two. By now the air hung heavy with pain, agony, and fear but the captain kept his calm. Now the third ship was rounding the bow getting ready to fire another shot. On the opposite side of the ship, the pirate hunter was now but a few hundred meters and closing, turning rapidly with starboard gun ports open. They needed a place to maneuver but with two ships on one side and another directly ahead, there wasn't much room unless they could somehow plow through the one in front. Lemaire now wished he had opted for a ram. Perhaps he could upgrade the ship the next time he has the chance. Right now, he needed to find a way to decommission that pesky sloop so that he could give all of his attention to the real problem at hand.
But it was too late to do anything for now. "Brace yourselves!" he yelled as he himself ducked his head under his arms and folded himself as close to the deck as possible. The ship shook as shots rained on them. All around him were the shouts of men being hit and woodwork being pounded to dust, fiery splinters raining everywhere. Then the barrage stopped. He stood to find that Yorun, who was handling the wheel was slumped on the deck with a pool of blood gushing from on severed arm. He was screaming and writhing in pain. "Damn it! Someone call the surgeon! We have a man down here!" He bellowed as he stepped over the squirming body to catch hold of the wheel. Part of it had been blown off, probably with the rest of Yorun's arm. It was a shame. He dearly liked the carvings on that wheel.
"Zain!" calling for his first mate. "On my signal we drop anchor."
Alarmed at the unusual request, he opened his mouth to protest but was silenced by another boom to their port. The sloop with the burning mast still had some fight left in them after all.
"Shut them up, gents!" ordered the captain and booms resounded as the port cannons answered. Both sloops were now on their way to a watery grave. There was still one sloop left though and the pirate hunter at their rear. "All sails loose, Mr. Asir.
By then, Zain did not bother to question and commanded the men to do exactly that. They picked up speed and was now in a collision path with the sloop in front. The pirate hunter shot mortars but luckily they were able to evade with but a singed stern. Less than a hundred meters till collision and Zain looked to the captain ready to do whatever crazy idea he had to avoid ruin. The pirate hunter shot mortars at them again and landed a little bit more of their stern. Hopefully nothing important got blown away.
Less than fifty meters and Zain began to visibly sweat. He glanced at the ship in front of them then at the one behind them. Lemaire then gave the order to drop anchor. It caught on the rocks and pulled the ship to one side instantly turning it with both broadside guns ready. "Fire!" the captain shouted and both unaware ships caught the full volley and it was the end of the chase. The crew erupted in victory. Zain clasped his captain on the arm. "You did it, captain!" a broad grin punctuated his congratulations. Lemaire simply nodded.
It was such a rush and an exhilarating feeling. This is why he was a ship captain. He longed for this feeling. He lived for it. But as the adrenaline died down, he excused himself. "I think I'll go check on the women down below."
"Of course, captain. I'll take over from here." He said with a knowing wink.