Chapter 220 - Perhaps, I Could Try? (1/2)
The Jackdaw had never been attacked by so many cannons before, and within a matter of minutes, her hull was riddled with holes. Throughout the entire battle, Zhang Heng managed to outperform himself, dodging most of the lethal shots. Right now, they were only a quarter of a mile from the navy. The attacks grew fiercer as The Jackdaw drew closer to them, with cannonb.a.l.l.s raining down on them like hailstones.
“Captain! Captain! We can’t go on like this! The Jackdaw will be in pieces before we can get close!” shouted a desperate Dufresne.
“Repair the damage! It’s too late to back down now! Do you really think they will let us turn around and flee?” asked Zhang Heng as he guided the s.h.i.+p through choppy waters.
A few moments ago, a cannonball flew past Zhang heng’s elbow, the shockwave it produced stunned him silly. He and Anne were at the most dangerous spot on the s.h.i.+p. All his men could hunker down except him, having to make sure that his hands were always dancing with the wheel. The only thing he could do was pray that the Lucky Rabbit Foot was in effect.
“Even if we manage to break through their defensive lines, the Jackdaw can’t get far. Look at her state, Captain! We’ve lost a topsail and a mainsail!”
“We will discuss this problem after we get through their defensive line.”
Soon after that, his voice was overcome by the sound of deafening cannons firing at them. Dufresne realized that this would be the s.h.i.+p’s most precarious moment. He ran out instantly, pulling pirates that were still sober to fix every damage he could see. Even Ramsay turned acting carpenter, looking for everything around him to patch up the ailing boat. Unfortunately, the crack-team of workmen couldn’t keep up against the ever-increasing holes no matter how quick they worked. Helplessness began setting in.
It was then when Zhang Heng’s strategy finally worked. After a few volleys of continuous firing, the entire area was covered in thick smoke. It was time for the Jackdaw to enter the smokescreen. Now, the navy would be staring into a grey mist, let alone aim at anything. Naturally, Worden wasn’t very pleased. They were now in perfect alignment to deal a fatal blow to Jackdaw, now that they were close enough. If they waited until the Jackdaw exited the smokescreen, it would be impossible for some of the s.h.i.+ps to attack as they would emerge misaligned to their cannons.
Wanting none of it, Worden ordered his men to continue firing into the thick fog. That said, the Jackdaw could relax a little for now.
At the same time, the battle on the beach was reaching its climax. Since Jarvis’ betrayal had been exposed earlier than expected, pirates from the Warrior were well prepared to face the inevitable battle. Still, they didn’t manage to hold the upper hand for too long, soon to be rendered pa.s.sive. Under the command of Black Prince Sam, every pirate fearlessly charged at their enemies like stampeding rhinos. Since they were severely outnumbered, the Warrior’s pirates were in deep trouble. They could only hope that the navy would come for them after dealing with the Jackdaw. Unfortunately for them, that wish didn’t come true.
“Sir, the battle on the beach is wrapping up! I think the Warrior’s men are about to lose. The remaining pirates might bring us a lot of trouble if we let them get back to their s.h.i.+ps.” said the chief officer after he put down his monocular.
“Inform the Miranda and Warrior. Let them deal with the corvette we lost in the smoke. We have damaged them severely just now. A few hits, and that’ll be the end of her. The rest of us will prioritize attacking the pirates on the beach. The first thing we need to do is destroy all their s.h.i.+ps,” Worden muttered while rubbing his chin.
“Aye, sir!”