Chapter 209 - Paralysis (1/2)
The last volley of attacks severely damaged the Swordfish. However, it gave the Jackdaw an opportunity to change directions. This avoided the Swordfish from being attacked continuously.
The cannon’s shutters on one side of the Jackdaw were ajar. With their gunners in position, and upon Zhang Heng’s orders, they finally began returning fire.
After two successful looting trips, the Jackdaw shot to fame in Nassau after killing Wilton’s two hundred men in one night–an opportune moment for their recruitment drive.
If Zhang Heng wanted to, he could have quickly recruited two hundred men, the entire ship’s complement, in half a day. However, that wouldn’t have been too sensible a move. With each addition, the share of the loot that each person would receive would decrease. As opposed to the merits of the quantity he could amass, Zhang Heng cared more about the quality of the sailors they recruited.
For that reason, each time they returned to the island, the Jackdaw’s recruitment threshold would be significantly higher than the last. The standard of the ship’s gunners was now completely different from those of the first voyage. On top of that, the Jackdaw was one battleship with outstanding firepower. The moment they began firing, it instantly caught the attention of the three Spanish ships.
However, at this time, the Spanish fleet commander was still focused on the Swordfish. The latter’s hull now wrecked, and it seemed like the fabulous time to sink them with one blow. It would be a real pity if the Spaniards chose to give up right now and let the Swordfish get away. Not only would that mean changing targets, but it also meant having to realign the sights of the heavy cannons.
Realizing the consequences of the aforementioned actions, all three Spanish vessels ignored the Jackdaw and concentrated their firepower on the Swordfish instead.
Upon realizing the enemy’s tactical maneuvering, Brook decided to abandon the original plan. Although the Swordfish had its sideboard facing the Spanish treasure ship, she didn’t fire but instead did a left full rudder, preparing to escape!
The Swordfish was severely battered during the attack, and the damage to its hull caused it to lose some mobility. Fortunately, their main mast was still intact, and Brook’s well-timed reactions were enough for the Swordfish to complete the U-turn successfully. This allowed them to retreat before the next round of firing could begin.
Brook’s excellent seamanship was on full display. The three Spanish vessels launched another two cannonball volleys, and despite their damage, the Swordfish dodged most of the shells effortlessly. Not to be outdone, the Spanish commander was just as quick to react! Realizing that his opponent was a crafty one, the Spanish quickly changed tactics and fired on them with all their cannons, all at the same time!
This time, even Brook’s superior rudder skills were useless, as the Swordfish’s stern was hit four times! Even then, the Swordfish stayed afloat. Instead, at the cost of the enemy, they were able to put a good distance between them and the three Spanish ships.
On the other side, the Jackdaw’s attacks were growing fiercer. Zhang Heng had chosen to target a frigate. This time, he did not hold back. After being fired at for such a long time, the Jackdaw’s gunners had enough. Fueled by anger, the gunners got into the action with a fury the moment they received their orders.
The main gunner took aim, then lit the fuse! As the cannonballs launched in a staggered staccato of blasts, the assistant gunners packed gunpowder into the barrel with rapid clockwork accuracy. In seconds, cannon smoke fogged the surface of the sea with a cloud of thick smog.
After two rounds of intense bombardment, the frigate’s deck was a mess. Her hull, after being hit by gargantuan 24-pound shells, was perforated with large, gaping holes. Fortunately for them, they were all above the waterline. For now, they were not in danger of sinking, at least not yet.