“The notorious James Blackwell—the devil of the seas, the villain in all the children’s tales—the Stormbreaker—a fearsome reputation to be sure,” I glance at Blackwell. “But a man all the same.” Blackwell makes a small, thoughtful sound as he stares at me. “Some would say I’m more monster than man.” “I’m too old for bedtime stories, Captain,” I state in a bored tone.

