'But could they manage to sink the ship?' Anana asked him.
Roman smiled, humourlessly. 'The most we could hope for would be to slow her down. Regardless, the port is shallow. Even if by some miracle we managed to sink her, she would still lay mostly above water- a metal fortress with its guns and ammunition intact.'
A young port authority soldier, who was listening to this last, spoke up.
'Excuse me, Señor Castellan, but I would like to volunteer to man one of the guns. I think I know a way to disable that ship without losing a man. I am a very good shot with the old cannon, and a marksman with the newer guns. And my best friend is almost as good as me. Between us, I think we will have a good plan.'
Roman couldn't conceal the worry in his eyes as he listened to the excited youth explain what he had in mind.
'Look, lad, you must be absolutely sure about this-'
'I am sure, Señor Castellan. I am certain. I can get off two quick shots before they manage to fully bring their guns around. My friend will then open fire from the other side as I make a run for it. They won't be able to see me in the dark, and it will take them a few moments for them to get a bearing on either of the guns. Even then, they will be guessing, because they will be moving, and will only see a sudden, bright flash, from a stationary object that won't be in the same place twice from their standpoint. Please, Señor, I can do this!'
Roman was long in answering. At last, slowly, he said, 'All right. But you must promise me that you will stick to your plan. Two quick shots, and you will get out of there! No heroics! No trying for a third shot, even if you miss. Understood?'
'I will do this,' the young man said, saluting him. 'We will not fail.'
'And I will pray for you,' Roman breathed when the young man had left. 'Please, Dios, watch over our young men. I will die a little death for every one of them who is untimely given over to Your care. And please watch over my Kara. Make her be alive and well, I beg You. She has suffered enough, and is due a little peace and happiness.'
Anana placed a hand on his arm. 'We will win this. I know it.'
Roman smiled and patted her hand. 'What, are you now a seer or a prophet?'