"Ramsay glanced back over the railing. 'And you would lead them to their deaths,' he said, pointing to the curious crowd gathering around the line of soldiers. 'For what? Your intransigence?"

"My eyes bored into him. 'You are in no position to question my motives.'

"Ramsay nodded slowly. 'You're right, but I am in a position to question your actions. You can't win Clovis,' Ramsay pleaded. 'You won't even make it close.'

'Do not be so sure,' I said, looking out at the tall ship.

'Is there any message you would like me to relate to my captain?' asked a stiffening Ramsay.

'You will be charged with cowardice, perhaps even treason if you resign.'

'I know what I'm doing.'

"I walked over and put my arm around him. 'You could come over to the side of the righteous. We could fight back to back, like in the old days,' I said squeezing him.

"He shook his head and chuckled in a low exhale. 'No Clovis, I'm sorry. I will step aside, that is the most I can do for you.'

'There is a message then.'

'Yes?'

'Tell your captain he has one hour to leave. If his anchor is not dry by that time, we will throw his red coats into the Red Sea,' I said, stroking the red material of his jacket. 'Thank you for your warning Ramsay, but I think you should be concerned with your own welfare now. Good luck to you.'

'And you.' Ramsay snapped his hand into a smart salute and turned toward the stairwell. My lieutenants came up moments later. I appraised them of the situation and began preparations."

"What happened?" I asked, setting my spoon down. "Did they leave?"