"Brother, why must you insist on working against me?"

I said nothing.

"Men, burn this ship. Make sure Andrew Dickerson never trades again."

"Yes, sir!"

"I dare you."

I smiled. "Raise the lantern."

A crewman yanked the cover off the lantern mounted on the bow.

Four words blazed in the sunlight: ROYAL TRIBUTE GOODS.

I rose to my feet.

Looked straight at Elmer's bloodless face.

"What nerve you have, brother.

"Stealing from the King himself."