I had a black fright on me at that whole company of merciless men, and especially at Ringan, whose word was law to them.

Now the worst effect of fear is that it obscures good judgment, and makes a man in desperation do deeds of a foolhardiness from which at other times he would shrink.

All I remembered in that moment was that I had to reach Ringan, and that Mercer had told me that the safest plan was to show a bold front.

I never remembered that I had also been bidden to follow Shalah, nor did I reflect that a secret conclave of pirates was no occasion to choose for my meeting.

With a sudden impulse I forced myself to my feet, and stalked, or rather shambled, into the light.
"Ninian," I cried, "Ninian Campbell! I'm here to claim your promise." The whole company turned on me, and I was gripped by a dozen hands and flung on the ground.