cover art by Dana De Noux

November 24, 1814

New Orleans – The backstory of the captain of USS Relentless is learned. He is Gérard’s cousin Alain. Back in 1810, Alain returned to New Orleans to commission and command an armed schooner USS Merlin. Alain takes the ship’s sailing master along, a lovely seventeen year old girl born and raised aboard Merlin. The story of Alain and his Lucy is told by an ancient mariner, whose voice quivers as he tells of the tragic star-crossed love affair. It is the saddest story he knows.

from BATTLE KISS, Part 1, “The Redcoats are Coming” www.oneildenoux.net