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It's 6 a.m. and Captain Riley lays on the hard-packed earth, contemplating how to convince City Hammond to bring him along to Suera.

He hasn't slept all night, thinking about the letter he has to write to the British consul, and there are a thousand ways a letter can go wrong.

He's never even met the consul, and there's no guarantee a note will convince him that a person named Riley even exists.

That's why he's come up with a new plan. If Riley can convince Hammond to take him along, he can answer the consul's questions in person, to pay the ransom and save his men.

But Hammond doesn't want to hear it. He points to a small wooden table and hands Riley a piece of paper and a read with some ink.

Right. Hammond, please. Take me with you.

No. The answer is final. There are already rumors floating through the villages that there are white sailors here.

We'll be attacked, and you'll be taken and sold. I've spent everything I have for you and your men. You must stay here. My brother will protect you.

Riley knows not to argue. When the brothers agree on a course of action, there is no changing their minds. He picks up the pen and starts to write.

He must make each word count. Make sure the stranger on the other end believes him.

Sir, on August 28th, the Brigh commerce from Gibraltar for America was wrecked on Cape Vosha door. Hammond's voice startled some.

The ransom price has gone up. Your friend will need to pay $200 for you and $200 for Horus and Aaron and $160 for your two other men.

It's twice the price they talked about weeks before, but Hammond's not done.

Also, a double barrel gun and one for my brother, Saeed helps save your life.

Riley nods, and what choice does he have? He continues writing, explaining what he and his crew have been through.

There are four men with him, all in bad shape, all captive. He lists the ransom price to free them. He provides the name of a bank in London and a friend in Gibraltar, with a promise to pay the consul back as soon as he and his men are free.

If the ransom isn't paid, he writes, he will die. I leave a wife and five helpless children to mourn my death.

He stops for a moment, overcome with emotion. Then he looks down again, whose only space for two more lines.

Hurry up, Rayce. We have to go. Riley imagines the consul receiving the letter. Hammond's rough hand, his scarred face and intense black eyes.

What will the consul think?

City Hammond will hand you this and tell you where we are. He is a worthy man. Please believe him.

...