“The Spanish fleet was beautiful and terrifying. The great battleships were clouds of sail scudding before the wind while their xebecs and frigates ran with them like greyhounds coursing alongside huntsmen.”

“Only the Arrow ran with the Ajax.”

“She talks as she sails, the old wooden boat -- of oyster days, and summer bays, and watermen grown old.”

“Even captains were pawns to the lords of the sea, who moved them – and sacrificed them – wither they would.”

“Things that come with the fog: horseshoe crabs, tall ships, and wandering hearts.”

“Closer and closer they came. The sight was a glorious one: two vessels racing towards each other as the sun lifted above the rim of the world.”

“Whoever had designed her loved ships and knew the sea: he had designed her with his heart.”