The flag of Syracuse's Navy snapped in the breeze above as Proteus trotted into the underbelly of his ship. Finally, his ship.
"Captain." His lieutenant said, fingers to his forehead. "The prisoners are ready for your inspection."
Looking beyond him, Proteus ran his gaze over the pirates. A large shirtless brown man, glowering. A short, lean man beside him, praying in Italian. His eyes skipped over them, till they landed on the last one. His heart stopped beating.
"Proteus." A scowl marred his sinfully perfect mouth.
His lungs constricted, pushing the air and his name from his lips. "Sinbad."