With trembling hands, the small figure released the firing
mechanism of the harpoon, sending the slender foreshaft
into the underbelly of the Sea Serpent. A tug on the thick
rope caused the harpoon head to turn sideways, driving hard into the scaly flesh. The rope went taught and the mighty frigate was buffeted against the waves, rocking against the surface.

As Lady Luck struggled to stay afloat, the harpooned sea
serpent dove deep into the sea. Its tail whacked the
surface, sending sprinkles of sea water on the crew while the
thick rope spiraled downward. The QuarterMaster
tossed out an enormous float which drifted along the surface
briefly before disappearing into the depths. The float
made it struggle to dive, drawing it toward
the surface for air. As the harpooned beast attempted to
swim, the other two sea serpents encircled the ship. With the two creatures surrounding the frigate, frantic crew
members loaded the magazines of their rifles and waited for a
clear shot.