A series of thuds was heard from the stairway. Sarah looked over in time to see an unfortunate crew member tumble down and land in a crumpled heap at the bottom of it. Laughter and heavy footfalls preceded a parade of gun-wielding pirates. Half a dozen men spilled into the hold, fanning out to search. The tallest and blondest of the pack, and the apparent leader, was the first to lock eyes on Sarah where she kneeled by James, trying to rouse him.