The Queen's Man

'The Queen's Man' is a prequel to the Somerville Trilogy, whch is set some two hundred years later when the myth of the Somerville Treasure has become legend. 

This quick read relates the origin of the myth.

Beneath the haze of smoke, battle rages. It's the opportunity Hugo Somerville and his crew have prayed for since leaving under orders from Queen Elizabeth herself: find the Spanish treasure ships and take them. And here is the greatest prize of them all: 'Santa Maria de la Asunción'. If Somerville wins her, he and his crew will be wealthy beyond their dreams.

But the 'Santa Maria' is under attack from one of the deadliest pirates in the Caribbean. Only cunning, stealth and bravery can hope to overcome their superior numbers. Then other dangers lurk on these lawless seas. Survive them - but what will be the welcome back home? 

The old queen is sickly, and if Parliament puts James of Scotland on the throne, Somerville knows his fortune, and maybe his life, will be in grave danger.

If Somerville wins the treasure, his problems are only just beginning...