It had been many moons since the ship builder had been commissioned by the Duke of Lindon. He had worked laboriously, often working late into the night, sometimes even until the sun rose.

He worked on one final piece, the port side railing. He moved slowly with great patience as he finished carving the designs.

When he had at last finished, he placed it in its proper location. At long last, the ship was done. It was an elegant looking ship. The best that he or anyone had ever built.

It was to be christened the next day. Its name was already chosen. The HMS Barracuda.