Chapter 8

Summary

• The chapter takes place on the second day at sea, aboard a galley under threat of an imminent storm.
• Blackthorne, also known as Ingeles, is asked for his advice on how to handle the weather with the possibility of a storm approaching.
• Rodrigues, the pilot, and Blackthorne discuss their course, and Rodrigues decides against seeking shelter since it would cost them time, despite Blackthorne predicting a storm within hours.
• Throughout their conversation, it is revealed that Rodrigues is carrying a secret, a sealed package from Father Sebastio, and he contemplates the potential importance of its contents.
• Blackthorne reflects on his background and his disdain for the religious conflicts defining the age, wishing he had been born Catholic to avoid persecution.
• With Rodrigues overwrought, Blackthorne offers to take the watch. He navigates the ship through a course adjustment and gives Rodrigues some rest.
• Blackthorne and Rodrigues observe the weather change, and finally Rodrigues decides to heed Blackthorne's advice to head towards the coast.
• As a storm hits, extensive preparations are made, and the ship is pushed to its limits. Blackthorne observes Rodrigues' protective measures and also contemplates his own chances of getting a ship to return home.
• The ship struggles in the storm; Rodrigues and Blackthorne work to keep it afloat, with Blackthorne convincing Rodrigues to maintain course for the harbor instead of turning into the wind, against Rodrigues' judgment.
• Rodrigues is eventually washed overboard, and Blackthorne takes command, guiding the ship into the harbor while contemplating his decision to not follow Rodrigues' last command.
• As the ship reaches safety, Blackthorne decides to launch a skiff to search for Rodrigues' body, but is stopped by Hiro-matsu and Yabu, who fear for his safety.
• Hiro-matsu and Yabu consent to Blackthorne going ashore, provided he is accompanied by samurai to protect him, highlighting the importance of his survival.
• Yabu volunteers to accompany Blackthorne ashore, leaving Blackthorne to consider his own feelings of retribution due to past events involving Yabu.