Chapter 65: Chapter 65

A couple of men, faithful adherents of the Russian Orthodox Church, crossed themselves, touching first their right shoulder with thumb and first two fingers. They prayed for God's mercy, as the sound of metal scraping against rock was a sure sign something was catastrophically wrong. Butackov turned his head and looked at the navigator, whose face betrayed fear.

Sensing the hostile gaze, Nevsky looked up. "This wasn't on the chart, Captain."

Butackov raised an arm as if to strike him. Standing near, Boris placed a restraining hand on the captain's shoulder.

"Captain," hissed Boris.

Lips compressed, the captain pulled free from Boris's grip, and turned away, seething. Free from whatever had glanced off her thick steel plates, the ship gently rocked and slowly began to drift as large waves swept down her sides. With no sign of further obstacles, the lookouts gave the all clear.