Swordships of Scorpio

the long version

SKATES OF WAR What does a man do when fate makes him the protector of the royal head of his enemies? If it is Dray Prescot, Earthman on Antares, he sets aside his quest to do his duty. His quest was to reach Vallia and his princess. His duty was to defend Vallia’s ancient foe and place its rightful heir on its throne—sworn to attack Vallia. So when the third force, the pirate fleets known as the swordships came between the two contending demands, Dray saw that only by following his own personal star could the contradiction be resolved. -A DAW BOOKS ORIGINAL-