TWENTY

 

STRANGE SEAMEN

 

“‘Tis high time we told Lorg the truth about magic,” Alecsis said. “See if you can bring him round, Tano.” He turned back to Lorenso, who still sat with his head and arms resting against his bent knees.

Alecsis gently shook his shoulder. “Are ye all right?”

Slowly the mage lifted his head. “Aye. Merely a bit weary. ‘Twas not an easy spell.”

It made Alecsis realize how much difficulty the wizard would have propelling the ship across the Noiva. “I wonder if the dolphins can help,” he thought out loud.

A slap followed by a groan compelled them both to turn and see Antano hit the side of Lorg’s face. “Come on, wake up man.”

“There’s no need to beat him up,” Alecsis admonished, scrambling over. “He’s coming to.”

The navigator’s eyelids fluttered open, and he stared up at Alecsis in confusion. “I had the strangest dream,” he said in Crystonian.

“That was no dream,” Alecsis said in Avionan, in the hope that Lorg might use the same language for the benefit of their companions.

“It must have been. That dammed ship couldn’t have just appeared like that.”

“Well ‘tis there now,” Alecsis insisted. “There is something Lorenso and I need to explain - ”

But Lorg didn’t allow him to finish. He sat up and stared down into the bay. “It was there the whole time. It had to be.” Then his gaze fell on Lorenso. “I knew there was something strange about him.” Lorg turned back to Alecsis. “Those tales about long-haired wizards in their black robes casting spells to alter reality... Hellfire and damnation! I thought it all superstitious babbling...” He pointed a shaking finger at Alecsis. “You’ve fallen under his spell. Why, you’ve even braided your hair the same.”

“Lorenso is a wizard. That much is correct,” Alecsis said gently, trying to meet the sailor’s fearful, darting eyes. “But he practices magic for the good of others. It is a long apprenticeship, requiring many years of study. Not everyone can become a magician, but I would really like to try.”

Lorg shrunk back, and Alecsis held up a placating hand. “I know very little about real magic. I own several enchanted items; a belt, my sword, and the boots I wear. But I have never cast a spell in my life. I was too busy destroying things.” He glanced over his shoulder. “‘Tis not a pretty sight. What lies in that bay is more frightening than anything Lorenso can do.”

Lorg moved closer to the edge of the embankment, and peered down into the bay. “Ugh. Definitely not pretty, but from what I heard, they deserved everything they got.” He turned back to Alecsis and Lorenso. “Ye don’t suppose you can make all that disappear. I mean, if we find it revolting, how are the girls going to react, particularly when the wind changes direction and blows the stench this way?”

“You have a very good point, my friend,” Lorenso answered, glancing in Karina and Nira’s direction. Alecsis did the same, realizing that they would not be coming to view the destruction in the near future. Both women were lying on their backs, fast asleep.

“I can cast an illusion over the camp,” Lorenso continued. “To make it look as though nothing is there... As for the smell, I will ensure the wind does not change direction. Now watch, Lorg. You too Alecsis. Let us see how good a memory you have.”

While Antano stifled a yawn, Lorg and Alecsis moved closer to the mage, staring intently at his hand-motions. Alecsis realized that they told the story of his spell, and found himself copying him, repeating the words in his mind as Lorenso spoke them. When the magician flung his arms forward, the horrific scene below was swept away by a swirling cloud that looked like an incoming wave. Only the sandy inlet dotted with spinifex remained.

“Now I will bring the scene back. Let us see if you can make it disappear again,” Lorenso said.

“Should I not start with simple spells, cantrips to practice with?” Alecsis asked uncertainly.

“Ye’re beyond that stage, believe me. If we are to make this journey successfully, ye’ll have to learn spells as they are required. Ye’re strong, Alecsis. I would not make this suggestion if I did not think ye could do it. Now watch.” Again Alecsis concentrated on Lorenso’s motions and words, committing them to memory. The wave hiding the ravaged pirate camp was forced back out to sea, returning everything back to normal.

When all three men’s gaze fell on Alecsis, he felt a shiver chill down his spine. This was his first spell, the beginning of his life as a mage. For a moment his mind went blank. The spell he had so clearly committed to memory seemed to have vanished into thin air. “What happens if I get it wrong?”

“Nothing. None of my spells can be confused for another. Do not worry if you cannot recall it all. I’ve brought my book of incantations along... Had to rewrite it all, on account of a certain young thief.”

“I see I will be kept busy during those long months at sea,” Alecsis remarked dryly, recalling the heavy tome in Lorenso’s backpack. Over two hundred pages of tightly scrawled print, occasionally interspersed with diagrams. “I will be a hundred ‘ere I’m even half-way through.”

“Just cast the spell,” Antano urged. “‘Tis getting late.”

“What are you so impatient about?” Lorg demanded. “‘Tis your homeland we’re leaving.”

The youth merely shrugged.

“Just concentrate on the words,” Lorenso reassured him. “The power will come of its own accord. ‘Tis already within you. Ye’ve exercised it many times over.”

“I have?”

“Aye. Keeping the jungle beasts at bay. Yer control over your magic items. Mageblood runs strong in yer veins. It will respond to your commands.”

Lorenso’s faith in him helped Alecsis recall the spell. He began to recite it, making his hands tell the story. The motions felt alien to him, and he wondered if they looked as stilted and uncoordinated as they felt.

As he worked, he felt emotion build up within him, and he realized this was the power Lorenso had been talking about. It sizzled through his veins, growing stronger with each word he uttered. Almost sexual in its intensity, it made him falter. But all he had to remember was the release word. He shouted it, flinging his arms forward, feeling the magic pour from him.

He thought he saw a white beam of light shoot from his fingers. The shimmering cloud swept in, obscuring the ravaged pirate camp from view.

A sudden burst of weariness hit him, and he slumped forward, studded by the abrupt jump from exhilarating to exhaustion. Now he knew why Lorenso always looked so tired after casting a difficult spell. Being able to harness the power within required a great deal of energy. Being younger and fitter, the weariness soon ebbed from Alecsis, and a comfortable sense of satisfaction settled over him.

“I can barely believe I did it,” he murmured, rubbing his eyes in amazement.

“I knew ye could do it,” Lorenso said with a grin, patting his shoulder. “Your technique requires work, but ye have an excellent memory, and the strength of faith. We shall make a first class mage out of you.”

Alecsis couldn’t help basking in the compliments.

“Now what was it you were saying about dolphins?” Lorenso prompted.

Alecsis told him of the creatures who had rescued and brought him to shore. “Without their aid I would surely have drowned. That was why I believed my destiny lay here on Avion. Now it seems I was saved only to return home.” Then he told him of his previous sightings on the road to Lancastro.

“Hmm!” Lorenso murmured thoughtfully. “Interesting. Interesting indeed.”

“Do ye have any idea what it could mean?”

“I shall have to think about that,” the old mage replied. “I have never tried to communicate with animals, although my brother seemed to have an affinity with them.”

“I still miss Windrider and Mageye.”

“I’m sure they miss you too.”

“I doubt it. All that dog was interested in was the inside of the kitchen. I very quickly took second place.”

“Can ye really blame him?” Lorg teased.

“‘Tis good to know who yer friends are,” Alecsis muttered in return.

“So what do we do now?” Antano asked.

“Do what any smart dog would do. Have something to eat. I’m famished,” Lorg announced.

Whether it was because he had returned to the Pavlo Inlet, or because he would soon be leaving Avion, Alecsis had trouble falling asleep that night. Even though the ocean breeze was cool and soothing, he lay awake under the star-spangled sky, staring up at the slowly moving heavens.

Despite everything that had happened to him here, he knew he would miss his adopted home. But more than anything he wished he could remember something of Chrystonia. No matter how much Lorg spoke of the cool, crystal continent, Alecsis could recall nothing of his youth. He had no notion of ice or snow. Did he have a family? Would they know him if they saw him? Why couldn’t he remember?

Eventually he drifted into a restless sleep, slipping in and out of reality.

The dream came to him on a cloud of stardust. One moment he was lying there gazing at the night sky, the next an image appeared, hovering like a stringless marionette above him.

I must be dreaming, Alecsis thought, but he suddenly felt wide awake.

The vision took the form of a square mirror. It even had the faint outline of a gilt-edged frame. A face shimmered into view behind it. Although it remained hazy, Alecsis could clearly see that it was a woman from his homeland. She had long blonde tresses a few shades lighter than his own, and her pale features were angular but strikingly beautiful. As she leaned closer to the glass, he saw her large crystal-blue eyes peer questioningly into the mirror.

What is she looking for? Alecsis wondered, as she stared out at him. Can she see me? A slight frown marred the smooth, clear beauty of her face. She seemed to be encircled by an aura of sadness. Her intense eyes reflected a lifetime of longing and hoping.

She pressed her hands to the glass. Her fingers were unadorned. In fact, she wore no jewelry at all, and yet Alecsis suspected she was some highborn lady. Somehow he felt he should know her. Why else would she appear before him like this?

But no memory came. She remained a mystery.

Alecsis eventually dared himself to reach out and touch the vision. He extended his fingers to the edge of the frame. For a moment he thought he felt something solid, and then the image vanished, sending the woman back from whence she had come.

As he sat there in his bedroll, staring into the night, Alecsis realized he’d been awake the whole time. The woman had not come to him in his sleep. She had been a waking vision. But what could it mean?

Again he turned to Lorenso for answers, shaking the old wizard awake.

“Who? What? Where?” Lorenso muttered, sitting up with a start. “We being attacked, or something?”

No, nothing like that. But I so have something important to discuss with you, Alecsis thought-said.

Can it not wait till the morrow? Why wake me in the middle of the night? I need more sleep than the rest of you young pups.

Alecsis quickly explained what had happened to him before the mage had a chance to resume his grumbling.

Interesting. Interesting indeed, Lorenso mused. I wonder what it could mean.

I was kind of hoping you could tell me that.

It looks very much like someone was trying to scry you out, but as learning magic is forbidden to women, that theory is ruled out.

It is only forbidden on Avion. Chrystonia might have different laws on the matter.

Lorenso toyed with the end of his plait, his expression contemplative. If that be the case, then yes, she might have been trying to make contact.

But why now? Why wait so many years? Alecsis asked.

You cast your first true spell today. I wonder if that could have something to do with it. Perhaps she now knows you’re magekind. Perhaps the link simply was not strong enough before. She was trying to see across a vast body of water. which could explain why she looked fuzzy to you and why she could not communicate. He resumed fiddling with his hair. A whole manner of explanations could apply. Next time she appears wake me.

If she appears again.

She will, the mage asserted. Now that a link has been made, perhaps we should put Leonado’s glass sphere to good use. Although we cannot communicate through it, we might be able to find out where she is. It could help us find our way there. We desperately need some kind of direction.

I thought Lorg would be able to direct us.

From the stories you have both told, I deduced you took a roundabout route.

No doubt we will find out when we consult the charts tomorrow.

How do you feel about going back aboard?

Alecsis met Lorenso’s gaze, making no attempt to hide his emotions. He dreaded the task.

No need to answer that, Lorenso thought-said. But remember this. You will be in charge this time. You have nothing to fear.

I’ll try to remember that.

 

They made preparations to board at daybreak. Lorenso decided that the quickest way was for Alecsis and himself to fly them across one by one.

“No way!” Lorg asserted, raising his hands protectively.

“Somehow I knew he was going to react like this,” the old mage muttered.

“I think I will pass also,” Antano added. “There must be a boat on the shore somewhere that is still water-tight.”

“Oh I forgot. Ye have an aversion to being airborne, don’t you?” Lorenso remarked, recalling a particular take-off from a certain castle wall. “Your last flight almost alerted the entire township to our escape... Very well, go and find a boat, but if ye’re not aboad within the hour, I will come and get you.”

The two men needed no further encouragement. They scrambled to their feet and started towards the embankment.

“Simply because ye’re not flying does not mean you can leave yer packs for us to carry,” Lorenso called after them. With exaggerated sighs, they both returned for their belongings.

As Lorg picked his way down the steep slope, he cursed himself for being such a coward. Is not flying every man’s dream? Why had he passed up the opportunity of a lifetime? When Alecsis passed overhead, holding Karina tightly in his arms, he cursed again. The pair waved, wide grins on their faces. Of course Alecsis wouldn’t have let him fall. Lorenso was doing the same with Nira. Once they had deposited the two women safely on the upper deck, Alecsis and Lorenso returned for the rest of their belongings. They had everything safely on board before Lorg and Antano had even reached the sandy shore.

The wind did not blow the stench of death away here, and once again Lorg wished he had taken up Lorenso’s offer of flight. Although time and scavenging animals had carried much of the smell away, it still overpowered the navigator, making him pinch his nose between his thumb and forefinger.

“I will search this end of the beach,” Antano announced. He pointed to a rocky outcrop. “I recall a dry cave over there. As good a place as any to leave a boat.”

Lorg shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Turning his back on the youth, he set off across the beach, ensuring he stayed away from the grassy area, knowing it hid a whole manner of revolting obstacles from view. The smell was also more bearable here, the occasional gusts of wind bringing fresh bursts of salty air to his nostrils.

He found an upturned rowboat, complete with oars, tucked in a protected niche on the other side of the bay. After some heaving and tricky maneuvering, he finally managed to dislodge it from the rocks. Pulling it down towards the shore, he examined it for damage. There didn’t appear to be any obvious holes. It would hold long enough to get them to The Crystal Rose.

Now where is that unfriendly brat? he asked himself, scanning the surrounding area. “I have found a boat.” he called.

Naturally he received no answer. Antano would return in his own good time. “I can wait,” he muttered. “But I do not know about the others.” He raised his hand in greeting to them. The girls stood at the stern watching him as he perched himself on the edge of the dinghy. Then they turned, and left, no doubt to explore the ship. For the first time Lorg found himself wondering what kind of a state the pirates had left her in. He didn’t relish having to undertake major repairs. Then he remembered that they had two magicians aboard. No doubt they would be able to mend broken timbers and sew together torn sails with the mere flick of a wrist.

So that was how they planned to sail the ship - with magic. If they could read his mind, they would have laughed at him for coming to that realization at this late stage.

Perhaps they could.

“Oh spare me that inconvenience, “ he said out loud. “Some of the things that pass through my mind are not fit for general viewing.”

He eventually spotted Antano strolling along the sand towards him, his face unnaturally serene.

“Frolic with a few mermaids while you were away, did you?” Lorg asked coolly once he was within earshot.

“Are there such things?”

“Not that I have ever seen.” Lorg’s gaze followed Antano’s hand. For some reason it kept returning to the hilt of his sword. Like Alecsis, he rarely ventured anywhere without his cumbersome weapon. In Crystonia they fought with cutlasses in close combat, the shorter blades being easier to conceal and carry. For distance fighting, they used muskets, flaming catapults and cannons. Their armour was different too. Made of a metal only found in the high alps, it was lighter and stronger than the heavy steel casings Avion’s warriors donned.

“Your sword needs polishing. The salty sea air seems to have tarnished it,” he observed. Lorg only carried the silver dagger he used for prying open oyster shells.

“I happen to like it this colour,” Antano retorted.

“To match your dark moods, I suppose.”

“I could have your head off in a moment,” the young man sneered, his slender fingers coiling around the black sword hilt.

“Don’t even think about it,” Lorg warned, stepping closer. “You might achieve your aim, but there are two magic-users watching us who might not be so amenable to the idea.”

The young man puffed out his slender chest. “They don’t frighten me.”

“They should. After what I saw yesterday they frighten the hell out of me.” Why am I arguing with the immature upstart? Lorg spread his hands. “Look, I don’t know what your problem is, but we’re going to be holed up on that ship for months and months. We don’t have to pretend we like each other, but we could at least try to work together, starting with getting in this boat.”

With a shrug Antano started pushing the dinghy towards the surf.

I don’t believe it, Lorg thought in amazement. One moment he’s ready to decapitate me. The next he’s as agreeable as a well-fed puppy. What in Roseana’s name is wrong with that young man?

 

They all gathered on the bridge at mid-morning. Karina and Nira almost didn’t make it. Exploring the ship, they became hopelessly lost on one of the lower decks. They had started with the captain’s and officers’ quarters, awed by the sumptuous splendour of their accommodation. Their cabins were fit for royalty, with their wide bunks, ornate furniture, and polished wood-panelled walls. Everything was nailed down, but the way things were stored in specially carved niches amazed them.

They soon came across the ordinary sailors’ living quarters. They slept in simple hammocks, and would have gathered around tightly packed tables for their meals.

There was an array of equipment neither woman recognized. Nira eventually deduced that the long iron objects with wheels were weapons of some sort. “Perhaps they shoot arrows,” she murmured, moving back towards the stairway.

“I wonder what these heavy lead balls are for?” Karina mused.

Further down in the hold, they found vast stores of fresh water and food, preserved in metal barrels that somehow kept everything from perishing.

“‘Tis good to know we won’t go hungry,” Karina remarked, rubbing her stomach. Scooping up a handful of biscuits, she started to nibble on one.

“Karina!” Nira gasped. “How d’ye know they be safe to eat.”

“Because they taste good. Here, have one.”

The dark woman shook her head. “Don’ blame me if ye get a tummy-ache later on.”

“Not to worry. Either Lorenso or Alecsis will heal me.”

“How d’ye feel about Alecsis learning magic?” They started down another flight of wooden stairs.

“Safer. It will make it easier for him to protect us.”

“I dona...” She stopped dead in her tracks, causing Karina to stumble into her. “Oh my. Oh my. Oh my.”

“What is it?”

They stood at the bottom of yet another stairway, and Karina followed Nira’s pointing finger.

“The pirates’ stolen booty!” she gasped, staring in awe at the overflowing chests of jewels, coins and other trinkets. “I never knew they hoarded so much. We had better tell Lorenso and Alecsis. They will want to return it to their rightful owners.”

Nira slowly shook her head. “I doubt they be still alive. Do’na pirates kill everyone they steal from?”

Karina thought of that comment now, and wondered exactly what they should do with the treasure, but the men had other concerns.

Lorenso stood staring up at the rigging with a perplexed expression on his face, not paying any attention to the chatter around him.

“There is no way I can get sylphs to work on so many sails,” he said eventually.

“That’s what I was afraid of,” Alecsis muttered, moving to stand beside him. The others also crowded round.

“Why not?” Antano and Lorg asked at the same time.

“They’re simple beings, devoid of physical form and rational thought. One can control them only if their tasks are easy.” The magician waved a hand in the air. “All those ropes... All those sails... There must be at least twenty of them.”

“Thirteen,” Lorg said. “That was why I said at least thirty men are needed to work the rigging.”

“What about nymphs?” Alecsis asked.

Lorenso scratched his chin in contemplation, then shook his head. “They would have trouble with a vessel half this size.”

Silence descended upon them with the weight of a heavy storm cloud, and they all stared up at the intricate network of ropes, sails, pulleys and winches.

“What about ghosts?” Antano eventually asked. “If you can summon wind and water spirits, why not the dead pirates?”

Lorenso turned to stare at Antano darkly. “Ye’re talking about necromancy - dark magic. Not only is it dangerous, it goes against everything I have ever practiced.”

“But it can be done, can it not?” the youth persisted.

“I believe so, but one cannot raise ghosts to do a man’s job. What ye’re thinking of is the raising of their bodies. Ghosts are equally as unsubstantial as other spirits.”

“What if you ensure they remained invisible?” Antano suggested.

“And stink-free,” Lorg added.

Lorenso shook his head. “Even if I could, ‘tis wrong, very wrong.”

“Let me put it like this then,” Antano continued. “Not only do they know how to sail this ship, but their souls are lost and seeking salvation... By harnessing their abilities, not only do we gain, but they may even be able to redeem themselves in the eyes of the gods and find peace. The question is; how urgent is it for us to be on our way?”

Lorenso sighed. “That is something I will need to seek guidance about. Makim told me Alecsis had to return home. Perhaps She can also show us the way...”

 

Lorenso did not need to call on Makim for guidance. The answer to their problem came after several hours of contemplation. He had returned to the grassy outcrop of land they camped on the previous evening. Sitting cross-legged under the warm midday sun, he approached his problem methodically, quietly considering each possibility.

Bringing back the dead was out of the question, of course. What had prompted Antano to even think of that? He hoped his Goddess would not be too displeased with him for allowing the thought to cross his mind.

Recruiting new sailors seemed the only viable option. But this would be cumbersome and time consuming. After Alecsis’s tentative contact with the woman from his homeland the night before, he suspected they had to move quickly.

But how?

The sylphs could not work the sails. And nymphs were too weak. Pity the spirits of the earth couldn’t help.

Or could they?

Was there not a spell that summoned the aid of dryads and gnomes? Leonado had done it. In turning the rocky earth into hands, he had very effectively shackled Lorenso and his friends that fateful night in the Sirmon Ranges.

I figured out how to reverse that spell. But do I know the one that will harness the earth’s energy? Have I even bothered to record it in my book?

There was only one way to find out. Jumping to his feet, he muttered a well-known verse, and sprung into the air.

Unfortunately he did not get the opportunity to consult his tome straight away. His travelling companions surrounded him the moment he dropped to the deck.

“Have you thought of something?”

“Will we be able to leave now?”

“What can I do to help?”

“Just shut up, all of you!” he yelled over the hubbub. “I have some serious reading to do before I can give you any kind of answer.”

Deathly silence. But the gravity on Alecsis’s face stopped him from marching to the officers’ cabin where he had left his belongings. “What’s wrong?”

“You know how our cabin only accommodates three. Well, Antano has decided to take the captain’s quarters,” Alecsis told him.

For the first time Lorenso noticed that Antano was not present.

“He is there now?” Lorg said.

“Ye’re the captain now, Alecsis. Simply order him to move,” Lorenso said.

“You don’t understand. If I could, I would torch that room. But the risk of destroying the rest of the ship is too great. Nobody sleeps there. I want you to cast a spell to keep them out.”

“Cruel things happened to Alecsis there,” Lorg offered, but he said no more when Alecsis cast him a poisonous glare worthy of a jungle beast.

“What is wrong with that young lout?” Lorenso muttered.

“I will make him leave the cabin now,” Alecsis asserted. “As soon as he’s out, you do whatever it takes to make that room inaccessible.”

Lorenso could understand Alecsis’s anger, and did not bother to reprimand him for his stern behaviour. He followed him to the captain’s quarters, where Alecsis promptly kicked in the locked door. It took only a moment for the brawny young man to evict its occupant. Propelling the indignant youth into the corridor with a firm hand around the yoke of his tunic, he shoved him away from him. While Antano regained his balance, Alecsis returned for the youth’s belongings. Tossing them onto the wooden floor, he pulled the door shut, then turned the key in the lock.

“I will throw it in the ocean. Now make that room disappear,” he ordered. His face red with fury, Antano scooped up his backpack and stalked off.

“Perhaps it will make you fell better if you cast the spell. ‘Tis little different to the illusion over the pirate camp. Watch and repeat after me. I will keep my body free of mana to ensure you cast the spell properly.” After so many years of spell-binding, Lorenso had considerable difficulty stopping himself from drawing on the magical energy within.

Once again Alecsis copied his words and motions, and when he flung his hands forward, not only did the doorway cease to exist, but the entire wall as well. An empty space took its place.

“If only I could banish the memories as well,” Alecsis said, his shoulders slumping. He cast haunted eyes at Lorenso.

The old wizard stepped up to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Only time will do that, my friend.”

“Time,” the tall man mused. “I wonder how long it will take to cross the Noiva. I still don’t know how many years I spent at sea.”

“Well, if ye’ll allow me to consult my spell-book I might be able to give you some indication.” He started walking along the passageway, but Alecsis remained standing in front of the empty space that had once been Captain Rose’s cabin. “Come along then. If I have this spell, ye’ll help me to execute it. If I don’t we are up a creek without a paddle, or in this case, at sea without sailors.”

Alecsis groaned as he fell into step beside him. “Humour does not become you, Lorenso.”

“And magehood has turned you into a cantankerous bore. It comes with the territory, unfortunately.”

Alecsis cuffed him on the shoulder, almost sending him reeling over the railing. Steeling himself, he turned to glare at the grinning man.

“Sorry. Sometimes I don’t know my own strength... But there is something I will throw overboard.” With a hefty hurl, he sent the silver key arching high into the air. It landed so far away, neither man heard its splash.

 

While Alecsis and Lorenso were consulting their spell-book, Lorg busied himself in his old chamber. He had once lived, slept, and eaten in this tiny cubicle. With only a small square window to bring him daylight, it now felt claustrophobic. Sitting in his creaking swivel chair, he contemplated taking all his navigational equipment up to the covered bridge area. Now that there were only six of them, they would need the charts at their disposal when they took turns at the wheel.

But first he had to work out if his old charts were of any use to them. His successor had been lax in his recordings. When he saw his own messy scrawls several pages back, he felt as though he had come home. This was his life, the mapping of the seas and rivers, the recording of distances traveled, wind direction and velocity, heavenly movements. Lorg sighed, and read over his last entry.

Everything had been flowing smoothly, the wind steadily blowing them south. No land had been sighted for several weeks, but the sailors spirits remained high. After sating themselves on a tropical island inhabited by amorous native girls, seemingly without menfolk, the crew of The Crystal Rose were almost jovial. Lorg had rutted along with the rest of them, moving from one pretty dark maid to another. The women had found the sailors as fascinating as they did them, comparing their rich mahogany skin to the men’s fair complexions. Only Captain Rose had not partaken in their romping. He had busied himself by talking the natives out of considerable amounts of fine gold jewelry.

The sailors wore out their welcome soon after. The women might have been without men folk, but they were not stupid. Skilled with their spears and short, curved knives, they maimed several sailors before they managed to escape.

Their jaunts on land always ended badly. Captain Rose had simply been too greedy for amicable negotiations. “You got yours in the end, though, didn’t you?” Lorg said out loud. “Now Alecsis is in charge, the last person anyone expected to survive that fierce storm.”

In all his years as a navigator and sailor, Lorg had never seen anything as vicious as the tempest that almost killed him. He should have known it hadn’t been natural. Now that he had seen magic at work, he realized that Alecsis was right; a sorcerer had been responsible, the same evil little individual that had taken over the ship, and sent his nasty cohorts down here to deface Lorg’s work.

With jerky movements, he tore the last entries from his book. Then he rifled through his maps, removing those drawn by the intruders. They were of no use to him anyway. Lorg had no need for charts documenting Avion’s rugged coastline.

Nira wandered in about half an hour later. Lorg became aware of her presence when she ran her fingers through his short, spiky hair.

“I wish ye wouldst not sneak up on me like that,” he growled.

With a smile she slipped onto his lap. The swivel chair creaked noisily in protest. “Lorenso told me to come down here to fetch you. He says he hath worked out how ta sail the ship.”

She began to kiss him. Her soft, moist lips entwining with his, reminded him of the women on the island, those sensual days under the tropical sun. He thought of the many whores he’d bedded in Lancastro. Not one had managed to warm his heart. Nira was the first woman since his wife he felt something for, something more than mere lust.

That thought forced him to extract himself from her embrace. “Much as I desire you, Nira, did you not say Renso wanted us on deck?” Hadn’t he vowed to keep his life free of emotional entanglements? How could he devote his time to his children if he had another woman to consider? Nira was too damn persuasive by far, wearing down his resolve.

“He can wait,” she murmured.

“Cut that out you two, and get up here,” the mage’s authoritative voice bellowed from all four corners of the room.

Lorg swore. “Is nowhere sacred abroad this ship?”

“Not when there are more pressing concerns than those which fill your trousers.” This time Alecsis’s deep voice filled the room.

“Damn you, Lorenso, for showing him your dirty tricks,” Lorg muttered disgruntledly.

“He is a fast learner, is he not?” Lorenso said.

“Too fast for my liking,” Lorg grumbled. “Come on, Nira, let us find out what they want.”

They found everyone waiting for them on the bridge. A cooling afternoon breeze had sprung up, its freshness welcoming after the hot confines of his cabin.

“How well do you know the working of those sails?” Lorenso asked him, his previous comments forgotten.

“Well enough to issue directions,” he answered. “Every seafaring man knows how to sail, just as they learn how to read maps and plot a course. It’s a necessity in case someone falls overboard, a regular occurrence, I’m afraid.”

“How long do ye think it would take for us to learn?” Lorenso asked.

“Not long. A few days.”

“The reason I ask, is that we cannot leave you up here to issue directions indefinitely. We should all take turns at the wheel, and controlling what takes place aloft... That is the right word, is it not?”

Lorg nodded.

“That includes Karina and Nira,” he continued. “I want you to keep someone by your side until they know how to direct the golems.”

“What are golems?” Lorg asked.

Lorenso glanced at everyone in turn. “Your sailing companions.” He raised the volume he had been hugging to his chest. “It took a while for me to work out how it could be done, but golems are creatures created out of earthly substances. They have no minds of their own, their very existence subject to the whim of the magician. Alecsis and I will summon them. Once they are aboard, it is up to whoever is at the wheel to direct them in their chores... First thing in the morning we set sail.” He turned to Lorg. “Have ye worked out which direction we should take.”

“North, of course. As for the exact course, I need to spread out my maps, and retrace our journey. I’ve made a start, and don’t think it should be too difficult. We came steadily south, occasionally changing course to visit land.”

“Good,” the magician asserted. “Why don’t you bring them up on deck, and start teaching the girls how to read them. I need to talk with Alecsis and Antano alone for a few minutes.”

It was then that Lorg noticed the grim look on the youth’s face. What on earth was bothering him now? No doubt he was still seething about being evicted from his chosen chamber. Anyone who knew Captain Rose would refuse to set foot in his domain. Perhaps Lorg should explain a few home truths about life at sea to him.

 

I will have to do something about claiming my new host soon, Krystos thought, turning away from the two magicians. Both had taken turns in reprimanding him for commandeering the captain’s cabin.

“Nobody else wanted it,” he had replied with a nonchalant shrug, trying to appear indifferent about the entire incident. Inside he seethed with vicious indignation. How dare they treat him like a little boy? He had returned to his cabin after Alecsis had so rudely evicted him, and something akin to pain twisted his heart when he saw the empty space. His home, and they had destroyed it with their magical whims.

You will pay for this, Alecsis. You were without The Holy Avenger all day today. Soon, when nobody is looking, I will kill you, destroy your puny mind, and take over that strong body you think is so invincible. With me inside, it will be. Yes, only one would return, me.

He wandered down to his new chamber. At least he had the room to himself. The first officer’s cabin was almost as large as the captain’s, but nowhere near as plush. Krystos threw himself on the bed. Nowhere near as comfortable either. but after so many nights out in the open, it felt good to have a mattress underneath him again.

Only one thing worried him more than the loss of his cabin, and that was the blackouts. The taunting voice inside his head seemed to have been replaced by moments of disorientation. They only lasted for a few seconds, but that was long enough to concern him.

He couldn’t help wondering if it had something to do with Dragonfire, but the sword had been inactive since he picked it up. The dark weapon needed fresh blood to survive, and for many weeks it had lain in a cave without a drop to drink. Krystos did not let this concern him unduly. The first kill would bring it back to life. Perhaps he would murder everyone on board and be done with it.

 

Karina found out what golems were the following morning. Her head still spinning from Lorg’s impromptu sailing lesson, she rubbed bleary eyes. She had not slept well. Still not used to being on board a vessel that constantly moved beneath her, she had lain awake for most of the night. After her initial feast on the biscuits, the thought of eating anything now made her insides squirm in protest. She couldn’t help wondering how she would fare once they were out of the protected inlet. I suppose I will know soon enough, she thought, following Nira up to the main deck.

She was surprised to see the pirate’s stolen treasure glittering in the early morning sunshine. Some still in chests, the rest of the jewels had been dumped in untidy heaps on the deck.

“So that was what all the noise was about at the crack of dawn,” Nira observed, moving to stand beside Lorg. He stood by the railing, watching Alecsis and Lorenso bent over the old wizard’s thick black volume.

“I’ve forgotten how many times I trudged up and down those stairs, lugging all that stuff on board,” the tall sailor answered, slipping a wiry arm around her waist.

“What be it all for?” she asked, as Karina came to stand on her other side, her stomach still churning despite the tangy nip of the fresh morning air.

Lorg shrugged. “Looks like we’re about to find out.”

The magicians turned towards them. Although Alecsis still wore his tight fitting warrior garb, the black cloak and braided hair made him look like a true magic-user.

“Is everyone ready?” Lorenso called out.

“Ready for what?” Lorg demanded.

Karina realized suddenly that Antano was missing, On cue the youth darted up on deck, still rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“Ye mean to tell us ye slept through all that commotion?” Nira asked him.

“I couldn’t even wake him, no matter how loudly I knocked,” Lorg answered. “Rotten brat locked his door last night, didn’t he? I still have bruised knuckles as proof.”

“Sorry,” Antano muttered. “I guess the motion of the ship did the trick. I never slept so well in my life.”

“Will ye stop yer chattering and pay heed?” Lorenso snapped. “We don’t have all day.” All eyes fell on him. “Prepare to meet your fellow sailing companions. Are ye ready, Alecsis?”

The big blonde nodded, and Karina’s insides squirmed again. Not from nausea this time, but with emotion. Together they were leaving the past behind. Soon Avion would vanish into the ocean mist, new worlds beckoning.

Lorenso started the chant, but Alecsis soon took over, as the gray-haired man beckoned to the shore. At first nothing happened. Karina wasn’t even sure what should be taking place.

And then she saw them, shapes forming in the air above the sandy shore. But what were they made out of? She soon got her answer. Trailing bits of bark, sand, and leaves, these vaguely human shapes slowly drifted through the air towards the ship.

The deck started to shiver. She stared down at the treasure, It seemed to be moving of its own accord, turning into a squirming, sparkling sea. Suddenly pieces jumped free. Coins, gems, jewelry sprang into the air to merge with the human shapes settling on the rigging and masts.

“So those are golems,” Antano remarked.

“Well, I’ll be!” Lorg murmured in awe, shading his eyes to stare at the strange seamen. They shimmered and gleamed with their treasure adornments. Not a single gem remained on deck.

“So a use was found for the pirates’ booty after all!” Nira exclaimed. “How clever!”

“What is really clever is what they can do for us,” Lorenso called to them. “Lorg, direct those at the bow to draw in the anchor.”

“They will really listen to me?” the navigator asked uncertainly.

“Try them,” Lorenso suggested, folding his arms across his chest. “But keep it simple. One job at a time. They will not respond to complicated instructions.”

Lorg did was he was told. The golems quickly attended to his bidding. The tall sailor was soon issuing orders left and right. Rigging creaked as sails were unfurled, blowing free to catch the wind. The anchor was reeled in, and the ship began to move towards the open ocean.

Their journey had begun.