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Fantasy Fiction
Chronicles of War II: A Desert Ocean
Chronicles of War II: A Desert Ocean
Chapter 12:
And a King to Sit His Throne
King Halfpint will rule.
Page 1:
"Epsilon rounded the headless statue, and was once ..."
Page 2: "Meanwhile, Epsilon casually but quickly guided Hel..."
Page 3: "Helmcleaver was away at a gallop, and Epsilon foun..."
Page 4: ""W-what of gods," squeaked the halfling uncertainl..."
Page 5: ""Ran him off? No, no, no. That is no good, my fr..."
Page 6: "Epsilon was not utterly amazed to hear it. Pandol..."
Page 7: ""Of course, master. He shall be along presently! ..."
Page 8: "The boy ascended slowly, stolidly, one step at a t..."
Page 9: ""Oh? What have you concluded this to be?"
..."
Page 10: "Vernin's head seemed to reel. "I am dreaming, or ..."
Page 11: ""You would rather risk your life to feed them than..."
Page 12: "The boy screwed up his face thoughtfully, and star..."
Page 13: ""What is your formal name, Vernin?"
"Vernin..."
Page 14: ""It all sounds wonderful, master. Except that Ore..."
Page 15: ""Fine. Good work, Sir." Epsilon stood to welcome..."
Page 16: ""I- I cannot say," he stammered, glancing back and..."
Page 17: "Half Pint was shocked, and his mouth dropped. "Yo..."
Page 18: ""Here," he intoned proudly, "is your kingdom. I k..."
Page 19: "Searching among the many papers, Epsilon turned up..."
Page 20: ""Now your dominion is structured. All that remain..."
Page 21: ""But you have. I see the way you handle your unde..."
Page 22: "Ipani remained skeptical. He shifted uncomfortabl..."
Page 23: ""Recruit them with promises of better and more ple..."
Page 24: "Half Pint smiled. "It is too good. Too good to b..."
Page 25: ""Fine, fine," applauded Epsilon, clapping his mate..."
Page 26: "Epsilon removed five more blank vouchers and held ..."
Page 27: ""Aye! As you command, so shall it be!" The youth..."
Page 28: ""I tell you, Ipani, Oreset is crying out for a gov..."
Page 29: ""It sounds harsh."
"Being king can be a har..."
Page 30: ""Does anybody dare watch over a king conducting hi..."
Page 31: "Ipani smacked his lips and lifted the freshly sign..."
Page 32: ""Ten thousand is quite a sum. It would feed many ..."
Page 33: "Epsilon climbed into his saddle and helped Half Pi..."
Page 34: ""Do you see that devil, there, Ipani? Get rid of ..."
Page 35: ""Your are most correct, of course. It is a role I..."
Page 36: "So it continued. The Ritesman smiled and eyed the..."
Page 37: "Beyond the central stairwell, the shelves came to ..."
Page 38: ""If you say so, sire."
"Then there is a mat..."
Page 39: ""By all gods, holy and unholy," gasped the coin ch..."
Page 40: ""KING Ipani," admonished Half Pint. Epsilon smile..."
Page 41: "Half Pint smiled broadly. "It was my intention to..."
Page 42: "They returned in a shuffling group to the stairwel..."
Page 43: ""Nor have I," breathed Ipani, stooping to his knee..."
Page 44: ""Of course. How long will it take, do you think?"..."
Page 45: "Afram was aghast, "Sire! We are honest men, here!..."
Page 46: ""I understand, Master Ipani." The old man reached..."
Page 47: "Xavier was perplexed, but he nodded his assent, re..."
Page 48: "Afram bade them good travel and fond re-acquaintan..."
Page 49: ""To meet with a man about matters of war. Do not ..."
Page 50: "Returned to the western gate of the outermost barr..."
Page 51: ""I am here," bellowed Old Bob, his head appearing ..."
Page 52: "Robert lowered his purse and shut his gaping, near..."
Page 53: ""What about new weapons? New armor? New, well tr..."
Page 54: ""Fret not, Myriam, and make no fuss. This here is..."
Page 55: ""Never mind about that, you," scolded Old Bob! "W..."
Page 56: "Sweeping a tattered curtain to one side, the Rites..."
Page 57: ""You were saying you had no interest in destroying..."
Page 58: ""Aye, a new king and a long row of gallows!"
Page 59: ""Aye. Would you think me a liar?"
"No, no,..."
Page 60: "Robert shrugged. "Possibly. With funds and polis..."
Page 61: "Epsilon sat abruptly forward, thrusting a single h..."
Page 62: ""First, organize a company of intelligence officer..."
Page 63: ""Whom does the turncoat seek at the first possible..."
Page 64: ""Ooh," gloated Old Bob, "I should like to see the ..."
Page 65: "Robert stood to accept the cash, frowning slightly..."
Page 66: ""Fine, then hurry off to fetch your compatriots. ..."
Page 67: ""Quite right! I shall make the selection, persona..."
Page 68: "Epsilon emerged from his host's tiny abode into th..."
Page 69: "He and the master sergeants retired beneath the lo..."
Page 70: ""They are quite enough, all too often." This from..."
Page 71: "The Ritesman responded, "Nobody has vouchsafed you..."
Page 72: "The others glanced at their feet and grumbled agre..."
Page 73: ""And the southern."
Old Bob grinned toothle..."
Page 74: "Before they left for the market, Epsilon addressed..."
Page 75: ""This I shall do."
With a friendly clap on ..."
Page 76: "Gilm scratched his beard and belched. "Ipani, you..."
Page 77: "They passed out of the bloodstone wall to the east..."
Page 78: "The Ritesman shook his head dourly and mentally co..."
Page 79: ""Oh," demanded Epsilon, "and why should that be?"<..."
Page 80: "Lucky Lady's crew was tossed on the ground before ..."
Page 81: ""Bah," spat Epsilon, rising to sheath his knife. ..."
Page 82: ""Laugh you not, lads. For he is your king. It is..."
Page 83: "Instead, they fell to their knees, groveling. The..."
Page 84: "The captain raised a stifling finger to his own li..."
Page 85: ""Old Bob is commissioned to form a company of poli..."
Page 86: " The sergeants and Ipani's five all called their f..."
Page 87: ""Deceive them how?" Helmcleaver balked at crossin..."
Page 88: "He retired to the gunwales and kept a curious eye ..."
Page 89: "Rounding Helmcleaver's makeshift stall, Becker cal..."
Page 90: "Ignoring the remark, Epsilon called up, "What abou..."
Page 91: ""What of Oreset? What of the king?"
"The k..."
Page 92: "Osgarthe was enraged, and ordered his men to strin..."
Page 93: "Epsilon glowered unfavorably, and eased over to th..."
Page 94: ""I assure you, Ritesman, there was no real harm in..."
Page 95: "Andrietti shrugged maddeningly. "Still, you did n..."
Page 96: "The Ritesman returned immediately with, "I had tho..."
Page 97: ""Do not be so certain, my friend. One night perha..."
Page 98: "Vespuzia laughed, "My friend, I care not whether y..."
Page 99: ""It is certain I have no cause to trust him."
<..."
Page 100: ""Oh, gods! Does that man never give up?"
T..."
Page 101: "Looking back again, he saw that Osgarthe was indee..."
Page 102: ""No boat is faster than the Lady. We will wait ou..."
Page 103: "Lucky Lady heaved over sharply, nearly pitching Ep..."
Page 104: ""Aye, but let her come up a bit, first. Give the ..."
Page 105: "Becker retorted, "What if he does, captain? What t..."
Page 106: ""I sullied no one!"
"Then why is Osgarthe s..."
Page 107: ""Damnation! We are unfortunate that Solwyn's fath..."
Page 108: ""The Desert is turning, Ritesman. A boat the size..."
Page 109: ""You did not take his daughter's honor?"
"N..."
Page 110: "Becker interrupted with, "Osgarthe has turned to f..."
Page 111: "The Warfarer frowned slightly. "It was no jest!"<..."
Page 112: "Quite suddenly, Vespuzia left Epsilon to himself. ..."
Page 2: "Meanwhile, Epsilon casually but quickly guided Hel..."
Page 3: "Helmcleaver was away at a gallop, and Epsilon foun..."
Page 4: ""W-what of gods," squeaked the halfling uncertainl..."
Page 5: ""Ran him off? No, no, no. That is no good, my fr..."
Page 6: "Epsilon was not utterly amazed to hear it. Pandol..."
Page 7: ""Of course, master. He shall be along presently! ..."
Page 8: "The boy ascended slowly, stolidly, one step at a t..."
Page 9: ""Oh? What have you concluded this to be?"
..."
Page 10: "Vernin's head seemed to reel. "I am dreaming, or ..."
Page 11: ""You would rather risk your life to feed them than..."
Page 12: "The boy screwed up his face thoughtfully, and star..."
Page 13: ""What is your formal name, Vernin?"
"Vernin..."
Page 14: ""It all sounds wonderful, master. Except that Ore..."
Page 15: ""Fine. Good work, Sir." Epsilon stood to welcome..."
Page 16: ""I- I cannot say," he stammered, glancing back and..."
Page 17: "Half Pint was shocked, and his mouth dropped. "Yo..."
Page 18: ""Here," he intoned proudly, "is your kingdom. I k..."
Page 19: "Searching among the many papers, Epsilon turned up..."
Page 20: ""Now your dominion is structured. All that remain..."
Page 21: ""But you have. I see the way you handle your unde..."
Page 22: "Ipani remained skeptical. He shifted uncomfortabl..."
Page 23: ""Recruit them with promises of better and more ple..."
Page 24: "Half Pint smiled. "It is too good. Too good to b..."
Page 25: ""Fine, fine," applauded Epsilon, clapping his mate..."
Page 26: "Epsilon removed five more blank vouchers and held ..."
Page 27: ""Aye! As you command, so shall it be!" The youth..."
Page 28: ""I tell you, Ipani, Oreset is crying out for a gov..."
Page 29: ""It sounds harsh."
"Being king can be a har..."
Page 30: ""Does anybody dare watch over a king conducting hi..."
Page 31: "Ipani smacked his lips and lifted the freshly sign..."
Page 32: ""Ten thousand is quite a sum. It would feed many ..."
Page 33: "Epsilon climbed into his saddle and helped Half Pi..."
Page 34: ""Do you see that devil, there, Ipani? Get rid of ..."
Page 35: ""Your are most correct, of course. It is a role I..."
Page 36: "So it continued. The Ritesman smiled and eyed the..."
Page 37: "Beyond the central stairwell, the shelves came to ..."
Page 38: ""If you say so, sire."
"Then there is a mat..."
Page 39: ""By all gods, holy and unholy," gasped the coin ch..."
Page 40: ""KING Ipani," admonished Half Pint. Epsilon smile..."
Page 41: "Half Pint smiled broadly. "It was my intention to..."
Page 42: "They returned in a shuffling group to the stairwel..."
Page 43: ""Nor have I," breathed Ipani, stooping to his knee..."
Page 44: ""Of course. How long will it take, do you think?"..."
Page 45: "Afram was aghast, "Sire! We are honest men, here!..."
Page 46: ""I understand, Master Ipani." The old man reached..."
Page 47: "Xavier was perplexed, but he nodded his assent, re..."
Page 48: "Afram bade them good travel and fond re-acquaintan..."
Page 49: ""To meet with a man about matters of war. Do not ..."
Page 50: "Returned to the western gate of the outermost barr..."
Page 51: ""I am here," bellowed Old Bob, his head appearing ..."
Page 52: "Robert lowered his purse and shut his gaping, near..."
Page 53: ""What about new weapons? New armor? New, well tr..."
Page 54: ""Fret not, Myriam, and make no fuss. This here is..."
Page 55: ""Never mind about that, you," scolded Old Bob! "W..."
Page 56: "Sweeping a tattered curtain to one side, the Rites..."
Page 57: ""You were saying you had no interest in destroying..."
Page 58: ""Aye, a new king and a long row of gallows!"
Page 59: ""Aye. Would you think me a liar?"
"No, no,..."
Page 60: "Robert shrugged. "Possibly. With funds and polis..."
Page 61: "Epsilon sat abruptly forward, thrusting a single h..."
Page 62: ""First, organize a company of intelligence officer..."
Page 63: ""Whom does the turncoat seek at the first possible..."
Page 64: ""Ooh," gloated Old Bob, "I should like to see the ..."
Page 65: "Robert stood to accept the cash, frowning slightly..."
Page 66: ""Fine, then hurry off to fetch your compatriots. ..."
Page 67: ""Quite right! I shall make the selection, persona..."
Page 68: "Epsilon emerged from his host's tiny abode into th..."
Page 69: "He and the master sergeants retired beneath the lo..."
Page 70: ""They are quite enough, all too often." This from..."
Page 71: "The Ritesman responded, "Nobody has vouchsafed you..."
Page 72: "The others glanced at their feet and grumbled agre..."
Page 73: ""And the southern."
Old Bob grinned toothle..."
Page 74: "Before they left for the market, Epsilon addressed..."
Page 75: ""This I shall do."
With a friendly clap on ..."
Page 76: "Gilm scratched his beard and belched. "Ipani, you..."
Page 77: "They passed out of the bloodstone wall to the east..."
Page 78: "The Ritesman shook his head dourly and mentally co..."
Page 79: ""Oh," demanded Epsilon, "and why should that be?"<..."
Page 80: "Lucky Lady's crew was tossed on the ground before ..."
Page 81: ""Bah," spat Epsilon, rising to sheath his knife. ..."
Page 82: ""Laugh you not, lads. For he is your king. It is..."
Page 83: "Instead, they fell to their knees, groveling. The..."
Page 84: "The captain raised a stifling finger to his own li..."
Page 85: ""Old Bob is commissioned to form a company of poli..."
Page 86: " The sergeants and Ipani's five all called their f..."
Page 87: ""Deceive them how?" Helmcleaver balked at crossin..."
Page 88: "He retired to the gunwales and kept a curious eye ..."
Page 89: "Rounding Helmcleaver's makeshift stall, Becker cal..."
Page 90: "Ignoring the remark, Epsilon called up, "What abou..."
Page 91: ""What of Oreset? What of the king?"
"The k..."
Page 92: "Osgarthe was enraged, and ordered his men to strin..."
Page 93: "Epsilon glowered unfavorably, and eased over to th..."
Page 94: ""I assure you, Ritesman, there was no real harm in..."
Page 95: "Andrietti shrugged maddeningly. "Still, you did n..."
Page 96: "The Ritesman returned immediately with, "I had tho..."
Page 97: ""Do not be so certain, my friend. One night perha..."
Page 98: "Vespuzia laughed, "My friend, I care not whether y..."
Page 99: ""It is certain I have no cause to trust him."
<..."
Page 100: ""Oh, gods! Does that man never give up?"
T..."
Page 101: "Looking back again, he saw that Osgarthe was indee..."
Page 102: ""No boat is faster than the Lady. We will wait ou..."
Page 103: "Lucky Lady heaved over sharply, nearly pitching Ep..."
Page 104: ""Aye, but let her come up a bit, first. Give the ..."
Page 105: "Becker retorted, "What if he does, captain? What t..."
Page 106: ""I sullied no one!"
"Then why is Osgarthe s..."
Page 107: ""Damnation! We are unfortunate that Solwyn's fath..."
Page 108: ""The Desert is turning, Ritesman. A boat the size..."
Page 109: ""You did not take his daughter's honor?"
"N..."
Page 110: "Becker interrupted with, "Osgarthe has turned to f..."
Page 111: "The Warfarer frowned slightly. "It was no jest!"<..."
Page 112: "Quite suddenly, Vespuzia left Epsilon to himself. ..."
Chapter 16:
A Rage of Ravens Wings
Sin Apica makes trouble.
Page 1:
"When the Lady at last ran straight and true again,..."
Page 2: "Vespuzia appeared at the rail with Becker at his b..."
Page 3: "Pandolyn saved him the lie by speaking for herself..."
Page 4: "Andrietti, meanwhile, stalked to the stern ladder ..."
Page 5: ""It might be a good thing," stated Vespuzia abrupt..."
Page 6: ""You will quarter us in your cabin for the remaind..."
Page 7: ""We are bound for the Rock already. I set the cou..."
Page 8: "Andrietti snorted and stirred sharply. "That bast..."
Page 9: ""In what way?"
"In many ways. In the first..."
Page 10: ""Did I? It was my impression that I left the city..."
Page 11: ""You say nothing of what a woman might have done. ..."
Page 12: ""He is no meager clerk, madam, and I have not left..."
Page 13: ""No. I had no indications at all. I thought him ..."
Page 14: ""How can I be certain? This is merely my best gue..."
Page 15: "The Warfarer shuddered involuntarily. "Martyrs' b..."
Page 16: ""It is all I can do for now."
The room fell..."
Page 17: ""Of course," she returned vaguely. "I will awaken..."
Page 18: ""Your agreement is irrelevant, child," dismissed P..."
Page 19: "The captain snorted awake and sat up abruptly. He..."
Page 20: "Though he could be of no service at the rigging or..."
Page 21: "It did not seem so safe to the novice Epsilon, but..."
Page 22: "Andrietti seemed to be chasing the same line of th..."
Page 23: "Becker seemed exasperated. "Sir, we cannot contin..."
Page 24: "As Becker prepared the boat to come sharply about,..."
Page 25: "Epsilon nodded his thanks, and rigged his outer ga..."
Page 26: "As Osgarthe passed around the port wing and drew a..."
Page 27: "Epsilon's mouth and eyes made dark 'O's of horror...."
Page 28: "Vespuzia rushed to the stern rail, beyond the canv..."
Page 29: ""Reef the mainsails by three quarters and dampen t..."
Page 30: "Vespuzia fled at a dash, down the poop ladders to ..."
Page 31: "Letting out a constant length of rope after his ad..."
Page 32: ""Can you stand?"
"I can, but Osgarthe canno..."
Page 33: ""I am all but finished," announced Captain Tipper ..."
Page 34: "That did it. Andrietti struggled to his feet hero..."
Page 35: "Becker shouted at once for the catch spurs to be r..."
Page 36: "They ran through the inferno, as geysers, plumes a..."
Page 37: "The captain smiled, and raised a knowing finger to..."
Page 2: "Vespuzia appeared at the rail with Becker at his b..."
Page 3: "Pandolyn saved him the lie by speaking for herself..."
Page 4: "Andrietti, meanwhile, stalked to the stern ladder ..."
Page 5: ""It might be a good thing," stated Vespuzia abrupt..."
Page 6: ""You will quarter us in your cabin for the remaind..."
Page 7: ""We are bound for the Rock already. I set the cou..."
Page 8: "Andrietti snorted and stirred sharply. "That bast..."
Page 9: ""In what way?"
"In many ways. In the first..."
Page 10: ""Did I? It was my impression that I left the city..."
Page 11: ""You say nothing of what a woman might have done. ..."
Page 12: ""He is no meager clerk, madam, and I have not left..."
Page 13: ""No. I had no indications at all. I thought him ..."
Page 14: ""How can I be certain? This is merely my best gue..."
Page 15: "The Warfarer shuddered involuntarily. "Martyrs' b..."
Page 16: ""It is all I can do for now."
The room fell..."
Page 17: ""Of course," she returned vaguely. "I will awaken..."
Page 18: ""Your agreement is irrelevant, child," dismissed P..."
Page 19: "The captain snorted awake and sat up abruptly. He..."
Page 20: "Though he could be of no service at the rigging or..."
Page 21: "It did not seem so safe to the novice Epsilon, but..."
Page 22: "Andrietti seemed to be chasing the same line of th..."
Page 23: "Becker seemed exasperated. "Sir, we cannot contin..."
Page 24: "As Becker prepared the boat to come sharply about,..."
Page 25: "Epsilon nodded his thanks, and rigged his outer ga..."
Page 26: "As Osgarthe passed around the port wing and drew a..."
Page 27: "Epsilon's mouth and eyes made dark 'O's of horror...."
Page 28: "Vespuzia rushed to the stern rail, beyond the canv..."
Page 29: ""Reef the mainsails by three quarters and dampen t..."
Page 30: "Vespuzia fled at a dash, down the poop ladders to ..."
Page 31: "Letting out a constant length of rope after his ad..."
Page 32: ""Can you stand?"
"I can, but Osgarthe canno..."
Page 33: ""I am all but finished," announced Captain Tipper ..."
Page 34: "That did it. Andrietti struggled to his feet hero..."
Page 35: "Becker shouted at once for the catch spurs to be r..."
Page 36: "They ran through the inferno, as geysers, plumes a..."
Page 37: "The captain smiled, and raised a knowing finger to..."
Chapter 20:
Ten Thousand Steps
At Verdune, their destination across the Sea of sand.
Page 1:
"A trail of darkly shelled corpses followed the Luc..."
Page 2: "As they neared this easternmost shore of the Deser..."
Page 3: ""You did not know that this place, this Verdune, i..."
Page 4: ""Why? Because we are quit of potable water on the..."
Page 5: ""We are ignorant of many things in that oppressed ..."
Page 6: "Vespuzia wrung his fists at the wastes and leered...."
Page 7: "It seemed the others suffered these same doubts an..."
Page 8: "One thing they did not fail to note, however, was ..."
Page 9: "As quickly as Vespuzia's eyes snapped open wide, E..."
Page 10: ""Why, we must fill our gullets, my friend! I know..."
Page 11: ""Perhaps we should be cautious here...," hedged Ep..."
Page 12: ""And I he, brother."
They exchanged heartfe..."
Page 13: ""Starving, eh?" thundered Bean, his own platter we..."
Page 14: ""Then I shall tell you of my arse!"
"And no..."
Page 15: "As the sun reached its zenith, the crew strung the..."
Page 16: ""It is a long story if it is truly told, my friend..."
Page 17: ""That is the superstition. That is the wives’ tal..."
Page 18: "Becker cleared his throat to speak, but kept his e..."
Page 19: ""What part of it is true? That the hated ghosts a..."
Page 20: ""As I tell it, the Clog, as they are known to mage..."
Page 21: ""He was poised on decamping, ready to surrender hi..."
Page 22: ""But how?" started Block, and stopped. "But why? ..."
Page 23: ""Oh," inserted Pandolyn, "it is all true enough. ..."
Page 24: "Then, hours into his mental divinations, the Rites..."
Page 25: "Thus, the vile usurper could do all the nasty, des..."
Page 26: "Epsilon shook his head and stumbled wearily. It w..."
Page 2: "As they neared this easternmost shore of the Deser..."
Page 3: ""You did not know that this place, this Verdune, i..."
Page 4: ""Why? Because we are quit of potable water on the..."
Page 5: ""We are ignorant of many things in that oppressed ..."
Page 6: "Vespuzia wrung his fists at the wastes and leered...."
Page 7: "It seemed the others suffered these same doubts an..."
Page 8: "One thing they did not fail to note, however, was ..."
Page 9: "As quickly as Vespuzia's eyes snapped open wide, E..."
Page 10: ""Why, we must fill our gullets, my friend! I know..."
Page 11: ""Perhaps we should be cautious here...," hedged Ep..."
Page 12: ""And I he, brother."
They exchanged heartfe..."
Page 13: ""Starving, eh?" thundered Bean, his own platter we..."
Page 14: ""Then I shall tell you of my arse!"
"And no..."
Page 15: "As the sun reached its zenith, the crew strung the..."
Page 16: ""It is a long story if it is truly told, my friend..."
Page 17: ""That is the superstition. That is the wives’ tal..."
Page 18: "Becker cleared his throat to speak, but kept his e..."
Page 19: ""What part of it is true? That the hated ghosts a..."
Page 20: ""As I tell it, the Clog, as they are known to mage..."
Page 21: ""He was poised on decamping, ready to surrender hi..."
Page 22: ""But how?" started Block, and stopped. "But why? ..."
Page 23: ""Oh," inserted Pandolyn, "it is all true enough. ..."
Page 24: "Then, hours into his mental divinations, the Rites..."
Page 25: "Thus, the vile usurper could do all the nasty, des..."
Page 26: "Epsilon shook his head and stumbled wearily. It w..."
Chapter 13:
To Sail Lady Luck
Epsilon Three commissions the Lucky Lady and they sail from Oreset.
Page 1:
"Lucky Lady's decks seemed a bustle of chaotic acti..."
Page 2: "For the first time, he caught site of the illdross..."
Page 3: ""The madman," declared Epsilon! Secretly, he deci..."
Page 4: "Vespuzia raised his arm in a ready signal. The gu..."
Page 5: ""Fire at will," commanded the captain! He pressed..."
Page 6: "Something seemed wrong from the start. The dragon..."
Page 7: "What of Osgarthe? Epsilon sought the lunatic’s sa..."
Page 8: "This hard turn started gently enough. Before it f..."
Page 9: "Osgarthe's little boat turned back to the right in..."
Page 10: "When he returned to the upper deck, the Lady’s san..."
Page 11: "Andrietti laid back his head, and roared with laug..."
Page 12: ""If I return from the east, perhaps I will fetch y..."
Page 13: "Bean tottered to the aft deck, and opened a hatch ..."
Page 14: "The cabin boy carefully poured a portion into the ..."
Page 15: "Next was Mariner First Class Oglot. Then the ship..."
Page 16: "The Ritesman licked the sweat from his lips. It t..."
Page 17: "Before night could snuff the land altogether, the ..."
Page 18: ""Who? That one? You saw and heard the sum total ..."
Page 19: ""It is a pity. Such a man is worthy of the Rite."..."
Page 20: "Vespuzia nodded. Just then, the ship's bell rang ..."
Page 21: "More laughter. More banging of the forks.
..."
Page 22: ""No, this is simply our way. It is the first nigh..."
Page 23: ""It will be my pleasure." He turned to start away..."
Page 24: ""Good. Now hurry back. Alanetti has a ribald tal..."
Page 25: "Epsilon climbed back to the hatch, tossing his hea..."
Page 26: ""Martyrs' blood," he cursed softly. "Another illd..."
Page 27: "Epsilon was alarmed at once. If the men aboard th..."
Page 28: ""You know it was not!"
"As do you, but what..."
Page 29: "The boatswain grinned smugly. "No, that is not al..."
Page 30: "Dutifully, Epsilon wondered what Becker had to say..."
Page 31: "Epsilon shook his head, and took the liberty of cl..."
Page 32: "The Warfarer nodded thoughtfully, and mentally che..."
Page 33: ""Of course." He genuinely hoped this opportunity ..."
Page 34: "Whereupon he struck up a somber music with so many..."
Page 35: "Vespuzia belched and finished the last of the wine..."
Page 36: ""Not that I know of, sir. He was all smiles and g..."
Page 37: "Andrietti had not missed Caspazia's allusion to th..."
Page 38: ""Keep quiet, Oglot!" commanded the captain, "You w..."
Page 39: "Andrietti was dismayed to see the Warfarer draw hi..."
Page 40: "Caspazia came on at a dash. Blustering, he climbe..."
Page 41: ""At the first opportunity." Epsilon succeeded in ..."
Page 42: ""Gods, you were in town but a day, Ritesman! A da..."
Page 43: "They returned to the high stern deck, and Vespuzia..."
Page 44: ""These pildon, they are large enough to damage a s..."
Page 45: ""What happens if you are lost?"
"Dellas wil..."
Page 46: ""Did you not have such feelings on your first atte..."
Page 47: ""Contrarily, I love life very much." He took the ..."
Page 48: ""It sounds simple enough." Epsilon had the belt i..."
Page 49: "Epsilon's teeth chattered, whether from terror or ..."
Page 50: "Lucky Lady passed as a leaf skimming the top of a ..."
Page 2: "For the first time, he caught site of the illdross..."
Page 3: ""The madman," declared Epsilon! Secretly, he deci..."
Page 4: "Vespuzia raised his arm in a ready signal. The gu..."
Page 5: ""Fire at will," commanded the captain! He pressed..."
Page 6: "Something seemed wrong from the start. The dragon..."
Page 7: "What of Osgarthe? Epsilon sought the lunatic’s sa..."
Page 8: "This hard turn started gently enough. Before it f..."
Page 9: "Osgarthe's little boat turned back to the right in..."
Page 10: "When he returned to the upper deck, the Lady’s san..."
Page 11: "Andrietti laid back his head, and roared with laug..."
Page 12: ""If I return from the east, perhaps I will fetch y..."
Page 13: "Bean tottered to the aft deck, and opened a hatch ..."
Page 14: "The cabin boy carefully poured a portion into the ..."
Page 15: "Next was Mariner First Class Oglot. Then the ship..."
Page 16: "The Ritesman licked the sweat from his lips. It t..."
Page 17: "Before night could snuff the land altogether, the ..."
Page 18: ""Who? That one? You saw and heard the sum total ..."
Page 19: ""It is a pity. Such a man is worthy of the Rite."..."
Page 20: "Vespuzia nodded. Just then, the ship's bell rang ..."
Page 21: "More laughter. More banging of the forks.
..."
Page 22: ""No, this is simply our way. It is the first nigh..."
Page 23: ""It will be my pleasure." He turned to start away..."
Page 24: ""Good. Now hurry back. Alanetti has a ribald tal..."
Page 25: "Epsilon climbed back to the hatch, tossing his hea..."
Page 26: ""Martyrs' blood," he cursed softly. "Another illd..."
Page 27: "Epsilon was alarmed at once. If the men aboard th..."
Page 28: ""You know it was not!"
"As do you, but what..."
Page 29: "The boatswain grinned smugly. "No, that is not al..."
Page 30: "Dutifully, Epsilon wondered what Becker had to say..."
Page 31: "Epsilon shook his head, and took the liberty of cl..."
Page 32: "The Warfarer nodded thoughtfully, and mentally che..."
Page 33: ""Of course." He genuinely hoped this opportunity ..."
Page 34: "Whereupon he struck up a somber music with so many..."
Page 35: "Vespuzia belched and finished the last of the wine..."
Page 36: ""Not that I know of, sir. He was all smiles and g..."
Page 37: "Andrietti had not missed Caspazia's allusion to th..."
Page 38: ""Keep quiet, Oglot!" commanded the captain, "You w..."
Page 39: "Andrietti was dismayed to see the Warfarer draw hi..."
Page 40: "Caspazia came on at a dash. Blustering, he climbe..."
Page 41: ""At the first opportunity." Epsilon succeeded in ..."
Page 42: ""Gods, you were in town but a day, Ritesman! A da..."
Page 43: "They returned to the high stern deck, and Vespuzia..."
Page 44: ""These pildon, they are large enough to damage a s..."
Page 45: ""What happens if you are lost?"
"Dellas wil..."
Page 46: ""Did you not have such feelings on your first atte..."
Page 47: ""Contrarily, I love life very much." He took the ..."
Page 48: ""It sounds simple enough." Epsilon had the belt i..."
Page 49: "Epsilon's teeth chattered, whether from terror or ..."
Page 50: "Lucky Lady passed as a leaf skimming the top of a ..."
Chapter 17:
This Gift More Potent Than Dreams
The crew of the Lucky Lady meet Pandolyn. She cures the captain's most ancient and grievous wounds.
Page 1:
""If I live ten thousand years," huffed Pandolyn in..."
Page 2: "Vespuzia exchanged an abashed glance with the Rite..."
Page 3: ""Forget that for now," he declared angrily! "Tend..."
Page 4: ""With the painful part. Next come the salves. Ho..."
Page 5: "No, the trader would not voluntarily have the scar..."
Page 6: "A kaleidoscope of emotions flashed across his face..."
Page 7: "Epsilon chuckled despite himself. Then he winced ..."
Page 8: "Now she stooped to heal Epsilon's feet and hands a..."
Page 2: "Vespuzia exchanged an abashed glance with the Rite..."
Page 3: ""Forget that for now," he declared angrily! "Tend..."
Page 4: ""With the painful part. Next come the salves. Ho..."
Page 5: "No, the trader would not voluntarily have the scar..."
Page 6: "A kaleidoscope of emotions flashed across his face..."
Page 7: "Epsilon chuckled despite himself. Then he winced ..."
Page 8: "Now she stooped to heal Epsilon's feet and hands a..."
Chapter 14:
A Desert Ocean
Epsilon Three's first hours in the desert.
Page 1:
"Sunrise in the midst of the Desert Ocean came in t..."
Page 2: "Overhead, a flash of shadow caught his dying atten..."
Page 3: "He had a dream of falling, but of falling slowly, ..."
Page 4: ""Della..." croaked the Ritesman, "Demons... desert..."
Page 5: "He protested weakly, "You cannot slay the wizard. ..."
Page 2: "Overhead, a flash of shadow caught his dying atten..."
Page 3: "He had a dream of falling, but of falling slowly, ..."
Page 4: ""Della..." croaked the Ritesman, "Demons... desert..."
Page 5: "He protested weakly, "You cannot slay the wizard. ..."
Chapter 18:
Angry Night
Epsilon's first contact with the eternal enemy.
Page 1:
"As Pandolyn's healing potions were heavily drugged..."
Page 2: "On their twenty third day at sea, at exactly five ..."
Page 3: "Now his hands came up to cover his ears. Turning ..."
Page 4: "The Warfarer spun on his heel upon hearing further..."
Page 5: "Shouting "To arms! To arms! Attack! Attack!" Ep..."
Page 6: "When he turned around again, the deck had filled w..."
Page 7: "He fought his way through to the forecastle and ma..."
Page 8: "Time and time again he loaded and fired. He and B..."
Page 9: "Surrendering the search for his own Teslan blade, ..."
Page 10: ""Get that man below," ordered a harried and clot-s..."
Page 11: "Block flinched, but did not cower. The boy glance..."
Page 12: "They had just finished their chores, and three hou..."
Page 13: "Then he freed another and another. Before he coul..."
Page 14: "The effect of this tactic was immediately realized..."
Page 15: "Vespuzia squared an elbow on the rail, and turned ..."
Page 16: ""Though he is sworn to return you to Bahia Sud? W..."
Page 17: ""Pildon and chum belong on the sands, this is true..."
Page 18: ""Sent by whom? What government?"
"Governme..."
Page 19: ""Aye."
"But what?"
"Turn and fight, ..."
Page 20: "Epsilon cursed to hear it. Pandolyn would not lik..."
Page 21: "Having apparently accepted Vespuzia's offered comm..."
Page 22: "Andrietti pressed in closer and closer, to within ..."
Page 23: "As Lucky Lady surged forward of her stricken rival..."
Page 24: "Epsilon drew up close to the master of the boat, a..."
Page 25: "Andrietti rubbed his whiskers and pondered the sit..."
Page 26: "If properly managed, the jetlas might sit well out..."
Page 2: "On their twenty third day at sea, at exactly five ..."
Page 3: "Now his hands came up to cover his ears. Turning ..."
Page 4: "The Warfarer spun on his heel upon hearing further..."
Page 5: "Shouting "To arms! To arms! Attack! Attack!" Ep..."
Page 6: "When he turned around again, the deck had filled w..."
Page 7: "He fought his way through to the forecastle and ma..."
Page 8: "Time and time again he loaded and fired. He and B..."
Page 9: "Surrendering the search for his own Teslan blade, ..."
Page 10: ""Get that man below," ordered a harried and clot-s..."
Page 11: "Block flinched, but did not cower. The boy glance..."
Page 12: "They had just finished their chores, and three hou..."
Page 13: "Then he freed another and another. Before he coul..."
Page 14: "The effect of this tactic was immediately realized..."
Page 15: "Vespuzia squared an elbow on the rail, and turned ..."
Page 16: ""Though he is sworn to return you to Bahia Sud? W..."
Page 17: ""Pildon and chum belong on the sands, this is true..."
Page 18: ""Sent by whom? What government?"
"Governme..."
Page 19: ""Aye."
"But what?"
"Turn and fight, ..."
Page 20: "Epsilon cursed to hear it. Pandolyn would not lik..."
Page 21: "Having apparently accepted Vespuzia's offered comm..."
Page 22: "Andrietti pressed in closer and closer, to within ..."
Page 23: "As Lucky Lady surged forward of her stricken rival..."
Page 24: "Epsilon drew up close to the master of the boat, a..."
Page 25: "Andrietti rubbed his whiskers and pondered the sit..."
Page 26: "If properly managed, the jetlas might sit well out..."
Chapter 15:
The Unreasoning Loathing
Sin Apica follows.
Page 1:
"A strident voice cried, "RIM HO!" and Epsilon snap..."
Page 2: "Epsilon had only just managed to drag himself into..."
Page 3: ""Aye, this is hell, right enough. Unfortunately, ..."
Page 4: ""I did not say look for carrion, but for carrion b..."
Page 5: ""At once."
The door opened gently, and the ..."
Page 6: ""May I?" he gushed, drawing closer. "No, I could ..."
Page 7: ""Osgarthe is situated to the south."
"Far t..."
Page 8: ""The Lady flies! We-"
The boy fell silent,..."
Page 9: ""I heal quickly."
Andrietti scoffed and sho..."
Page 10: ""True, true. Like as not, he will try to ram agai..."
Page 11: ""Good. We will make a stop, however brief, when w..."
Page 12: ""Him and a few others. There was a general vote, ..."
Page 13: ""The hand of Sin Apica."
Andrietti hissed, ..."
Page 14: "Andrietti did not appear to believe. "Yet you rac..."
Page 15: ""Nothing is good about the act, itself. War is wa..."
Page 16: ""Are you the shepherd, then? Who, or what, is you..."
Page 17: "Overhead, the wind shifted subtly against Lucky La..."
Page 18: ""No, we did not run all day yesterday. If you rec..."
Page 19: "He declared, "By the gods, it is a feeling like no..."
Page 20: "The day progressed. Osgarthe's canvass all but di..."
Page 21: "The Warfarer cursed softly and was unhappy. He fe..."
Page 22: ""Mariner Oglot!" he barked, calling the sailor ove..."
Page 23: ""No," asserted Epsilon a bit too hastily. "I thin..."
Page 24: "He jerked back the cowling of his sun robes, and r..."
Page 25: "The captain shrugged, and turned to further tend t..."
Page 26: "Epsilon jumped down from the gunwales without wait..."
Page 27: "When Pandolyn arrived at his shoulder, Epsilon ask..."
Page 28: "Epsilon managed to raise his flushed face a bit to..."
Page 29: "Slowly at first, then faster, she came up out of t..."
Page 30: "The Lady sailed into the wind now. Andrietti was ..."
Page 31: "Except the Lady's deck pitched up sharply and abru..."
Page 2: "Epsilon had only just managed to drag himself into..."
Page 3: ""Aye, this is hell, right enough. Unfortunately, ..."
Page 4: ""I did not say look for carrion, but for carrion b..."
Page 5: ""At once."
The door opened gently, and the ..."
Page 6: ""May I?" he gushed, drawing closer. "No, I could ..."
Page 7: ""Osgarthe is situated to the south."
"Far t..."
Page 8: ""The Lady flies! We-"
The boy fell silent,..."
Page 9: ""I heal quickly."
Andrietti scoffed and sho..."
Page 10: ""True, true. Like as not, he will try to ram agai..."
Page 11: ""Good. We will make a stop, however brief, when w..."
Page 12: ""Him and a few others. There was a general vote, ..."
Page 13: ""The hand of Sin Apica."
Andrietti hissed, ..."
Page 14: "Andrietti did not appear to believe. "Yet you rac..."
Page 15: ""Nothing is good about the act, itself. War is wa..."
Page 16: ""Are you the shepherd, then? Who, or what, is you..."
Page 17: "Overhead, the wind shifted subtly against Lucky La..."
Page 18: ""No, we did not run all day yesterday. If you rec..."
Page 19: "He declared, "By the gods, it is a feeling like no..."
Page 20: "The day progressed. Osgarthe's canvass all but di..."
Page 21: "The Warfarer cursed softly and was unhappy. He fe..."
Page 22: ""Mariner Oglot!" he barked, calling the sailor ove..."
Page 23: ""No," asserted Epsilon a bit too hastily. "I thin..."
Page 24: "He jerked back the cowling of his sun robes, and r..."
Page 25: "The captain shrugged, and turned to further tend t..."
Page 26: "Epsilon jumped down from the gunwales without wait..."
Page 27: "When Pandolyn arrived at his shoulder, Epsilon ask..."
Page 28: "Epsilon managed to raise his flushed face a bit to..."
Page 29: "Slowly at first, then faster, she came up out of t..."
Page 30: "The Lady sailed into the wind now. Andrietti was ..."
Page 31: "Except the Lady's deck pitched up sharply and abru..."
Chapter 19:
An Eyestones Reward
Failure in combat against the black hordes.
Page 1:
"Later that same day, as the sky dimmed once more i..."
Page 2: "Lifting it in turn to his own eye, Epsilon enjoyed..."
Page 3: ""They might have done so hours ago, I think. So i..."
Page 4: "Andrietti asked, "Can we hold?" with a curious amo..."
Page 5: ""What of her then, last night?"
"She fought..."
Page 6: "Epsilon trailed along, wondering what Pandolyn wou..."
Page 7: ""Baton yourselves down, mates!" hissed the captain..."
Page 8: ""Well?" intoned the wizardess. "Daylight is wasti..."
Page 9: "Before Vespuzia could clear his throat to awkwardl..."
Page 10: ""Though there are greater powers in the world," su..."
Page 11: "Together, the two mortals admonished each the othe..."
Page 12: "Then they stood, handed Ubar their cups, and left...."
Page 13: "He opened his mouth to respond, but found nothing ..."
Page 14: ""Oh, they will fight like Emperor's assassins. Yo..."
Page 15: ""I will guard it with my life."
Now the wiz..."
Page 16: "Pandolyn made a mollifying movement of her scaly h..."
Page 17: ""And you will aid the night's combats?"
"Ju..."
Page 18: ""I trust in that, Ritesman."
He exited to t..."
Page 19: "As Epsilon neared, the trader exclaimed to Osgarth..."
Page 20: ""That leaves us at best two hours before they can ..."
Page 21: "Gripping the pommel of his ornate sword, Epsilon k..."
Page 22: "Their respite proved brief, however joyous it migh..."
Page 23: "Just as the Warfarer thought his seafaring friend ..."
Page 24: "Using her great, scaly fists as hammers and pliers..."
Page 25: "Though she should have been dismayed by the prospe..."
Page 26: "They were too busy at the time wiping the greenish..."
Page 27: "Epsilon's face waxed pale and stunned, but he exha..."
Page 28: ""Or worse," added the wizardess gleefully.
..."
Page 2: "Lifting it in turn to his own eye, Epsilon enjoyed..."
Page 3: ""They might have done so hours ago, I think. So i..."
Page 4: "Andrietti asked, "Can we hold?" with a curious amo..."
Page 5: ""What of her then, last night?"
"She fought..."
Page 6: "Epsilon trailed along, wondering what Pandolyn wou..."
Page 7: ""Baton yourselves down, mates!" hissed the captain..."
Page 8: ""Well?" intoned the wizardess. "Daylight is wasti..."
Page 9: "Before Vespuzia could clear his throat to awkwardl..."
Page 10: ""Though there are greater powers in the world," su..."
Page 11: "Together, the two mortals admonished each the othe..."
Page 12: "Then they stood, handed Ubar their cups, and left...."
Page 13: "He opened his mouth to respond, but found nothing ..."
Page 14: ""Oh, they will fight like Emperor's assassins. Yo..."
Page 15: ""I will guard it with my life."
Now the wiz..."
Page 16: "Pandolyn made a mollifying movement of her scaly h..."
Page 17: ""And you will aid the night's combats?"
"Ju..."
Page 18: ""I trust in that, Ritesman."
He exited to t..."
Page 19: "As Epsilon neared, the trader exclaimed to Osgarth..."
Page 20: ""That leaves us at best two hours before they can ..."
Page 21: "Gripping the pommel of his ornate sword, Epsilon k..."
Page 22: "Their respite proved brief, however joyous it migh..."
Page 23: "Just as the Warfarer thought his seafaring friend ..."
Page 24: "Using her great, scaly fists as hammers and pliers..."
Page 25: "Though she should have been dismayed by the prospe..."
Page 26: "They were too busy at the time wiping the greenish..."
Page 27: "Epsilon's face waxed pale and stunned, but he exha..."
Page 28: ""Or worse," added the wizardess gleefully.
..."
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