Kingdoms of the Night (The Far Kingdoms) by Allan Cole Chris Bunch

Author:Allan Cole, Chris Bunch [Bunch, Allan Cole, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wildside Press
Published: 2010-07-08T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

KING AZBAAS

A cold wind hastened our departure from Queen Badryia’s realm. The skies were gray, the air heavy with moisture and although it did not rain the distant mountain peaks were obscured by black storm clouds. Lightning flared in those clouds, picking out the sort of fearful images that bring prayers to the lips and reminders of past indiscretions to the soul.

It was weather for contemplation and the only talk aboard the Ibis was of the most necessary kind — orders from Kele and the mates or the men mumbling to one another about the tasks at hand. Even that rogue, Mithraik, seemed affected. I saw him leaning over a rail fumbling with what appeared to be some sort of amulet. His eyes were closed and he was muttering as if in prayer. I smiled, wondering what sort of gods a pirate prayed to.

The nearer we came to the region Badryia said was King Azbaas’ domain, the more the mountains hugged the shore. The weather became colder, windier and the chop of the water sorely-tested the guts of the lubbers among us. I could see that the storms in the hills were growing fiercer. The creeks leading down to the lake were swollen to the size of small rivers and in places waterfalls appeared, filling the air with the sound of their thunderous release. The lake was visibly rising — lapping near the tops of marks old floods had made on the banks.

Kele was relieved, saying it made it unlikely that we’d have to return to our labors in the mud.

Janela, however, was not so sanguine. “It will make it easier for Cligus and Modin as well,” she said.

The same thought had been nagging me. “Do you suppose those storms have anything to do with Modin’s wizardry?” I asked.

“I have no doubts at all,” she said, “that they are Modin’s work.”

I asked her if there was anything she could do.

“I’ve already tried,” she said. “Unfortunately, his spells are so strong that to overcome them I’d have to give away our position. Instead I made spells of confusion. When he makes his magical soundings he’ll receive all sorts of conflicting information. Weak trails, showing we could be any number of places on the lake.”

I relaxed. The lake was enormous. We’d be well on our way before he ferreted us out.

But what Janela said next burst that peaceful bubble.

“One thing that troubles me,” she said, “is Modin’s powers seem to have grown stronger as each day passes. As if someone or something were aiding him. I’m not worried that he’ll outstrip me. To my delight I’ve grown stronger as well. But my improvement has come naturally, from constant practice and, I believe, from deeper understanding.”

“We’ve known from the beginning,” I said, trying to soothe her, “we have powerful enemies opposing us. Just as we’ve known the closer we come to our goal the more dangerous they would become. The possibility they’d be in league with Cligus and Modin has also not escaped us.

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