The God Tide by Nick Carlson

Author:Nick Carlson [Carlson, Nick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Temple Dark Books
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

II

“You are to keep the mask up at all times when interacting with the townspeople,” Meloch instructed the following morning. “Even with this man you seek. Any miasmas from the Hinterlands ought to be kept at bay as much as possible.”

Lance gave a curt nod as he pulled the piece of cloth up over his nose. Meloch sat at his desk before him, writing on a makeshift spreadsheet.

“For a solo excursion, you incur debt,” Meloch said dryly, without looking up at him. “To be written back into the village, you must return with supplies. Today, we are in need of batteries and pencils.”

“How am I supposed to do that? Steal them?”

“Or barter for them. Thievery is a shallow act.”

Lance raised an eyebrow. “What am I supposed to barter with?”

“Use your imagination.”

Lance grimaced. “You’re still peeved about last night.”

“The sanctity of one of our more intimate rituals was violated,” said Meloch. “I cannot imagine what repercussions this will cause for cohoba. But I cannot afford to be vindictive. An unbalanced mind is open to chaos.”

“Okay,” said Lance. Just the cohoba talking, then.

“You will report back here before noon,” said Meloch, business-like, “regardless of the status of your quest. All must be accounted for before the day grows too old.”

“Of course,” Lance replied sarcastically.

“You have my permission to go,” said Meloch, missing the sarcasm. He signed the parchment and folded it up, setting it to the side. He stood up, facing the wall behind him. “And if, by some turn of fortune, Mulligan Tope finds you in the Hinterlands…” He wrung his hands behind his back. “I hope for the best.”

“Uh, thanks,” said Lance, coldly certain Meloch was not referring to his fate.

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