The Thief of Kalimar by Diamond Graham

Author:Diamond, Graham [Diamond, Graham]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy
ISBN: 9781619165144
Amazon: B007CNUQB6
Goodreads: 21049992
Publisher: Booksurge
Published: 1979-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

It was close to dawn and the sky in the east was turning from a soft shade of wine to a golden crown capped with red. The seas were smooth, a few morning stars still shining in the west. The only sounds were those of mild breezes against the sails and the soft lapping of white-capped waves.

It was Ramagar’s turn to stand watch over the helm, and he did so sleepily, thinking of days to come with Mariana, peaceful days of sharing their lives, when all this was finally behind. He glanced up at the waning stars, recognized a few of the signs that Captain Osari had taught him: Orion, Polaris, landmarks to a sailor, well-greeted friends to help show the way. Ramagar stood fascinated and transfixed, with the wind rushing warmly against him and the taste of salt mildly upon his lips. On such a glorious and peaceful morning nothing disturbed him, not the throbbing in his bandaged shoulder nor the dreaded threat of Druid black magic. At this moment he was unafraid, in love, content to sail forever if need be with his good friends and constant companions.

Yes, on a morning like this, what could go wrong? What could possibly ruin his day? Ramagar tingled with the feel of the breeze and chuckled to himself, certain that the answer was nothing.

And then the helmsman suddenly appeared, making his way from the smashed hatchway and climbing to the bridge. He waved at young Homer, who was tackling with the halyards, then turned to greet the thief. “I’m to relieve you, Ramagar,” he said.

“Why? What’s the matter? Ï was supposed to be on duty until eight bells …”

The helmsman, a stout good-natured fellow with bright, intelligent eyes that attracted many a wench, pulled a face. “Captain’s orders. He wants you to report below right away.”

Ramagar’s brows furrowed deeply. “Is something wrong?”

“Not wrong,” replied the sailor with a shrug. “But maybe you’d better see for yourself. You’ll find everyone in the galley.” And with that, he took over the wheel, leaving the thief puzzled and a bit perturbed.

Ramagar made his way quickly down the splintery steps, splashing into shallow pools of seawater left over from the storm. At length he came to the end of the narrow corridor and found his companions gathered together as the helmsman had said. They stood in a half-circle, speaking in low, subdued tones. His first thought was that they had discovered the hidden gold. For two days they had turned the ship upside down in search of the chest, but all their efforts had been fruitless. Oro’s riches remained as elusive as ever. And there were few places left to look.

As he reached the door he heard the sound of sniveling, a familiar sound that unbalanced his calm. Bursting into the kitchen, he tripped over a disarray of pots and pans, then regained his balance and stood transfixed. To his total shock and chagrin he found himself face to face with Oro—the little hunchback standing rigid, his knees knocking together and his mouth twitching uncontrollably.

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