A Lion for the Emperor by Sophie de Mullenheim

Author:Sophie de Mullenheim
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: -
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2021-06-21T00:00:00+00:00

XXXV

In Hot Pursuit

Aksim had hardly left the prow of his ship all night. His burning eyes were fixed on the horizon. Now, his neck was aching and, after standing there for hours, he had shooting pains in his back. But what matter?! He hung all his hopes on that noise he had heard, and he was determined to find out from where it had come.

The men had been rowing at a steady pace all day in whatever direction the boss ordered. After several hours, Aksim decided they had gone too far. He ordered them to do an about-face. The men grumbled under their breath, but no one dared question his orders. He had always managed to ensure them a good living thanks to the booty they hauled in. There was no reason to doubt him now. They had confidence in their captain.

Twice Aksim thought he could see a sail on the horizon. He had his men row even faster, but the farther they traveled, the farther away the sail seemed to get, until it finally just disappeared. The sun was beating down hard. The heat was shimmering on the surface of the sea. The sail was no doubt just a mirage.

At dusk, despite his fatigue, Aksim redoubled his concentration. This was the moment when he had the best chance of spotting his prey. He counted on the darkness to help him pinpoint any lights, any noises—the slightest detail that the blinding sun may have masked during the day. His men had been relaying each other all day. They were still fresh and alert. He, on the other hand, was starting to wobble. He had to hold tight to the ship’s railing to avoid collapsing.

“Captain!”

The voice of one of his crew made him jump. Aksim almost fell on his backside. He had actually fallen asleep on his feet, with his hands gripping the railing. How long had he been asleep? He had no idea, but when he opened his eyes, the sun had almost completely sunk below the horizon. There was nothing but a warm, red glow still shimmering on the vast immensity of the sea… and a tiny sail, as well. Down there! Just below the Dog Star!

“Captain!” the crewman shouted again.

Aksim shook his head trying to wake up. He turned to the man, who had a huge smile on his face and was pointing to a tiny square sail on the horizon.

“You were right!” the pirate said.

It was all Aksim could do to contain his joy and pride. He smiled.

“Head west!” he shouted.

Suddenly, all his fatigue melted away. His heart swelled. Gotcha! That boat was his!

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