(eng) P. T. Hylton & Michael Anderle - Storms of Magic 04 by Storm Warrior

Author:Storm Warrior [Warrior, Storm]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Ah, Algon.” Dustin paused, breathing in the sea air through his nose. “City of Spires.”

Abbey watched the city as they approached. She could see the numerous tall buildings, each higher than the tallest in Holdgate. The harbor was crowded, too. Most of the ships were smaller than the ones she was used to seeing back home, but the sheer number was impressive.

“You know, they say Algon was one of the main trading hubs after the Mad Days,” Dustin remarked thoughtfully. “Jarvi used it as a base of operations for a while, back when he was establishing trade routes. I think about that every time I come here. I wonder what it was like back then? Did the people in those days ever imagine it would grow into the city it is today? I never get tired of floating into this port.”

Abbey glanced at him distractedly. Hekla was listening with rapt attention, but Abbey had been traveling with him too long to buy into his bullshit. “You’ve never been to Algon before, have you?”

He grinned. “Nope. My mentor Harald made sure we avoided any actual fun destinations. If it was anything more than a desolate rock, we didn’t go there. It really is called the City of Spires, though. I saw that written on a map.”

“I don’t know—sounds made up.”

Abbey angled their skiff toward an empty spot at the dock. She hoped their arrival didn’t attract too much attention. Considering their humble vessel and the number of more notable ships in port, she didn’t think that would be a problem.

“Come to think of it,” Dustin continued, “we did stop by a village during a festival once when I was twelve. I’m pretty sure that was just an accident, though. Harald made up for the mistake by making me study maps by candlelight for the next five nights.”

When they reached the docks, a woman quickly ran over to collect the docking fee. When she told them the price of docking for a single day, Abbey did a doubletake. It would cost most of their already meager funds.

Abbey glanced at Dustin. “‘City of Spires’ you said? More like ‘city of greedy bastards trying to milk travelers for every last iron piece.’”

“Accurate, but I’m not sure it would fit on a map,” Dustin said dryly.

The woman just frowned at them as she collected their payment.

When she was gone, Dustin turned to Abbey. “By the way, remind me to keep more money in my robes so the next time our ship sinks we can afford lunch and a docking fee.”

Hekla stepped onto the dock. “You’re in a chipper mood.”

Dustin considered that a moment, then shrugged. “I wouldn’t call it ‘chipper.’ I mean, my ship sank and my crew is currently being held captive. I guess it just feels good to have a plan.”

“Agreed.” Abbey had gotten the information she needed from the firehand on the wreck of Wave Break and left him there, alive but wounded. She didn’t know if he’d make it back to safety, and she didn’t much care.

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