Seamaster by C.E. Murphy

Author:C.E. Murphy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Miz Kit Productions
Published: 2017-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

"I can't do it." Rasim stood at the edge of a vast inland lake caught between mountaintops. It was half-frozen already, the water like slurry. He didn't need to touch it to know it was only half, and not fully, frozen, was its high salt content: he could feel the water's thickness, its sea-like consistency. "It's too much water," he said, mostly to the lake but a little to the two tall blondes standing next to him. "Why is it even salty? Shouldn't the snow run-off be fresh?"

"It used to be. It turned sour ten years ago or so. We think perhaps the lake bottom has worn through to a salt deposit. We've survived on run-off water and hauling it from longer distances, but it's getting harder as the city grows larger." Lorens waved toward the city they'd left below.

Rasim squatted at the water's edge, letting his eyes glaze as he looked out over slurry and ice. Inga had explained their need the night before, and he, dubiously, had agreed to come look. She'd left him shortly afterward and exhaustion had sent him back to bed. He'd slept until sunrise, which came as late as sunset came early, and had only been brought to the lake after noon. Not that it was easy to tell when noon was with the sun so low in the sky, but they'd taken a mid-day meal before setting out, so he trusted the Northern schedule. "If there's salt down there you'll need more than just a water witch. You'd need a stone witch, too, someone who can move earth. Otherwise it's just going to turn salty again."

"Not quickly," Lorens objected.

Rasim shook his head. "It's a lot of water, but unless it reaches the bottom of the salt lick, it'll turn salty faster than you think. You'd need a water witch—or a lot of them—to hold the water back while the salt was moved out, and then to purify it afterward. I can go in and find out if there is a salt deposit down there, but that's as much help as I can be."

Inga said, "You'll freeze to death."

Rasim smiled faintly. "I sailed in with a ship of pirates, broke into your palace, and asked for an army. I think the least I can do is try." More than that, he was afraid his presumption would be taken from his hide if he didn't try: the Northerners seemed reasonable enough, but he was too aware of being at their mercy. Less so than at Donnin's, maybe—Lorens and Inga probably wouldn't sell him to slavers—but he felt very far from home and far more alone than he had ever imagined being. Even if they had no intention of condemning him for failure, trying would at least make him feel useful. It would give him something to do besides being wrenched by loss, and that was important.

Crouched there at the side of a half-frozen lake, chilly winter air making his nose hairs stiff as he breathed, Rasim had a moment of bewilderment.

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