The Karasor by Philip Hamm

Author:Philip Hamm [Hamm, Philip]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-05-16T18:30:00+00:00

12 – Kyzyl Kum

“Thank you for having me, cousin,” Narikin replied, “I mean, Captain...”

“I think I like ‘cousin’ better,” he smiled. “Did you know you’re the first member of our family to join us on my ship...?”

“I did,” he admitted.

“Come and have some tea...”

“I have some letters for you,” Narikin said, putting them on the table.

The wardroom was cramped but cosy. Not only did a large table fill most of the room but the walls were covered in shelves, pictures and pieces of nautical memorabilia collected from their travels. He spotted a binnacle from an Enoth cruiser and the tattered remains of a flag that had once flown from the mast of Zarktek ship. There were books too, some written in the Tun language and others he didn’t recognise.

“I didn’t know humans served on your ship,” he said.

“It’s another reason the other clans despise me; they don’t believe the races should mix. But I don’t agree - humans are excellent fighters and loyal to a fault. Is this a problem for you?”

“I have never seen a human before; I don’t know what they’re like.”

“I’m afraid they won’t show much respect for your title. Most are from the old Tun Republic, where the Xramarian Empire is now, and royalty is anathema to them.”

“I won’t mind that – I was never very good at being a prince.”

Kruvak laughed, “No, me neither.” He poured Narikin a bowl of tea and began to open the letters. “I see Subarsi has written a letter of commendation for you...”

“Oh dear - has he really?”

Kruvak read it through quickly. “That’s a surprise,” he said, putting it down again.

“What...?”

“He says you’re proficient in martial arts and his Sword Master had nothing to teach you. He says you were taught by Captain Haku...?”

“Not strictly true: I was taught dancing by his daughter, Amah, but it turns out I was learning the moves for martial arts instead.”

Kruvak laughed, “Still, an unexpected bonus.” He put the letter down. “He speaks highly of you and that’s what matters. But it’s your ability to use a camera that’s going to be invaluable to us. Did Jamadar tell you we had your workshop dismantled and sent here?”

“Quassin did...”

“The Kyzyl Bulak brought it while you were training.”

“Nobody said anything in their letters.”

“It’s meant to be a secret. I don’t want the Taira to know we have a photographer until your pictures are sitting in front of them.”

“Why not?”

“The less evidence we can present, the easier it will be for them to convince Emperor Mizuiro to withdraw from the Third Sphere. We’re in enough trouble as it is without the Taira trying to get rid of our new asset as well.”

“Trouble...?”

“We’ve lost our allies in the Xramarian Empire. The fish are at war with each other and we won’t be able to use any of our secret bases in the west. Even if your father allowed us to go to Variola, we would have nowhere to retreat to if the Rickobites came after us. Then there’s

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