by Lana Axe
“The herbalist?” Zamna asked. “What do you want with her?”
Taren thought he heard a note of suspicion in Zamna’s voice. “She’s interesting,” he said. “I spoke with her for only a few minutes, but I wouldn’t mind seeing her again.”
“Uh-huh,” Zamna replied knowingly. He could easily tell when a man was infatuated with a woman. They all acted the same way, himself included.
“Do you know her?” Taren asked.
“Of course I do,” Zamna replied.
Taren felt his heart stop. “She’s your sister, isn’t she?” Heat rose to his face, his cheeks reddening. What were the chances he’d have an interest in Zamna’s sister of all people?
Hissing with laughter, Zamna shook his head. “She’s not my sister,” he replied.
“Good,” Taren said, relieved.
“She’s my cousin.” Glancing over at a nervous Taren, he added, “Relax. I don’t mind if you have an interest my cousin.”
“I didn’t say that,” Taren tried to explain. “She’s an herbalist, so we have things in common. And she could teach me about La’kerta’s flora.”
“Of course she could,” Zamna agreed. “She runs a good business here. She’s a bit headstrong, but that’s a good match for you.” The corners of his mouth turned up in a smirk.
“Is herbalism a big business here?” Taren asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from Lilla.
“As big as anywhere else, I suppose,” Zamna replied. “Everyone needs medicine now and then.”
“What of mages?” Taren asked. “Is there a college here?”
“There are wizards here,” Zamna replied. “I don’t know anything about their potion use, though. They probably keep that to themselves.” With a sideways glance, he added, “Lilla might know.”
Picturing Lilla’s soft features, Taren yearned to ask her that question. It was a perfect icebreaker to begin what could be a meaningful conversation. He wished he could stay until morning to see her again, but the symbol would not wait. Whatever else it might do, it would certainly ruin his chances of friendship, or more, with Lilla. The time will come, he reassured himself.
Thankfully they passed through town without incident. There was no sign of the bandits Taren had encountered before. He chose to keep the incident to himself rather than burden Zamna with the knowledge. It was all too likely the La’kertan knew those men, and he wouldn’t want to make any more trouble. It was best to carry on and leave it alone since no one had been gravely injured.
The jungle on each side of the path grew dark, fading to complete black only feet from the road. A thick green canopy refused to let the late-afternoon sun work its way through. New inhabitants had awakened in the darkness, strange calls coming from the distance. Taren suspected there might be primates among the vines, but without seeing them, he couldn’t be sure. “Are there many different species in your jungles?” he asked.
“Probably,” Zamna replied. With a shrug, he added, “I’m not much for nature studies. Yes, I’ve seen a few things. The predatory cats are the most dangerous, but they’re a rarity nowadays.”
Those words gave Taren pause, his heart heavy. Ky’sall had once been full of lush forests, but many were now towns and farms. What wonders might have been lost to that process? The shrinking of the forests and jungles of the world was a sad reality. If they were to disappear entirely, magic might as well. At least among humans who depended on potions. Rare ingredients necessary for many concoctions were found only in such places. Growing them in an artificial environment reduced their potency, sometimes rendering them useless.
The scampering of a tiny blue lizard on the trunk of a skinny tree startled Taren, who jumped backward, his hand covering his heart. Three leaves fell to the ground, disturbed by the creature’s motion.
“Jumpy?” Zamna asked, his eyebrow ridges raised.
“I guess so,” Taren admitted. The darkness surrounding him would make anyone nervous. Especially someone who had recently been attacked in this same area. He quickened his pace, and his companion followed suit. Taren briefly wondered if the lizard that had startled him was a distant relative of the La’kertan people, but he dared not ask the question.
Emerging from the dark passage, they laid eyes on the docks. A rich orange sunset was only beginning, its fiery light shining across the ocean’s surface. The wind had grown stronger, bringing with it a freshness that can come only from the sea.
An orb of purple light gleamed in the distance, summoning Taren to Imrit’s location. “Looks like he’s found us a ship,” he announced.
“Did that symbol of yours teleport you all the way here from Ky’sall?” Zamna asked.
Taren shook his head. “We came on a ship. The symbol hasn’t allowed me to teleport willingly since our return from the tomb. It does what it wants, when it wants.”
Leading the way, Taren passed a dozen other ships and a handful of empty slots. The tide rolled in, the pounding of the waves growing harder against the sand. “Right here,” he said as he reached the light.
“There you are!” Imrit said from the ship’s deck. “Come up! Come up! We’re sailing out with the tide.”
The two came aboard, Imrit immediately rushing to shake hands with Zamna.
“It’s a pleasure,” the old man said.
“Likewise,” Zamna grunted. “How did you convince a ship to sail to Ayumai out of season?” Though not a sailor, Zamna was familiar with the docks near his hometown. He had been a frequent traveler years ago, keeping track of which ships went where and at what time. It was helpful information for someone who had to fulfill a contract on time.
“It wasn’t easy,” Imrit admitted. “It’s a dangerous route, but it isn’t too far off-course for this ship’s original destination.”
“I bet they still asked for a tidy sum,” Zamna said.
“You’re right about that,” Imrit replied. “It took a good amount of gold, not to mention a little magic.”
“It’s not exactly fair to trick them that way,” Taren scolded.
“Psshh,” Imrit said, waving a dismissive hand. “Just a little enchantment on the captain to make him more agreeable. He’ll be a rich man with what I’m paying him, so he’s none the worse. Besides, I have to make good use of Ivdir’s wealth somehow.”
Trying not to judge his former master too harshly, Taren said, “I’m sure you were gentle on him.”
“Yes, yes, of course,” Imrit responded. “Like I said, there was no other choice. Ships deliver cargo to Ayumai only once a year. It was either use magic or wait six months.”
“I’m sure the crew will be happy to have two wizards on board,” Zamna commented. “The sea can be treacherous, especially around Ayumai. Your presence should put them at ease.” If not, Imrit could probably enchant the entire crew. Zamna wondered if Taren had ever used magic on him, but he knew it was impossible. Taren’s code of honor wouldn’t allow him to manipulate another person.
“It’s a long way to the island, so I’ve had quarters prepared for us,” Imrit said. “Come below deck and I’ll show you.”
He led his two companions to their rooms, each having their own private chamber. It was a great surprise to have so much room, but the ship was not full to capacity. Imrit’s gold had made it unnecessary for the captain to seek more cargo at the docks. Payment for the passengers he carried would put him over his yearly wage, so he was more than happy to accommodate the wizard’s need for space.
“You must have paid a fortune,” Zamna said. No matter how much magic he used on the captain, it would never have convinced him to give up three rooms. The one Imrit planned to inhabit belonged to the captain himself. Taren and Zamna’s rooms were smaller, but obviously belonged to the first mate and navigator.
“Perks of being reincarnated as a wealthy man,” Imrit said, chuckling. “I’ll see you all at first light,” he said. Disappearing into his room, he closed the door behind him with a click.
“Are you sure about th
is?” Zamna asked.
“I trust Imrit,” Taren replied. “He has reason to believe we’ll find what we need on Ayumai. Even if it’s dangerous, I have to go. The symbol will not settle for less.”
Nodding, Zamna turned the handle to his room and went inside. Kicking off his boots, he settled himself on the bed and tried not to think about dragons, cults, or stormy seas. For the moment, he was still near land. There was still time to change his mind.
* * * * *
Morning came and the ship disembarked without incident. Zamna opted to stay, his promise to travel with his friend outweighing whatever dangers they might face on Ayumai. Walking out on a friend was unforgiveable. To his surprise, the sailing was smooth and relaxing. It was a welcome break from his studies at the temple. Ynaja was right. Travel was good for him.
Taren continued to enjoy his time at sea. The stars were amazing, and the waters had turned to a breathtaking emerald green. He could sit and stare into the depths for hours, silently contemplating what might dwell below.
Many days Taren and Zamna spent together, discussing trivial matters but learning tidbits about each other that they hadn’t known before. Zamna wasn’t one to open up about his former career, but he talked at length about his travels. He had visited many places over the years, some of which were quite interesting. Taren hung on his every word, fascinated by the various lands. One kingdom boasted fine gardens, larger than anywhere else in Nōl’Deron. Taren made a mental note to travel there as soon as possible.
Often Zamna left gaps in these stories, describing the land and its people, but not the reason for his being there. Taren knew why. Zamna regretted his life as an assassin, though he didn’t vocalize it. Everywhere he’d traveled, he’d likely taken a life. It was those memories he was trying to put behind him by visiting the Temple of Auk. Even if he wouldn’t admit it, Taren knew the truth. He respected his friend for trying to live a better life. Not that Taren had ever held a low opinion of Zamna. On the contrary, he found him to be an honorable man, despite his former profession. Taren was proud to call him a friend.
Imrit spent most of the trip pacing in his cabin. When he did emerge, he used his magic stores to manipulate the weather, speeding the boat along its course. Then he’d disappear below and continue his restless behavior.
Taren wondered if the symbol within Imrit was the cause of his suffering. He was clearly exhausted despite Taren’s attempts to administer potions and magical healing. Why didn’t his symbol use its own powers as Taren’s did? Imrit gave only half-answers to that question. He would say it was unpredictable and remind his former apprentice that the two symbols worked differently from one another. Unsatisfied by the answer, Taren had to force himself to stop asking. Instead he implored his own symbol to take over and spare Imrit the pain. But alas, it was no use. His own symbol remained dormant, content that he was traveling toward its intended destination.
After three weeks, Imrit’s symbol relented, allowing him to rest peacefully. With help from Taren’s potions, he replenished his magical stores and found his strength. The trio spent quite a bit of time together, either talking or sitting beneath the stars. But the calm was about to come to an end.
Three days before they were due to arrive on Ayumai, the sea turned unsettled. Massive waves rocked the ship, its wooden hull screaming its displeasure. Taren’s potions provided some relief for seasickness, of which Imrit and Zamna were both grateful. Neither was used to such choppy seas. The emerald ocean tossed the ship like a ragdoll, unrelenting and angry.
For two days straight they had no rest, instead clinging to whatever seemed sturdiest at the time. Only the thought of reaching land kept them from losing their resolve. On the third day a voice rang out from the crow’s nest, heralding the sight of land, but the travelers could not take comfort. The next cry sent chills down their spines.
“Kraken!”
Chapter 9
An angry sea churned, heavy waves battering the ship’s hull. Sailors ran to and fro, scrambling to their positions. Fear glistened in their eyes as they desperately tried to keep the ship in one piece. Sails ripped as they reached for them, the loose cloth nearly knocking one man from his perch on the rigging. Taren focused his magic to save the man, and luckily, it obeyed, unhindered by the symbol.
Imrit focused his gaze to the sky, a cloudburst swirling directly above the ship. The sky darkened, the clouds themselves appearing bruised and battered. Pulling magic from the air, he tried to create a bubble around the ship to shield it from the storm. It was no use. He could not steady his mind as the ship rocked, and he was thrown across the deck and slammed against a rail.
Rushing to his aid was Zamna. He pulled the wizard to his feet and settled him near the mast, where he could hold onto the ropes. Imrit nodded his thanks and continued to work on the spell. A bolt of lightning ripped the sky, drawing the magic from the man’s fingers. Stunned, he could only stare at his hand until the charge subsided. Then he summoned power once again. Instead of forming a shield around the entire ship, which would be impossible to maintain, he focused his mind to the windward side. Holding up his hands, he tried to force back the squall, only partially succeeding.
After helping fasten the sails, Taren offered a boost to Imrit’s magic. Thunder rumbled all around them, shaking them through to their bones. Pressure weighed against Taren’s chest as he stood unshielded, fighting his way to his former master’s side. Summoning his magic, he produced a shield of green magic to cover both of them, leaving Imrit free to focus his mind on the storm.
The boat spun around, leaning heavily to the port side. Something bellowed beneath the ship. Voices shouted in all directions, but the pounding of the rain made the words impossible to understand. What the shouting was about soon became obvious. A colossal, rust-colored tentacle loomed over the ship’s edge, followed quickly by a second. Using its massive suckers, the kraken was holding the ship in place, preparing to destroy it.
Imrit and Taren looked to one another. “Go!” Imrit shouted, struggling to hold back the storm.
Taren didn’t stop to think. Running to the ship’s edge, he peered down into the water. Two massive eyes, black and empty, stared back at him. The kraken’s skin bore the scars of many battles. It was scraped and battered, with white lines among the red. What appeared to be a harpoon was embedded in its side, having healed over long ago. This beast was not wounded, and it wasn’t going down without a fight.
Pulling at his magic, Taren threw a burst of energy from his fingers. A wave of green slammed into the kraken’s side. He might as well have thrown a feather, for the creature was unfazed. Taren could not summon a stronger blast. The kraken’s tentacles clinging to the hull meant any stronger spell could send the ship to the depths along with the beast. His next choice was fire, which could also harm the ship, but the pummeling waves and rain would likely douse the flames quickly. With a burst of fire, Taren attacked, charring the beast’s thick skin.
The monster’s head reared back, a savage cry sounding from its maw. Rows of long, jagged spikes revealed themselves as the creature’s teeth, the stench of a million dead fish lingering in the air. Taren took a step back and reached for his magic again. As he loosed the second fireball, the kraken ducked under the ship. The magic fizzled into the sea, burning out without causing any harm.
Appearing at Taren’s side was Zamna, his daggers clasped firmly in his hands. His face bore an expression of anger and disgust. “Two master sorcerers can’t kill this thing?” he shouted.
He didn’t wait for a reply. Placing the daggers in his teeth, he dove headfirst into the ocean. Taren watched in horror as his friend disappeared into the swirling green water.
White foam erupted on the surface, heralding the return of the beast. Its head emerged, one eye looking up at the ship. Right behind it, Taren spotted Zamna, his daggers back in his hands. Along the La’kertan’s neck was a row of black slits. The sorcerer’s jaw dropped open as he realized they were not wounds, but gills. Z
amna could breathe under water. Grateful that his friend wasn’t about to drown, Taren ran to fetch Imrit.
* * * * *
Zamna slashed at the kraken’s tentacles, slicing through its thick, rust-red skin. It was a minor scratch, and the beast easily ignored him, focusing instead on the ship. Kicking his feet, Zamna swam forward, his nub of a tail pumping to give extra speed. He shot out of the water, landing on the kraken’s head. Plunging his dagger through the slimy skin, he finally got the beast’s attention.
Knowing it was not a fatal blow, Zamna prepared himself for a counterattack. The beast was in pain and angry—a lethal combination. A heavy tentacle rose from the depths, but too slow. Rolling to one side, Zamna managed to hang onto a different tentacle while avoiding the other. Sawing at it with his daggers, he removed the suction cups and cut it through, tossing the severed section into the sea. The kraken roared its displeasure, its focus now squarely on Zamna.
Diving low, the La’kertan narrowly avoided a grasping tentacle, finding himself below the creature. Making use of his gills, he drew oxygen from the water before diving lower, hoping to circle the monster. His mind whirled as he tried to decide where to attack it next. There was no good place to stab a kraken, except from inside it, and he wasn’t about to go there by choice.
* * * * *
At Taren’s urging, Imrit dropped the shield, allowing the storm to rage upon the ship. The pair raced to the side where Zamna had plunged into the sea. The kraken was turning away from the ship, its intent clear.
“We have to help him!” Taren cried.
With a nod, Imrit focused his magic into the depths, tapping into his knowledge of water magic. Taren took comfort in Imrit’s skill, knowing he would choose the spell with the best chance of saving Zamna. As he stood in silence, Imrit’s magic breached the ocean’s surface, forcing it apart. A crater the size of the ship formed before his eyes and began to swirl. Within seconds it transformed into a raging vortex. The kraken was caught and struggled to stop itself from being forced under.