by Tina Daniell
Ilyatha grinned evilly as he moved toward the halfogre. Though Fritzen was a skilled acrobat, his talents were best used on land. The shadowperson easily outmaneuvered him underwater. Fritzen knew he would have to rely on his strength. Ilyatha pumped his legs, propelling himself toward Fritzen, and the half-ogre treaded water to stay in place and meet the charge. As Ilyatha moved in, Fritzen's arms drove forward, and his hands clamped tightly on the shadowperson's dark wrists, keeping the daggers from finding their target. Out of the corner of his eye, Fritzen saw Tailonna stir. She rose unsteadily to her feet and looked up at Fritzen and Ilyatha, then furtively glanced at the morkoth. The half-ogre thanked the gods there were no red flecks in her eyes.
The sea elf raised her hands and wiggled her fingers, mouthing words to an incantation. Grabbing one of the nets from her hair, she was careful to keep from looking directly at the morkoth's tentacles, and instead focused on a spot on its torso. As she finished the incantation, her magical webnet rushed through the water straight at the beast, but it stopped inches from the creature's grotesque body, hovering for the briefest moment. Then the enchanted piece of gossamer returned just as quickly to envelop Tailonna tightly in the net she had sought to use against the morkoth.
Fritzen cursed between his teeth. The sea elf had been their best hope. The shadowperson in his grasp wriggled madly, and the half-ogre tightened his grip until he saw a look of pain on Ilyatha's face. Kicking forward with his legs, Fritzen propelled the shadowperson roughly against the cavern wall. The half-ogre was trying to stun Ilyatha, but the dark warrior was determined and only struggled harder.
Below, the morkoth slowly descended toward Kof. The minotaur still prodded about blindly with his spear, fearing to open his eyes and be charmed by the vile creature's movements. Through her webnet Tailonna saw the morkoth shift to come down behind Kof.
"He's at your back!" she shouted. The sound of her sea elven voice carried faintly through the water, reaching Kof's sensitive ears. "He's stopped writhing. You can open your eyes."
Her warning came almost too late. One of the morkoth's tentacles snaked out toward the back of the minotaur's neck. But Kof whirled and opened his eyes in time to see it. He crouched and drove the spear forward, embedding its tip in the rubbery tentacle. Black blood spilled out into the water. Kof knew Attat wanted the creature undamaged, but with the sea elf's webnets ineffective against it, there was little choice but to battle it or be killed—or battle it and be killed. He tugged on the spear, but its barbed point had passed all the way through the tentacle and was lodged there. Grumbling, he released the haft and grabbed another tentacle and started to climb toward the creature's torso.
The morkoth emitted a shriek that cut through the water and brought tears to the minotaur's eyes. The pain in Koraf's head was excruciating, but he knew to release the beast would mean his doom. Clamping his teeth together, he renewed his efforts and struggled to climb higher. The creature's other tentacles wrapped themselves about the minotaur's legs, pinning him in place. In response, Koraf dug his nails into the tentacle he had hold of, causing more black blood to be released.
The creature started twisting now, trying to dislodge the persistent minotaur. Its pincer-arms clacked menacingly, and it doubled over so it could snap at Kof with its beak. The minotaur took advantage of the beast's maneuver and released his hold on the tentacle to grab the sides of its fishlike head. The beak dived in, driving at the minotaur's shoulder and sending jolts of pain through him.
Above, Fritzen continued to struggle with his mesmerized assailant, repeatedly striking Ilyatha against the cavern wall until at last the shadowperson lost consciousness. The half-ogre noticed Ilyatha was still breathing, and he gratefully eased the limp body to the cavern floor near where Tailonna still struggled with her webnet. Then he pushed off again, streaking toward the morkoth and Koraf.
The minotaur dug his fingers into the flesh of the morkoth's face, raking his nails through the skin and scales and causing the beast to scream. The creature's tentacles thrashed maddeningly and found a hold about Kof's thick waist. They squeezed tight, trying to force the water from the minotaur's lungs. Koraf felt himself blacking out, but he dug his nails into the morkoth's neck this time, trying to throttle the beast while he sucked in water.
Fritzen grabbed one of the tentacles that was holding the minotaur and tugged. Though he could not pull the tentacle free, he managed to relax its grip just enough so Kof could breathe. The minotaur spent his renewed strength by squeezing the morkoth's neck harder, trying to suffocate the thing. Fritzen squirmed his hand between the tentacle and Kof's waist, then he pushed harder and got his forearm between the tentacle and minotaur. After what seemed like forever, the morkoth weakened, and the tentacles released their hold. The minotaur, morkoth, and Fritzen drifted to the cavern floor in one heap. The morkoth lay motionless, and for a moment, and the half-ogre feared it was dead.
"No, it lives. Barely," Tailonna said. She was finally free of the webnet. "Kof nearly killed it, though, and it might still die if we don't get it to the ship and tend to its wounds. Though I'm not sure I can concoct a potion to heal it."
Fritzen shuddered, thinking about aiding such a malicious beast. Perhaps Lendle can mend it, he thought. The gnome seems able to work wonders.
Kof gently prodded his ribs and nodded his thanks to the half-ogre. The bite on his shoulder was deep, but small, and he pressed gently on it with his fingers. The minotaur grimaced, but shrugged off the ache. He'd suffered much worse wounds in the Lacynos arena. Satisfied he was all right, he moved to the shadowperson, who was groggily coming to. Kof bent and retrieved Ilyatha's daggers, then looked at the cavern walls. He turned to Ilyatha and furrowed his brow. He reached out and touched the shadowperson's thoughts.
Take the morkoth's body out of here and ask the ki-rin to carry it for you. I'm going to stay a few moments, collect some of these gems, the minotaur communicated. Ilyatha started to protest, but a stern look from Kof cut him off.If the morkoth dies, or if Attat backs out of the bargain, Maquesta might need something of value to trade for her father and the Perechon.
Ilyatha relayed Kof's plan. Tailonna passed her waist bag to him, then she helped Ilyatha to his feet and the two of them churned their legs to take them out of the cavern. Fritzen picked up the morkoth and wrapped it in the net. He laid a hand on the minotaur's shoulder and nodded. Then he pushed off, with his wounded prize in tow.
Alone, Koraf started about his work, prying emeralds, diamonds, rubies, and jacinths out of the walls of the morkoth's lair and stuffing handfuls of them into his pockets and Tailonna's bag. He selected the largest gems, the ones that best caught the light of the magical fire overhead. By the time he could carry no more and was certain he had a fortune, he began to get lightheaded. He suspected he had been gathering the treasure for a few hours. Fumbling about in the pouch at his waist, he retrieved his second potion and downed it.
Then he found his way out of the cave.
The ki-rin had taken the morkoth to the ship and returned for Bas-Ohn Koraf. The grateful minotaur, laden with his sparkling treasure, accepted Belwar's invitation and climbed upon his back. Within the hour they were approaching the deck of the Perechon.
Maquesta's fever was gone. She was on the port bow, talking animatedly to a still-soaked Fritzen and a blanket-wrapped Tailonna. A thin, white bandage was wrapped about Maq's leg, and she leaned against a spear for support, but it appeared the captain was much improved.
Ilyatha was nearby, babbling at the kuo-toa king, whose hands and feet were tied. The other kuo-toa had been herded up on deck, and they stood by the railing as the Perechon crew kept them at a distance with spears and harpoons. The ki-rin landed behind Maquesta, and she turned and grinned at Belwar and the minotaur.
"Belwar, thank you for returning my first mate. Lendle's watching the morkoth. The beast is in Attat's cage, which we've managed to lash to the aft of the ship—just enough of it underwater so the thing won't die. Lendle thinks he c
an pull the beast through; he's been sprinkling herbs in the water all around it. But we'll have to keep a close watch to make certain the morkoth doesn't use any of its nasty tricks. I think everything will work out," she gushed. "We'll be able to get my father back—and the Perechon."
The ki-rin nodded to her, but its eyes were sad. "I do hope everything works out for you, Maquesta. I must go now, but I will return if you need me."
The minotaur felt in his pockets for the gems, letting his fingers run around their smooth, faceted surfaces. Then he patted Tailonna's bulging bag at his side. "I have insurance, Captain," he told her, when he made sure the rest of the crew was occupied elsewhere. He produced a large emerald, holding it where she could see. "There are more. Enough to buy several ships, perhaps enough to buy every ship in Lacynos and pay for crews to man them."
The minotaur gave her Tailonna's bag and walked with Maquesta to her cabin, where he spilled the gems from his pockets across the top of her table. Maq's eyes sparkled. It was more wealth than she had seen in her entire lifetime, as much wealth as lined the Lacynos merchant's treasure cave.
"I hope we won't need all of these at Attat's," she said. "I can think of much better uses for them, including paying a crew that has been without full compensation for too long."
Maquesta secured the treasure under her bed, then she and Kof returned to the deck. Tailonna rushed toward the pair, requesting that the remaining kuo-toa be slain.
"We killed well more than half of the colony when they attacked the ship last night," Maquesta argued. "I think that is quite a significant loss, one that will take them years to recover from. To slay captive foes is butchery."
The sea elf nodded reluctantly. "Their numbers may no longer pose a threat to my people. If they do, we can deal with them now. The odds are in our favor."
With that, Maquesta motioned to Ilyatha, who cut the king's ropes and ordered the creature over the side. The crew prodded the other kuo-toa to jump into the water, as well.
"The king's sons are in the hold," Maq told Tailonna. "When we are far from here, they'll be released. The king has guaranteed us safe passage as long as they are all right. Now we sail for deep water. We'll bury our dead at sea, then be on our way to Attat's."
Chapter 15
The Return
"You don't have to stay with us any longer," Maquesta told Tailonna. "We can ease into the Endscape port for you. It's not far, and there's a deep harbor that we can move all the way into. It won't set us back more than hour, two at the most."
The women stood near the bow of the ship, looking out at the early morning sky and the rough water. The sails were full of wind and crackled with each gust, and the ship crested one wave after the next, rising and falling and spraying water over Maq and Tailonna. Despite the strong breeze, they were not making good time. Dragging the morkoth's cage slowed their progress considerably.
The sea elf turned to Maquesta, a grin forming on her thin lips. "I know I could leave," she said softly. "With the morkoth captured, my obligation ends. But…" She paused and looked up at the cloudless sky. "I have to know how this all turns out, Maquesta. I've come this far, and I want to see this journey through. Besides, you can't afford to lose an hour or two."
"And after that?"
"This is a fine ship. I've learned you make an excellent captain, and you have an able crew. But if you keep traveling waters like these, you're going to need someone with a little magic." She winked at Maq. "Maybe I'll stay. For a while anyway."
"I think the crew would like that," Maq replied, still not sure if she would like the presence of the sea elf on board.
"I should catch some fish for the morkoth," Tailonna added. "My people said the beast eats only live animals, and I trust you want the morkoth returned healthy to Lord Attat. So with your permission…" The sea elf pointed over the railing.
Maquesta nodded, not accustomed to having Tailonna ask permission to do anything. Then Maq turned and walked toward the port side of the ship. Behind her, she heard a splash, signaling that the sea elf was overboard. Maquesta hoped Tailonna managed to catch plenty of fish. She and the crew could use some fresh food for dinner.
Maq passed by Kof, who was obviously enjoying his time at the wheel. She wondered what he was thinking. They were returning to Lacynos, where he would be the property of Lord Attat again. She would talk to him about this later, as she had been mulling over the idea of purchasing his services from Attat on a permanent basis. Waving to him, she sped her pace. The minotaur nodded a greeting in return.
Her leg had recovered, thanks to the sea elf's magical balm and Lendle's herbs, though it was still a little stiff. She vowed to walk as much as possible today to help it limber up—the gnome's orders. For a moment she thought about going belowdecks and looking for Fritzen. She enjoyed his company, and she would like to hear again the story about the morkoth's capture and the twisting tunnels of its lair. But then she changed her mind. The half-ogre was with several of the other crewmembers, resting—hopefully sleeping. They would take over when night fell. With the cage slowing them more than she had anticipated, the Perechon had to continue moving, no matter the threats of traveling on the Blood Sea at night. There would be no more stops, and Ilyatha would use the flute of wind dancing each evening as long as its magic held out.
She spied Lendle leaning over the railing near the morkoth cage and decided to chat with him for a few moments. She wanted to thank the gnome for his help in mending her leg. She hadn't thanked him earlier—she was concerned about her ship, worried about the morkoth. In short, she thought to herself, she was taking the gnome for granted. That was a situation that would end now, she decided.
"Youaremostcertainlytheugliestcreaturelhaveseen," Lendle chattered at the morkoth. The gnome was leaning as far over the railing as his short stature allowed, ogling the beast and rapidly and loudly speaking to it. It was apparent Lendle wanted his voice to be heard above the sound of the wind and waves. Though the creature remained submerged, its head was just below the water, and it was looking back with interest at the gnome. Lendle watched its beak open and close and its red-flecked eyes narrow. The gnome tried to imitate the morkoth, then gave up and waggled his fingers in a childlike manner.
"Youbenicetome," Lendle sputtered. "Ikeptyoualivewithmyherbs."
"Slow down, please." Maq reached his side and affectionately scratched the top of his head. "I can barely understand you, which means it's doubtful the morkoth has picked up on a word."
"Thinkso?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Hmm." Lendle rubbed the end of his ample nose and smiled. He made an effort to talk more slowly for Maq. "I wasn't really talking to him anyway. He's ugly, huh?"
"Yes."
"And he looks like a couple of creatures put together. Part octopus. Part barracuda. A little bit of squid thrown in. Maybe a sea snake or an eel, too. He'd make good bait for a really big fish. Too bad we have to get rid of him."
"Uh-huh."
"You know, Maquesta Kar-Thon, I could create a device resembling his tentacles, but straight. And I'd make them much wider and flatter, of course, like oars. Made out of steel or hard wood—that would be best. You wouldn't want them to wiggle the way his tentacles do. They'd need to be sturdy, and water-resistant, too. I'd spread them even, like the legs of a starfish, like spokes on a wheel, then I'd attach them to a barrel. See, just like the straight part of his body there. If I could affix it to a winch, something to make the tentacles turn, I bet I could hook the whole thing up to the back of the Perechon. I'd crank it up, wind it up like a child's toy, and it would help power us through the water. We'd go much faster."
Maquesta offered Lendle a weak smile. "It has potential," she laughed. "But how about you getting belowdecks and working on your oar engine? That device is already put together; it just needs to work properly. Because of the morkoth's cage we're not covering much distance. And we can't carry the creature any other way, because I suspect if we took him out of the water, he'd
die."
"My oar engine!" The gnome beamed. "You most certainly could go faster, Maquesta Kar-Thon, if I got my engine to work!"
"Exactly."
"Til get right to it."
"Wonderful idea."
"And I'll fix dinner at the same time." The gnome pushed away from the railing and headed toward the stairs. Then he stopped, scratched his head, and turned back to Maquesta. "What do I fix for the morkoth? Do you think it would eat my brown-bean soup? How about cornmeal muffins? Dried kipper?"
"Don't worry about the morkoth, Lendle. Tailonna is out catching some fish for it. She claims morkoths eat only living things. And I'd be careful not to get to close to its cage. Those tentacles are long, and I'd hate to tell the crew the cook has been eaten."
The gnome whirled on his tiny feet and resumed his course.
"Oh, Lendle?"
He stopped again and looked over his shoulder.
"Thanks for fixing my leg. And my arm. And for seeing to the rest of the injured crew. Without you, we'd all be in the infirmary."
The gnome smiled and waved his hand, dismissing her words. "It was nothing," he jabbered. "Besides, Tailonna and Ilyatha helped." Then he dashed belowdecks.
Maquesta stared through the water at the morkoth. It placidly hung floating inside the cage, glancing up at her occasionally. She reached over the side to touch the top of the cage and saw the red flecks in the morkoth's eyes grow more intense and brighter, and its tentacles began to undulate faster. When she withdrew her hand, the beast again seemed docile. Maq doubted the thing was subdued. She suspected it was just biding its time, waiting for someone to lean too close. She decided to instruct her crew to give it a wide berth. She couldn't afford to lose any more sailors—or the morkoth.