“What's this utter nonsense about islands in a far distant western sea – and bringing back girls representing a culture entirely unknown to this clime and to me, personally?”
“It's not nonsense, sire – if you'll grant me the privilege of disagreeing with you.” Thor smiled charmingly. “I've been to these islands. I went there sheerly by accident, thanks to a most ungodly storm – but I've been there and I've seen the people who live on those green islands!”
“The young women are beautiful?”
“Indescribably beautiful, my lord.”
“And I'm given to understand their customs are completely alien to anything known in this entire part of the world. Is that also true?” Ignacio's troubled eyes burned into the captain's serene face. “I warn you, captain. If you're fabricating this tale – you'll die for your brash-ness!”
“I'm telling the plain truth, sire. Yes, their customs differ from any known in Europe! They're a primitive yet highly civilized people, and I'm positive you'll find them – should I live through the voyage to the islands, the business of getting some pretty captives and the return trip across uncharted seas – truly remarkable if not considerably fascinating samples of a brand new race.”
Ignacio stared rudely into space, his mind at work upon a decision. There were many things upon that gradually disintegrating mentality – but his incipient curiosity, his craving for ever new sensual delights and knowledge that expanding his empire meant expansion of his power all combined to affect his decision.
“All right, captain,” Ignacio said in a crisp tone. “You shall have the ship you request and all the supplies you deem necessary for such an expedition.”
Thor's face brightened with a huge smile.
“Thank you, my lord! I shan't disappoint you!”
“But you must be aware that one of my most trusted men will accompany you on this expedition – with orders to kill you if you fail – or even attempt to defraud me! You'll not know, of course, which man aboard ship he will be!”
“Very clever, sire.” Thor forced a smile of tactful admiration upon his broad face. “However, I doubt that it will be necessary to have me killed because I intend that this expedition be a most enthralling success – for both our sakes, my lord!”
When he turned to leave I hurled myself from Ignacio and landed upon the giant Swede. Just the fact that he was leaving this stultifying palace was reason enough to board him. Later, when I nipped him for a light repast – I was pleased to discover his rich blood carried a sour-sweet flavor entirely new to my tingling palate.
And that is how I once again found myself watching the winds fill fresh canvas sails as Thor's ship plowed seaward – carrying me to whatever adventure lay ahead of me.
I knew I would welcome it!
