my eyes and voice, at least until such time as you’ve earned my trust.”
Glowering, a plump man with a scraggy, goatish beard and a bronze sickle hanging at his side asked, “What if we say no?”
“Then I’ll burn the cursed ship and leave you stranded in a country where folk despise you.”
The elderly wizard gave a grim little chuckle. “In that case, Captain, I gladly pledge my fealty.”
Glowering, his comrades mumbled to the same effect.
Yhelbruna said, “In the Wychlaran’s name, Captain, I invite you and yours back to Immilmar to partake of our hospitality. Even these scoundrels, now that they’ve proclaimed you their leader.”
Aoth smiled. “Thank you, learned sister. I’m sure they’ll prefer it to sleeping out in the cold, and I won’t mind a couple days of warm beds and good food either.”
“Only ‘a couple days’? You’re welcome to bide until spring if you like.”
“Thank you, but I have to check on the rest of my men. Cera needs to prepare for a grand conclave of Amaunator’s clergy.” He glanced at Jhesrhi standing alone, her war boots and the butt of her staff planted in a puddle of melted snow. “And we all have a problem to solve.”
