‘Yes. A ship came and they walked this ice. My chieftain saw them. Sold them tusker horns. Then they fight krals with magic bows.’
The leader rose and turned to the hunchback. ‘Draw out his knowledge.’ The hunchback knelt by the prisoner, clasping both hands on the man’s head. He held this pose for more than a minute, then stood.
‘It is done, lord,’ he said.
The leader swung to the krals. ‘Now you may have him,’ he told them. Two of the great beasts dropped down. Talons flashed, severing the prisoner’s jugular and snapping through his ribs. He did not have time to scream.
‘Take me back,’ ordered Questor Ro.
He opened his eyes back in his chambers. ‘Your powers are a gift from the Source,’ he told Sofarita, then realized he was still holding her hand. Swiftly he let go – and instantly regretted it. It had been a long time since he had allowed himself such contact.
‘You are a lonely man,’ she said.
‘You must call me lord,’ he said gently. ‘We will be meeting others, and if it is seen you are disrespectful there may be trouble for you.’
‘You said you would help rid me of this curse.’
‘First we must understand the power. And, indeed, use it. We are all in danger from these newcomers. Your new talents will be a great help to us.’
‘If I help you, will you help me?’
‘I will do all that I can.’ Ro was surprised to find that he meant it.
Talaban worked the crew hard for two days, running the Serpent at full speed through rough water, simulating combat conditions by sharp changes of direction, swinging the ship to port, into the onrushing waves, then hurling her to starboard. Although all the ship’s movements were guided from the upper cabin, there were many duties for the crew. On each side of the vessel there were hidden boxes, containing powered controls. Some of these activated devices for preventing the Serpent being boarded. Others lifted curved shields into place to protect archers.
On the morning of the third day Talaban took Methras to the locked doors behind the prow. These too had a golden triangle, which when removed displayed a set of symbols. Talaban showed them to Methras and the two men entered.
Talaban activated a glow globe and Methras found himself staring at a large metal tube as thick as a man’s thigh. It was clamped to the ship’s timbers. At the base there was a large chest. Talaban slid back a panel upon it and showed his sergeant a series of wheels and dials.
‘The chest contains white crystals and three large rubies,’ said Talaban. ‘When activated it builds up a charge of power which can be released by pulling this lever. Watch closely!’ Talaban slowly turned a dial. Two sections of the wall slid back. The tube slid forward, clearing the first opening. ‘At long range great judgement is called for,’ said Talaban. ‘But I do not believe we will be fighting at long range. The second window is used to sight the weapon. It is like a giant zhi-bow and releases a bolt a hundred times as powerful. It could pierce a city wall twenty feet thick.’
‘That is indeed powerful, sir,’ said Methras. ‘It must take enormous energy.’
‘It does. Three bolts and then the weapon needs to be recharged. We do not have the power to recharge it. Three hits and it is gone – perhaps for ever. Therefore we have no opportunity for practice, and no margin for error. This will be your place, Methras.’
‘I will not fail you, captain,’ said the sergeant. Talaban looked at him closely.
‘Is something wrong?’
‘Not at all, sir.’
‘I have noticed that you and the crew seem … more distant. Is it because of the new duties, or fear of battle? What? Speak freely.’
‘I would, sir, but I am not aware of any change. We are your Vagar crew. We live to obey your commands. What more do you ask of us?’
‘A little honesty would not go amiss,’ said Talaban. ‘But let us put that aside and return our attention to the weapon here. When these ships were first commissioned there were telepaths among the crew. It is a skill we have lost. One would stand with the captain, another wait below with the weapon handler. That way the captain could issue an order to loose the fire. We do not have telepaths and therefore need another signal. What I intend is to flicker the glow globe above you. The next ship you see through the aiming window will be the target.’