Pyramid Scheme by Dave Freer and Eric Flint

Jerry tugged his wispy beard. It had become less wispy over the last while. “He owes allegiance to Poseidon, like Triton. But he is one of the sons of Oceanus and Tethys.”

“Indeed.” The seal spoke, its face transforming briefly into that of an old, gray-bearded man. “My father Oceanus sends greetings. He sent word to all his Oceanid sons, to search for you.”

“What does the Titan Oceanus want from us?” asked Jerry suspiciously.

“He wishes to cry you a warning, mortals. Poseidon has suddenly left off his banishment of my father to the distant waters of his retirement. Poseidon is seeking you instead. He wishes you drowned or buried beneath the shaking lands.”

“And what’s this Oceanus guy’s beef?” demanded Cruz.

Proteus’ fins briefly transformed as he threw out his hands. “My father was lord of the river ocean, until the rule of the Olympians. Then he was retired to distant waters and the oceans passed into the hands of blue-eyed Amphitrite and her consort Poseidon. For many years now our universe has been a fading and passing thing.”

The old man of the sea dived and emerged with a fish across his jaws. This he tossed up, caught and swallowed before continuing. “Yet, a short while ago came a force which the Titans, the powers before Olympia, had never felt before. A blossoming of a strange and dark life came to our universe. My father found himself lord of the river ocean again . . . reinstated . . . and now the Olympian Poseidon has come to banish him again. Olympus is mighty. But we Titans would give what aid we could to those who oppose it.”

“Help your enemy’s enemies.” Cruz nodded. “That makes sense.”

McKenna looked skeptically at the seal-man. “So what’s on offer?”

“Guidance and speed to Pharos. Aye, and even into the heaven-fed waters of the Nile. My oracular skills to see as much of your future as I can. I know you must go to Egypt. I know you must get away from the wrath of Poseidon. The sea will be unsafe for you. It is uncertain what happens in Egypt because you disappear from my vision.”

“Maybe we get home!” said Lamont, with longing in his voice.

“Holy cow!” roared Liz. “What have you done to the ship?! She’s nearly up on the plane! There are hundreds of seals pushing us! Get that sail DOWN! Get to the back!”

* * *

It was strange to sail in still water. To the west and seaward lay Pharos, the isle of the seal herder, Proteus, its sandy shore licked by the rollers. Here in the broad mouth of what must be the Canopic Nile, the rowers had to stroke again. The seals and Proteus had gone. It was already late afternoon, but the sun beat down mercilessly, and had Jerry blessing the northerly breeze. The shoreline was verdant.

The settlement looked small and fairly non-threatening. Jerry was still as nervous as a cat. Not even the sight of other peaceful vessels convinced him this was not yet another unpleasant surprise. The dragons were keeping a high and distant eye over them so as not to frighten the townsfolk into fits. It made sense. It also made them further off and this left Jerry feeling quite uncomfortable.

They slid alongside a simple quay. That was a pleasant surprise. It would make a change not to get wet to the waist hauling the black ship up. The sun was lowering in the western sky, casting long shadows. Ha! Ashore for the night and not having to dry out by the fire before going to sleep! Undreamed of luxury!

“Do we unchain them?” asked Jerry quietly.

“No,” said Liz, smiling nastily.

“Well, should some of us stay on board?” Lamont was gathering his possessions.

Liz shook her head. “I gather the sea is going to be a good thing to stay out of, Lamont. If the silly buggers run away we can always hire one of the local boats. They can’t be as untrustworthy as our buddy Ody.”

“Why don’t we just let them go, then?”

“We might want a ride a bit further upstream. Let’s first check things out around here,” said Cruz.