“So you, Lekos, are the grandson of that other Lekos. But what of your father, Sergios? How did he come to remain amongst the pi … people of the Sea Islands?” “Well, Mara, my father’s wounds were grave—he nearly died of them. His recuperation required many months, and during those months Lord Pardos and his wife came to add love to the respect they bore him. So, when once>more he was able to walk and join his host at table, Pardos and Kahndees set about persuading him to • stay. Nor was it difficult. When he heard that his father was dead, slain by Demetrios in a duel . . .”
Mara shook her head. “It did not happen precisely in that way, but continue, Lekos.”
“With my grandfather, the man who had extracted my father’s oath to devote his life to Basil’s son, dead by the hand of Basil’s son, Lord Pardos and Father Vokos— who knew more regarding the ancient customs and manners of the Ehleenoee than any man I have ever met—were able to convince my father that he was at last freed of his vow.”
“It is true,” agreed Mara. “According to the old forms, the demise of the recipient of an oath frees him who made it of all obligation.”
“But,” added Alexandros, “my father never felt free of all obligation, else I would not be in your palace, Mara.
“When once more he could swing a sword and do spearwork and the wearing of armor failed to tire him, he grew restless and badgered Pardos until it was finally agreed that he might begin to earn his keep.
“Mara, there are many of you mainlanders who say that we of the Sea Isles are barbarians. It is true, but only in the sense that precious few of us have much Ehleen blood, and most of that is highly diluted. And at the time of which I am speaking, Lord Pardos and my father were the only Kath’ahrohs in the realm.
“Mara, our name for all who are not Sea Islanders is Pseheesteesohee—liars, in Merikanos. Our people never lie, not to teach other, nor do they steal from other Sea Islanders—not because of any fearsome punishment, but because either would be dishonorable. We are, needs must, a tightly knit and strongly interdependent society, and newcomers either learn to be honorable or they do not long survive.
“Our only hereditary title is that of Sea Lord, and even a legitimate heir may be set aside should the Council of Captains find serious fault in him. A Sea Lord inherits only ownership of the Sea Isles, the structures on the various islands, the shipyard, docks, and his predecessor’s personal property. Captains may buy and sell ships—they own all of them—but everyone pays rent for their dwellings and storehouses to the Sea Lord, who also receives a small percentage of profitable voyages, exacts fees for the use of the shipyard and for harborage, and collects buyers’ taxes on exports from the merchants who come to trade with us.
“Few of our men live long, Mara. Nine out of ten die before they are thirty. Because of this and because of the length of time a ship may be at sea, our women practice polyandry, and it has worked well over the years. Lord Pardos had suffered an injury in his youth that rendered him sterile, so he had my father wed Lady Kahndees. She bore him my two older half-brothers, but both were slain while I was yet a child.
“Father accompanied other captains on many voyages, distinguishing himself in many ways. He had been in the Sea Isles for five years when, at the death of Captain Kleev during a sea fight, Kleev’s crew elected him their captain. He had made many friends, and when he brought Kleev’s ship back in, the Council unanimously confirmed his captaincy.
“In only three years, father was a senior captain, owning and commanding nine ships, and raiding as far away as Eespaheeah, Eerlahntheeah, and even farther north. Two years before my birth, he sailed his ships into the tideless sea, from which our people came so long ago. While his ships scattered to raid, he visited Pahlyohs Ehlahs, where he was well and courteously received. He stayed three months, and when he sailed to rendezvous with his ships, he brought with him his bride, my noble mother.