He tried never to show any sign of weakness.

“We did it,” she said. “We brought her in out of the storm.”

She was smiling. The second eyelid had withdrawn leaving her eyes looking almost mortal. The iris was green as jade.

“We did, didn’t we?” Kormak said.

Zamara clapped him on the back. The blow almost overbalanced Kormak. “By the Holy Sun’s Light, I thought we were all dead when that last wave swept the helmsman away. I expected to be eaten by eels in the Sea Queen’s dungeon this night.”

“Well, we’re spared that a fate.”

Zamara bellowed a command. The helmsman moved the ship a couple of points. Their course no longer lay in the direction of the group of massive galleons.

“What are they?” Kormak asked.

“Treasure Fleet,” Zamara said. “Luckier than us. Must have made landfall before the storm could catch them. We daren’t get too close while they are showing those warning lights. They would sink us, on the off-chance of us being pirates.”

“It would not do to be sunk now that we’ve survived the storm.”

“Most assuredly it would not. Now, Sir Kormak. Go below. Take my cabin. Rest. You deserve it.”

Kormak allowed himself to be led down to the cabin.

***

Kormak woke up in a warm bed with a warm body beside him. He turned over and looked down at Rhiana. The sheet did little to hide the smooth curves of her body. He made sure his sword was within easy reach, unhooked the elder sign from its pommel and draped it in place around his neck.

She was looking up at him when he turned back. She gave him a sour smile. “Do I frighten you so much?”

“Hardly at all,” he said. Sunbeams leaked in through the curtains. It seemed like day had broken while he slept. He checked his surroundings. The door was barred. It did not look like anybody could come barging in on them.

“I do not worship your Holy Sun, but I am not your enemy,” she said. She seemed quite serious. He laughed.

“It’s not you.