Seth negotiations

  Why have you imposed upon me? inquired a girlish voice in his mind. Although she sounded childlike, Seth intuited that the speaker was ancient.

  "I have to reach Shoreless Isle," Seth said. "This is the only way I know to get there. "

  You did not come alone. What is the meaning of the unicorn? The golem? The girl was clearly displeased.

  "I am traveling with friends to prevent a catastrophe," Seth said. "Will you take us?"

  Will I take you? The words stung his mind, and he flinched. I will not. I hate that island. You and your companions will join my crew. Except for the unicorn and the golem, who will go into the deep.

  "That's not acceptable," Seth said, worried, hand straying to the pommel of his sword.

  Not acceptable! Have you any idea who you are dealing with? I heeded the summons, as promised. After you come aboard, I do as I will. You do not belong here. I will not bargain with you. Away! Deliver my verdict to your companions.

  Seth drew Vasilis, and the warm comfort of rage awakened inside of him. Confidence crowded out his doubts and fears, and he felt shame for how he had been cowering. His friends were counting on him! The sword flared red, brightening the room and revealing a faint form in the corner. It looked like a sparse cloud of dust motes in the shape of a woman with long hair. Vasilis tugged him toward the hazy entity.

  "Enough nonsense," Seth commanded, resisting the eager pull of his sword. "I've been through too much to argue with a thousand-year-old child. My friends and I go to our deaths. You are merely the ride. I summoned you politely. You will provide us with safe passage, or your existence will end as I carve your ship into matchsticks and your crew into fish bait. " Silence.

  My apologies, came the timid response, all menace gone. You carried yourself like a fraud at first. You are cruel to tease us so. Cause us no harm, and I hereby grant you and your companions passage to Shoreless Isle.

Chapter 25