Ocean Of Fear (Book 6) Read Online Free PDF Page A

The sea demons? ”
    “The same.” Kormak considered this. The Old One Dhagoth had ruled large sections of the ocean when the world was young. He had been a rival of Saa-Aquor, the patron of merfolk. The Quan were deep sea dwellers. They had been mighty sorcerers, soul eaters. They were thought extinct, vanished along with their master during the wars of the Age of Darkness, leaving only legends that still terrified strong men. He doubted anyone collected their relics with a good purpose in mind.
    “The Merchant’s Guild did not hire me, did it?”
    Frater Jonas shook his head. “The donation to your Order was made in their name but ultimately the money comes from the royal purse.”
    “The merchants are loyal supporters of the crown.”
    “Precisely so.”
    “You waited a long time to tell me this.”
    “I’ve told you now. When you needed to know it.”
    “And when there’s not much chance of me being able to tell anybody else.”
    “Your understanding of the situation is very sound. And I trust I have no need to add that everything I have told you is considered a state secret and that you should keep it in strictest confidence.”
    “King Aemon really wants the Kraken dead, doesn’t he?”
    “It’s why you are here.”
    “I am not sure I like being used as an assassin.”
    “You’ve done it before. And if you do it this time, you won’t find the King-Emperor ungrateful. Like all kings Aemon is wary of rivals, particularly ones who are potent mages. The man who rids him of this one could expect a considerable display of gratitude.”
    “Which is why you are here. To make sure everything goes smoothly, to report back on what happens.”
    The priest opened his hands. “I am merely a servant of my Order.”
    “One who may end up with a palace of his own.” Kormak considered for a moment. “Or head of his Order with the king’s support.”
    “If the Holy Sun provides such a thing, I would be an ingrate to turn it down.” They stood together in silence while Kormak considered his words.
    “I had always heard that King Aemon was the next best thing to a saint,” Kormak said. “That he spends all his time building temples and cathedrals and collecting holy relics when he is not healing the sick. You make him sound less than saintly.”
    “There have been many types of saint, Sir Kormak, some more worldly than others. It is not for me to judge the king.”
    “Nor for me either you imply.”
    Jonas shrugged. “There’s one more thing, Sir Kormak.”
    “And what would that be?”
    “King Varlan was unwise enough to give Naomi a token of his affections, a very special one which ensured that the guards would allow her into the palace. It was a ruby seal ring, one that had belonged to Varlan’s grandmother. It seems the Kraken wears it now.”
    Kormak kept his expression neutral. It was an unwise gift. People would remember that ring and recognise it. It would bolster the Kraken’s claim to be of royal blood. “The king wants this token of his sire’s misplaced affections returned.
    “It would be considered a great favour and, since the Kraken would not give it up while still living, proof of success in your mission.”
    “You’ve given me plenty to think about, Frater.”
    “Then once more I bid you good night,” said Frater Jonas. “Let us hope nothing else disturbs our rest.”

CHAPTER FOUR

    NEXT MORNING THEY kept rowing upriver. The forest grew denser and the river narrower. Its waters were a muddy brown. The branches of the trees formed a great arch overhead, cutting out the sun.
    Shadowy figures kept pace with them, weaving amid the boles of the trees. The branches overhead moved as if animals were scampering through them. Sometimes Kormak saw faces looking down at them. He pointed this out to Zamara.
    “As long as they don’t attack us, they are not a problem,” the captain said. “They are probably just watching us to make sure we do no harm as we pass through their territory.