Star Mage (Book 5) by John Forrester Read Free Book Online Page B

prepared several small boats to greet the large caravel as it swept into the cove. She flew a black flag emblazoned with the white face of a ghoul. Pirates , Talis thought, and narrowed his eyes at the approaching ship.
    Master Goleth strode up alongside and stared out to sea, a grim expression on his face. “After they load the silver ore, Hestor told me we’d be allowed to board. She sails the Horn of Hardrin for Carvina, arriving at the smuggler’s port inside the capitol. It’s a vast city and will take us almost a day to walk from there to the Royal Court of Carvina.”
    Talis tried to imagine a city so massive that it would take a day to walk across it. The only other large city he’d visited had been Illumina and Darkov, and both were grand but also condensed, nothing as expansive as how Carvina sounded. If they were to try and visit the Emperor at the Royal Court, could they actually gain an entrance? Especially if Master Goleth introduced them as royals from Naru.
    They strode over to the beach where the smugglers were busy loading crates of silver ore into the long boats. The caravel had released several boats of their own, and Talis spotted a bearded man standing erect at the bow. He wore a red silk shirt and black pants, and his mane of black hair was covered by the strangest hat Talis had ever seen. The black, three-cornered hat had a red-faced goblin on each edge, and three layers of red goblin heads adorned the crown. When he looked away, Talis swore the goblins’ eyes followed him.
    Hestor eagerly waved at the bearded man, and helped tug the longboat ashore so the man could jump off the boat’s prow. The bearded man glanced around at the assembled villagers and gave the crowd a gold-toothed grin.
    “A nice haul of silver this time, eh, Hestor? I’m surprised you have so much for me, I thought the Jiserians were busy trying to eliminate corruption?” The bearded man clasped arms with Hestor and studied him with curious eyes.
    “Our bribes are taken easily now, Captain Cridd, a surprise to us all.” Hestor allowed a broad smile to flourish on his tanned face. “The Jiserians seem scattered and disorganized, and the silver ore ripe for the taking. We plan on an even greater plunder next time, if you’ll supply us with the jewels.”
    Captain Cridd released a pleasant belly laugh and slapped Hestor on the shoulder. “Jewels we can manage! As long as you can keep supplying all this fine silver ore. We’ll do a righteous business together, Hestor. The gods love profit and wealth. May the sun shine soft and lazy, and the wind blow smoothly on our sails.” He turned and glanced at Master Goleth, his eyes turning hard and mistrustful.
    “This is Master Goleth,” Hestor said, and spread a nervous hand towards the Builder. “He seeks passage with The Emperor’s Revenge all the way to Carvina.”
    The pirate captain sneered at the Builder’s robes. “A wizard? And you dare show your face here amongst a nest of smugglers and pirates? What is a master of the Order of Rezel doing here? And why aren’t you aiming for Ishur?”
    Master Goleth bristled under the pirate’s words and raised a threatening finger at the captain. “Do I need to explain myself to a notorious brigand of the Melovian Sea?”
    Captain Cridd looked pleased at the Builder’s outburst. “You do, at least if you intend on boarding my ship. These are perilous times in the Empire. Talk of war has changed to talk of chaos and civil disruption.” The pirate snorted at Hestor. “Exactly the environment that allows smugglers and pirates to thrive. So, Master Builder, might you have any information to help fatten our purses?”
    “I’ve only just returned from a long journey and thought that you’d be able to supply me with more news.” Master Goleth had softened his voice, and the effect on the pirate was immediate.
    “As I suspected, a long journey.” The Captain peered at the purse hanging from the Builder’s waist. “A