J.J. Gadd

The Boy__ head was spinning. Raul was real, and quite possibly not kindly disposed to him, as Marama__ potential heir and jail-breaker. The sailors worshiped Marama, who controlled the tides and commanded them through dreams? The Geolwe collected clouds and lived in the sky? And did the captain just say there were mountains in the sea? Did he mean under the water? Downing the drink in front of him, he began to laugh. It was all just so hopelessly un-real. Anselt and the captain stared for a moment, then found his mirth infectious. Before long they were laughing too, and the sound of their merriment sailed through the night and out to greet the rolling waves, wrapping itself around the ship like a cloud.

Now it was Arla__ turn for astonishment. The Boy gave Perry a wide smile as he shook his hand. __ou know the land you say? Up along the promontory? Good. Well, perhaps we should take you along. Do you have a horse?___o_ Perry replied. __ut I can ride.___rla is quite slight,_ the Boy said. __erhaps she can ride the packhorse with our gear.__rla gave a strangled gasp, and the Boy grinned at her. She realised he was joking, and breathed a sigh of relief. But she did not trust herself to speak. What did Branguin think he was doing?