Huw shouted to him, “What is happening, Kadya? The raiders cry out in fear, as though some evil demon walked among them.”
Arkady leaned forward and put his lips to Huw’s ear. He said, “I am the demon.”
The men hurriedly obeyed, and soon the deck stood empty save for the waterlogged bodies sloshing back and forth with the rocking motion of the boat. The wind speed increased, and Arkady hung on to the bales of cargo occupying the bow. An enormous wave almost sent the boat on its beam ends, and Huw lost his grip on Arkady’s arm and slid down the deck. With a frantic cry, Arkady dived after him, as a jagged bolt split the towering clouds. Somehow, he was able to grasp Huw’s breeches and hold on, as wave after wave pounded the ship.
Several other thralls rolled past them and were washed away
