CHAPTER 55 “You prefer that thing to me?”
Renato was unsure what surprised him more—that the giant had walked unarmed into a swarm of murderous savages, or that the savages had let him leave, presenting him with a woman to boot.
But one fact was not lost upon him. The Kronks could be bargained with.
“Great chief,” he said in Spanish, “I too have come in friendship. Like your big friend, I wish to offer gifts.”
The snake priest turned, examining him through the slits in his mask. For the first time, the man’s dagger lay loose in his hand, and his stance was not threatening.
Renato felt heartened to continue. “I, too, offer sacrifices. A half dozen or more, waiting upon my ship. In exchange for my freedom, I will gladly deliver them to you.”
The priest grunted, which seemed his all-pur
