Teldin wasn’t sure he trusted Vallus Leafbower any more than the others, but maybe he could learn more of the elves’ imperial fleet. If he eventually did go to Evermeet, perhaps he’d see the aloof Vallus again and be able to ask him his part in the whole affair. Maybe he’d meet up with Horvath, Miggins, and Saliman again, he added. That would be pleasant.
Aelfred was still waiting for an answer to his question. “I’m coming with you,” Teldin said quietly. “Away from here.”
The first mate – No, Teldin corrected himself, the captain – smiled. “In that case, I have a proposition for you,” he said. “I need a first mate, someone I can have confidence in during a scrap. That describes you, old son. Are you interested?”
Teldin sighed. “Why is it that everyone wants to put responsibilities on my shoulders?” he asked.
“Because they know you’re capable of handling them,” his friend said simply. Aelfred rose. “No need for you to decide now. I should see to my ship. I’ll be back to check on you later.” He left the cabin, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Teldin closed his eyes. There were too many questions, he told himself, too many unknowns. He’d have to deal with them eventually, but not now. For the moment, all he wanted to do was rest.
As he settled back onto the cot, the hammership cruised silently away from Toril, into the darkness of space.
Into the void.
Title page
Copyright
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue