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Sacrifices for the Sea God, Burash
The assassin kicked bones
aside to expose manacles set into the rock, snapping them about
Bracht and Calandryll’s ankles before cutting the cords
that bound their hands.
Bracht stooped instantly,
testing the chains. From above came laughter and the priest’s
booming voice.
”To stout to break, those
bonds. Save Burash grant you mercy, you pay for your affront.”
The water rose, creeping up
their legs, overtopping their boots. Lapping ripples touched
Calandryll’s face and he spat salt water from his mouth,
craning his head back, seeking to hold lips and nose clear of
the flow. He heard Bracht shout, “Courage!,” the cry
abruptly cut off by a dreadful choking.
In moments, the level was
risen above Calandryll’s head, his ragged breath sucking
in not air, but water. He floated, turning this way and that
as blind panic set him to thrashing, arms flailing wild as he
sought hopelessly to thrust his head upwards, into the air.
Calandryll felt death touch
him . . .
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