15/03/2026 16:01

---

There was another sob, more poignant than the last. The replies that returned to themwere the voice of Sukeena speaking, little jewels of brevity thatdelighted them with occasional flashes of wit and humour. Hal peered ahead and, out of the gloom, saw the shape of a small dhowcoming to meet them. On the steep slope even his indefatigable trackers began to flag.

In staggeredarrowhead formations they flew across the red dawn sky uttering wild,haunting cries. Hal reached the gun pit at the end of the line and jumped down besideAboli, who was captaining the team of gunners there. Any warlike stores or provisions you may capture will be purchased bythe exchequer, and likewise any enemy vessels will be purchased by thenavy. He listened intently, butcould hear nothing from the main cabin beyond.