Gog (Lost Civilizations: 4) (22 page)

“I know your ways,” whispered Thag. “You think you’re clever. And you think because you’re of the blood that you’re immune to Gog’s rages.”

“I’d worry about yourself, if I were you,” Nyla said.

Thag gave a strangled laugh. “I’m doomed, but so are you, assassin. They say Gog has lost his sight, and it has driven him insane. He destroys those nearest him because his rages are cold and merciless, devouring his devourers. Why do you think he turned against me?”

“You are a worm who displeased Gog. Think about that as we travel to Shamgar.”

“You tread a poisoned path, assassin. You think to please Gog, but he will devour you in turn. I could almost pity you.”

“You’d do better to think how much your life is worth,” Nyla said.

“Ransom myself by paying you?” Thag sneered.

“It’s me or Gog.”

“You are doomed, assassin. Gog—”

Nyla kicked Thag in the side, stilling his speech. Then she gagged him. It was many days to Shamgar. She would let him marinate in his fears. Then he might be ready to sing a different song.

Nyla picked up the pole of tem wood and whistled for Sheba. After the leopard boarded, Nyla pushed off the muddy, bloody bank, beginning the long trek back to the pirate city.