Page:Shen of the Sea.pdf/144

 hag. His Majesty, The Emperor, expected to receive more than a little pleasure to pay him for the adventure.

The light sedan that bore Radiant Blossom sped down to the river. A flower-hung sampan was waiting. The slaves put down their burden. Oars splashed. The shore sprang back. The swifting current was deep beneath

Did the curtains of the gilt sedan flutter aside?

Was it a spirit that glided so quickly from the royal sedan?

A slave shouted warning. His cry was taken up by the others. The oars stopped short in stroke. Torches flared. The boat listed heavily on its side as men swarmed to the railing. They talked in frightened squeaks. "Where?" squeaked one. "There," from another. And "I see nothing." "She is gone." "Drowned." "The river took her to be his bride." "Drowned—and our necks will pay."

Wolf Heart uncovered his wrath in all its blackness. He spoke with such fury that