
A notorious pirate named Corun has finally been seized by the mighty thalassocracy of Achaera, and his procession through the bustling streets of Tauros draws a kaleidoscope of onlookers—proud Achaerans, resentful Conahurans, distant barbarians, and even enslaved peoples who remember his occasional acts of mercy. The city, built around a glittering bay and crowned by a palace that watches the sea, buzzes with anticipation, while Corun’s own secret—a love affair with a witch of the demon seas—hangs over his fate like a storm‑cloud.
Above the crowd, King Khroman the Conqueror contemplates the pirate’s destiny, torn between brutal tradition and a grudging respect for the man who dared the empire’s waters. His court, filled with sorcerers and exotic allies, hints at a world where alien sorcery and naval power intertwine. As the captives are led toward the palace, the first act sets a stage of political intrigue, cultural clash, and the promise of a dangerous magic that could reshape the seas.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (115K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2020-12-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1926–2001
A major voice in science fiction and fantasy, he paired big ideas with fast-moving adventure and helped shape the field across more than half a century. His stories range from hard science fiction and time travel to historical fantasy, with a gift for making vast worlds feel vivid and human.
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