Chapter elevenWhen I awoke the freezing cold had gone and warmth once more clothed the land. For a few heartbeats I just lay on my back, relishing the gentle rocking of my body. I was in a boat; no doubt of that.
I was back on Kregen, there was no doubt about that, either.
A raucous squawk screeched down from above. “Wake up, Dray Prescot, Emperor of Onkers! There is no time for you to lie on your back like a sluggard!” My eyes flew open. Oh, yes, there he was, turning in tight circles directly above me, a dark shape against the light. Although I couldn’t make him out properly, and my eyes blinked a few times accustoming themselves, I knew his black beady eye regarded me with his habitual disfavor, head c****d on one side.
Sitting up smartly, I realized I wore all my kit and weapons, an
