Chapter. 7. Part 3. Sailing towards destiny.

Snakemen ships pulled alongside – a heavy rope bridge was whipped across gap that separated vessels. Scaled boots clattered over planks, as delegation approached.

Three of the officers set their feet on their deck, and Lilith, alongside Bragi, Cian and Sharr greeted them.

Captain Bragi growled low, hands clenching at sides, eyes fixed challengingly upon scaled visitors. Beside him Cian stood – ever vigilant, stoic sentinel.

Sharr stepped forward then – coiled form gliding sinuously between human and minotaur comrades.

– Honored guests, – he hissed in native tongue, scales shimmering green-black: – We seek no trouble, just wish safe passage.

The lead officer appraised them all with cold reptilian gaze, before focusing on Lilith.

– You would pass unmolested through our waters? To what purpose?

His voice was harsh and guttural – barely intelligible to human ears.

– We seek audience with your king and queen, – Lilith replied calmly, meeting the officer’s stare unflinchingly.

The snakeman