Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Lirana's Point, Part 4

The fearmonger's dying screams drew him, and he turned and watched until it went still, its boiling blood spreading out through the water, dozens of fish bobbing to the surface as the heat and poison of it killed them instantly. Avoiding the mess as best he could, Cemal swam for shore.

Sule waded out into the surf to help as he drew closed, hauling him back to dry land with heaving, stumbling steps. They collapsed in the sand, panting and shaking. "All right?" Sule asked.

"Been worse," Cemal replied. "Nothing bruised but my dignity, which is used to it."

Sule smiled briefly before standing and helping Cemal to his feet. They trudged over to where Mahzan was sprawled on the ground with his head in Binhadi's lap. Binhadi frowned as he caressed Mahzan's face. "No more messing around until this is over. We could have killed him, tiring him out and leaving him weak."