Rain and wind came, a lightning-shot squall in which the _Briseia_
wallowed and bucked and men strained at oars and pumps. Toward evening
it was over, the sea stilled and the lower clouds faded so that they
saw the great dull-red disc of the Heaven-Fire through the upper
clouds, sinking into the western sea. There was almost a flat calm, the
glassy water was ruffled only by a faint breeze which half filled the
sail and sent the galley sliding slowly and noiselessly northward.
"Man the oars," directed Shorzon.
"Give the men a chance to rest tonight, sir," begged Imazu. "They've
all worked hard today. We can row all the faster tomorrow if we must."
"No time to spare," snapped the wizard.
"Yes, there is," said Corun flatly. "Let the men rest, Imazu."