The Undead Hordes of Kan-Gul by Jon F. Merz Page A

they have gone?” asked Jysal. She patted the sand next to her. “I mean, Neviah was resting not more than a few feet from where I lay. I would have heard any sort of noise, wouldn’t I?”
    Ran knelt and examined the sand again, but, apart from a shallow impression where Neviah might have lain, there was no sign of a struggle. “I think we have to operate on the assumption that they were taken in a way that would not wake us. Or them.”
    Jysal shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
    “I think they were all still asleep when it happened.”
    “The mist.”
    Ran nodded. “Fog, mist. Whatever it is, I think we can also safely assume it’s not natural. And given the tales Malkyr spun last night, the likely culprit would seem to be that man Kan-Gul.”
    Jysal shuddered despite the warmth of the encroaching day. “I don’t what it is, but the thought of him unnerves me.”
    “We don’t know what he’s like aside from Malkyr’s description,” said Ran. “But he’s got our friends, hasn’t he? And I don’t much like the idea of him being able to pluck people while they sleep and drag them away as captives. Seems like an unfair fight to me.”
    Jysal got to her feet and brushed a few clinging particles of sand from her tunic. Ran tried to keep his eyes from watching her. He didn’t succeed.
    “Do you think that this Kan-Gul character sent his minions to the beach and had them carry off Neviah and the others?”
    Ran pointed at the sand. “I doubt it. There are no tracks anywhere.”
    “Might the wind have blown them away?”
    “Some perhaps, but not all. And it would have needed to be strong wind to do that.” Ran glanced skyward. “I think the answer is probably that Kan-Gul sent something flying this way. They could swoop in and pluck them right off the sand and be gone without making much noise. If the mist somehow subdued us all like a drug, the others wouldn’t be in much shape to battle them off.”
    “Their weapons are gone as well,” said Jysal. “Do you think that was intentional?”
    “I slept with my hand on my sword,” said Ran. “It’s likely that Kancho did as well. And Neviah would be armed.” He sighed. “But I doubt it matters. Once they wake up from their slumber—assuming this happened during the dark of night—then I’m sure they won’t have their weapons on them by now. Kan-Gul will have made sure of that.”
    “We’ve got to get them back,” said Jysal.
    Ran smiled. “A minute ago you were telling me that you didn’t want to meet him.”
    “Yes, well, whether or not I like the idea, it’s got to be done. I can’t leave Neviah to some awful fate. I’m not even certain of the way to the temple I’m headed to, especially now that we’re so far off course.”
    Ran nodded. “We’ll get them back.” He felt certain that the universe in its infinite wisdom would consider the removal of Kan-Gul necessary so as to better promote harmony. At least, he hoped it would.
    Jysal was looking at him oddly. “You’re a difficult man to figure out.”
    Ran felt the weight of her stare and looked away. “What do you mean?”
    “I mean you talk like a warrior, yet you don’t appear to be as forthright as Kancho. He’s a professional warrior even if he thinks he’s hiding it. Whatever agenda he’s got, it seems to be something he won’t likely share with anyone anytime soon.”
    “Especially if we don’t find him in time,” said Ran.
    “Don’t dodge the question, Ran.”
    He smiled. Something about her tone reminded him of Cassandra. He sighed, seeing the image of the princess in his mind. The two of them could no doubt find many adventures to occupy their time. And who knew? Perhaps something else might develop between them in the meantime.
    Ran would never escape the reach of his clan, but if he chose to settle elsewhere, he could continue to serve them by sending information from time to time. And if they sent any operatives into the area, he could provide