“The book does nothing,” said Chanjask. “But with the book, Ucasta could preserve the body and soul of the king, and with it, I can retrieve the soul you want and place it in the correct vessel. Its original body seems to be out of the question, so would you prefer a gem? A lamp? Another body? It would be a simple matter to sacrifice one of the prisoners—”

Chapter XX: The Temple of the New Gods

While the survivors of Salmacha’s near-disaster argue over how their new government is going to be run, Eske’s attention turns elsewhere: to one of the priests who helped the late king almost achieve immortality. Can this man help Eske on his quest? Or will the price of his evil magic be too high? Find out right now by subscribing to Patreon and reading this chapter! Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until next week.

“And how is it that both these illustrious men perished, and in the same evening?” came a voice from the crowd.

Chapter XIX: The Palace, Still Standing

Eske has survived a harrowing evening, but new dangers about as the island of Salmacha struggles to decide on succession. Besides, Captain Hamilcar says they can’t leave until they get paid. You can read this chapter right now on Patreon!

An evil light shone in Sondassan’s eyes. Though his face was still a withered skull and his arms shook under the weight of his robes, he looked as though he might live another year under the power of whatever he had done to Hamilcar.

Chapter XVIII: In the Hall of the Dead King

In the latest chapter of Journey to the Water, Eske contends with strange dark magic and the king who would be a god while the island beneath his feet threatens to sink into the sea. You can read this chapter right now on Patreon!

His sunken eyes fixed me with a gaze of pure, unholy hunger. If ever they had possessed the power to recognize his family, that was long gone. He saw only the life-force that would let him live another hour, another day.

Chapter XVII: The Hollow Chamber

Eske is in a fight for his life and the lives of all who live on the isle of Salmacha in the latest chapter of Journey to the Water, now available on Patreon! If you need to catch up, you can read all the previous chapters here completely free. If you’re already caught up, consider subscribing to Patreon!