Chapter 12: The Sea Captain
When his Marid spies brought him word of the poisoning of Jafar al-Sharif, the wizard Akar was torn between conflicting desires. Jafar al-Sharif was his sworn enemy, a man he himself had striven to kill with the mightiest curse at his disposal. His heart welcomed the news of Jafar’s imminent death, even as he cursed its timing.
If this fraud dies now, before he gathers the pieces of the Crystal, I could lose much time, he thought. Jafar al-Sharif already has the first two pieces, which I would have to regain. Then I would have to discover the hiding places of the remaining two pieces, which he obviously already knows. Having to interfere on his behalf is galling—the fool cannot detect even the most simple of poisons!—but Aeshma must be brought to heel quickly,
