He sprang to the glass globe that held the magnetized needle, seized it and hurled it to the deck. It exploded like a small bomb. The Kali moved back.
"That is what the Grimnal will do to you. Your bravery will be as that glass, nice to see—but look at it now!"
Water from the globe trickled slowly through the shattered glass. The chips winked red in the dying sun. Only the cry of the wind sounded through the ship. Ward forced his choking breath to an even rhythm.
"Now go die like the fools you are."
He left the quiet bridge and threaded his way to his cabin. Night was coming softly to the Grimnal Sea.
It was dark in the cabin when the knock sounded. There was no answer, and it came again.
"Come," Ward said in a very tired, hollow voice.
The door swung open and someone entered. After a long moment, Tahn's voice came softly in the dark.
"No one has ever spoken to the Kali like that."