s. They are marked with my name."

"Very good, sir. We will hold them for your disposal. You may claim them
at any time after mid-day." The man wrote rapidly on his tablet.

Musa thanked him, then turned to see how his shipboard acquaintance was
progressing. He had questions to ask about gold and silver coins.

He watched the older merchant complete his conversation with an
official, and, as he started to leave the wharf, quickly caught up with
him. At Musa's approach, the other held up a hand.

"I know," he said. "Why did I tell you to make a generous offering, then
put a smaller coin in the bowl myself? That is what you want to know?"

"Precisely," Musa replied. "I'm not a poor man, but I'm not a wealthy
holiday seeker, either. This voyage has to pay."

The other smiled. "Exactly why I advised you as I did. Come into this
wineshop, and I'll tell you the story."

* * * * *

Over the drinks, the older man explained himself. An experienced trader,
he had been operating between the mainland and Norlar for many years. It
had been a profitable business, for the island had been dependent upon
the mainland for many staple items, and had in return furnished many
items of exquisite craftsmanship, as well as the produce of its
extensive fisheries and pearl beds.

Then, the prophet, Sira Nal, had come with his preachings of a great sea
god, Kondaro, ruler of the Eastern Sea. Tonda told of the unbelief that
had confronted the prophet, and of the positive proof that Sira Nal had
offered, when he had gathered a group of converts, collected enough
money to purchase a ship, and made a highly successful voyage to the
distant lands to the east. Upon his return, Sira Nal had found a ready
market for the strange and wonderful products he had brought. He also
had found many more converts for his new religion.

His original group, now a priesthood, were the only men who could give
protection and guidance to a ship in a voyage past the sea demons who
frequented the Eastern Sea, and they demanded large offerings to
compensate for their services. Of course, a few adventurous shipowners
had attempted to duplicate Sira Nal's feat without the aid of a priest,
but no living man had seen their ships or crews again.

The profits from the rich, new trade, plus the alms of the traders
visiting Tanagor, had rapidly filled the coffers of Kondaro. A great
temple had been built, and the priests had become more and