Argosy of Blood, Chapter 2

Athicus, the Arcadian Thief, and Irem, the Hyrkanian Archer, are hired by the King of Kusan to find and kill the thief of the holy tablets of Wu and return the thief's head and the tablets to the king. They track the thief, the former guardian of the tablets named Xim, all the way to Messantia. Xim takes shelter in the Lazuli Tower of the Stygian Merchant Prince Amen. The pair make a deal with Silesia, the priestess of Bel. In exchange for delivering a message to Apollonia, Silesia will give them a map to the secret entrance into the tower.

They deliver the message, and the entire entourage returns to Messantia. Apollonia rides off on a mysterious mission by herself. The Arcadian, Hyrkanian, Zingaran, and Corinthian decide to join forces to infiltrate tower through the secret tunnels.

As soon as they enter the tunnels, they encounter and defeat a giant albino crocodile, though Irem is badly injured.

To Be Continued...