Читать книгу Sinbad: Rogue of Mars - John Garavaglia - Страница 45

Sinbad was very familiar of Kali’s background. She, Durga and her assistants, the Matrikas, wounded the demon Raktabija with a variety of weapons in an attempt to destroy him. Actually, they only worsened the situation for every drop of blood that was spilt from Raktabija and he created a clone of himself. The battlefield was consumed of his many duplicates. Durga summoned Kali for help to combat the demons.

Then Kali destroyed Raktabija by sucking the blood from his body and putting the many clones in her gaping mouth. Pleased with her victory, Kali danced on the field of battle, stepping on the corpses of the slain. Her consort Shiva lied among the dead beneath her feet. She became drunk on the blood of her victims, and as a sign of shame at having disrespected her husband by sticking out her tongue.

If Sinbad had a choice to fight the goddess of death again or the Kurwani warrior, he would gladly choose the latter.

Why would Akhdar and his followers worship Kali? thought Sinbad. Could it be possible that Kali was a native of Mars and found her way to Earth? If she had some sort of transportation, maybe I could find a way home.

Massive stone columns, engraved with intricate markings, supported the ceiling. An imposing black onyx desk rested in one corner, beneath a large framed map of Mars. The view was spectacular. The sunset was beautiful with the sky being filled with pink, red, and purple.

At the far edge of the circle was Emperor Akhdar. He was seated on a well-worn throne. Beside him was a slightly smaller chair, which Aella gracefully resided. They sat side-by-side, comfortable with one another’s company.

The doors to the vast chamber closed and Sinbad was brought into the center of the throne room. He was forced on his knees and handcuffed. Tarkhun and the guards fanned out, taking their assigned places.

Tarkhun turned to face Akhdar and adjusted his voice to be heard. “Sinbad the Sailor, lord of the Sindth River, and outlander of Earth.”

JOHN GARAVAGLIA

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