Wind And The Crew

"Son of the Sword."

One factor in whether Thoas' ship can escape to Cyprus is:

"'...whether we get a wind or not.'" (p. 130)

Egyptian slaves can outrow Thoas' mixed crew but, with a good breeze or in the open sea, the latter can outrun the former.

Consequently, we are reassured when the following narrative passage opens with:

"Toward morning the breeze stiffened to a murmuring wind that filled the sail, and Thoas let his weary oarsmen sleep." (p. 131)

Poul Anderson's winds nearly always mean something. This wind murmurs, so it maybe comments on the action, but it does not roar or threaten and might confirm their escape.

That mixed crew - described as barbarians, as port sweepings and as "...a mixed and ragged band..." (p. 127):

Syrians

Cretans

Cyprians

Nubians

Phoenicians

indescribables

robbers

paupers

runaway slaves

- all armed with edged metal.

Thoas might not be safe captaining them.