A Power Among the Islands

Introduction

“A Power Among the Islands” is an unfinished short story by Robert E. Howard, set in the vivid backdrop of the South Seas. The tale opens aboard the schooner Marquesas, weaving a narrative of adventure, confrontation, and the influence of a single individual over a small, contained society.

A team-up of different Howard characters. Today we would probably call them crossovers. El Borak teams up with the Sonora Kid. Never published in Howard’s lifetime.

The unfinished nature of the story leaves readers to imagine the potential development and conclusions of the tale, a testament to Howard’s capacity to craft compelling characters and scenarios that continue to engage the imagination.

Summary

Under the serene glow of a tropic moon, the schooner Marquesas sails smoothly when a disturbing interruption shatters the night’s peace—a woman’s scream emanates from the captain’s cabin. Steve Allison and his cabin-mate, Gordon, are instantly on their feet. Allison, reaching the source first, finds the door barred, but Gordon’s swift, forceful actions throw it open.

The cabin’s chaos is revealed in the aftermath of violence: furniture upturned and a local girl, clothing torn, visibly terrorized in the corner. Captain Herran, a man with a reputation that sparks universal disdain, faces the intruders. He confronts Allison and Gordon, two men whose unassuming statures belied their capabilities, and dismisses them with contempt.

Unintimidated, Gordon advances with a calm demeanor, provoking Herran into an aggressive lunge. In a deft display of skill, Gordon utilizes the captain’s momentum against him, hurling Herran over and onto the floor. As Herran, rattled and furious, reaches for his gun, Allison acts with lethal precision, disarming the captain with a well-placed shot.

In the tense aftermath, Herran is reluctantly compliant when Gordon intervenes on behalf of the girl, asserting her royal lineage and the necessity of her safety. Gordon’s command over the situation is palpable, prompting a begrudging admission from Herran to cease his harassment and ensure her safe passage ashore.

The narrative highlights Allison’s growing realization of Gordon’s formidable reputation—his very name commands respect and compliance among even the most lawless. Gordon, it seems, is indeed a “power among the islands.”

Characters

  • Steve Allison – A passenger on the Marquesas who reacts swiftly to the sound of distress.
  • Gordon – Also known as “Wolf” Gordon, he is Allison’s cabin-mate with a reputation that ensures his influence is felt and acknowledged among the islands.
  • Captain Herran – The captain of the schooner, a physically imposing man known for his vile behavior and scorn for decency.
  • Native Girl – A passenger and daughter of an island king, who becomes the subject of Herran’s ill-treatment.

Published in: