Has anyone else read this short story by CAS? Somehow I never knew its existence until yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised by it.

It reads like a good CAS story, but it also stands out from the rest of his work in several ways. Even though it relishes its rich and vibrant descriptions of an exotic locale, there is nothing alien or supernatural. There are descriptions of native mystical practices, but there are no demons, monsters, magic spells, etc. It's surprisingly down-to-earth despite the legendary and completely made up setting.

It's also the only CAS story I can remember in which the romance between two characters is explored and somewhat developed. Usually romance is only a theme or a diving board for his supernatural ideas, but here it almost takes center stage, though of course it also symbolizes the narrator's relationship with mystery and wonder.

As a result, the woman in this story also has more of a strong, driving presence throughout, at least in comparison to most CAS heroines.

Is this the one about a south seas captain and his wife?

--Sawfish

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"The food at the new restaurant is awful, but at least the portions are large."
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A south seas captain and his wife? I don't think I know any story like that.

"The Venus of Azombeii" concerns a man who travels to a legendary African country, and becomes the consort of a native woman who is revered as the avatar of an Africanized version of Venus.

[eldritchdark.com]

Sounds like the plot of "Flashman's Lady"... ;^)

...or vice-versa...

--Sawfish

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"The food at the new restaurant is awful, but at least the portions are large."
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