Ship of Destiny

. ‘It feels good to set people on the right path.’ He smiled at her again. ‘Go north.’

She lowered her voice. ‘A suspicion itches at me. I think I should go interfere in their lives some more.’

‘I knew you were after my fortune,’ he replied, letting her go. He held back a sigh.

He is. This is just decoration. Scroll work and things. On his axe handle and his battle harness.’

‘What are you carving?’

‘Charging bucks,’ Amber replied diffidently

All will know what Keffria has been too kind to speak aloud. Cosgo has exiled me here.’ She took a breath. ‘He maintains that I was false to my vows, and perhaps involved with the conspiracy.

The Vestrit family will represent the interests of the Satrapy in Jamaillia. The annual fee for this service is substantial. Ten satrapes a month.’ The sum was princely. A humble household could be managed quite well on one.

. Then she spoke softly. ‘Companion Serilla is dismissed from the Satrap’s service. He has no further need of her here, since Bingtown has been recognized as an independent city-state. The Satrap also specifically retracts any authority she has claimed for herself. The language is…quite harsh.’

Ophelia has arrived safely. Letters delivered. All are well. Vivacia to sail soon.’ She looked up at her mother with a smile. ‘Just our personal concerns here. How kind of Grag to arrange to let us know.’

‘I don’t think your Grag ever had much of a chance. I rather suspect that “renegade” Trell was chosen for her by Ephron Vestrit a number of years ago.’

Oh, well, that’s Althea. Nice girl, but a bit suspicious. Not the best judgement in the world, either. After all, she chose that renegade Trell when she could have had my Grag.’