Autumn 1096 SR
Shortly after their arrival, dozens of small boats pulled alongside, their owners hawking wares ranging from fresh water to sides of beef. Captain Logar had stationed his men by the railings, eager to keep these people at bay, but Charlaine had other ideas.
“Let’s pick one,” she said, “and invite him aboard. As a local, he’ll have all sorts of useful knowledge.”
Logar looked uncomfortable with the thought, but to his credit, he relented. “Very well, which one?”
Charlaine leaned over the railing, watching those below. “That one,” she said, “the one with all the fish.”
He looked at her in surprise. “We don’t need fish.”
“No, but if he catches his own, he spends a lot of time around these ships. That means he’s likely familiar with them.”
“Fair enough.” Logar leaned over
