The stream of legitimate traffic approached slowly. Few boats made it through the delta and upriver without her inspection. She saw that often they hesitated to even make the passage. As she flew overhead, Tanzaa’s mind with the cloud, her thoughts dove down to the surface, seeking out the presence of captains great and small. Some sounded simply intent on getting their goods to market and sailing through the channel safely. Other captains harbored more profit-driven pursuits, intent on keeping their schedules. With all their open minds Tanzaa could tell perfectly well they didn't hide any enemies either. Yet one boat, a schooner carrying a flag of Malornia had a captain with a closed mind. Tanzaa needed to know more of his intent.
She swooped closer, at surface level and noted how low in
