The seals accompanied them on their voyage to Sula Sgeir, swimming alongside, diving, popping up their heads to watch and submerging again.
"I have never seen seals remain with a boat for such a long time," Melcorka said.
"Yet you grew up on a west coast island." Bradan placed a hand on his staff. "I have never heard of seals attacking anybody, so there is no need to worry. Even selkies only attack by deception."
Melcorka watched the seals, shrugged and looked away. "They are not ferocious beasts. They are not like bears or wolves, and we have faced them before. I am not concerned about a few seals."
"Perhaps you would be concerned about a few dozen," Bradan said. "There must be at least fifty of them here."
"They are in the sea," Melcorka said. "We are on a boat. They cannot board us
