Chapter 22
“Ambrose!” Teodric called, smiling. “I hadn’t expected to see you. I thought you were ill.”
The navigator glanced up at him and then looked away out over the ocean. “No, thank you, Captain, I’m alright.”
“Might the two of us speak for a moment then?” Teodric placed a hand on Ambrose’s shoulder and led the navigator over toward his new quarters. He kept his voice low. “I want you to know that I would have made you my first mate, if it were entirely up to me. Kriega’s a capable sailor, and she leads with a strong hand, but you and I have worked closely together for some time. I trust you. And”—Teodric checked over his shoulder to ensure no one else was nearby—“to be honest, I hadn’t imagined Syleste being willing to part with her.”
“That took many of us by surprise, sir.”
His
