I

There had been more than a few anxious moments in the last few days. The men had eyed the spreading soot cloud on the horizon and piled on sail, even though the wind had been average to poor. The nets had lain more or less abandoned, and Toren had gathered more than the usual number of curses and backhanders.

But today it was as if the ship's timbers themselves had let out a sigh of relief. The worst was over.