"Kira did that." Mari looked at Alain and he saw the pride in her. He nodded to show that the captain and first mate had spoken true. "How did she get aboard this ship?"

"She and the boy stowed away in Dorcastle," the first mate said.

"I made them work their passage, as was my right," the captain added. "Part of the crew. They were worked hard, but treated fairly. Ask any man or woman aboard, Sir Mage."

"Why did she tell you who Jason was?" Alain asked.

"It was in Caer Lyn. We were tied up for the night, and the Imperials came down the pier, searching ships. Lady, every year the Imperials act more and more like they own the Sharr Isles once again."

"I know. I'm trying to resolve that short of war. It hasn't been easy," Mari said. "They were looking for Jason?"

"And your daughter, Lady, though they did not identify her as such. Offered great reward. But we had hidden the two of them so they were not found, and kept them safe until our ship left harbor the next morning."

"You knew there were rewards for both, but you protected them?" Mari asked.

"Aye, Lady. That was my decision."

"And you didn't know Kira was my daughter?"

"No, Lady. I knew she was a good sailor, and she had earned my trust. Nor do I care for the Imperials." The captain squinted as if suddenly realizing something. "Your daughter. And we protected her and the boy, and agreed to let them sail on with us to Kelsi, so they were aboard when the storm hit. The boy saved her, and then she saved all of us. I do not know what led to you offering us your favor, daughter of Jules, but without your daughter this ship and all aboard would have been lost."

"You saved yourselves by your actions," Alain said, having once again seen the truth in the captain's words. "You said the boy saved her?"

"Aye. Her line snapped. She was going over the side. The boy set free his own line and went after her. The wave nearly took both, but he managed to hold her and bring her back aboard."

Mari stared at the captain, then at Alain, then back at the captain. "Jason? The boy Jason did that?"

"Aye, Lady. I admit he did not impress when I first saw him, but he saved your daughter's life. There's not a doubt of it."