Mari looked at him and Alain nodded. She faced the two ship's officers again. "You brought my daughter and the boy with her across the Sea of Bakre, treating them fairly, safeguarding their possessions and seeing them safely ashore. You knew that substantial rewards were offered for both, and you still kept them safe. My husband and I owe you a great deal." Mari turned and beckoned to the officials from Marida. "This ship has done a great service for me. I ask that word to be passed through the Free Cities and other lands that I would like The Son of Taris to be given preference for official cargoes and mail. And I authorize this ship to fly the banner of the daughter from this day on, to show that the ship and the crew sail with my favor and under my protection."

"As the daughter wishes, it will be done," the most senior official said.

"Lady?" the captain said, sounding as if he doubted his own ears. "You honor us with such measures? They will guarantee the prosperity of this ship and her crew, and your favor might save us when all other means fail."

"You have earned it," Mari said, extending her hand. "Take my hand, both of you, and with it my thanks." The captain and first mate both shook her hand, the captain smiling broadly and the first mate looking like she was about to pass out.

"Luck from the daughter herself," the first mate said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"My daughter did say I would like you," Mari reminded her.

"If I see your daughter again I will have some words with her, Lady! Tasking me to deliver such a message to you. But she is a fine sailor, and a fine girl."

"Thank you."

Alain let Mari lead the way off the ship, passing the line of sailors who chattered among themselves in amazement. He stopped and waited as Mari paused, then went to the sailors of The Son of Taris and also shook the hand of each one. He knew how little Mari liked the superstition of sailors that her touch brought them luck, but Mari knew how much it meant to the sailors, and so she went through the ritual. Because that was how Mari was, and that was how she had been when first they met, and if he did not like that Alain knew he had no one but himself to blame for falling in love with her.

In truth, her concern for others had been what had first impressed him. And saved his life.

On the pier, Mari stopped again to speak to Alain, officials from Marida close by this time. "She left the ship in Kelsi just a few days ago."

"Kelsi?" a police commander asked. "A few days ago?"

"Yes. What is it?"