Hamish glanced at West, but he said nothing. Word had probably travelled all over the Narrows by now about what West had done to the merchant in Sowan. That was a reputation that would take time to live down. But there was one place in the Narrows where reputations didn’t matter.

“What about Jeval?” I said.

In the corner of the cabin, Koy straightened, his eyes finding me.

“Jeval?” Paj was skeptical. “It’s a supply stop, not a port.”

“If trade is going to open up between the Unnamed Sea and the Narrows, then it’s only a matter of time before Jeval becomes a real port. It’s the only berth between Sagsay Holm and Dern.” I repeated the words Koy had spoken to me only the day before.

Hamish’s mouth turned down at the corners as he considered it. “There aren’t even any merchants on Jeval.”

“Not yet.” I glanced at Koy. “But if we’re trading rye and mullein, there will always be coin on Jeval for that.”

“It’s not a bad idea,” Auster said, shrugging. “West?”

He thought about it, scratching the scruff at his jaw. “I agree.”

“We’d have to find someone trustworthy to set up trade with,” Hamish murmured.

“I think I know someone.” I grinned, tipping my chin up toward Koy.

They all looked at him.

“That true?” Hamish asked.

Koy stood up off the wall, standing taller. “I think we could work something out.” He was playing it down, but I could see the glow of excitement around him.

Hamish closed the book, sitting on the corner of the desk. “So, all that’s left is to vote.” His eyes moved over each of our faces. “Fable, your vote still counts if your share is going in.”

“It is,” I said without hesitation.

“All right.” Hamish clapped his hands together in front of him. “All for using a third of the coin from the Lark’s haul to fill the hull with rye and mullein?” He looked to Willa first.

She opened her mouth to speak, but West cut her off. “She’s not voting.”

Hamish’s mouth snapped shut as he looked between them.

“The only ones voting are those putting in their share of the Lark.”

“What are you talking about?” Willa finally turned away from the lamp. Its light illuminated only half of her face.

“Willa’s share is no longer part of our ledgers,” West said, still not talking directly to her.

Willa glanced in my direction, as if waiting for me to object. “West…”

“I want you to take it,” he said. “Do whatever you want with it. Start your own operation. Buy into an apprenticeship. Whatever you want.” It looked as if it pained him to say it.

Willa’s eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him.

“Whatever’s next for us.” West swallowed. “You’re not stuck here.”