“You won’t get much from the boatmen and other witnesses who found the bodies. I think you should start from the ships that their pregnant women were found dead. I can give you a list if you want… the closest I think was Darvan,” Surnat says after a pause. Tirad already has the list. He wants to get more detailed information about the bodies. He insists to know more about the boatman. Surnat only knows that the boat had come from Mahouk Ship. It could be a start for Tirad. He will go back to the harbour tonight and ask around for the boatman. He feels lonelier than ever before and wishes for this nonsense feast to end soon so that he could get back to the port. Surnat points again at Tirad’s plate and again to avoid eating, he keeps talking. He asks him about the port schedules to know when the next boat sails for the Saviour Island. Surnat is not sure, but he believes there are two boats per week and the next one won’t sail until two days from now. Tirad is not happy to hear that. He has to go now before it is too late. He gets up from his chair. The humming sound stops instantly and all eyes become fixed on him, staring at Tirad’s thin, shaky body as if they hadn’t known he was present until now. His voice trembles, as do his hands. He apologises and goes straight to the door. Surnat goes after him.

The alley by the restaurant has become vacant. People have probably gone to their homes and shelters to rest. Tirad hurries to the end of the alley. Surnat calls him from behind.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

“To the harbour! I have to get back…something has happened!” Tirad replies and breaks, bursting into tears. Surnat goes to him and puts his hands on his shoulder inviting him to sit on a stone bench before a house. Tirad sits and tries to take deep breaths and stop his tears from falling further.

“The harbour gate is closed. They won’t open the gate until tomorrow morning and there are no boats leaving at this time of night. Wait and I will go with you tomorrow,” Surnat explains trying to calm down Tirad. But Tirad already knew the port was closed. He has to find a way to find a boat. Surnat is asking him questions, he wants to know what has happened and why is Tirad so restless, wanting to go back shortly after his arrival. Something is obviously wrong. Surnat senses that but Tirad doesn’t know what to say or how to say it to Surnat. He doesn’t know for certain that Hurmaz’s life is in danger and he has no idea what Mart’s agenda is. They could all be a prank played upon him by the nail-less girl. But if there is a probable chance that Hurmaz’s life could be in danger, Tirad cannot risk and push it aside. Even if he becomes sure now that all he has heard had only been illusions made up by Dalia, he still needs to go home and make sure Hurmaz is safe and sound. Surnat is still waiting for him to explain what is bothering him. But he can’t move his lips, as soon as he opens them, his tears roll down again. It’s better not to say anything to him. Or lie about it. But he can’t think of anything to say, no good reasons for returning immediately. Surnat would probably think he is tired and homesick; he leads him to the restaurant door. The Oxan Chiefs are standing by the door saying goodnight to Mart, Yuma and Soushia. The women come out of the kitchen and they all set off going to their guesthouse, in silence.