“I carry nothing but a few platters, some rugs, several spools of copper wire, and a cracked urn that I paid far too much for in Old Port City,” Violetta replied smoothly. “My crew and I were grateful to leave that filthy country behind and return home. By the grace of the goddesses we have made the journey safely. But I must say, never in all my years has a Triumvirate ship stopped me before entering Arbaz.”

“Times are changing,” Rowen said. “All the eastern ports have been closed and no one is to dock without permission—the Triumvirate voted not four days ago. Three to zero in favor.”

Violetta looked surprised. “A unanimous vote?”

“Desperate times,” Rowen said. “Kaolins are pouring into this country, all seeking to pillage what is rightly Pelagan. Even the Lekke could see that drastic measures must be taken. Anyone harboring or aiding a Kaolin will be arrested and imprisoned. The dungeons of Banrissa are quickly filling up with Kaolins and traitorous Pelagans alike.”

“A bold move,” Violetta said, “and a wise one. Was it the Aerin’s idea? She has never been one to shirk from a call to action.”

That seemed to please Rowen—her mouth quirked into an imitation of a smile. “It was,” she said. Her gaze traveled down the line of sailors. “This is your whole crew?”

“It is,” Violetta replied.

“And you trust them?”

“With my life. We have no interest in Braxos—we only wish to return to our homes.”

Rowen smirked. “That would make you the only crew in the entire country that has no interest in Braxos.”

Violetta hesitated, then said, “Has anyone found it yet? As you can see, we have been woefully ignorant of the happenings of the world.”

“No,” Rowen said. “It has not been sighted since those damned Kaolins first stumbled upon it. Six vessels have vanished looking for it so far—at least, six that we know of. The Aerin is putting together an elite team with specially designed ships to begin her own search.”

“May Farayage bless their journey,” Violetta said, touching her forehead.

Rowen snorted. “They would not need the sea goddess’s blessing if Ambrosine Byrne weren’t such an uncompromising bitch.”

Agnes shifted, and Rowen glanced at her, but then one of her comrades was calling out, “Nothing belowdecks!” and Rowen’s attention was diverted.

“Very well,” she said. “Violetta Murchadha, I grant you leave to dock in Arbaz, by the power vested in me by our blessed queen, the Aerin.” She handed the captain a slip of paper. “Present this to the dockmaster when you arrive. May the goddesses go with you.”

“And with you,” Violetta said, bowing again.