“Bold to tell a paragon as much.”

Arn glanced over at the blond man. Like all paragons, he was a mountain of muscle, and he towered over everyone on the ship. Everyone but Arn.

“I’ve known a few paragons in my life, and they never seemed the type to care about little things like that. Crushing armies, breaking gods, that was their lot. Who cares if a stupid builder like me says his daily devotions, you know?”

The acolytes began singing a hymn, some nonsense about how the God-Incarnate loved and protected all of his faithful children.

“I daresay you belittle us. Would we fight so ardently to defeat heretical gods if we didn’t care for the salvation of the common folk they lead astray?”

A dozen bloody memories came unbidden to Arn. His hand lowered to his side, and he patted the charm hidden in his front pocket. Its comforting presence chased away the memories. It countered the all-too-familiar song of the acolytes.

“I don’t pretend to know why a man fights,” he said. “I just know their prayers don’t help my seasickness.”

The paragon laughed and slapped Arn across the back. His jaw was square, his skin smooth and pale, and his flowing hair bound in two intervals given its reach down to his waist. His name was Lendsy, and Arn hated his guts.

“We’re almost to Thanet, so hold on a bit longer. I fear your poor stomach may not find refuge once ashore. I’ve heard rumors Thanese food is fouler than shit, and better to eat raw fish than risk what their spices will do to your innards.”

“No worries there,” Arn said. “My guts may be weak when it comes to the sea, but they’re strong as iron when holding in food and liquor. This is my first time at sea. I’ve had a whole lot more practice at the latter.”

Another laugh. Another slap. The paragon considered “Meffrit” a friend, or at least a pleasant acquaintance. It was Arn’s own fault, really. Ever since he boarded the boat under the false name of Meffrit Mason, he had worked to endear himself to the boat’s crew. Given his impressive girth, remaining inconspicuous wasn’t an option, so he found it better to work odd jobs and help with lifting supplies and pulling ropes so that if the sailors would not forget him, they would consider him a friend. That also meant making nice with the lone paragon and his group of acolytes come to spread the true word of the Uplifted Church to the Thanese people.

“A shame you have such an incurious mind,” Lendsy said. “I bet you could be a fine soldier for the empire. Man like you, with arms like that? You might have made a name for yourself.”