“Well, since you all seem to know each other, how about some introductions?” I drew my dagger and pointed the blade at the three men I didn’t know.

Rylander leaned forward. “Over there is Ketner. We scooped him up from the Isle of Jacar not too long ago. He’s our resident medic. You may not like the taste of his treatments, but he’s the best there is.” He gestured to the tattooed man with rich brown skin who’d helped Smitter haul in the sirens. Seeing him up close, I noticed an opened-mouth snake’s head inked on his throat. Many healers believed the serpent venom could cure diseases and repair wounds. We’d never had a medicine man on The Freedom before. He could come in handy. I dipped my chin in his direction and sheathed my weapon.

“It’s a pleasure, milady.” He tipped his cup.

“I’m no lady.” I tilted my head. “Captain will do just fine.”

Ketner smiled and the white markings on his face danced with amusement.

“That’s Delmar and Naven. The twins.” Rylander pointed to two identical men with short black hair, muscular frames, and distinct noses with matching humps in the center. They even sported the same amount of stubble growth on their square jaws. “Wouldn’t dream of separating these two. The only way to tell them apart is their eyes. Delmar green and Naven brown. They were soldiers for King Adonis some time ago. And now they are our great fortune in the war.”

They saluted, and I waved back. I noticed Via sizing them up, tracing her bottom lip with her tongue. I doubted she gave a bilge rat’s ass about their eye colors. She was after something else she hoped was identical.

“And you already know Bernard, Smitter, and Lanard. That rounds out the seven of us accompanying your crew.”

I smiled in their directions.

Hannah slapped the table with her palm. “I like ’em, Captain. Although the big one over there drinks too much.” She pointed at Bernard. Hannah was originally from Cava, but her father had sold her to the king of Eloqua for her gifts in the kitchen. She had personal experience with the drunkards of this town as a barmaid before that. “I fear for the ale the king will have to supply for us to make the voyage. He may not be worth the weight.”

I brought the pewter cup to my lips and sipped to cover my laughter. The cool liquid coated my throat and warmed my belly.

“Hold your sharp tongue, lass,” Bernard slurred. “This tavern makes drinking in excess a requirement, especially when it’s on the king’s coin. I only do as I’m told.” He emptied the rest of his stein into his mouth and finished with a belch before slamming the mug onto the tabletop.