When Jiyo Kael and Benjamin Gustilo got back to the boat, the boatman was sitting on a pile of old sacks, snoring holding his hand to his chest, his loose top loosening with every gust of wind. Jiyo Kael jumped up and assisted Benjamin in firing the gun. Their loud entry woke the boatman from his slumber and he suddenly woke up.

"Ahhh—" he muttered, shaken before struggling to his feet. "Oh, you'd come back," he whispered. "I thought you'd stay there all bloody night."

Jiyo Kael and Mr. Gustilo smiled at each other. Then finding a place to sit among the crates and lobster pots scattered on the deck,...