Levent made a noise in agreement, and then said nothing.
I watched Bolivar interrupt the half-blood and quickly instruct the crew. The human captain clapped the other on the shoulder with a smile and walked off.
“It’ll be evening before we reach the port,” Rio said. “Let’s head upstairs and rest a little, shall we?”
We did as he said, trudging slowly up the wooden stairs and settling on the various couches and chairs that sat in Bolivar’s quarters. I made myself comfortable on the small couch I had slept on earlier, nuzzling into my scarf. The kin sat beside me, watching the half-blood as he pulled up a chair that looked like a throne.
Bolivar walked in a second later and sat behind his desk. He then began rifling through its drawers.
“It seems appropriate that we return these to you,” he announced.
My teakettle and bag of Sop-bombs were set on the top of the desk.
Bolivar gave us a serious look. “I’d like to thank you both for putting up with Rio for so long.”
“Bolly!” the half-blood whined. “How could you say such a thing!”
The captain cracked a smile and quickly let it fall.
“In all seriousness, though. We have not been the best hosts or business partners, I’m afraid, and you’ve taken it like champs. In the future, should you require the services of the Lady Theatus, all you need do is ask.”
Rio gave me a wink.
“Mention Rio to any of the ladies in the port, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.”
“True,” the half-blood purred.
I rolled my eyes and then looked at Levent.
“Where are you headed after you reach the capital, m’lady?” Rio asked.
I winced. I did not really wanted to think about that.
“I guess I’m going to head east,” I said. “Hit some of the outlying settlements, perhaps see what need the outposts along the Lucyth Pass need for apothecaries…”
Bolivar leaned over his desk to look at me.
“Why don’t you head north toward the Harnyth Woods? I know there are several villages that fauns have immigrated to and cater to your people. Who knows? You might run into someone you know.”