Though in truth all they could smell on board the ‘Spirit of Redemption’ was the fresh, if salty, air of the sea, the mind filtered in the mixed aroma of spice and dung that they remembered from their youth. Samir sighed. They had been at sea for more than two weeks, including the occasional stopovers in one port or another. Much as he hated to admit it, Samir found he rather liked the life of a legitimate merchant. While it was less exciting on a physical basis, the challenges inherent in business gave his mind something to work on even in quiet restful periods. Moreover, Asima played the Imperial noblewoman so well that she had charmed and impressed many otherwise shrewd traders into extremely favourable deals. No real surprise to Samir was it that his lady passenger was capable of taking on a role and playing it with no slip or hiccup, but on these occasions, her devious mind and slippery morals had played to the advantage of all concerned. And yet, with every hop between ports bringing them closer to their destination, Samir found that a cloud hung over his mood and darkened with every league they passed.
