They picked up cargoes and passengers outside the normal shipping schedules, and by the time they were back in home waters again they had every prospect of landing in D’loom with a large and mostly honest profit. Altimak was their first port of call in Skelt territory, and they were pleasantly surprised to find that the Dragonfang was not under a detention order. The customs officials searched the vessel carefully, but the crew had already scoured the ship for anything illegal or incriminating, and sold it in Lycellia. Jelindel also managed to see the voyage through without saying anything more affectionate to Daretor than ‘Just like the old days, travelling with you again.’ Daretor remained on particularly bad terms with Zimak, nagging him continually about the rapid deterioration of his body. Zimak paid him little attention, and neglected his duties aboard ship until his meals were cut off. ‘The home port,’ said Jelindel, leaning on the handrail as D’loom became distinct on the horizon.
