The ship was filled with food and loot to trade at the Constant City. Traveling with her was a sullen Boka the Trader as well as the Hashon prisoner. And Marjani. That was one person she hadn’t lost. Yet. “I don’t know how you convinced me to let you come,” Jala said to her friend as they watched the Lone Isle grow larger. “I don’t know if . . . I don’t know when we’ll be back.” “You were pretty tired when you agreed,” Marjani said. “But I could tell you wanted me to come.” “I’m pretty sure I said you should take the first ship back home and make sure my mother is all right. And that I was not going to drag you across the ocean just so I’m not lonely.” “Oh, well, you said. I didn’t listen to what you said. I knew you’d be miserable without me, and I’d be miserable thinking of you out here alone. It’s too late now, so stop moaning about it.” Marjani’s tone was light, but she was watching Jala’s face carefully.
