A thin wisp of smoke trailed from the single green-striped black stack of the old Nordlan half-steamer, though the paddles were stilled. The silver-haired and youthful-looking woman turned for a last look toward the valley of the Great Forest of Naclos. She turned back, took a deep breath, picked up her pack, and walked up the plank to where the mate with the short blond beard and muscled arms waited. “My name is Dayala.” “Yes. You are the druid. Captain Heroulk said you should have the second cabin to yourself, Lady.” He bowed. She waited, not knowing where the second cabin might be. The mate smiled, then gestured to the sailor behind him. “Jelker, show the lady to the second cabin.” A blond-haired and slender youth stopped coiling a line and stepped up with a bow. “Thank you.”
