Jayln checked the packs for the thirtieth time as Fenrin ran through his instructions with Jerof and Zalif.

"Riley will most likely screw you over for two, so I'm giving you five diamonds along with actual coin for your pay. That's one for each of you and one to cover travel expenses. If you don't deliver the children safely I don't really care but Jayln will hunt you down and I'll watch and laugh."

Jayln snorted and Matti laughed as she adjusted the straps on his shoulders. His golden curls bobbed and she patted his cheek affectionately. Mira had already said her goodbyes and was teary eyed, clinging to Naveem's leg. Fenrin peered at her then glanced around. "Where's the taller one?"

Jayln stood up and turned towards the ship. "About that..."

Echa planted herself and her daughter in front of Fenrin. "We're coming with you."

"The hell you are," Fenrin said, shooting an accusatory glance at Jayln. "What's the point of planning if you spring things on me? They're not coming."

Echa stood her ground. "Jayln said the same thing and I'll say what I told her. I'm not risking going anywhere near a town again—tried that once and it didn't work out well. We're coming and short of tying us up or killing us, you can't stop us."

"Don't tempt me," Fenrin muttered.

"Er, I'd like to join as well, Captain." Tryst appeared, a pack on his back and a mischievous smile on his face. "I've had enough sailing and I like your plan."

Fenrin's eyes narrowed. "And what would you know about my plans?"

Tryst grinned wider and he blinked innocently. "Why only that whatever it could be must be truly brilliant."

"Well that changes a few things, eh Wolf?" Kalder said, eyebrow raised meaningfully.

"Damn you all." Fenrin pulled out the bag of diamonds and dumped four more sparkling gems out and shoved them in Zalif's hands. "When you reach town, find six disreputable and greedy rats and send them here to replenish the crew. And Kalder," he turned to the fiery bearded man, "give Lyra hell for me."

"Aye, aye."

Fenrin looked over his now party of four and stalked off, growling, "I'm not waiting for any of you."

The Wolf was true to his word and even Jayln struggled to keep up with his pace. She was impressed that Anwen didn't fall early on. The girl trudged forward, holding her mother's hand with a determined look on her face. Tryst practically skipped, occasionally helping Echa or grinning at Fenrin's back.

When Fenrin at last stopped, declaring it time to eat. Echa and Anwen gasped for breath but didn't complain. Fenrin pulled Jayln aside.

"I don't want them here," he growled.

"Don't pretend you didn't see this coming. Tryst's been dropping hints for the last two days." Jayln frowned. If he hadn't wanted them here, he would have been more threatening earlier.

"I don't want them here now," He muttered with a tone Jayln was starting to recognize. She tried to pick out what he was trying to say but gave up.

"Look, they're here because they believe in us. They trust that we are working towards something worthwhile. Try to reciprocate."

Fenrin glanced back at the three and snorted. "I'm going to go think."

He stalked off into the trees and Jayln sighed, still unsure what he was going on about.