"Join you?" Mathea splutters. "I'd sooner -" "It's me or nobody," says the man smugly. "The chief sent his whole fleet with the Sage. I don't know who he thinks he's showing off for, but no other ships are going to Ardrigor any time soon." He waves a hand at Inric. "You and your, ah, friend can travel for free. For old times' sake," and he makes a mocking bow. Mathea grits her teeth in frustration.