Tolan said, "Now I will fetch that drink, "and looked up at the portrait. The young captain…" For both of us."

Jago stood at the window, grappling with the words, and what lay behind them. Deeper than duty, loyalty. It was not something he would ever consider, if he was being true to himself. After the flogging which had scarred his mind as well as his body, he had made himself shun even the slightest hint of friendship.

Perhaps it was trust?

The room was empty once more. He had not even heard Tolan close the door behind him.

He was on Athena's deck again, as if it were yesterday.

Now. The seamen breaking ranks slowly, reluctant to return to their work. The empty grating by the gangway, the unfolded flag barely moving in the breeze, the canvas-wrapped body already on the seabed.

But all he could see clearly was Adam Bolitho's face as he had turned away from the side. Their eyes had met, and the words had been quietly spoken, almost an undertone.

Excluding every one else.

They "re together now. Nothing can harm them.

It had troubled him deeply.

There were sounds, voices, on the stairway: Tolan bringing his master's wine, or maybe something stronger. He felt his mouth crack into a grin.

"There'll be other ships."

He realized that he had spoken aloud.

Just say the word, Cap’n.

"If you would wait in here, Captain… er… Bolitho." The Admiralty porter held the door open. "Should you require any assistance…" He did not finish it, but closed the door silently behind him.

Adam Bolitho stood a moment to get his bearings, or perhaps to prepare himself. After all the haste and uncertainty, this sudden stillness was unnerving. A table, three chairs, and one window: it was more like a cell than a waiting room.

Like most serving officers, he had not visited this, the seat of Admiralty, more than a few times throughout his whole career, and he had always been impressed by the orderly confusion and purpose.