He did not look at her but gazed out over the constantly moving waves as he added, "So you see why I have come to you. You have more right to a say in this than I do. I did not fully consider that when I struck my deal with Kennit. I wagered my death and my father's. In doing so, I unintentionally wagered your life as well. It was not mine to bet. You have, I believe, a great deal more to lose than I."

Vivacia nodded, but her own thought slid past Wintrow's and into one of her own. "He is not what I expected a pirate to be. Captain Kennit, I mean." Thoughtfully she added, "A slave, you just said. But I do not think he considers me his slave."

"Kennit is not what I thought a pirate would be, either. But despite his charm and intelligence, we must remember that he is one. Moreover, we must recall that if I fail, he will not be the one to command you. He would be dead. There is no telling who would then possess you. It might be Sorcor, his first mate. It might be Etta, his woman. Or perhaps Sa'Adar would once more attempt to claim you for himself and the freed slaves." Wintrow shook his head. "I cannot win. If the operation is successful, I must watch Kennit take you from me. Already he flatters and charms you with his words, and his crew works your decks. I have little say in anything that happens aboard you anymore. Whether Kennit lives or dies, I will soon have no power to protect you."

Vivacia shrugged one wizardwood shoulder. "And you did before?" she asked, somewhat coldly.

"I suppose not." The boy's voice was apologetic. "Yet, I had some idea of what to expect. Too much has happened too fast, to both of us. There has been too much death, and too many changes. I have had no time to mourn, no time to meditate. I scarce know who or what I am anymore."