She had much increased my fortunes. Freed, she took payment, but not as much as her services, I knew, warranted. Few scribes, I expected, were so skilled in the supervision and management of complex affairs as this light, unattractive, brilliant girl. Other captains, other merchants, seeing the waxing of my fortunes, and understanding the commercial complexities involved, had offered this scribe considerable emoluments to join their service. She, however, had refused to do so. I expect she was pleased at the authority, and trust and freedom, which I had accorded her. Too, perhaps, she had grown fond of the house of Bosk.

“I do not wish to see the accounts,” I told her.

“The Venna and Tela have arrived from Scagnar,” she said, “with full cargoes of the fur of sea sleen. My information indicates that highest prices currently for such products are being paid in Asperiche.”

“Very well,” I said, “give the men time for their pleasure, eight days, and have the cargoes transferred to one of my round ships, whichever can be most swiftly fitted, and embark them for Asperiche, the Venna and Tela as convoy.”

“Yes, Captain,” said Luma.

“Go now,” I said. “I do not wish to see the accounts.”

“Yes, Captain,” she said.

At the door, she stopped. “Does the captain wish food or drink?” she asked.

“No,” I told her.

“Thurnock,” she said, “would be pleased should you play with him a game of Kaissa.”

I smiled. Huge, yellow-haired Thurnock, he of the peasants, master of the great bow, wished to play Kaissa with me. He knew himself no match for me in this game.

“Thank Thurnock for me,” said I, “but I do not wish to play.”

I had not played Kaissa since my return from the northern forests.

Thurnock was a good man, a kind man. The yellow-haired giant meant well.

“The accounts,” said Luma, “are excellent. Your enterprises are prospering. You are much richer.”