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Even the docks felt abandoned Smaller boats were pulled up on the bank and turned over for the season, and along the shore, river sloops were on dry dock Sos bobbed at the end of the town pier, but they were few co season brought

The ferry was tied up where the street h to carry horse-draagons and carriages It was propelled by oars, for a line and pulley systeht find on a sent’s breadth and the h the ferry crossing

Karigan rang a brass bell that hung frorubby rivered from the nearest tavern These were the oarsray whiskers and a pipe sauntered out behind them, no doubt the ferry master

“Weeell,” he drawled, “a pair o’ king’s men if my eyes don’ deceive me”

Karigan wanted to tell him that, yes, his eyes did in fact deceive him, but she learned to restrain her sarcasm when on duty At leasta good exaal

“We require passage across the river,” she said

“O’ course ye do,” he replied, taking his own time to amble up to her “Two ’orses and two men That’ll be a silver each”

An internal struggle erupted within Karigan as she atte price What was needed here was a bridge and not this thievery Her merchant’s instinct took hold, and much to her own satisfaction, and to the ferry master’s astonishment, she backed him down to two coppers

“You shouldn’t be wrongly charging the king’s servants,” she ade and drive up taxes The king shall hear of it” It was a bit more heated than she intended, and not that perfect show of coal, but the ferrymanner

“Sorry, sir, sorry Don’ tell the king! I swear I won’ overcharge his ain!”

Sir? Karigan sighed

The deal was struck and the ramp dran so the Riders could lead theirhad his share of ferry crossings through his career Sunny, however, was less sure and balked She had to look the contraption over carefully before she allowed Fergal to lead her on board Karigan was impressed by how he remained calm and patient with her, and even patted her neck and offered her praise once she stood solidly on board He was learning, though she could not say he had warood care of her was inspired more by duty than affection Once Sunny was loaded, he turned his attention back to the river, and fidgeted as they waited for the oarsmen to shove off