Lucian reached the river yards before the first bell had even tolled, finding Foreman Sull already etching names onto her slate.
"You're back," Sull said.
"I said I would be."People say a lot." She jerked her chin at the open board. "Dock Six today, long crates. Same rules."
"Clear."
Pesh tossed him a brace strap as he came closer. "Didn't think you'd return."
"Why not?"
"Most new Frees like the sound of pay better than the feel of it."
Lucian fastened his wrists. "I like pay."
Pesh grinned. "An honest answer. Come on."
They lifted.
The crates were long and unwieldy in addition to being heavy, and Lucian was grateful for the practice runs. He kept pace with Pesh and a taciturn woman named Orrin who only commented when she needed a corner opened. Sweat slicked his skin well before the second round, and dirt clung to his thighs, but by the third trip his shoulders were properly warmed. At the water barrel, Orrin rinsed her hands.
"You handle the length well," she said.
