Ashcombe listened in silence, arms crossed, expression unreadable until he finished.
"Corven's reckless," she said finally, "but he's not stupid, and he's not cruel about who he takes advantage of. Could be worse company for this particular job. Could be considerably worse."
"You're not staying to see me off?"
"My circuit doesn't wait for anyone, kid, yours included." Something in her weathered expression softened, just slightly. "But I'll tell you what I told Renna before I left the Anchorage — whatever you're chasing, I hope it's worth what it's already cost you. Not many people arrive on my ship the way you did and still manage to sound this certain, this many weeks and this many close calls later."
"I meant to ask," Rohan said. "Why did you actually agree to bring me this far? You could have said no back at the Anchorage. Renna's vouching only carries so much weight."
