Racing toward the pier, I spotted Toci on one of the harbored ships. I continued running, looking over my shoulder to see if the slavers were catching up. So far, no. Toci spotted me and began waving frantically, shouting to someone down on the dock and pointing toward me. Getting closer I saw it was Aurie. She was helping the women carrying Ursel onto the gangway. When she heard Toci, she began to run toward me and I to her.

“Betty! Oh thank Gaia! I was so afraid!” she said as she wrap...