menacing. For the second time, first in Venner, now in Tomlin, she had seen the true source of their fascination. “No, it is not the treasure-house. It is the council hall, where thou wert lodged.” She snatched her gaze from the compass and fixed him with the cold, unwinking stare of a snake. “Where thou wert lodged, my friend who would renounce all for me. Where, had I cared to, I might have left two of ye, taking with me to safety only the one whose brains are not afire with soulless gold and jewels.”

Tomlin grew hot and uneasy. “My brain is on fire with your beauty, Dolores,” he returned, trying to force her gaze to meet his again.

“Prove it to me, then,” she replied shortly, and waved him away, devoting her attention now to making the anchorage, already close to.