Five Knots returned to Ironcloud with a damaged stern, an incomplete delivery record, and enough stolen equipment to repair The Sixth Knot twice.
They did not carry the equipment through the public dock office.
Dorran Stonewake met them at a private maintenance berth after receiving Tessa's message. He examined the mismatched rail, listened to the account of the first attack, and waited until the berth doors closed before Five Knots described the second ship.
"You boarded it?" Dorran asked.
"It belonged to Helmar's people." Belda said.
"That was not my question."
"Yes."
Dorran rubbed one hand over his beard. "And where is it now?"
"At the bottom of a ravine." Tessa replied.
They showed him the slaver records.
His anger shifted direction.
