That evening.
Kayra and her escort arrived at the coast, her daughter clinging close.
Cliff bowed as they halted.
"My lady, repairs are still underway. There's a leak below deck, and the crew is tracing the source."
"Why wasn't this dealt with earlier?"
"My lady, they only discovered it after we arrived. I cannot risk your safety on a compromised vessel."
"Cliff… you understand what situation we're in, don't you?"
"I do. But we must be certain it is seaworthy. I believe we can depart under cover of night."
"May I see the ship we'll be using?"
"This way, my lady." The ship's owner guided them down the dock.
Kayra looked it over, the vessel was larger than she'd expected.
"But pardon me, my lady. The ship doesn't really have separate cabins." the owner explained. "No quarters for passengers, but there's room below deck to shelter from the weather."
"It will suffice," Kayra said. "How soon can it be seaworthy? Can we leave before midnight?"
