The Port Cray public library was unlike anything Dust had ever seen. Tall shelves stretched toward a vaulted ceiling, filled with more books than he'd imagined could exist in one place. Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating reading tables where scholars and citizens sat quietly absorbed in their studies.
Elena was waiting for him at one of the smaller tables, several books already spread before her. She'd changed from her previous night's dress into simpler clothes that still spoke of quality but were more practical for teaching.
"You came," she said with a smile. "I wasn't entirely sure you would."
"I keep my word," Dust replied, settling into the chair across from her. "Though I have to admit, this place is intimidating."
"It was for me too, at first. But books are just conversations with people you'll never meet—writers sharing their thoughts across time and distance." Elena opened one of the books to reveal pages covered with clear, simple text. "We'll start with the basics. Do you know any letters at all?"
"A few. Enough to read simple signs, numbers for money." Dust felt embarrassed by his ignorance, but Elena's manner was patient and encouraging rather than condescending.
"That's more than many people have," she assured him. "We'll build from there."
For the next two hours, Elena guided him through the fundamentals. The alphabet, how letters combined to form sounds, simple words that appeared frequently in common writing. Dust's years of surviving by his wits served him well—he had a good memory and quick understanding when concepts were explained clearly.
"Try this one," Elena said, pointing to a word on the page.
"S-h-i-p," Dust sounded out slowly. "Ship."
"Excellent. And this?"
"S-a-i-l. Sail."
"You're learning quickly. Most people take weeks to read simple words with confidence."
As they worked, other library patrons occasionally glanced their way—a well-dressed young woman teaching a rough-looking sailor was an unusual sight in Port Cray's polite society. But Elena seemed oblivious to the attention, focused entirely on the lesson.
"Why are you doing this?" Dust asked during a break. "Teaching me, I mean. You don't know anything about me."
Elena considered the question seriously. "Because you helped me last night when you could have walked away. Because everyone deserves the chance to better themselves. And..." she paused, "because I've lived my entire life surrounded by people who've never had to struggle for anything. It's refreshing to meet someone who's earned what they have."
"I haven't earned much," Dust said quietly.
"You're alive, free, and trying to improve yourself. In Lower Ashmark, I suspect that required considerable earning."
They returned to the lesson, and by the time afternoon shadows began lengthening, Dust could read simple sentences with only occasional help. His hands were cramped from writing practice, but he felt a satisfaction unlike anything he'd experienced on the streets.
"Tomorrow we'll work on more complex words," Elena said as they gathered the books. "And perhaps start with numbers—arithmetic, basic calculations."
"You're assuming I'll be here tomorrow."
"Aren't you?" She met his eyes directly. "The Sea Witch isn't sailing until the day after tomorrow."
"No, she's not," Dust admitted. "I'll be here."
As they prepared to leave, a commotion near the library's entrance caught their attention. Raised voices, the sound of someone being forcibly moved. Dust's street instincts immediately put him on alert.
"What's happening?" Elena asked, concerned.
Through the library's front windows, they could see a crowd gathered in the street. At its center, two Port Cray watchmen were restraining a man while a third read from an official-looking document.
"Public arrest," Dust observed. "Someone important, judging by the crowd."
They moved closer to the windows to get a better view. The arrested man was middle-aged and well-dressed, his face flushed with anger as he argued with the watchmen. Dust couldn't hear the words, but the man's gestures suggested he was protesting his innocence.
"I know him," Elena said quietly. "Marcus Aldridge, a spice merchant. My father does business with his company."
"What could he have done?"
"I don't know, but—" Elena's expression suddenly changed to one of alarm. "Oh no."
"What?"
"Those three men from last night. They're in the crowd, watching." She pointed toward the edge of the gathering, where Dust could now see the same young men who'd been harassing her. "They're smiling."
The implications hit Dust immediately. In Lower Ashmark, he'd seen this pattern countless times—when powerful people wanted someone removed, they found ways to make it happen through official channels.
"You think they arranged this?"
"I think they have influence with certain officials, and they're not used to being embarrassed." Elena's voice was tight with worry. "And if they can arrange for a prominent merchant to be arrested on false charges..."
"They can certainly arrange trouble for a sailor with no connections," Dust finished. "I should go."
"Wait." Elena caught his arm as he turned toward the library's back exit. "There might be another way."
"What do you mean?"
"My father. He's... well, he has influence too. Different circles, but real power in the city. If I explained what happened—"
"You'd risk your reputation getting involved with a stranger." Dust shook his head. "I won't ask that of you."
"You're not asking. I'm offering." Elena's green eyes were determined. "Those men represent everything I despise about Port Cray's entitled class. If they think they can abuse people without consequences, they need to learn otherwise."
Before Dust could respond, the library's front door opened and one of the watchmen entered. His eyes scanned the room briefly before settling on Dust and Elena near the windows.
"You there," the watchman called, approaching with official authority. "Sailor. I need you to come with me for questioning."
Elena stepped forward before Dust could respond. "On what grounds, Watchman?"
"Disturbing the peace, threatening citizens. We have witnesses."
"What witnesses?" Elena's voice carried a tone of command that surprised Dust—this was clearly a young woman accustomed to being obeyed.
"That's not your concern, miss. Stand aside."
"Actually, it is my concern." Elena produced a small item from her purse—a signet ring that she slipped onto her finger. "I am Elena Ravencrest, daughter of Councilman Ravencrest, and this man was with me all evening. If you have accusations, I want to hear them in detail."
The watchman's demeanor changed immediately upon seeing the ring. Port Cray might be a free city, but it still had its hierarchies, and the Ravencrest name clearly carried weight.
"Miss Ravencrest," the watchman said, his tone now respectful. "There's been a misunderstanding. Several young gentlemen reported being threatened by this individual, but if you can vouch for his whereabouts..."
"I can and do. This man intervened to help me when I was being accosted by three drunken louts. His behavior was entirely honorable." Elena's voice carried the kind of absolute certainty that came from a lifetime of privilege, but she was using it to protect rather than exploit.
The watchman looked uncomfortable, caught between conflicting accounts from influential citizens. "Perhaps we could discuss this matter more privately?"
"There's nothing to discuss," Elena replied firmly. "No crime was committed, and I'll swear to that before any magistrate you choose. However, if you're interested in actual crimes, I can provide detailed descriptions of three men who assaulted a citizen in an alley last night."
The threat was subtle but clear. The watchman nodded reluctantly and withdrew, leaving them alone in the library's entrance hall.
"Thank you," Dust said quietly. "You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did. What they were attempting was an abuse of power, and I won't stand for it." Elena's anger was controlled but real. "Besides, you protected me last night. It's only fair that I return the favor."
"Your father's going to hear about this."
"Probably. But he's a fair man—when he hears the full story, he'll understand why I acted as I did." Elena paused, then smiled slightly. "Though I suspect our reading lessons might be interrupted while this gets sorted out."
"About those lessons..." Dust hesitated, then continued. "The Sea Witch sails tomorrow evening. This might be our last chance."
"Then we'd better make it count," Elena said decisively. "Come on, let's find somewhere more private to continue your education."
As they left the library together, Dust reflected on how quickly his understanding of Port Cray had changed. It wasn't the corruption-free paradise he'd first imagined—power still corrupted, wealth still bought influence, and justice could still be manipulated by those with connections.
But it was also a place where people like Elena existed—individuals willing to use their privilege to protect others rather than exploit them. That gave him hope, both for the city and for his own future.
The game was still rigged, but at least here, some of the players were on the side of fairness.