Turn 5 of 9

Ask the man in the grey coat directly what business he has with the Mourning Light

You step past Ferran before she can stop you. The man in the grey coat is taller than you expected — tall enough that you have to look up, which you resent — and his face has the composed blandness of someone who earns his living by never flinching. He is perhaps fifty, clean-shaven, with grey eyes and the kind of hands that have never done manual work. His coat is good wool, well-cut, and he wears no signet or insignia. A broker, you think, or a creditor's agent.

"I'm the quartermaster of the *Mourning Light*," you say. "You're discussing my ship. I'd like to know who you are and what you want."

Ferran makes a sound behind you — not quite a warning, not quite permission. The man in the grey coat raises his eyebrows a fraction, then reaches into his coat and produces a card. He holds it out between two fingers. The card reads *Edren Vasek, Senior Factor, Calderon & Mott Debt Resolution*.

"Your ship is the subject of a consolidated debt order filed with the Harbour Court this morning," Vasek says. His voice is pleasant, conversational, the tone of a man describing the weather.

"Eleven hundred marks, due by the twelfth bell. I represent the primary creditor. I was under the impression the Captain was the party authorised to discuss settlement." He glances at Ferran, then back at you.

"I authorised him," Ferran says flatly, stepping up beside you. "Speak."

Vasek inclines his head. "The debt is straightforward. Berth fees, fuel credit, a customs bond — all accrued under the previous quartermaster's authority, all unpaid. My client purchased the bond three days ago, at a discount, from the original issuer." He pauses, letting the implication settle.

"My client is willing to accept the ship in lieu of payment. Alternatively, the Captain and I were just discussing a cargo contract that might cover the sum."

"What cargo contract?" you ask.

Vasek smiles, the kind of smile that is designed to look helpful.

"There is a shipment of refined tin ingots sitting in a bonded warehouse on the second level. It needs to reach Aelver's Reach before the end of the month. The freight payment would cover your debt, with something left over. My client is prepared to advance the contract — if the Captain can guarantee delivery."

Ferran's jaw is tight. She is looking at Vasek the way a person looks at a door they cannot open. You have seen enough deals to recognise the shape of this one. A creditor buys the debt at a discount, then offers the debtor a job that pays just enough to clear it — a job that, conveniently, requires the debtor to keep their ship. It is not generosity. It is leverage.