The Scorchkraken shifted again, its scaled arms coiling tighter around the hull.
"You there. Merchant. What's your name?"
The Dwarrow jolted as Ben addressed him, nearly dropping the ledger he had been clutching like a lifeline.
"I… yes! Of course, my lord!"
He stammered, scrambling to the edge of the boat and giving a bow so deep his forehead nearly touched the scorched wood.
"Name's Barrek, sir! Barrek Flintbraid of Emberreach! Trader of ores, dried provisions, and—" he glanced nervously at the Scorchkraken, which let out a curious burble, "—beast-handling contracts as well."
He straightened, eyes wide with admiration and barely contained hope.
"I heard the city had a new lord, but I never imagined… stars above, you faced those Gravenhold bastards like they were nothing!"
Barrek pounded a fist to his chest, voice growing more passionate by the second.
