Strange Noises Fiction by Rachel Greenham

At least this time we have some money, as Sam said. Even better, at least this time we have some clue.

“No!” Sam calls out to the guy in the robe approaching the bows. “No binding! We’re paying fees in advance. Be useful and tie this off.” She throws him the bow mooring line.

I climb over the side in time to face the official who’s come down to the marina portion of the harbour to greet us. Not the harbourmaster himself, by his dress. I’ve changed into my more formal wear, that I last wore to interview Lotan, I remember.

“Welcome to Jeoda,” he starts. “Mistress…”

“Taniel,” I say, “of the Satthei Encelion.”

The name gets his attention, at least, a half-voiced ‘ah’ holding his mouth open. We had decided not to mention our connection to Fareis for now.

“What’s your name?” Sam asks him, appearing next to me.

“Lemior, Mistress—”

“Good morning, Lemior, we need to find good lodgings. We’d rather it wasn’t an inn, somewhere more private and suitable for small children and a nursing mother and baby. Can you help us?”

“Y— Actually yes I can.”

Sam smiles. “And we’ll come down to the harbourmaster’s office with you afterwards to sort out the paperwork. How’s that?”