“How’s he doing?” she asked.
“I don’t know.” Tresilian shook his head but didn’t look up at Aurora. “I wish I did. I’m not used to being helpless.”
“Thank you for taking such good care of him. I’m very grateful to you.” Aurora laid a hand on his forearm.
Before Tresilian could reply, the woman joined them, while the men went to the barge’s prow. Aurora glanced around, wondering how just two men could power such a large vessel, since there seemed no means of propulsion.
Then she gasped as four large copper-coloured mechanical seahorses rose from the water in front of the ship’s prow.
“Full speed, we must hurry.” The woman called out her order and the barge jerked forward, quickly building up speed. She smiled at Aurora, displaying teeth beset with small gems. “Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. My name’s Lalia Tia-sitra.”