Harbormaster Krellin's page

He nods his head briefly in sympathy. "Mistakes happen. I'm sure you'll be more careful next time."

He turns back to Ferrino. "And there's your dozen barrels of Metello's best rum." He stamps the logbook and adds conversationally, "That Metello fellow knows quality like the back of his hand. He says he'll be expanding operations to the Free Isles by the end of the summer, and to Omrinth and Akarnennion by next spring; with such attention to detail and mind for business it's no surprise he's gotten so big."

As the wagon rounds the final bend and begins trundling onto the docks, you can finally make out the harbormaster's words.

"Your receipts are in order, your House's credit is good, and your signet ring matches our records. I think--by the gods, what happened here?"

He stares in bemusement at the deep scorch marks on the wagon.