The next evening the storm had boiled away. Samilcar and Maska were busy fixing the splintered mast. The entire top deck was damp and dripping saltwater. Sam looked up from caulking the mast with pine resin. Maska, who was holding the unstable mast in place as Sam caulked, also looked up. ÒSam,Ó she said, ÒwhatÕs that blot on the horizon-line?Ó Samilcar said, ÒI have no idea. But thereÕs one way to find out...Ó He looked up at her. ÒAye, there is. But first weÕd best fix this Ôere mast,Ó said Maska. Sam returned to his caulking. Half an hour later they were done. ÒSay Sal, whatÕs fer lunch?Ó Sam called to the cabin in which Sal was cooking. Salvarad grinned, and called out to the sweating workers, ÒA good Ôot soup, tÕ warm ye on this cold afternoon!Ó Sam and Maska groaned. Salvarad roared with laughter. ÒYou have a look on yer faces like a pair of squashed frogs! IÕll tell ye, tis a nice apple, peach, anÕ berry flan with cool elÕerberry cordial tÕ boot!Ó Samilcar advanced on him. ÒYou little sneak...!Ó Sal gave a mock squeak of fright, and ran into the cabin, shutting the door after him. Samilcar battered it lightly. Salvarad called out, ÒMercy, mercy! Quit that banginÕ and IÕll bring you the lunch!Ó Samilcar stopped banging, and Sal came out carrying a large flan, with Srippy walking after him with a jug of elderberry cordial. Sam and Maska seated themselves, and Sal said, ÒI dub this flan southern beach pastry filled with tropical blend. I hope it will be enjoyed by creatures around the world for seasons to come!Ó Sam grinned mischieviously, and called out, ÒThen cut the cackle, stow the gab, bring the grub anÕ vittles!Ó This brought hoots of good-natured laughter, and Scriptail just had time to put down the elderberry cordial before he fell on the floor, holding his ribs and shaking with merriment. A reddening Salvarad then said, ÒI donÕt see why I should waste this lovely flan on you illiterate swabs!Ó Sam stopped laughing and said, ÒSorry Sal, it was just so funny that... Ahahahahaheeheheheeteeheetaha! Hahahahaheeheeheteehataheeheetehee!Ó Suddendly Salvarad joined in, swiftly setting down the flan. ÒAhahah! Ha ha ha ho he he teehee! Did you see Srippy fall down! I thought that... Hahahah! Ah ha ho hee taha ahaha tihi!Ó Eventually the laughter died away and they started to eat. Everyone praised Scriptail and Salvarad for their cooking skills. Everyone had forgotten about the dot on the horizon which was the Emerald Deep.

Legaw Leboack, however, hadnÕt forgotten the dot on the horizon which was the SeaSwan. Intently he stared at it, Aral at his side. ÒWonder whoÕs aboard,Ó said Legaw Leboack. ÒDonÕt know,Ó said Aral MacTawnler. ÒWell, weÕll find out soon enough!"