The Lost Star's Sea
Page 97
03
ValDare's expedition crew consisted of - the shipwrecked sailor, DeArjen, an old, gnarled, white broad-feathered man, one of his university friends, Scholar PinTin, a young and up and coming anthropologist, eager to make his mark, who brought along two of his students. Then there was BinCar, the chief photographer in charge of both the vid and still cameras who had along one assistant. DeRaze was the chief dragon hunter who had a crew of three men and two women, all of whom could pass, without question, as any of the pirates or bandits I've had the misfortune to know. Still, they were friendly enough, and since they were hired as roustabouts they looked after stowing the expedition's supplies and boats, working alongside the ship's crew with easy camaraderie. Truth is, they did nothing to arouse my concern, except looking like people who should. I was getting too old for this business. Or too wise.
We sailed the round following our conversation with ValDare, leaving the last of the Varenta Islands behind, some six rounds later. The last of the dragons were seen a round after that, and for the next 23 rounds we sailed in empty skies.