The place Felix chose for the first shelter flooded before noon.
He stood on the higher path while a shallow wash crossed the neat rectangle he’d drawn.
Maud looked at the drawing.
“Lovely floor. Fish will appreciate it.”
He crossed it out.
Pale Finch anchored outside Low Bell’s trial landing. Gull’s Luck brought the first small party ashore while the transport’s ordinary crew maintained the reduced passage arrangement under Maren. Their future employment and the vessel’s ownership remained separate from keeping people safe that morning.
Before leaving the repair berth, they had collected the remaining wreck survivors by ordinary calm-water transfer. Jalen came on a supported board with the care arrangement checked; Elsa stayed beside him. Eight survivors including Maren remained after Tessa’s departure, each with belongings and plans. Nobody materialized at the islet because the next task required them.
Maud showed Felix the actual high ground. Two seasonal beds. Shared landing. Drying wall. The route fishing families needed when the tide reached the lower stones.
