A cargo boat came through the outer harbor at dawn, its sail marked with a faded blue stripe. Lian watched it from the signal post, then raised one flag for an arrival. The harbor relay carried the message to the village tower. Suyin’s answering bell sounded once.
The boat eased toward the landing. A crewman called for the oil seller, and Yan went down with Han to help guide the line. Crates of lamp oil and sacks of rice filled the deck. A merchant’s ledger sat under the arm of the passenger near the stern.
Bai Jiu stepped onto the landing. A shallow cut ran across his cheek, already dry at the edges.
Yan stared, then grinned. “You made it.”
“Clearly.” Bai glanced at the crate they were unloading. “I arranged the oil sale. The harbor was short, and the captain gave me passage.”
“How long have you been on the boat?”
“Three days.”
“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”
