Zul'ra stood at the bow, gazing at the distant Booty Bay, now little more than a shadow, while making plans to earn money. On this trip, he had spent more than half of the gold Amani had stockpiled. If he did not find a source of income, he might have to sell himself the next time he wanted to buy something.
He had to create some income for the Amani, but that was easier said than done. The Forest Trolls were still undergoing a social transformation and simply could not produce any surplus wealth. Even the gold from this trip had mostly been left over from before. Without a stable income, that money would soon be spent.
"What should I sell?" Zul'ra bared his teeth as he stared at the blue sea. Just as he was about to scratch his scalp, a strange noise came from behind him, followed by a loud shout from the cabin below.
"Enemy!"
"An enemy?" Zul'ra's eyes widened at the shout. He quickly left the bow and headed down, only to find a commotion in the cabin beneath the stairs. Sailors on deck and Tooth-Soldiers also gathered around. Amid the racket in the cabin, a voice could be heard.
"Don't!"
"I'm not..."
"Stop!"
"Listen to my explanation!" The owner of the voice seemed to be the intruder. He wanted to explain himself, but the Tooth-Soldiers and sailors did not seem inclined to give him the chance. Zul'ra narrowed his eyes and gestured to the Tooth-Soldiers protecting him, telling them to prepare for battle. At the same time, he stopped the sailors from going below. The cabin was cramped enough already; they would only get in the way.
"I told you, I really mean no harm! I...!"
A black figure stumbled out of the noisy cabin