Lydia and Tran

The feathered hat was beautifully made from fine materials. One glance was enough to tell it was the work of a master craftsman.

It was no surprise Abner recognized it. He had been the one to give it to Karen to pass along to his sister...

So this girl was Karen's sister, the one who wasn't even a hundred yet? Had she come out to sea for an adventure? Did Karen know?

The questions flashed through Abner's mind. He did not stare at the girl or reveal who she was. Instead, he let his gaze move past her to the other youngster.

The boy looked sixteen or seventeen. He was handsome and fair-skinned, with skin even finer than Miss Gwen's. His vivid blue hair and blue-gray eyes stood out, and he was studying Abner and Mr. Gaston with an appraising gaze.

Noticing Abner look at her companions, Miss Gwen introduced them warmly. "They're my new companions, the Arenheim's new 'shareholders'..."

Shareholders? So someone with money had invested in your ship. That explained the cannons and armored refit...

Well, Sanguine weren't short of money. As long as they didn't spend it all on their "hobbies" like Emlyn, they were bound to be wealthy...

And that boy's looks and bearing practically screamed privileged upbringing. What possessed him to seek adventure at sea?

Heh. Don't tell me he ran away from home in a huff?

While Abner's thoughts wandered, the girl he suspected was Karen's sister stepped forward before Gwen could finish the introductions. Tilting her head with an endearing smile, she said, "I'm Lydia. It's lovely to meet you."

Then she pulled the boy over, pointed at him, and said with a grin, "This is Tran. He's awkward, doesn't talk much, and keeps to himself... Don't bully him, all right?"

Tran yanked