38. The First Daughter

Kinch, Galva, Norrigal, and Malk are received by Edth’s harbormistress, who coolly assesses their account of surviving a goblin ship. She explains the dire consequences of publicly accusing the goblins: dangerous overland testimony before three monarchs, likely assassination, and political resistance eager to preserve the peace.

The harbormistress further warns that even successful testimony could trigger renewed war, since the goblin Horde would feel insulted by exposure rather than quiet disposal. She notes that the seized goblin ship would become crown evidence if they pressed the accusation, and contrasts this with a safer alternative: claim they found the ship adrift and present it as a gift for modest compensation.

When Malk bristles, the harbormistress silences him and reiterates the stakes, including execution or Spanth torture if their claim is rejected. She offers each a quarter trounce for the ship if they sign oath-writs confirming the “found” story. Kinch quickly accepts; Norrigal and Malk follow, prioritizing survival and stability over justice.

Galva refuses. She demands wine and rejects the quarter trounce, then produces the golden seal of Ispanthia and declares herself the first daughter of the Duke of Braga. Citing the harbormistress’s own terms for nobility, Galva claims 10% of the ship’s value to fund her mission to Oustrim.

The room’s guards tense, but the harbormistress yields to negotiation, shifting into Ispanthian. The chapter closes with the matter turning formal, Galva leveraging rank to secure greater resources while the others lock in the peaceful resolution.