I stumbled off Stormbreaker and fell flat on the dock. "Land," I groaned, "Can it be? Is it really true?"
"Heh!" said a reedy voice. "First boat trip, Sister?"
I hoisted myself into a sitting position and looked up to see a thin, handsome wood elf, dressed in a homemade ringmail tunic and black leather pants that looked like he'd dragged them behind an oxcart for a couple of days. He wore no helm, and his black hair gleamed with oil. In one hand he held a fishing pole, in the other a bottle of some murky liquid. "How did you know?" I said.
"You look like the ground's still moving under ya! Heh heh!" He put the fishing pole on the dock and offered a hand. "Name's Ninian," he said. "Ninian Lillyliver. Welcome to Freeport, Sister! There's a lot of action here -- if you know where to look, that is."
"My name isn't Sister." I took his hand and pulled myself up. The world spun queasily, then stood still again. "It's Gwion."
"Heh! OK, Gwion then. Wanna drink? Dwarven Ale!" He offered the bottle. I shook my head. He shrugged, then took a large swig.
"I'm from Kelethin," I said after a moment.
"Hey! Me too! Well, er, so to speak. I used to live there once. But I sorta relocated on account of certain, uh, business matters -- if you know what I mean." He leaned closer and gave me a wink. I didn't know what he meant, but I wasn't going to ask for fear he would want to get closer. His breath was like a bottle of spoiled fish wine Mother had once found in a forgotten cupboard. "You like to play cards?" he asked.
"Cards? No, no, I came here to see the humans!"
"See the -- eh heh heh heh! Ah, hah hah!" He doubled over, slapping a knee. Some ale splashed down his leg and onto the dock. "Hoo hoo! Boy," he sniffed loudly, "See the humans! That's a good one, Sister!"
"My name's not Sister!" I said. What was so funny about humans? This Ninian was beginning to give me a pain. "I think I'll be on my way, Mr. Lillyliver. Thank you for your help." I didn't know where I was going, but I stalked off as huffily as I could.
"Aw, you're the Queen of Velious now, huh?" I heard him grab up his fishing pole and run after me. "C'mon, I was only kiddin' ya!" I smelled his horrid breath close behind me and hastened down the nearest alley. It was a dead end. I whipped around to see him standing there at the other end of the alley, arms outstretched in what seemed to be a conciliatory gesture.
"Come on," he said, "What was your name again? Gwion? Yeah, come on, be reasonable. You don't know where you're going, do you."
I had to admit I didn't. I shook my head.
"OK," he said, much more kindly now, "This way. I'll show you where you can get something to eat, and then I'll leave ya alone, I promise."
I thought about it. I really didn't know what to do next, and the effects of the boat trip were gone. I was hungry. And if I followed Ninian, I might be able to find Uncle Zophia. "All right," I said, "But no tricks, Lillyliver." He looked guilty for a moment, then strode ahead.
