The Last Mapmaker

Rian reads the captain’s written orders to the crew, which state that the captain is recovering but is still too weak to address them in person. The written orders reveal that the expedition’s true purpose is to find the Sunderlands. They also say that until the captain is fully recovered, she has passed command of the ship to Rian. The next order releases Master Paiyoon from his duties and names Sai as his replacement. Instead of accusing Sai of treachery, however, Paiyoon graciously states that Rian is right to trust her and that nobody could serve her better. He gives Sai his eyeglass and whispers to her that she is more than capable of facing what is to come. He then announces that he is ready to disembark.

At Avens Island, most of the ship’s officers disembark along with Paiyoon, for they are unwilling to take orders from Rian. A large portion of the crew leaves as well, deeming the voyage too risky now that they know a course has been set to cross the Harbinger Sea. Among those who remain are Dr. Pinching, Bo, and Grebe. From this point forward, Sai notices a distinct change in Rian. She is more formal and distant and no longer treats Sai like an equal or even a friend.