*
"Yes. You wanted room. I'm giving you room that still answers to this gate." I held her gaze. "If Saga Mikkelsen becomes more than a debt, you tell me before the coastal birds do. Clear."
"Clear."
Sigrid's mouth tipped a fraction. "Welcome back. Try not to correct Johan's dock knowledge until he's had midday food."
Astrid almost smiled. "No promises."
She left to dump her satchel and find the yard. Through the map-room window I watched her cross the packed snow. William noticed her first.
Lucas followed. Johan's head turned the way it did when a form had changed and he had not yet decided whether to approve. Astrid did not perform the return. She simply took a place at the rail and waited to be put to work, salt still dulling the colour of her cloak.
Magnus came in as Anders left with the copied note. He had seen the gate from the upper walk.
"She's home."
