Ahirom slid down the mast slightly in surprise as he noticed someone coming up to help him.  The older ... Rys, right?  The one who had killed Carpus?  Honestly Ahirom had never been a big fan of Carpus so it wasn't too much of a loss, though he was still shocked to see the seemingly bloodthirsty sailor offer him a hand.  [b]"T-thanks!"[/b]  Ahirom let out in the cheerful - slightly higher pitch voice of a young man still growing somewhat into adulthood.

Looking at the work he was doing, Ahirom realized he was the more senior between them when it came to this sort of work.  [b]"Pull on that rope when I do - one, two, three ..."[/b]  Overall Ahirom was polite though efficient as he gave Rys directions on how to help him when it seemed they were confused.

From the short mast Rys would be able to hear some of the details of the conversation between Amen and Epizelos.  [color=yellow]"So if the Lycian coast is that badly inhabited, we could end up as a target as well ...."[/color]  The conversation quieted for a few lines.  [color=yellow]"... if your contact says they'll be sending those good to Crete, though, I'm inclined to believe them.  That's a lot more profitable than robbing grain from Egypt, for sure."[/color]  The two seemed to have come to a decision, and now were speaking quietly over the details.

Eventually the work Ahirom did was finished, and he dropped to the deck and quickly hurried over to Amen, who dismissed him briefly we a smile.  [color=yellow]"We sail East!  Sidon, get them to work the oars for long distance travel.  If we are lucky, we'll hit a target away from the coastline!"[/color]  Some of the slaves shackled to the oars let out sighs of relief as they wouldn't be ordered to exhaust themselves, though any further commentary quickly silenced itself.  After all, slaves who served well had freedom dangling in front of them after about a half-year of service.

Ahirom hurried back over to Rys, putting his hand awkwardly on the back of his head.  [b]"Hey, um, thanks.  Guess I owe you one."[/b]