The turtle listened to the song, deep eyes revealing nothing. After the last note, there was nothing but silence. Pieter sat on his hands, stiffly silent. He watched the turtle as it leaned in closer, bringing it's beak directly in front of them. It opened it's beak slightly, and the smell of rum and decaying fish rolled over them. Opening it's mouth wider, the sailor's view of the world was replaced with the sight of the inside of the turtles mouth- ready to crash down upon them without warning. Abruptly, the turtle swung it's head into the sky and laughed. Returning it's gaze to the two, it's eyes were half lidded in amusement. "Quite the song." It's voice was dry, and the humor lacked warmth. It regarded them like a cat playing with a mouse. "It's a shame, if I were a mermaid, I'd drag you down with me." It paused, enjoying itself. "I don't keep pets, so you won't be joining me today." Swinging it's head to Pieter, it said, "The one's you're looking for are on an island two days south of here. Follow the handle of the Plowshare." Craning it's neck so that the tip of it's beak brushed the side of Uban's head, it spoke in a whisper so low that it could barely be heard. 

[right] eb lliw uoy [/right]

[center]eht rof elbisnopser [/center]

uoy ot txen nam eht fo death

Booming laughter followed and the waters around them churned. "Watch out for a rotting eel!" It called out as it sunk beneath the waves. 

The water calmed. 

It was still. 

It returned to how it had been before.

---

Hana winced when she looked over at the two training and said, "Aye- I mean, yes Captain. I can get my camphor."

---

Wheel stood over the boy, his face a mask. He had worked the boy to the point of exhaustion. They were done today. They'd made progress. Which wasn't hard when you starting at the bottom. "They're going to try and kill you. And they'll fail. I wouldn't be training you like this if I expected you to die, would I?" He lit a cigarette and said, "Take a moment to catch your breath, then put away the gear."