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And me!

Would you mind if I join you?

The sailors part to let Isidro through.

If it isn't our resident alchemist. I figured you'd keep your mouth shut forever.

What could you possibly do, chaval?

I can help you get out of that valley alive.

We're ready, Señor Silver.

Good. Take them in at my command.

Yes, sir!

...Are you sure those bandits will pass through here, Señor Alguacil?

Yes... they're short on supplies.

Saltfins are their only food source in the Salt Flat. From what the caravans tell us, they must travel through this passage when they return from a hunt.

Exhausted by their quarry, they will be no match for us.

Good.

With this ambush, it will all be over.

Things will improve in town once we have the bandits' technology and supplies.

Right, Anastasio?

Anastasio mutters something, but Silver does not hear it.

He simply gazes upon the vast Salt Flat before him, as if seeing the town's prosperous future out there.

Watch out! Steam pillar.

So this is your brilliant plan? To have us all die here?

Sorry... I'll be more careful.

The test tube that Isidro throws bursts in mid-air, creating a golden mist.

The mist is soon dispersed by a faintly red jet of air.

Followed by a powerful burst of steam.

This will let us predict the steam bursts.

But I don't have too many left. We'll need to hurry.

Hmph...

Wreckage ahead, Javier. Watch out.

I could blow it up.

No need. I know what you can do, chaval.

Okay... this ship looks like it's been here for a while.

It's the first salt ship Juana ever built. She thought it could take us through Skeletal Reef and back to the sea.

She failed.

And lost almost everything.

You see any trace of the boss?

Yes. Not far now.

The ship continues sailing, past a row of towering bone spikes. The cracks running through the surface are filled with blood.

Saltfin blood. Don't let it get to you.

Isidro picks up a piece of salt that rolled down from the cliffs and throws it out.

He opens his palm, and finds it sticky with the blood from the salt.

There's blood everywhere. What kind of fight happened here?

Is the boss even alive?

We'll find out soon.

Past the bone pillars, a massive saltfin lies lifeless on the ground, its skull punctured by a helm wheel.

The master of the wheel lays still on its back, blood dripping down her feet.

Señora...

Juana... no...

They disembark and climb the beast's back. Javier touches the woman's arm. It is still warm, but that fact fills him with even more sorrow.

I'm sorry. We were too late.

*Cough* *Cough*... Yes, you were.

S-Señora?!

And there I was, hoping I wouldn't need to do all the work myself.

Are you okay, boss? You're covered in blood.

It's not mine. It put up a good fight, but I outlasted it.

You got anything to drink, Isidro?

Of course.

Juana takes the bottle, climbs down the saltfin's back, and sits down, leaning against it.

She takes a few swigs, and looks at the crowd that had gathered with a smile on her face.

Saltfin garum... What a shame. What I wouldn't do for some fine rum right about now.

Could you lend me a shoulder, Isidro? I have to admit I'm rather spent after all that.

Me?

I'll do it.

Let the boy do it. You folks need to start butchering this saltfin.

And take that wheel out for me, won't you, Javi?

Sí, señora.

Over here, boy.

A-Alright.

Now, now, you never rush a lady. Always let her finish her business.

Juana unhurriedly downs the liquid in the bottle, casually tossing the bottlecap into the air and catching it with her other hand. Isidro can only watch and wait.

There is movement in Juana's throat from time to time. She takes her time swallowing.

Or, rather, it takes great effort for her to swallow.

(Whisper) Why are you hiding your injury?

(Whisper) Just hold on to me, steady now...

(Whisper) Argh...

(Whisper) Listen, joven. I can't get hurt.

(Whisper) Fleet morale has been shaky enough already... I have to seem invincible.

(Whisper) You just gave them an entire month's worth of meals.

(Whisper) They'd take care of you.

(Whisper) I'm not worried about betrayal, but... if I go down, they'll think the situation is dire, and that's when they start panicking.

(Whisper) So, keep me steady... I don't want to fall on my face in front of everyone.

(Whisper) Argh...

(Whisper) Your ribs are cracked. I can't hold you too hard.

(Whisper) It's alright... I can take it.

Señor Calificador, there is a salt ship approaching from the southwest.

Hand me your scope.

Seems like they've had quite the catch. Just look at that thing they're dragging behind...

Would you like to see for yourself?

No need.

...I'll give the order to attack.

Silver raises the spyglass. Through the round lens, he sees a skull flag flapping in the wind.

In all his years on the Salt Flat, he had never looked forward to it so much.

How is it?

Enough for everyone, and then some.

Good. Then we'll have plenty of materials to repair the compass.

...I guess.

Señora... I...

Yes?

Leave the rest to me. You're tired; you need rest.

...I suppose you're right. I know I can count on you.