I must say there is a great relief to not being eaten. The salt air is strangely sweet, and I am shaking a little as I help the fisherwoman to her feet. Kate is tending to the snake-witch, and I bow my head towards them.

"I am sorry," I say, "for any trouble I've caused you; I truly am."

Then a new voice says "But why? Why would it want riddles?" and I cock my head at the white woman and think she must be very new to things indeed. The sea is coughing up the strangest people today; I would not swear to my luck, but it has certainly been an interesting day to be fishing.

"Ask the fair man," I offer, gesturing towards Arik. "He likes giving answers to that sort of question." The power of names and caution around wishes, I'm sure he has something to say about the use of riddles. Meanwhile the small dark woman is circling--nearly everyone, I think, looking around and darting through the small crowd minnow-quick, and then coming up and asking to see the cog that's been brought to light.