'A somewhat inauspicious beginning to our new group' said Mustapha ruefully. 'You said you were expecting a fourth, master Pelligrew? And here we must depart without sharing tea together as companions. No matter, I trust there will be a time for that soon. Please...' he said to Leaf and the dark garbed woman, putting the tray of cups, a pitcher of boiling water and a small pot of honey down on the table. 'I must prepare'.
Leaving the steaming brew, the brass man returned to the pack he left as he entered the Pinnace. Undoing a leather strap he lifted clear a small embroidered rug, with finely tassled edges. Opening the door, he glanced briefly heavenward, before striding into the rain, pulling the door closed behind him as he went.