The ship docked again on the night of the third day.The sky was low and dark, its weight pressing against the still water. Lanterns glimmered faintly along the docks like scattered stars, and the cool wind carried the faint scent of rain.
They found an inn to stay at for the night but because of their large number, they had to pair rooms.
The rest of the crew were shared three to one room. Black Rabbit got a room to herself, and Li Xin and Fu Ling stayed in one room.
The innkeeper, a middle-aged man with a gray beard, handed them two oil lamps and apologized for the limited space. "The rain season's coming," he explained. "Merchants and travelers have filled every spare room."
Li Xin only nodded and paid the man without complaint.
Their room was on the second floor. The walls were thin, and the faint sound of laughter and footsteps filtered in from the hall. A single window overlooked the street below where the last of the vendors were packing up their stalls.
