Fresh air and startled cries from the beggars swamped her. Chang Chang blinked in the darkness, trying to adjust her eyes. She heard a clattering on the ladder and looked up.
Tarvin stood halfway up on the rungs, the crossbow leveled at her chest.
"Well met, lady," he said. "I'm glad you could see reason." Ju Feng released her and rolled to his feet. He was an easy target, but Tarvin kept the crossbow trained on Chang Chang.
"I'm not going to bother with you, Ju Feng," he said, his gaze never leaving Chang Chang's. "Tales of your weapon-catching skills abound. But I don't think your lady is quite as talented. Step back, please. Give Chang Chang room to climb the ladder."
He climbed back up, slowly, keeping the weapon level on her. When he was back on the dock, he motioned to her.
"Climb up and keep both hands on the rungs," he said. "Bring your clever disguise."
