Moonbound
The ledger-boy shoulder-pressed a dolly of wet rope that weighed as much as deciding to be brave.
Silas knelt then, surprising them all with the scandalous usefulness of his knees. His hands learned rope without dignity and with speed. He did not look to see if anyone was watching. It is the only way certain men become human.
“I have three useless cousins,” he said to Lucien, brisk, as if admitting sin were good seam sealer. “They can move weight if you make them. Use them.” He raised his head and sent a look like a knife at the men who depend on other men’s glamour. They came—red-faced, contrite enough, strong. The plank took, the seam resisted, the ferry remembered she had survived worse.
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