The docks of Attan changed to the organized chaos of accomplished loadmasters, stevedores and teamsters as people, possessions, and provisions were loaded aboard the various ships in the harbor. The task seemed endless to those new to the sea, yet by nightfall it was all accomplished. Even Arianos had a few moments to return to the Sea Temple to see the de-consecration done so the temple would not be defiled by Aeshma’s forces. He debated with himself whether he should stay in Attan and face up to the evil that was coming, and whether this whole excursion was a cowardly attempt to save his own life. But he was persuaded that this group of refugees needed a leader, someone to unite them and fire them with a common purpose once they reached Bann; otherwise, they would simply disperse and go
