I wish I had not witnessed what I just did. Mari's eyes are like daggers when she realizes I have seen the little incident. Her look says loudly that she wishes I had not seen it either. There is nothing we can do about it now. She smooths her clothing as she approaches.

"What is it, Captain?"

"We are near land," I inform her and point up into the sky indicating the birds overhead that signal our approach. "Do you still wish us to put in at Knossos?"

"Yes, and once we see what the conditions are there, then we can determine when to bring the ship on around to Phaistos. I think it would be best for our passengers to go overland the rest of the journey."

Our eyes meet again, but her look is softned into her usual countenance. The sea breeze colors her cheeks and brightens her eyes. She is never more beautiful than when she is sailing on the sea. However, I think she is still trying to squeeze the life out of the little, wooden creature in her hand.

"As you command, Lady Admiral. Umm, you might want to ease your grip on that poor object in your hand there," I add with a wink.

I hear her "ouch!" behind me as I move away to go about preparing to bring us into port.