"Tidesages," he says, "are also known as sea priests. They have a strong connection to the ocean, can calm it and equally call it to speed ships along."

So, Red, you see the potential benefit. Less oar work involved, for one thing, for another they might have been able to help move the sinking ship.

"As for our mystery ship..."

Wrathion trails off, frowning at it.

"Nothing good, I'm certain. It could, of course, be a mundane issue. A mutiny, a sickness, caught on some rocks. Nothing we find ever seems to be mundane, however."

Either they attract trouble, or the Merchant steers them into it.