Monkeys!

The monkeys attacked Astra, leaping on her shoulders and her bosom, tangling in her hair, tearing at her nightie, scratching her cheeks with their claws. "Get off!" she cried, batting at them with her hands.

But it was no use. She was forced to retreat, taking the door out into the passage since that was nearer. As soon as she did so, the monkeys left her, going back into Robert's room. Had he forged some unholy alliance with the creatures while she had been bathing? If so, how? Or was it the curse of the genie?

She was bleeding from half a dozen cuts to her face and shoulders, though none were serious, and the top of her nightie had many small tears. She opened the door to her own room, to be met by more chittering. Some of the monkeys had evidently passed through the door between the two rooms. She hastily closed the door again.

1. Astra goes in search of servants to bandage her cuts and evict the monkeys.
2. Robert makes a swift recovery, and appears at the door of his room.
3. The Hespan slaver ship has arrived sooner than expected. Two swarthy sailors appear at the head of the stairs only a few yards away from Astra. "Well, well, well," one says. "This one should fetch an excellent price."
4. Meanwhile, out on the beach...

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