"Very good," he said. "Take your posts."
As the slaves left, the three priests opened their instrument chests, removing navigational tools. Alnar went to the folding table, spread the chart over it, then took his watch out of the chest and stood back, holding it.
"Just about time, sir."
"Very well." Dontor glanced at the juniors, saw that Kuero had his sextant ready, and raised his own.
"Now," he instructed, when the readings were complete, "you will each calculate our position independently. I'll check your work when you have finished." He replaced his sextant in its case, then headed the small procession back to the cabins.
The ship's routine continued its uneventful course. The junior priests reported to Dontor with their calculations. Their work was examined, criticized, and finally approved. They were given further instructions. All was well aboard the Bordeklu.
The chief priest examined the charts and decided on the course for the next watch. The ship, he thought, would have to put in for water. And some of the island fruits would go well on the table. He set a course accordingly, and went topside to give instructions to the pilot.
"Are you going to help them on their way?"
"It's not necessary, unless they start to by-pass the island. They'll have plenty to worry about when they try to anchor."