Laurence bows once more. His head is uncovered and his sun-bleached hair growing a bit long for his taste; a lock of it falls across his forehead when he straightens.

"Captain Will Laurence, at your service, sir," he says. "I hear you have been a great friend to Temeraire – Lung Tien Xiang," he adds, recalling that Temeraire had introduced himself with both names. "I am in your debt, sir."