Kerem

I spent three days on a single sheet of paper with a blank space in the middle. I said it with a smile, but my fingers were already tapping at that blank space before I knew it.

• HayriyeThree days was your choice, not the paper's. Just make it to supper on time.
  KeremI will. Being captain counts for nothing in front of you, Hayriye.
• Murat ReisThree days over a scrap of paper. In that same three days, my ship takes two prizes.
  KeremReis, someone had to draw the route those two ships sailed, didn't they.

Whenever the talk turns to the ledgers, I wear this face to the table. Ever since I learned a smile is the cheapest thing you can spend.

• Zeynep HatunYou can wear that face all you like, Captain. The interest stays the same.
  KeremI know. It's a face I only bother putting on for someone who already sees through it.
• SalihWhoa, I saw this exact face at the quay yesterday! The merchant guy started stammering!