"-thur? Arthur?" Suzy's asking, from quite close by.
When Arthur opens his eyes, she's standing next to him, looking as surprised as he is that she can speak again.
The sea beyond the window is calm, and the sun is shining.
"Did we enter the House?" Arthur asks, blinking in confusion.
"Guess so," Suzy says. "On the bright side, you didn't die."
"Correct," the old man says, pushing the door open. Arthur and Suzy leap back, tensing warily. "As you are the Rightful Heir and Master of the Lower House and the Far Reaches, you are considered an inhabitant of the House. The Line of Storms would not reject you. However, we are not out of the storm yet."
"Who are you?" Arthur asks. The Atlas opens again, but Arthur doesn't look down at it just yet.
"Ah! I see you have found the Atlas. I suppose that confirms it; you are the Rightful Heir," the old man says, pleased. "I am Tom Shelvocke, also known as the Mariner."
"The Mariner! Phineas' middle brother?"
"Indeed, Arthur." The Mariner walks around them and takes a seat at the desk. "I must admit, I was surprised when he informed me that a Rightful Heir had been chosen." His eyes are an impossible shade of blue, and they look at Arthur with a piercing intensity. "I was even more surprised to find Wednesday chasing down a pair of children on Earth."
His expression becomes troubled. "Not that Wednesday should be in a Secondary Realm. She roams where she wishes these days, stealing anything and everything that strikes her fancy. But she has never shown any interest in mortals themselves before. Even so, I will not sit idly by and allow her to take what she pleases."
"She wanted the First and Second Keys," Arthur says.
"That explains it," the Mariner says. "Well, you do not seem to have either of them in your possession."
"No, I gave them back to Monday and Tuesday," Arthur agrees. "I don't really want to rule the House, but Phineas said the Will wants to destroy the House? And that would destroy the Secondary Realms, including Earth... So I guess I'll just have to get all the Keys and stop that."
The Mariner looks thoughtful. "I wonder if it will be that simple."
"Well, Wednesday doesn't seem like she wants to give hers up," Suzy says.
The Mariner laughs. "No, she does not relinquish things lightly. You have met my brother, Monday and Tuesday, Arthur; they are all afflicted by, hm... grave sins, I suppose you could call them."
"Yeah," Arthur agrees. "Envy, Pride and Sloth."
"And Wednesday's affliction is Greed," the Mariner says. He glances briefly out the window. "As I said before, we are not out of the storm; we are on the Border Sea, where Wednesday's authority is second only to Sunday's. Fortunately, we should reach a Transfer before she arrives to pursue us."
"Wait, why can't we take an elevator to other parts of the House?" Arthur protests.
"The only elevators are at Port Wednesday, which is many miles from here. I am taking a great risk sailing on Wednesday's waters as it is. I will not risk her stronghold," the Mariner explains. "However, I will drop you off in a suitable Secondary Realm."
"Well... ok," Arthur mutters. "And thanks, for rescuing us," he adds.
The Mariner inclines his head. "I find Wednesday's movements troubling. I have heard that you cured Tuesday of his Sloth; hopefully, you can do the same for the Duchess."
"Yeah," Arthur says. "I don't know. Monday was pretty against it."
"You do not need permission to do so," the Mariner remarks. "Although it is... refreshing that you would want to have it."
"It'll be a change from the usual 'igher ups, right?" Suzy says.
"Perhaps." The Mariner rises. "The Transfer is nearing; I will have to take the helm. I would suggest you remain inside, although I will not force you to."
"It's ok, we'll stay," Arthur says.
The Mariner nods and leaves, closing the door behind himself.