Maeve carried Lottie to the nearest clothes stall where she brought her a new dress, sandals and hat. Lottie squealed in delight and quickly changed into her new outfit.

"Can I call you Lily, and pretend to be your mummy?" Maeve asked.

"Yes, I like Lilies. And I like you." replied Lottie happily.

Maeve carried Lottie to where they were to meet Sinbad. On the way they saw many soldiers hunting through the buildings. Maeve quickened her pace. If any of them discovered Sinbad, then they would be in trouble. She saw Sinbad waiting for her.

"Hi Maeve" he smiled. "And who's this then?"

"Is this my daddy?" asked a smiling Lottie.

"If you wish sweetheart. This is Lottie, I'll explain later." She replied quickly, seeing a soldier make his way towards them.

"Who are you?" he asked them. Maeve, having already prepared an answer, quickly replied before Sinbad got chance too.

"I'm Maria" Maeve lied. "And this is my husband Shaun and our daughter Lily." Sinbad, too shocked to speak, didn't correct her.

"A slave girl is on the loose." spoke the soldier.

"If we see her we'll let you know." confirmed Maeve.

"It is also rumored that Sinbad and Maeve are ashore. You know about the reward?" he said.

"Yes. We'll keep a look out for them." she replied.

"Thank you." said the soldier before walking off.

"What was all that about?" asked a bewildered Sinbad.

"It's a long story" answered Maeve. "I'll tell you when we find the others and are safely back on the ship." Sinbad, still looking confused, did as she instructed and followed her back to the Nomad.

They found the others waiting for them in the galley.

"Any luck?" asked Sinbad.

"No" answered Firouz. "We didn't see anyone."

"All we saw were soldiers searching the place." added Doubar. "You?"

"That's all I saw too. But I think Maeve holds the key." replied Sinbad.

They hadn't taken much notice of Maeve when she entered. All eyes had been on Sinbad, but now they turned to see Maeve sitting with Lottie in her lap.

"Who've you got there Maeve?" asked Doubar

"This is Lottie. She's the one those soldiers were hunting for." she replied.

"Then why do you have her?" enquired Firouz.

"I met her whilst walking. Her mother asked me to keep her safe."

"Safe from what?" asked Firouz.

"I think" interjected Sinbad. "You'd best start from the beginning."