Bourkos noticed Juleios's confusion and explained, "The city of Thurii is about twenty miles from the mouth of the Crathis River."
Juleios responded with a simple "Oh," before asking, "Thurii is at war with the Lucanians, so how are there still so many ships engaged in trade?"
"The Lucanians don't have ships, so they can't cut off Thurii's maritime routes. Besides, the demand for supplies increases during wartime, and these merchants are here to make money," Bourkos explained as the fleet gradually came to a stop.
The lead ship advanced alone, soon merging into the cluster of white sails ahead. About an hour later, it returned and pulled alongside Bourkos's vessel, bringing a man aboard.
"Bourkos, you're finally back! I thought the Lucanians had scared you into moving to Greece!" The man walked over with a cheerful smile.
"Even the most timid among us haven't fled. How could I?" Bourkos joked, giving the man a hearty hug.
"All going well?"
"Is Thurii safe?"
