In "The Broken Tusk," Apple's departure from East Haven forces him to confront his severe psychological trauma as the open ocean triggers visceral memories of his captivity aboard the pirate ship. Alric helps ground him, teaching Apple that surviving the ship's motion—much like surviving his trauma—requires a "negotiation" with the environment rather than rigid resistance. The journey also introduces Sebastian, a golden-haired swordsman whose reckless, urgent fighting style sharply contrasts with Simiah patience and Alric's fluid mastery. As the three spar together, they forge a quiet bond, culminating in a deeply philosophical nighttime conversation where Alric stops Apple from internalizing the identity of a "killer," explaining that surviving a violent encounter does not mean surrendering one's soul to it. During this voyage, Alric also agrees ...