Cartharon Crust was onboard his latest ship, the Drowned Rat, in Malaz City's harbour waiting to load up with supplies when the lookout, Vole, spotted the arrival of four dromons. He reported something silver atop their masts which seemed to indicate that they belonged to the Empress. Soon after, as they were visible from the deck, he recognized the lead dromon as Laseen's flagship The Surly.