In this chapter, Capital Sam basically smooth talks his way on to the Spire of Ice. Well, he smooth talks Allison's way on, they won't let Capital Sam on, he's got some history of troublemaking and the guy who's guarding the way is really not wanting any of it. They jabber at length, like sword fighting but with words. Eventually the guy agrees to let Allison on. It happens after C.S. mentions taking the man to "The Curtain." I guess this is sort of like the seafaring people's version of The Big Rock Candy Mountain.
I really liked the part where Capital Sam looks around at some phantom audience, baffled. You could totally see someone doing that, you know? I like writing where you can picture what is happening in the scene.