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Colemenoport

Zephyr’s Edge Lounge


“The contract that my brother and Master Trader yos’Galan wrote between them was for opening the Redlands to trade, and evaluating its suitability as a hub, or multi-route anchor.

“The master trader hopes for a hub, and an expansion of trade in this sector. If he can take that trick, we will be the managers of the combined Tree-and-Dragon and Ixin trade office.”

Mar Tyn inclined his head to indicate that he was paying attention, though this was not new information.

“A hub office will also want a trader dedicated to the Colemeno routes—possibly, there will rotating traders, between Ixin and Korval. These are details that must wait upon the port inventory, whereupon the master traders will consult and write another contract.

“In the meanwhile, it would not surprise me if the master trader negotiates a place for Trader yos’Galan for at least one circuit on an already existing Loop. This would not only set her feet on the path to master trader, but will substantially increase the master trader’s credibility with the Council.”

Dyoli paused to address the skavaso soup, which even Mar Tyn could tell was excellent. In fact, his cup was almost empty, as his part had been to listen. He dawdled over the last spoonfuls, while Dyoli caught herself up.

“That was lovely,” she said, putting the cup aside with a sigh. Their server came cat-foot to the table, gathered up the cups, and went away.

“If the master trader fails to win his point,” he said, “none of those plans will meet reality.”

“Very true. And here is where the contract may aid us, my Mar Tyn. It seems very odd to me that the clauses should encompass so much air. There is, you understand, usual language which is placed into such contracts, detailing how the resources from each side ought to be accounted, in the case of both success and failure. We being personnel not of his clan, the master trader would have guaranteed to bring us to a port of Ixin’s choosing, where we would await our further instructions.

“This contract merely states that, should the mission fail, an evaluation will be performed, and resources disposed as circumstance dictates.”

Mar Tyn frowned.

“He could leave us here—the master trader.”

Dyoli beamed at him.

“Indeed he could! And will be more likely to do so, if we establish ourselves credibly, beyond our duties for the trade mission.”

“Dyoli, would you remain here? Your clan—”

“My clan has become accustomed to my absence. Prior to our meeting, I had my place in the guildhall, as you know. I did visit home, but that was not every day, nor even every relumma.” She moved her shoulders. “It would have been the same, if I had pursued a career in trade, as Til Den has. Indeed, he is away more than he is home, that being the nature of trade. Should the master trader’s plans come to ruin, we may continue as we are. Ixin would be well satisfied, if only I can show that I am gainfully employed, and upholding the clan’s honor.” She gave him a round-eyed glance.

“Or at least not actively damaging it. And I will not hear, Mar Tyn, that you are capable of damaging Ixin’s honor.”

Their server arrived just then, bearing plates, which she disposed deftly, before refilling their glasses from the bottle, and ghosting away again.

“There will need to be some details arranged,” Dyoli said, “such as the timely transfer of my quartershare to our local accounts, but those are merely details, and well within Til Den’s scope.”

She paused. Possibly, Mar Tyn thought, he was meant to speak, but for his life could think of nothing to say.

Dyoli tipped her head.

“Do you not like Colemeno, Mar Tyn?”

“I like what I have seen thus far,” he said honestly, and added, “but we have neither one of us seen very much.”

“This is so, but we have time to lighten the burden of our ignorance,” Dyoli said. “If it comes about that we cannot support Colemeno, then we may make an alternative plan. We are this evening in the realm of first thoughts, and considering opportunities.”

Mar Tyn looked at her.

“Is that trading?”

Dyoli laughed.

“In fact, it is! We will make a trader of you yet, my Mar Tyn.”

He smiled and shook his head.

“I doubt I have the aptitude, though I will gladly take lessons from you.”

“Then we are in accord,” said Dyoli, and turned to her meal.


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