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Colemenoport

Colemenoport Business Association


“Of course, the association is honored to be asked to assist Tree-and-Dragon’s work. Our members practice the generally accepted accounting principles, and are well versed in all of the mercantile arts. Given Colemeno’s situation until just recently, we have of course not been called upon to assist in a whole port inventory, so there is a lack of expertise—”

Chair clofElin paused, as if unsure how to proceed.

Mar Tyn sympathized, but Jes dea’Tolin was not so handicapped.

“A whole port inventory is not so common an undertaking that I would expect to find expertise on any world,” she said easily. “Happily, the Accountants Guild has produced a kit, and trained the tradeship qe’andra to oversight, and compilation.

“What I hope to find is from three to six independent port accounting firms willing to enter into a short-term contract with the Tree-and-Dragon Trade Mission. Compensation will be to port business association scale.”

Fenlix clofElin leaned forward, eyes wide, as if she were an inept gambler, Mar Tyn thought, who had just made Scout’s Progress in piket.

“Those are—very generous terms,” she said. “The kit—” Words seemed to fail her.

“As soon as six accountants have agreed to assist us,” Jes said, apparently understanding the unspoken question, “I will convene a seminar. We will all go over the kit, and make certain among ourselves that there is no question about the tasks, or the protocols.”

She paused. The other woman said nothing.

“Yes,” Jes murmured. “You must know that we are constrained by the master trader’s necessities. He has set an . . . ambitious schedule for the completion of work. It is not by any means impossible, but it will require diligence.”

“I understand,” Chair clofElin had found her voice again. “I will send a bulletin to our members this evening, Qe’andra. To whom should interested parties address themselves?”

“To my apprentice, Mar Tyn pai’Fortana,” Jes dea’Tolin said, as if it were quite usual, and not the least bit ridiculous. Mar Tyn managed to not turn to stare at her, and in only a moment had regained sufficient wit to reach into his sleeve, and offer his business card across the desk.

“Thank you, Apprentice pai’Fortana,” Chair clofElin said. “I will include your information in the bulletin.”

“Thank you,” Jes said.

“We are honored. Is there anything else I may do for you, Qe’andra?”

“In fact there is. The master trader had asked me to give him particulars on the kezlBlythe firm.”

“The kezlBlythe firms,” Chair clofElin murmured, with just the slightest emphasis on firms. “They are not under port jurisdiction, being based in the city. You would need to apply to my opposite number at the Haven City Business Association. I will be pleased to give you an introduction.”

“That would be most helpful, thank you.”

“Of course. May I serve you in any other way?”

“You have done everything I could have hoped for,” Jes told her, rising from her chair. Mar Tyn likewise rose. They bowed, and Chair clofElin did them the honor of rising and showing them to the door herself.


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Framed