Colemenoport
Offices of the
Tree-and-Dragon Trade Mission
Merchant zerKilin was her second meeting.
He arrived slightly beforetime, gravely accepted a cup of tea, and immediately wished to know what precisely would be the role of the merchants of Colemenoport, should Tree-and-Dragon establish itself there. Was there a co-op in the master trader’s eye? What would be the membership grades and benefits?
“The trade mission is still in discovery,” Padi said, finding herself on firm ground, from the previous day’s discussions. “You will be interested to learn that the master trader has decided to conduct a whole port inventory, according to Guild protocol. Qe’andra dea’Tolin, who is an experienced trade accountant, trained in the dea’Gauss firm, on Liad, came down to us only last night. I would guess that she will be opening her office and beginning her work tomorrow.”
Padi paused, as if weighing whether she should say anything more, then leaned slightly forward.
“Between us, sir—the master trader is keen. Once we have a comprehensive picture of what Colemenoport offers, and what Tree-and-Dragon may offer in Balance, we will bring those insights to the portmaster, the Warden, and the Council. We have been given to understand that the final decision rests with the Council. The trade mission may only propose, though I will say, having seen the master trader at work, if we do propose, it will be with—eloquence.”
“The Council are neither merchants nor travelers,” Merchant zerKilin said slowly. “They feel their duty strongly, and history has taught them to be . . . conservative.” He glanced at his teacup, but did not pick it up. “May one ask if the master trader might include Colemeno in a route, even if the Council denies what is necessary to shape us into a Loop Anchor?”
“Again,” Padi said softly, “the whole port inventory will provide many levels of information. How the master trader will choose to act, if the Council withholds their permissions—”
She moved her shoulders and turned up empty palms.
“We can speculate, sir, but would it not be best to wait until we know?”
Unexpectedly, Merchant zerKilin laughed.
“Indeed, Trader! Indeed, that would be the path of wisdom. I am overzealous, I see. But it has been—so long, and there are those of us who see opportunity in change, and do not wish to also see it slip away from us.”
“The trade team has much the same attitude toward change and opportunity,” Padi said sincerely. “Only, you must allow the master trader to work.”
“I will,” Merchant zerKilin promised. “And, should the master trader require assistance in his quest to turn opportunity to profit, he may call upon me at any time. For anything.”
Padi inclined her head.
“Thank you, sir. I will tell him you said so.”