Colemenoport
Offices of the
Tree-and-Dragon Trade Mission
“The master trader’s orders were plain,” Jes said calmly to this hawk-faced woman with her bright, cold eyes. “More, we are constrained by the guidelines provided by the Guild. Even should we wish to do so, we cannot engage with your syndicate, Luzant.”
“The master trader,” said Luzant kezlBlythe, “is not in charge of the whole port inventory, you are. You are in a position to make whatever arrangements will produce data proving that Colemeno is worthy of becoming a Tree-and-Dragon hub. You will also be in a position to recommend to the master trader that he enter into a partnership agreement with the kezlBlythe Syndicate. Everyone will profit, and you will be rewarded with a fitting position in the new partnership.”
Of course, that was delusion. Jes knew it was delusion, and at the same time, it sounded so reasonable. It was confusing.
Jes dea’Tolin was not accustomed to feeling confused.
She looked away from her visitor, to her screen where the guidelines for a whole port inventory were set forth. Her confusion faded as her eye followed the comforting, ordered list. Master Trader yos’Galan, partner with this woman who counted wealth in terms of personal influence? It was beyond delusional; in fact, it was absurd.
“Look at me!” snapped Zandir kezlBlythe, and Jes raised her eyes from the screen.