“Through you, of course. How much does he want? Is there any reason to believe he will honor his promise?”
“He has a reputation as an honest trader and is the most trusted emissary of the king of Cerea. He speaks our language better than any of the rest of his countrymen.”
“Has he traded here long?” the Aralel asked.
“Girizit?” Tiagasa said his name slowly, pensively. “He cannot have traded here very long,” she said, seeming to savor the thought of him. “He is young enough that his beard shows no white hairs, and his skin is scarcely wrinkled. He’s a fine-looking man, well dressed.”
“And I imagine that would sway you,” the Aralel muttered under her breath.
“What was that?” Tiagasa asked.
“You did not answer my question. How much does he want?”
“He will send a chest to be filled ever
