Scion of Cyador

CXXI

The trim and muscular man who wears shimmercloth blues, with a deep-blue slash across each sleeve of his tunic, steps into the second office on the second floor of the clan building. He bows. “I was looking for Vyanat’mer.”

“Alas, his office is the larger one to the right,” offers the black-haired and younger merchanter who rises from behind the stack of invoices he has been perusing.

“He is not there,” says Tasjan. “I thought he might be here, Vyel’mer.”

“You honor me, most honored Tasjan’mer, and the House of Hyshrah.”

“You come from a most honorable house, Vyel’mer. You should be honored.” Tasjan smiles politely.

“You are kind.” Vyel smiles, and the brief smile reveals that one of his upper front teeth is of gold.

“I was hoping to find your brother.” The slender Tasjan shrugs, as if in disappointment. “He is often hard to find. Perhaps you could assist me?”

“I am only privy to the workings of Hyshrah House and Clan,” replies Vyel. “What Tasjan does as Merchanter Advisor, I know but what all know, I fear.”

“Ah, were I Merchanter Advisor…but…No, one must not venture judgment before one has walked many kays in another’s boots. Many kays.” Tasjan smiles. “I would have you pass a message to your honored elder brother, if you would. For you are most trustworthy, and that is clear in that Vyanat has made you privy to all that the House does.”

“He has.”

“He may know that the Mirror Lancers are bringing two companies into Cyad. These lancers will be conducting maneuvers near the trading piers. They will be inviting outlander traders and ships’ masters to show them the power of the firelances and the Mirror Lancers. With so few fireships remaining, I am sure we all agree that something must be done to instill respect in the outlanders. Do you not agree?”

“Of course.”

“And it is prudent to have an experienced field commander for these lancers.” Tasjan frowns. “Yet I have a concern which, if you will convey to your brother, I would most appreciate. This concern should not be committed to paper.”

Vyel nods, waiting.

“You may recall…there was some talk, when your brother’s name was put forth, of the head of Ryalor House being one of those also put forth.”

“There was.” Vyel’s voice is even. “I recall that.”

“Naught came of that, and that was for the best, for successful as the young house has been in most recent years, the lady who heads it has less experience than…many. You have far greater experience. So do others. Now…this is my concern. The majer who will command the lancers in Cyad is the consort of the head of Ryalor House. Moreover, he was brought to Cyad before his previous tour of duty in the Grass Hills was properly over. And…there are rumors, and these rumors cannot be discounted, that there were several loyal officers who would have reprimanded the majer for his bloodthirsty tactics. They…vanished, and none know where they went or where they are.”

“That is most strange,” Vyel admits.

“You will tell your brother?”

“I will indeed.”

“You are a good man, Vyel, and a better trader than many. One would wonder how you might do…. were you given your own house. Even a small one, such as the size of say…Ryalor House.” Tasjan smiles.

Vyel shrugs. “I am most happy here.”

“I am certain you are. You do your brother’s bidding, and none but he will question your authority. Still…” Tasjan pauses. “There is one other matter I had forgotten.”

“Oh?”

“It is not a matter of great import. I did run across an odd bill of lading, one dealing with, shall we say, dun cotton from Hamor, carried on a ship-the Hypolya, that was it. Quite a lot of dun cotton, as I recall, near-on three hundred bolts. That would have been a quite a tariff if it had been true white Hamorian fine cotton-some fifteenscore golds. That is the sort of tariff that would interest the Emperor’s Enumerators-even after a year or so.”

Vyel looks up. “It well might.”

“Do keep it in mind, Vyel. Please do.” Tasjan smiles politely. “And do convey my concerns to your brother. He would not be pleased if he found out about the majer from another source.”

Vyel smiles, politely. “You can be most assured that I will, most honored Tasjan, and that I will keep your interests in mind. So long as they do not harm Hyshrah House.”

“I do appreciate your support, Vyel. I always will. And I would never ask a man to go against his house, or even against another merchanter.” Tasjan bows and departs.