Scion of Cyador

CXXVII

The two men approach the shoreward end of the pier nearly simultaneously. Both wear merchanter blue, with similar blue wool cloaks to protect them against the cold wind that blows off the harbor. One, unlike the other, is trailed by two guards in green-and-gold uniforms. The guards stand back as he moves toward the unaccompanied merchanter.

“Oh, Vyel,” calls Tasjan, “how good to see you. I was going to stop by after I finished with my tasks on the Intryg.”

“She is a marvel, like all your vessels,” Vyel says pleasantly.

“I would hope so. We have spent enough golds on her.” Tasjan laughs. “I have been considering our last conversation, Vyel.”

The younger man raises his eyebrows.

The slender Tasjan smiles. “You know that a merchanter house cannot go to one who is not of the merchanter clan. Even the Emperor cannot change that.”

“That is true.” Vyel frowns slightly. “All know that.”

“And I have found some other interesting invoices.” Tasjan extends a sheet that appears from under his cloak. “This is a copy, of course. The one with the seals is in a very safe place.”

Vyel reads for a moment, then hands the sheet back. “An interesting invoice.” His eyes are dark.

“I thought you would think so.” Tasjan smiles. “I would not like to see Hyshrah Clan…disturbed by such…were they to become public. Oh…and if anything were to happen to me, some of them will appear in the hands of the Emperor’s Enumerators. Now…we had discussed the possibility of your obtaining a house of your own, and in a manner that would not harm the interests of Hyshrah Clan.”

Vyel nods. “I believe you had mentioned something about that.”

“I am certain you know those…who can arrange disappearances or perhaps those who are less fastidious but can obtain the same results. In these days…you understand that times are troubled, and it appears as though the majer who is the consort of the trader heading Ryalor House has made some enemies. More than a few.” Tasjan shrugs. “He is not likely to survive, one way or another, and right now should anything happen to him…well, all fingers would point somewhere in Mirror Lancer Court, or even toward the Quarter of the Magi’i. These things happen. One would not want an heir to revenge such an unpleasantness. One would not wish a consort with power, either, who might purchase such revenge.” A smile follows. “I am certain you understand.”

“I believe I do,” says Vyel.

“I would hate to see such invoices as these appear publicly. I do have a soft spot in my heart for you and your elder brother.” Tasjan shrugs. “Yet…in these troubled times, one must do as one can.”

“Most honored Tasjan…?” Vyel inclines his head.

“You wish to know why I cannot deal with this myself?” Tasjan smiles. “Because the Magi’i follow my every movement with their chaos-glasses, and not being a magus, I know not when I am watched. So I can talk to other merchanters, my family, shopkeepers, and the like. I cannot act on my own behalf, not at the moment, much as I would prefer it, for there is less chance of failure when I can.” The smile fades. “My limits are your opportunity. The opportunity may not exist that long. And while you have good contacts, Vyel, my others are also good, and could accomplish…other ends, if indirectly. I would prefer to use a man who has much to gain, and who wishes to avoid disgrace, rather than one merely paid in golds. I’m sure you understand.”

“I understand. You must realize that matters such as you have suggested cannot occur overnight.”

“Not overnight. No. But these invoices will be either burned or public within the eightday. The choice is yours, Vyel.” Tasjan offers a last smile, and wraps his cloak about him. “Good day.”

The younger man stares along the stone pier, out toward the oncoming storm, for a time before he turns.