Scion of Cyador

CXLIV

Vyanat does not bother to seat himself after he enters Tasjan’s office.

Neither does the slender Tasjan bother to rise from his chair behind his desk, but nods for the Merchanter Advisor to speak.

A faint smile crosses Vyanat’s face. “I will be brief, honored clan head. My brother Vyel confessed to planning the killing of the head of another trading house. The plot was unsuccessful, and he has been executed under merchanter justice.”

“Ah…such a terrible thing to happen to you…” Tasjan says mildly. “To be betrayed so, and by one’s own brother.”

Vyanat shrugs, sadly. “It is almost as sad to be betrayed by the head of another trading house. Vyel was weak, and he wanted more. He did not seem to understand that he could not obtain it because the very weaknesses that tempted him led to his failure. There are those who have the largest fleets, the grandest warehouses and dwellings, and yet they are not satisfied. Wanting more than can be obtained in an honest and open manner is always a weakness. So is spreading untruths when justice has been done.”

“You seem to have someone in mind.”

“I do…and if you know him, I offer advice, and a warning.”

“Oh…?” Tasjan

“A merchanter who heads a great house has more freedom, more luxury, and more power than any who have ever held the Palace of Eternal Light. Likewise, a true lancer can crush such a merchanter before that merchanter could lift a blade for a single stroke.”

“But…the question is, Vyanat…are there any true lancers in these decaying times?” Tasjan’s smile is as cold as his eyes.

“I know of three, and there may be more, Tasjan. You could have been the greatest of all merchanters. If you have the skill, you may yet survive. If you attempt to be more than you are, you will fail.”

“That is true of all of us, is it not, Vyanat’mer?”

“Yes, it is. Some of us understand that.” Vyanat’s last smile is both cold and somehow sad. “Good day, honored Tasjan.”

Once the door closes, Tasjan laughs.