Chrysalis

Eran Thouris is beaming like a cat who got the cream. Also the fish. Probably nibbled on a rare and endangered bird as well.

[So it really went that well?]

[Oh yes,] she assures me. [The number of offers we received is modest, but the impression we made was devastating. Once we prove we are able to move the quantity and quality we promised, orders will start flooding in.]

Fair enough, I suppose. On the surface once again, Lakespire is now in our wake as the brathians are counting their gains.

[Quick question. Is Eran your name, or your title?] I ask.

She turns to me, still struggling to keep the satisfied smile from her face.

[It’s both,] she says. [The Eran is the head negotiator for the Conglomerate, which also became my name when I assumed the role.]

[Wait, you have to give up your name to become the head negotiator?]

[Of course,] she nods. [In this position, I am the sharpest blade and the stiffest shield of the Conglomerate. In many ways, my role is more important than that of the Satrap. An Eran is required to be ready to go into battle at a moment's notice and fight to the bitter end. There is no role for ego in someone who takes up such a burden.]

Yeesh. There’s a glint of steel in her eye and I know she means what she says, but I remind myself she’s just talking about haggling. She doesn’t literally have to fight anyone. The brathians take their commerce way too seriously.

[Soooo, can I just call you Eran?]

[That’s fine.]

[Right. So, Eran, where are we going next, and for the love of life, will I be able to stretch my legs when we get there?]

to move for days! If this goes on much longer, I’m going to lift myself up using gravity

Freehill and should be there in another

Folk hang out,

they… live. They’re a fairly nomadic people, but Freehill is the largest permanent settlement they have. They don’t have a centralised

find this story on Amazon, be aware that

they’ve decided if the Colony qualify as people

Eran frowns at me.

not sure

the Folk before. Found two of them on some sort of training journey and they stayed with us for a while. White and Grey, they called themselves. Helped us out in a pinch. I should probably try and meet up with them if I

been listening in nearby, chips in at this

you meet these

We were in a tight spot at the time and

to detail the siege we went through, fighting against the Legion and golgari

them that high up,] Marzban says, arms folded across his chest. [Whoever was

White. Some sort of

think you said? It might be helpful if this person can vouch for us when

said he

Marzban blanches as I

Is there something I should

me that something is going on. Thankfully, they’re willing to

the most respected—]

dangerous,] Marzban