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?]

been able to move for days! If this goes on

Freehill and should be there

where the Folk hang

fairly nomadic people, but Freehill is the largest permanent settlement they have. They don’t have a centralised government, as such, but their council meets in Freehill to discuss matters that impact all of

be aware that it

right. I wonder if they’ve decided if the Colony qualify as

Eran frowns at me.

sure what you

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

nearby, chips in at

did you meet

tight spot at the time and they really

against the Legion and golgari at the same time? I’ll go

says, arms folded across his chest. [Whoever was being trained must have been

Some sort of prodigy, or so I’m

trainer, I think you said? It might be helpful if this person can vouch for us when we set up our

Grey said he was a

Marzban blanches as

Is there something I

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

most respected—]

most dangerous,] Marzban