Chrysalis

While the representative of the beautification committee recovers, the chap from the mayor’s office decides to chip in.

[Mr Ers would like to ask if you have any designs to enact the same level of destruction you visited upon Greystone against the Silver City?]

Really? They’re just going to come out and ask me that?

[Is the Silver City planning on dropping a mountain upon my head?]

[He says they aren’t.]

[Well, I don’t see that we’ll have a problem, then. To be clear, I didn’t intend to harm Greystone at all. My only intention was to protect my family, the brathian trade fleet, and myself.]

Some words are exchanged.

[He asks if you expect them to believe you damaged the mountain by accident?]

Rathwyn, the mage doing the translating, doesn’t seem convinced either, judging by his tone. I shrug my antennae.

[Doesn’t really matter if you believe it or not, does it? I don’t intend to harm the Silver City at all, and I’ve been isolating myself here in this warehouse to minimise the chances something goes wrong. I’m here under supervision day and night. I can’t see what I could possibly do to reassure you more than this.]

They must have some manner of determining intent, otherwise what would be the point of that line of questioning. Perhaps Rathwyn is such an advanced mind mage he can sense whether or not I believe my own words? That’s pretty crazy, if true.

The theory gains credibility when Mr Ers leans back in his seat, seemingly satisfied with what the mage has had to say to him. Then Georgia Wynn, from the Merchant Cooperative, whatever that is, has some questions for me.

These are easier to answer; all she’s interested in is sweet, sweet cash money. We ants are here to sell, and she is one of those looking to buy. Rather quickly, the general inquiries about quality and volume give way to what she is truly interested in.

[She would like to ask if all trade with the Colony is required to go through the Brathian Island Conglomerate, or if it is possible to negotiate directly with you or a representative?]

the brathians

is rock solid, as far as I’m aware. You need to deal with Eran Thouris if you want to

suggestion, and the mage

traders in the world who will squeeze every drop of profit they can from the goods you are attempting to sell. Ms Wynn wonders

all the merchants we’ve

narrative has been purloined without the

really hurt us for them to believe that. In fact, it might even be better. The average consumer may be more

getting robbed, then you should probably go and speak to Eran Thouris and see if she thinks the

to know what that reason

my

have to

would be

Only the Brathian Island Conglomerate will have to suffer through the

deals for themselves exhausted, there is little option but for the merchant to

would like to know how many members of your esteemed Colony

Seriously?! You want to count the chickens this far ahead of the hatching, they practically haven’t been laid yet! I suppose I have

as I would like to spend my time tickling the grubs and counting the brood, I’ve had

tell by the gleam in his eye that he knows exactly what he’s doing, and that he knows I know as well. Cheeky. You think you can feast on my family? Before long, this

Another idiot priest.

of the Dungeon Delvers Alliance to speak. So far, he’s been extremely reserved, listening to the responses the mage has translated

to Rathwyn in a

rumours of the Colony

all centipedes that they could

to excuse me, I need to consult with one of my own people for an update on that. I

long to get Cobalt in the warehouse so I can ask her directly. As a member of the Council, I hope