A hundred overmen in full armor, a hundred warbeasts, would make him the most powerful baron in Eramma. That was the tribute he intended to exact from this absurd commerce!
When the door had closed Garth away from sight, he bestirred himself from his daydreams of power and glory and waved Herrenmer up to his side. He whispered a few words in his captain’s ear, then turned his attention to Galt.
“So, trader, you seek to bring wealth to our two lands. What would you consider a fair tax upon your receipts?”
As Galt roused himself to begin negotiations, Herrenmer slipped from the room; the overman paid him no heed.
A moment later Garth was halfway across the market square, returning to his two companions, when he heard the clink of mail and the thudding of booted feet running behind him. H
