The wind howled across the wet sand of Pearlstrand.
A digital parchment hovered between Leo and Chloe. It cast a faint blue light against the gloom of the storm. The glowing text outlined the exact terms of the Ashguard Syndicate. Thirty percent of all faith generated in this domain would route directly into Leo's ledger in perpetuity.
Chloe stared at the glowing letters. She shivered in her soaked yellow sweater. The roar of the ocean threatened to drown out all other sounds. Fifty yards away her fishermen fought a losing battle against the jagged reef and the churning black water.
"This is a vassal contract," Chloe said. She raised her voice to be heard over the crashing waves. "You are binding my economy to yours forever."
"I am offering you survival," Leo replied. He stood motionle
