Lien's response to the council's formal counter-proposal arrived a week later, delivered not through official channels but through rumor that spread across the trade district before any formal correspondence reached council chambers. Vantris, the rumors claimed, had begun courting individual merchants directly, offering lucrative side deals to anyone willing to support the original exclusivity terms independently of the council's position.
Mercer heard the details from an unexpected source. Greaves arrived at his office unannounced, closing the door behind him with uncharacteristic caution.
"Lien approached me yesterday," Greaves said, without preamble. "Privately, away from council business entirely."
Mercer set down his pen, giving Greaves his full attention. "What did he offer."
"A
