The delegation from Vantris arrived on a ship flying unfamiliar colors, three merchants in fine coats stepping onto the docks with the kind of confidence that came from representing a trade republic twice the size of Verath Hollow's entire eastern district. Mercer watched them disembark from the council's reception hall window, Senna standing quietly beside him.
"Vantris hasn't sent a formal delegation here in a decade," she said. "Whatever they want, it's significant enough to justify the voyage."
The lead negotiator introduced himself as Castor Lien, a slender man with an easy smile and eyes that missed nothing. He addressed the full council an hour later, laying out Vantris's proposal with practiced smoothness.
"Exclusive shipping rights through your eastern harbor," Lien said, sprea
