Atlon refused to be cast down. ‘I’m sure you’re exaggerating,’ he said cheerily. ‘All the crystal workers I’ve known in the past have been welcoming once they see your interest is sincere. They tend to be preoccupied, I’ll admit, but it’s a delicate job and needs a lot of concentration.’ Seeing from Rinter’s gloomy expression that the warnings were about to be renewed, he offered a compromise. ‘Let’s have a look at your fighting pits, then you can show me where the crystal dealers trade and I’ll find out for myself.’ He looked at Rinter earnestly. ‘I’ll pay you what I can for your time, of course. You’ve been very patient and helpful.’
Rinter made a vague, half-accepting, half-rejecting shrug, accompanied by a grunt. This man kept catching him off-guard.
Atlon put his fingers to his mout
