me, merc.”

    quot;It is not so,quot; Baerd protested, iner tuation  of control, and t  ing t;e are only traders,quot; ;Only minor traders.”

    quot;it so minor, I would say.”

    Baerd blinked, and clutcogetially. errible mistake. this man was dangerously sharp.

    quot;I ; ;tla unrest.”

    rue. t, more ty-five Barbadians ered in a pass. ain Alessan here.

    quot;Your ; one of t;e knoo ood, and t  to see t was in  kind of laug.  could lead.

    igana eig, eyes do, murder in , bound close h memory.

    quot; are you carrying?quot; t Barbadian rapped out,  as a trowel.

    quot;Ale,quot; Baerd said, squeezing oget;Only barrels of ale for th.”

    quot;Ale for Ferraut? You are a liar. Or a fool.”

    quot;No, no,quot; Baerd said ily. quot;Not Ferraut. e got a very good price. Eleven astins to be aking all tibar  for times t.”

    rue,  paid ty-tins for eachese.

    At a gesture from ted. t, eartandan beer surrounded them all.

    turned back to Baerd. there was a malicious smile on his face.

    quot;Eleven astins a barrel? truly a good price. So good, t even a grasping merc  ate to donate to t defends you and your kind.”

    Baerd ing to stay in cer, ;If . . . if it is your desire, to buy it, at only the price I paid?”

    till marc  passed t estimate of  of riana make a small sound beended, and delicately touc of his blade.

    quot;e do not bargain,quot; ly. quot;Nor do eal. e accept gifts. Offer us a gift, merc.quot