Chapter 27: The Merchant of Secrets and Silver
The sun was beginning its descent beyond the hills when Greystone's gates opened once again. This time, there was no flood of refugees or band of soldiers. Only a single caravan, pulled by two obsidian-colored beasts resembling rhinos with plated scales, rolled toward the city.
Atop the caravan sat a man cloaked in violet robes with a silver lining. A wide-brimmed hat shadowed his eyes, but his confident smirk revealed much: this was no ordinary merchant.
"State your name and purpose," barked one of the newly appointed Greystone guards, holding a spear steady.
The man didn't flinch. Instead, he flicked a silver token through the air. It clinked against the guard's breastplate and fell to the dirt. When the guard picked it up, he paled. The seal of the Grand Merchant Conclave.
"Malrick. Purveyor of rare goods, forbidden knowledge, and impossible deals. I come to trade... and perhaps more, should your lord be wise enough to listen."
...
Lucas stood in the council chamber, surrounded by his inner circle: Kaela, Elira, Reynard, and two of his new civilian advisors—Thorne, an older engineer with a keen mind, and Mira, a former noblewoman skilled in logistics and diplomacy.
Reynard was the first to speak. "This Malrick... his credentials are real. If he's truly part of the Merchant Conclave, he could bring massive economic growth. But they're also known to be unpredictable."
Lucas nodded. "Then let's find out which kind he is. Send him in."