Change of plans: 12

A cool and clear morning greeted him, with the worst of the heatwave abated. During the night rain had put glittering jewels for the morning sun to play on in the streets, and the air was fresher than in days.

Now Harbend sat in the trading hall waiting for the traditional eightday meeting to start. It had to be done this day. The next meeting would be dedicated to handling any complaints before the outworlder traders departed and to assign those who would represent the traders arriving next.

Merchants started to arrive, not as many as an eightday earlier, and when the four finally arrived less than half of the places along the walls were occupied.

"Are there any matters to be resolved involving all of us present today?"

That was his cue. "I have come here with a request to be accepted as a full house." A low murmur filled the hall and the other merchants looked at each other in apprehension.

"It's not often we have the honor to bear witness to the founding of a new house." This time it was the oldest of the four who made his voice heard. "Would the sponsor please step forward?" Now all the merchants present looked around, searching for who among them had agreed to sponsor a foreign merchant's founding a new house.

"You are aware that you need a sponsor?" The old man's voice showed clear surprise at the absence of a sponsor.

Harbend was the only one anticipating the shadow falling over the doorway and rose. "My sponsor is Arthur Wallman."

An outcry came from the bench opposing Harbend, and a tall woman, the same age as Harbend rose. "This is an outrage. Everyone knows that only those representing a house may sponsor a new."

Almost immediately two men rose, one of them resembling a darker version of Harbend and the other ebony skinned with curly hair the color of terracotta. "That is a lie," the latter said.

"But..." It was clear the woman saw how she was losing ground almost at the onset. "But that was almost a hundred years ago."

"Are you saying we do not represent a proper trading house each?"

"No, no of course not."

Harbend smiled. Thank you for that help. He well knew how two merchant families, one from Khanati and one from Rhuin, had put aside the enmity grown from perpetual wars fought between their countries, and, shocking the merchants of Keen, sponsored each other.

"Then, Harbend Garak, please proceed." Old Master de Verd again.

"No! I refuse to see this happen! He's an outworlder," the woman yelled.

"You know that the law only requires the sponsor to be a merchant, and Arthur Wallman has indeed sold his wares in this very hall."

The woman sat down staring sullenly at the black man closer to their four leaders. Then she gave Harbend a dark look and a cunning glimmer reached her eyes.

"So be it, but by the same law he must personally make it clear that this is what he wishes and that he hasn't been coerced into the sponsorship."

Harbend blinked.

What is she planning now? Then truth dawned on him and he realized that if he as much as said a single word now his request would fall.