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“What would you expect me to do for your merchants?”

“Keep disagreements over goods from becoming quarrels between courts. Last month, two sellers argued over a damaged salt shipment until the buyer closed his warehouse to everyone using our pass.”

“Did anyone ask the buyer what it would take to reopen?”

“Yes. By then, the sellers had spent ten days calling him a thief.”

I picture the argument. One damaged load. Other merchants losing sales while two men try to make an apology sound like victory.

“Did he want the salt replaced?”

“He wanted them to collect what was there and stop telling his customers he’d spoiled it.”

“Then they argued over who paid to carry it away.”

Surevai’s mouth curves. “For three more days.”

I laugh. I want to meet those men. I want to find out whether either of them remembers what the salt was worth before they started.

Surevai sees that he has interested me. He lets the silence last.

“Would I answer to you?” I ask.

“To the senior factor. My court would be a customer of the house, as it is now.”

“If one of your merchants was wrong?”

“Tell him.”

“And if he complained to you?”

“I would ask what happened. I won’t promise never to disagree with your answer.”

That is better than promising he’ll always take my side. It is also much harder to dismiss.

I look at Karev’s tablet. His pen has not moved.

“Would you want me to stop helping the Ilden?”

“I would prefer it. Karev told you that.”

“He did.”

“If you take a full-time position in Karath, it will occupy most of your days. I expect that would leave less time for Daurek’s court.”

I pull my coat closer at the throat. A breeze has found its way beneath the canvas. At the cedar, one of the guards changes position without approaching.

“Are you offering this because you believe Daurek will lose?”

“I believe his court has become careless. You’ve seen enough of it to know why I think so.”

“He’s changing how it works.”

“Then he should bring the evidence to the hearing.”

“He will.”

Surevai looks at me.