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If I offended you, honored lady, I beg your pardon. I am still learning
Hamorian.
You speak it as a native, young man, if as a native of Ada who lived in
Merowey. No, I was amused because you clearly did not wish to offend, yet you
were more than properly respectful, unlike so many of those in the north. That
is so refreshing. She turned to the dark-haired handsome but muscular man
with her and nodded. You may leave us, Bartold.
The man inclined his head and stepped away, although he retreated only so far
as the base of the foremast, and his eyes remained on Rahl.
How might I be of service? Rahl asked.
Rahl could sense the amusement, and he wondered if he d used the wrong term
for service, but he waited politely.
, You may talk with me for now. There are few on board who have the time or
the inclination.
For a while, lady. Later, I will have to work.
Accounts of sorts? Rahl nodded.
This vessel seems small for both a purser and an assistant.
While she hadn t exactly asked a question, that was the fashion in which
polite Hamorian society made an inquiry, according to Magister Thorl, and Rahl
replied. It is to make me more aware. I m being sent as a clerk to the Nylan
Merchant Association in Swartheld.
Those individuals of less-than-perfect parentage who* manage that
establishment could use more of the courtesy you exhibit, replied the woman.
At least, that was what Rahl thought she had said. I will try to be polite to
all.
Politeness never hurts, Rahl, especially if you give, nothing except courtesy
and what was paid for.
I will keep that in my thoughts. Rahl didn t know the expression he really
wanted to use.
And in your mind.
Thank you.
I have seen you sparring. For one who claims little experience, you exhibit
much craft.
My father taught me the truncheon early. Blades I learned later, and not so
well.
She offered a knowing nod, then gestured out at the ocean and the seemingly
endless swells, just high enough to show occasional traces of foam. The ocean
appears to have ho end when one can see no land.
This is my first voyage. And possibly my last, he thought to himself. You
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must travel often.
More than I would prefer, but I cannot find the& assistants and servants I
need for my enterprises just in Hamor. Those who purchase from me often have
particular needs. She shrugged. One does what one must.
You must have a number of indentured servants, then. That was a guess.
More than most, but my needs are greater. You are from the north of Reduce, I
would judge.
I am. You are more perceptive than I would be.
Although you have black hair, your skin is fair, and your eyes are blue.
Likewise, you are taller and broader across the shoulders than most men. Those
traits are more likely in men from the northern reaches. You will find that
you are taller than most men in Hamor. That may not be to .your advantage
outside of your trading house.
I am among the taller men in Reduce, but there are many who are as large or
larger.
Size is not everything, young Rahl. Neither is strength.
Rahl nodded. He d heard that often enough. Can you tell me about Hamor?
I could, but then you would not see it through your eyes. She smiled.
He could sense concern, calculation, and a hint of cruelty behind the words.
He also could see Galsyn appear from the port hatchway, looking around.
The woman caught his look and half turned I see that the purser is looking
for you. Perhaps we will talk later.
I would appreciate that, lady. Rahl inclined his head.
She did not say more as Rahl eased around her and crossed the width of the
deck toward the purser.
Ser?
Oh, Rahl& I wasn t looking for you. Have you seen the third?
No, ser. He paused, then asked, Ser, who is the Hamorian lady?
I m not certain she s properly a lady. Galsyn laughed. Her name is Valdra
Elamira, but I think the Elamira isn t really a name.
It meant something like of great wonder, Rahl thought, but he only said,
She s traveling with a consort, although he looks younger.
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