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“Both merchants remembered who got them to agree in the first place. A trading house in Karath needs someone to settle disputes between its merchants. It handles a great deal of our mountain trade. Lord Surevai would pay your moving costs and your first three months’ rent if you took the position after your release.”

“Why would he pay for that?”

“His merchants would gain someone useful. And he’d prefer you working for them to helping Daurek answer his petition.”

I look at Daurek. He appears unsurprised.

“So this is an attempt to hire me away.”

“Yes,” Karev says. “You may find the work suits you. The salary is in the letter.”

I look at the letter.

A room in a city. Work I understand. Traders arguing in a language that doesn’t require me to learn what their leaves are doing.

I could be near enough to visit Asha without going back to the stall and pretending I had never left it.

“What would I owe your lord?”

“You’d take the paid position. The moving costs and three months’ rent would be a grant. You wouldn’t owe them back if the job didn’t suit you. Those terms are in the letter.”

“Would I have to support his claim to this road?”

“No. The job concerns disputes between merchants. Your testimony remains your own.”

“Then I’ll read it.”

I take the letter. I’d like to read it alone, before anyone asks what I intend to do.

Karev rises.

“We look forward to receiving the notices.”

Reivaka collects the map and reports, then goes with Karev to show him the marked approach. Both clerks follow them out.

Daurek and I remain seated until the door closes.

I put the offer on the table between us.

“Do you want me to refuse it?”

“Yes.”

“Because it comes from Surevai?”

“Partly.”

“And the rest?”

Daurek looks at the folded letter.

“I want you here.”

The room is quiet enough that I can hear water falling into the courtyard outside.

I have been waiting to hear him say that without meaning until the council decides, or because the court needs help.

“Since when?”