Page 48 of Grulen

“Thank you, lad.Head to the kitchens and see if Cook has a treat for you.”The oldest guard said gruffly.“You’re a growing male.Then back to the front to resume your duties as runner.”

“Thanks, Papaw.”The young male grinned.“You’re the best.”

“Go on with you.”The guard ruffled the boy’s hair.He looked at them.“My son’s son.”

They smiled.

“He seems like a fine youngling,” Stalad said.

“Too much energy.Even a busy day running errands and messages can’t tire him out.”The grizzled male smiled and opened the door.“Lord Heggar is expecting you.”

“Thank you,” Makai said.

They entered a large study.Lord Heggar sat behind a desk that hid most of his bulk.Weapons hung on the wall behind him.Books lined shelves around the room.Heavy, wooden chairs with thick cushions in front of the desk and the fireplace on the opposite wall looked comfortable.A single window overlooked the grounds of the city.

Lord Heggar stood.The massive male was even larger than Dablar.Unlike the merchant, Heggar wore a sleeveless, brown shirt with open sides belted at his waist.

“Captain Makai.It’s good to see you again.”

“Lord Heggar.It’s my pleasure.Please allow me to introduce members of my crew—Yaz, Crax, and Stalad.”

“Well met, warriors.”The Orkite cocked his head slightly.“You’ve added Svesti to your crew?”

“Just the one.”

“Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you.”

“Please have a seat.”Heggar gestured with a hand.“Feel free to move chairs as needed.”

Stalad and Crax pulled two chairs from the fireplace group to the others in front of the desk and sat.The Orkite frowned, placed a device on his desk, and tapped a button.

“A dampening field to discourage eavesdroppers.I have a sensitive job for you, if you’re interested, Captain.”

“What does it entail?”

“I need to send an ambassador to Ladorta in secret.No one can know about the negotiations until they are completed.”

“How large a contingent will accompany the ambassador?”

“An assistant and two guards.Your crew would transport everyone and be supplemental security for my delegate.”

“Are you expecting a long negotiation?”

“I expect no longer than alunar.”

“When would they need to leave?”

“They can be ready in tomorrow.The Ladortans are expecting someone within a week.”

Stalad observed Heggar as the negotiations proceeded.His tail stilled when he realized the Orkite was withholding information.He tapped the captain’s back.When Makai looked sideways at him, Stalad gestured with his hand using an old Jalaxian military code.Makai dipped his chin.

“Have your people meet our ship after morning meal, along with the supplies we’ve agreed upon.”

Heggar appeared uncomfortable.

“We need to formulate a plan to get them to you without anyone noticing.”

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