Page 29 - UnderEarth

Formalities over, Talon continued their conversation: “Your fame precedes you ... Storm. The chanters sing of the sinking of the pirate raft in Yanlin’s harbour last season. Is it true they attacked again, during your voyage to the Inner Sea?”
Impressed, Storm said, “Your spies are efficient.”
“Of course.” His moustaches spread in a grave smile. “We pay them well. And now,” said Talon, pressing his hands together, “I offer you the hospitality of my humble home while you are on Bellum Island. My daughter is beside herself with excitement at the idea of meeting you.”
Lake had warned her, but Storm had not expected Talon to pounce so soon. “But I could not impose!”
“No imposition, but the highest honour, I assure you.”
Custom dictated that she must accept, and Storm found she wanted to go with Talon, to see his grand house and meet his daughter. “My uncle and I would be honoured—”
“Captain Lake will be able to visit you whenever he desires, of course. He will be too busy trading to enjoy our frivolities.”
Storm glanced at her uncle. Lake was turning pink
with the effort of not scowling. “Thank you,” she
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