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A dozen kids now encircle him as he continues his narration of the swamp. “Not only do you have to be careful not to attract the ferocious rhino-lizards, but you have to watch where you step. You don’t want to accidentally put your foot in the water.”

“Why not?” asks one girl of about ten who just joined the group.

“Because living within the water are small fish, no bigger than this,” he says as he uses his hands to illustrate their size. “With a mouth full of teeth that will rip you to shreds in no time at all!”

“You’re lyin’!” one kid exclaims.

“No he’s not,” another pipes up. “Old Fergus down on Vinet Street has some of them he keeps in a big glass jar. He showed them to me once.” Having the attention of his peers, he adds, “He caught a mouse and dropped it in with the fish and they tore the flesh from its bones fast.”

“Ooooo,” one girl says.

“The fish seemed to like the warmer water down in the Empire,” Miko explains. “I doubt if you’ll find them anywhere around here.”

“Wonder if that Ambassador from the Empire would have any?” one small boy asks.

“Why would he have any?” an older boy says derisively. “That’s just dumb!”

“There’s an Ambassador from the Empire in town?” Miko asks. He’s been waiting for the conversation to turn in this direction.

“You ain’t heard?” one boy asks, surprised. “It’s all anyone’s been able to talk about.”

“Just got to town yesterday,” he explains. “Wonder why he’s here?”

“Hear they got troubles down in the Empire and he’s here to ask for help,” one boy says.

“That ain’t the reason,” an older girl says. “I heard it from my brother, who heard it from his master that he’s here to arrange a trade agreement.”

They begin to argue amongst themselves as each tries to convince the others of the truthfulness of their story and the falsehood of everyone else’s.

Miko lets it run for a moment, listening to all the various stories, none of which is anything he hadn’t already heard from Fifer and Jiron. Holding up his hands, he says, “Quiet down now.”

The kids begin quieting down and one by one turn to look at him. “Now, who would like to earn a couple coppers?” he asks.

A dozen hands fly up into the air as each begins saying they do.

“I want information about the Ambassador, why he’s here,” he begins.

“What for?” one of the boys hollers from the back of the group.

“My master is a rich merchant,” he tells them. “If he is in fact here to negotiate a new trade agreement, it would be to my master’s benefit to know.” Several heads bob up and down as they begin to see the logic of that.

“So, I would like you all to find out as much as you can and meet me back here later this afternoon,” he says. “If any of you can tell me his business here I’ll give each of you three coppers and spring for a meal.”

“And more tarts?” one small girl with berry stains on her face asks.

“And more tarts too,” he assures her with a smile. To the rest, he adds, “But be careful. Those from the Empire tend to deal strongly with spies.”

”We’ll be careful,” one older boy says.

“Okay then, on your way and meet me back here this afternoon before the evening meal.”

The kids move away quickly down the street as Miko smiles. If anyone can find out what’s going on here, it’s them. Not willing to leave it just up to them, he plans to do his own investigating.

One of the most prevalent rumors is the trade agreement. That one, more than any of the others, is believed by most. Maybe it’s just the most logical, or perhaps there is a basis for it. Asking directions of a local, he soon is heading down to the Merchant’s Guild. If there’s any truth behind the rumor he’s likely to find out there.

The Merchant’s Guild building is a large three story complex located within the second wall. He tries to walk through the main entrance but before he even gets close to the door is turned away by the guard stationed there.

Unable to gain entry, he instead works his way around the outside, looking for any other doors which may prove more accommodating. The only other doors he finds are locked from the other side.