Tzirret looked up with some hope, though he didn't sound completely mollified. "We could do that? This one does not think that they deliver to clanhomes." He paused for thought. "Maybe the cities would, if they do not mind delivering between the Empire and the Dominion."

Surprisingly, Tzirret found a thought to smile about. "Ma'tanza would have to get used to this one's writing, though. You saw how his note was. He is not very good at writing and reading, especially Ta'agra."

[hr]
"Oh, I think that it's going to the right person this time," Fendros commented.

The weight felt slightly heavier than expected in Ahnasha's hand. The feeling of whatever was inside suggested a coin or a metal button. The way to open it was simple; the weight was a cylinder in two overlapping halves. Pulling them apart took some effort. With a pop, the larger half came away and the chamber within was revealed. Inside, a glimmer of gold glinted in the lowering orange sunlight.

Inside the chamber was a smooth, polished, gold ring.

The familiar clicking of beads sounded as Fendros pulled something out of his bag and dropped the bag down. In each hand, he held ornate bronze and lapis lazuli amulets of Mara. He had his head angled forward as he looked at Ahnasha with a bit of amusement. "I believe these are customary before I say anything else," Fendros said, holding one of the amulets out.