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[Thraxas]

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"The finest ever made, m'lord," the architect stated, rolling out the blueprint and laying it on the table in front of Thraxas.

The Lord Regent examined it carefully. "Made of yew?"

"Most certainly, sire. Hard as nails but as pliable as leather. They will sail faster and longer than nearly any afloat," came the boast.

Thraxas' eyebrows raised as he turned to look at him. "You can promise this?"

Pausing only briefly, the architect replied. "Assuredly, sire. We have seen such ships last ten years or more."

Satisfied, Thraxas nodded. "Make me twenty of them. Keep ten crated and stored for emergencies. I want ten ready as soon as possible."

"We will need crews, sire."

"I know that, fool. Leave that to me. Go now and get to it."

The architect rolled up the parchment and put it into a metal tube. He put it under his arm, bowed, and departed.

Standing nearby was one of Thraxas' most trusted agents: Esric Tal. He remained in the shadows, his face and head cloaked, until Thraxas motioned for him to step forward. "Sire?"

"What has she been doing?"

Esric knew of whom he spoke... Kayla Ariesus, the elven cousin of Duchess Molly Kaldhel. "She has been at home for the most part, but visits Heartwood at least twice a week," he reported.

"Do you have the items?"

Esric nodded. "I keep them safe in the vault."

"Bring them to me. It is time we got this trial moving. I want to get them to Aleister soon. The evidence against her must be overwhelming."

"What if she wishes to plea bargain?"

"She won't. The terms I would demand would make that impossible and she knows it."

Esric nodded. "And what if she is acquitted?"

Thraxas looked up from his desk, his eyes flaring red. "For her, it won't matter... she will be dealt with regardless. But it is a matter of life or death for you, my friend. Now go and bring the evidence to me."

Esric knew what that look meant. He was drow, and easily read the malice in the flash of those eyes. He bowed and exited, duly fortified in his resolve to see the elf woman convicted.

Thraxas examined a map of Trammel. His gaze focused on a small island, one side of which was ringed with fortifications. A good central location for the Union's meetings and activities; a superb harbor. Yes... yes... Serpent's Hold it is.
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"If a criminal has what you want, you do business with him."