. I o put Quileia so firmly on a ne t as I can make it.

    Ot live some Year Kings, and tesses will be in power again before my bones are picked clean underground.”

    Alessan closed ling of leaves all around t Marius again, the grey eyes wide and calm, and he

    said, bluntly: quot;My request: t you give me six montrade. And somet interval.”

    quot;time alone is a great deal,quot; Marius said very softly. quot;But tell me t, Pigeon. thing else.”

    quot;tters, Bear. I need tters sent nort letter: you say yes to Brandin, conditionally.

    You ask for time to consolidate your oion before exposing Quileia to outside influences. You make it clear t your inclination too endure. Second letter: you reject, sorroures from Astibar. You e Alberico t you are intimidated by Brandins ts. t you o trade o trade  too strong in to risk offending une. You ask o keep in contact ly.

    You say you cs in terest. You  yet given Brandin a final decision, and  regards to the Emperor.”

    Devin . ed to rick of ter: listen, remember, t it later. Mariuss eyes ling smile was back.

    quot;And my tter?quot; he asked.

    quot;Is to te trade, no tariffs, first cion for Senzios brave independence and enterprise in ty.quot; Alessan paused. quot;And tter, naturally—”

    quot;ill be intercepted by Alberico of Barbadior. Pigeon, do you knoting in motion? his is?”

    quot;ait a minute!quot; Erlein di Senzio suddenly interjected, starting to rise.

    quot;You