swayed by our silks and gold and some pretty mirrors brought all the way from the dwarf lands.’
‘I imagine that we will not be the only ones bringing gifts,’ said Tyrion. ‘Every noble family in Ulthuan will be taking this chance to demonstrate its loyalty and generosity.’
‘Indeed. I often think it would be more profitable and sensible if we came to some arrangement with all of the other families not to do this sort of thing. Then we could keep the gold for ourselves.’
‘But gold is only a means to an end. How would we prove ourselves to be richer and more generous than all of our rivals if we did not give such gifts.’
‘Doubtless we would find a way. We are elves after all, famous for our ingenuity when it comes to proving our superiority.’
‘In the meantime,’ said Tyrion, ‘I suppose we shall have to go about doing so the old-fashioned way. After all, if it worked for our ancestors it should work for us.’
‘Indeed. We’re leaving with the tide. Let us head down to the docks and watch some other people working. I always find work very stimulating when I am not the one who has to do it.’
Tyrion watched as the crew loaded the ship. How often had he done this in the past, he wondered? There were times when he felt like half of his life had been spent aboard ships, going somewhere or returning to Lothern.
The vessel was anchored on the pier at Lothern’s northern docks. The Inner Sea was a different sea from the wild outer ocean. It was superficially calmer and safer, bounded on all sides by the landmass of Ulthuan, surrounded in its entirety by lands. There was less trade here, so the docks were smaller and less busy, but still bustling. Goods were shipped out to the rest of Ulthuan from here, and the produce of Saphery and Chrace and other places found its way to the great port, and from there to the rest of the world.
The ships here were smaller and more homely-looking than the great ocean-going clippers.
He saw his brother riding down to the harbour. As ever, no one paid too much attention to him. He was just another tall slender elf mounted on a fine steed. He was a terrible rider for an elf but still stood out less than usual. His limp made him noticeable when he walked. His twin rode right up to the pier and paused for a moment to study the ship. He waved and Tyrion waved back.
‘I see your brother has deigned to join us,’ said Atharis.
‘You don’t like him, do you?’ said Tyrion.
‘He never gives anyone much of a chance to like him. If he were less caustic, he might have more friends.’
Tyrion could not deny the truth of that. ‘His life has been hard. It is not easy to be less than perfect among elves.’
‘None of us are perfect,’ said Atharis. ‘Not even you. We don’t use it as an excuse to be rude to everyone else.’
‘I think he got into the habit of getting his retaliation in first when he was young. People were often rude to him because of who and what he was.’
‘I can tell you are going to go on making excuses for him,’ said Atharis. ‘He is no longer a sickly youth. He is a powerful mage and regarded as something of a hero among his kind.’
‘His kind?’
‘He is a wizard.’
‘He is an elf.’
‘It is possible to be both, my dear Tyrion.’
‘Mages are not a breed apart.’
‘You may want to explain that to them, my friend.’ Teclis limped up the gangplank, leaving his horse in the care of one of House Emeraldsea’s dockside factors. He saw Atharis and made a sour expression. Atharis responded in kind.
‘A pleasure to see you,’ said Teclis ironically.
‘I am as pleased to see you as you are to see me,’ Atharis responded. His smile was insincere, and obviously so.
Tyrion wondered at his brother’s talent for making enemies. Atharis was not the least amiable elf in the world. It would not take an enormous effort to keep on the right side of him. Instead Teclis seemed to take pleasure in being disliked.
‘You are ready to depart?’ Tyrion asked his brother, to forestall any further sniping. ‘You do not seem to have brought much gear with you.’
‘It is already on board. The servants brought it this morning. How about you? Are you ready to woo the Everqueen?’