"As we speak, my able partner Jamila al-Shafah guides my caravan along
the Silken Way, bringing the fabled treasures of my homeland to you at
prices even your meager Western purses will find reasonable."
"I have contracts for Verduran darkwood, shaped by the grateful hands
of Wildwood druids. Would you like to circumvent the Lumber Consortium
monopoly and its scandalous tariffs? Of course you would!"
"I have favors in Katheer you could scarcely believe! I'll give you a hint:
there is one within the house of my former Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri who is
not whom she appears and I am well paid for my silence. I was there
you know, during the troubles. When the Pasha slew that insufferable
Taldan dog and escaped I shouted with glee! My only sadness is that the
entirety of reeking Oppara was not set ablaze that night. Soon however..."
"This miserable hovel you see around us is merely my home within the
city walls! I have much finer accommodations elsewhere. In fact I have
recently acquired a quaint and cozy fortress that required very little in the
way of renovation. You are familiar with the Cairnlands? Bah, 'siege tower'
is such a misleading phrase! I prefer 'indescribably ancient quatrefoil villa.'
But do not let the reputation of the neighborhood or the infamy of the
property intimidate you, my friend! I assure you, I am well and truly its
master."
