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Udinaas s to look up to see the shocked expressions fro,’ Rhulad said after a moment, ‘will speak for the Edur in this lanced up to see the once-Warlock King stepping forward to stand in front of the dais He ithout expression ‘Prince, you will need to explain how you Letherii have arrived at the notion of debt The harvest was illegal – do you deny it?’

‘We do not – no, Nifadas, I a, we do not dispute the illegality of the harvest But its illegality does not in turn refute the reality that it took place And that harvest, conducted by Letherii, is now in Edur hands The present treaty, you reed market value for tusked seals, and it is this price we expect to be honoured’

‘Extraordinary logic, Prince,’ Hannan Mosag said, his voice a smooth rumble

‘We are, fortunately,’ Quillas continued, ‘prepared for a compromise’

‘Indeed?’

Udinaas wondered why Nifadas was re silent His lack of interruption could only be interpreted as tacit allegiance to the prince and the position he was advocating

‘A coe for land Specifically, the remainder of Trate Reach, which, as we both know, serves only as seasonal fishing camps for your people Such camps would not be prohibited, of course They shall ree of your catch’

‘As it now stands, then,’ Hannan Mosag said, ‘we begin this treaty in your debt’

‘Yes’

‘Based upon the presumption that we possess the stolen harvest’

‘Well, of course-’

‘But we do not possess it, Prince Quillas Diskanar’