To his surprise, Jubal did not immediately lash out in anger … either verbally
or physically.
“That is a common misconception,” he said instead, nodding slowly. “In truth, I
am simply more open about my interest in money than most. There are some causes
or chores which even I and my forces will not touch … regardless of the fee.”
The head of the Setmur clan sagged slightly at this news. His gaze dropped, and
as he replied, his voice was lacking the edge of confidence and arrogance it had
held earlier.
“If by that you mean you wish to have nothing to do with my people, then I will
waste no more of your time. It had been my intention to ask for your protection
for the Beysib here in Sanctuary. In return, I was willing to pay handsomely …
either a flat fee or, if you wished, a percentage of my clan’s revenues.”
In his head, Hakiem damned Monkel for his secrecy. If only the little fisherman
had asked his counsel before they were in Jubal’s presence. On the surface the
proposal seemed reasonable enough, except…. It was common knowledge in town
that Jubal had long sought to obtain a foothold on Sanctuary’s wharfs, but that
to date he had been forestalled by the tight unity of the fishing community.
Apparently this common knowledge had escaped the ears of Lord Setmur. Either
that or he was unaware of the fragility of the union between his clan and the
local fishermen. If the local captains discovered that he was offering Jubal an
opening to drive a wedge into the fishing community in exchange for safety …