[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer had never been in Imperia so he had to take Archalen’s word for the nature of its people. From what he heard Imperians were no different than Taralonians or Medonians or the inhabitants of Primus Gaudeo. The rabble at the bottom of the ladder was the same everywhere: pity and vengeful. The nobleman nodded knowingly.

When Archalen had done his say Taralon’s Thane leaned backward in his armchair in thought. Imperia was notorious for both its organized crime and extreme poverty. A wealthy Imperian was instinctively under suspicion. Fortunately Malkaer did not have to answer immediately. The butler had found the Fireside house wine to be on temperature and poured in two glasses for the lords. After a silent toast and a small sip it was time to reply.

Since it was difficult to ask this delicately, he did not. “And how have you, Archalen Andares, come by such a large amount of money?”