The head of the Setmur clan sagged slightly at this news. His gaze dropped, andas he replied, his voice was lacking the edge of confidence and arrogance it hadheld earlier.
"If by that you mean you wish to have nothing to do with my people, then I willwaste no more of your time. It had been my intention to ask for your protectionfor 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 fishermanhad asked his counsel before they were in Jubal's presence. On the surface theproposal seemed reasonable enough, except.... It was common knowledge in townthat Jubal had long sought to obtain a foothold on Sanctuary's wharfs, but thatto date he had been forestalled by the tight unity of the fishing community.Apparently this common knowledge had escaped the ears of Lord Setmur. Eitherthat or he was unaware of the fragility of the union between his clan and thelocal fishermen. If the local captains discovered that he was offering Jubal anopening to drive a wedge into the fishing community in exchange for safety ...
"Your request is not unreasonable, and the price you offer is tempting," Jubalsaid thoughtfully, the earlier note of mockery in his voice gone now."Unfortunately I am not in a position to enter into such a negotiation. Pleaseaccept my assurance that this is not because I hold a grudge against yourpeople, but rather that I would be unable to fulfill my part of the bargain."
"But I thought ..." Monkel began, but Jubal waved him to silence.
"Let me explain the current situation to you, Lord Setmur, as I see it. The city