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"You'll see my wares at the premarket selection," Poal said. "Until then, I don't show what I've got.""Stupid," Tynmez said with irritation. "I might pay you well for your stock."
"I'll do better at premarket."
"You think those market vendors will deal fairly or generously with you?" Tynmez said with derision. "They are thinking of their markup. You and I are males of understanding. Let us come to terms."
"You would buy something you haven't seen?" Poal countered.
"If it has value. I see the smugness in your eyes," Tyn- mez said. "And I have looked at the stock on your transport. Oh, don't raise your rill at me," he said sharply as Poal glared at him. "The crates aren't opaque. I have eyes, do I not?"
Poal glanced at his guards, knowing now they were useless. Tynmez had bribed the fools. Poal would have to fire them and hire more, providing he escaped this situation with his hide intact.
More of Tynmez's enforcers appeared. They, like Poal's -thugs, were armed with illegal weapons, all aimed at Poal.
Gall poured through Poal, and he could feel his neck rill quivering with defeat.
"Will you force me to sell?" he asked.
"You have a good catch," Tynmez said, and now it was his turn to smile. "You are an excellent judge of conformation and pelt quality. You are much more selective than I."
"Yes," Poal said with a sneer as he watched his crates being loaded onto Tynmez's already-laden transport. "You would glean even Skeks from the sewer if you thought you could profit from them."
The insult bounced off Tynmez without effect. His smile broadened, and he jerked his head.
His enforcers moved fast, surrounding Poal in an instant. Poal's own hirelings made no move at all.
Seething with rage, Poal held the golden Aaroun tighter, hearing her faint sounds and knowing that he would never see the fortune this small creature was worth. More gall soured his mouth. With all his soul he damned Tynmez.
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