Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentleman Bastard, #2)

by Scott Lynch

“Shall we say … six solari per chair?” Baumondain spoke with feigned nonchalance; that was a cheeky initial offer, even for luxury craftsmanship. Locke would be expected to haggle it down. Instead, he smiled and nodded. “If six per chair is what you require, then six you will have.” “Oh,” said Baumondain, almost too surprised to be pleased. “Oh. Well then! I should be only too happy to accept your note.” “While that would be fine in ordinary circumstances, let’s do something more convenient for both of us.” Locke reached inside the satchel and drew out a coin purse, from which he counted twenty-four gold solari onto the little coffee table while Baumondain watched with growing excitement. “There you are, in advance. I prefer to carry hard coinage when I come to Salon Corbeau. This little city needs a moneylender.” “Well, thank you, Master Fehrwight, thank you! I didn’t expect … well, let me get a work order and some papers for you to take with you, and we’ll be set.” “Now, let me ask—do you have all the materials you need for my master’s order?” “Oh yes! I know that off the top of my head.” “Warehoused here, at your shop?” “Yes indeed, Master Fehrwight.” “About how long might I expect the construction to take?” “Hmmm … given my other duties, and your requirements … six weeks, possibly seven. Will you be returning for them yourself, or will we need to arrange shipping?” “In that, too, I was hoping for something a little more convenient.” “Ah, well … you having been so very ...

“Mew,” the kitten retorted, locking gazes with him. It had the expression common to all kittens, that of a tyrant in the becoming. I was comfortable, and you dared to move, those jade eyes said. For that you must die.

“Gods damn you, Jean Tannen. You make this … you make it so hard.”