The counting room occupied the entire top floor of a grain warehouse overlooking Calderport's commercial docks.
Dalkara noticed the choice of meeting place before she even climbed the final flight of stairs.
Ironvale could have invited her to one of the city's merchant clubs. He owned memberships in several. He could have received her in his company offices, surrounded by ledgers and clerks. He even maintained a private residence overlooking the western harbor.
Instead, he had chosen a warehouse.
That alone told her what kind of conversation he intended to have.
This was business.
Not politics.
Not favors.
Whatever agreement emerged from today's meeting would be measured in profit and risk rather than alliances and obligations.
She preferred that.
Business was honest in ways politics rarely was.
A clerk opened the heavy oak door as she reached the landing.
"Councilor Dalkara."
She nodded.
"Master Ironvale is expecting you."
The clerk stepped aside.
