Chapter 103: Pentos' Party Struggle
"Because of the party dispute," Talobane said, his voice laced with helplessness.
*Party strife?* Ian blinked. That was an unexpected answer.
The original chronicles offered only fleeting glimpses of Pentos through the eyes of Daenerys and Tyrion, leaving Ian almost entirely ignorant of the city's current political climate. But as he considered it, in a city ruled by a council of magisters and forty noble families, it would be stranger if there were no factional struggles.
"You speak of party disputes," Ian said, an amused smirk touching his lips. "Do you truly think it wise for someone like me to get involved?"
"It involves a partisan struggle, but it is not directed at me personally," Talobane explained quickly. "In truth, it is a struggle between the Braavosi and Volantene factions on the Grand Council."
"Magister Cecito Morn, who only took office in the last two years, is a recognized agent of Volantene interests. Most of the slave trade in Pentos is the business of him and his ally, Magister Tetrus."
"Then, just two weeks ago, Magister Haukote, who has long been funded by the Iron Bank of Braavos, suddenly launched an attack on the slave trade. With the support of His Highness the Prince and the ambassador from Braavos, he initiated a city-wide investigation into the practice."
"Perhaps you could elaborate," Ian said, his interest piqued. Whether or not he accepted the mission, learning more about the political landscape of Pentos was always worthwhile.
"More detailed matters are beyond the knowledge of a man like me," Talobane said, shaking his head. "Perhaps you can ask Magister Illyrio himself later. In short, for those of us caught in the middle, this is a disaster that has fallen upon us for no reason."
*When two giants fight, the grass is trampled.* The thought came to Ian unbidden.
"The wharf thug, 'Spearbreaker,' is one of the pawns hired by the Haukote family," Talobane continued. "The man is in the pocket of the local powers in the port. He knows exactly which of us small traders have dabbled in the slave trade. As I said, my problem doesn't truly involve the great men. The Spearbreakers are simply using the opportunity afforded by their work for Magister Haukote to blackmail us."
"Then pay him. You are a member of Illyrio's Chamber of Commerce. How much could he dare demand?"
"It is precisely because I am one of Magister Illyrio's men that he dares to demand so much. Everyone in Pentos knows that the Magister remains neutral in the disputes of the Grand Council. If we bring him trouble over the private selling of slaves… well, Magister Illyrio shows no mercy to those who cause him problems."
Ian's eyes lit up. His first instinct was to use this information to threaten Talobane, forcing him to hand over the invitation. But he quickly discarded the idea. He had no proof, and the chances of such a threat succeeding were far too low.
"And the reason I cannot find other Pentoshi mercenaries to handle this," Talobane pressed on, "is not that the Spearbreakers are so powerful, nor that the mercenaries fear Magister Haukote. In truth, I cannot find any *reliable* mercenaries. Most of these companies in Pentos have ties to one great family or another. I fear they would leak the news and bring trouble to Magister Illyrio's doorstep."
"And you're not afraid that I will leak the news?" Ian asked with a smile.
"Oh, I believe our positions are aligned on certain issues—such as not causing trouble for Magister Illyrio. After all, you still have great need of him, do you not?" Talobane's eyes narrowed slightly, his confidence returning.
"You truly have the soul of a merchant. Men like you should be sitting on that Grand Council you speak of."
"Please, you jest," Talobane said, dismissing the compliment before adding, "As long as you are discreet, no one will suspect us. They will simply assume it is part of the Volantene party's revenge. So… what is your final decision?"
"When does your ship arrive?" Ian asked instead of answering.
"This weekend, if the winds are fair."
"In other words, well after Illyrio's banquet?"
"That is correct."
"Then I can tell you with certainty that we will not be able to take down Spearbreaker in a day and a half. But before the weekend? That is more than enough time."
"So, what are you suggesting?" Talobane asked, though he was beginning to understand.
"Give us the invitation first," Ian said, holding up a hand to stop the merchant from speaking. "Once we have seen the Magister, we will naturally help you resolve your problem. Do not be so quick to answer. You know I speak the truth. If we act rashly before the Magister's banquet without adequate preparation, we might not only fail to solve your trouble but cause a much greater one."
Talobane fell silent, clearly weighing Ian's words.
"Think of it as an investment in a friendship," Ian continued smoothly. "This can be the beginning of building trust between us."
"A friend?" Talobane glanced at Darren Grafson, who had returned to stand behind Ian, a silent backdrop to the negotiation. "After what just transpired, do you still believe in a friend like me?"
"Being like you only makes our potential friendship stronger," Ian said, his voice unwavering. "Because a friendship with me will always be profitable."
Talobane lifted his head, studying the brazen young man before him. After a long moment, he finally uttered the two words Ian had been waiting for: "Deal."
It wasn't until Ian and his men had taken their leave that Talobane slowly drew a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the cold sweat from his brow. He vaguely remembered that the last young man he had met with such an overwhelming presence was the Prince himself—Hazan Mohalis.
After leaving Talobane's residence, a single question occupied Ian's thoughts. Now that he had the invitation, did he still need to help Talobane at all?
According to his usual style, taking the reward and skipping the work was standard practice. But that was when he wore the mask of 'Lucian Lannister.' He had acted without scruples because he knew that identity was disposable.
Things were different now. In his grand plan, the identity of Ian Rivers would be one he used for a long time. If he tarnished its reputation, it could trigger a cascade of negative consequences.
And abandoning Talobane to his fate would certainly earn him a bad name. After all, the threat of 'Spearbreaker' was enough to make Talobane bleed, but it wouldn't kill him. If Ian betrayed him now, he would not only make a bitter enemy but also render his new identity worthless within Illyrio's Chamber of Commerce. That was a result Ian could not accept.
*Let's check it out first,* he decided. He settled on a compromise, dispatching his clever squire, the 'Dornishman' Denzel, to the port of Pentos. He would inquire about the specific situation surrounding 'Spearbreaker' before making his next move.
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