Free Shrouded: Heartstone Book One by Frances Pauli Page A

source of trade. The rumors claimed the core was so loaded with gem material that it cracked and split apart around the lodes—rumors, but not entirely without a seed of truth.
    The crates of rough on the barge were destined for the cutters on Pagh, or Shevra or some other world with the square footage to house permanent industry. From there the stone would travel as high-end merchandise to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. The Shrouded riches would earn a handsome number of credits for the government purchasing them.
    Judging from the man waiting for the sled, Dolfan guessed that to be Shevra. The long tunic of onyx silk indicated the man’s status as Merchant Class VI, and the rough green skin and triple row of gill slits advertised his Shevran descent. This one would find a way to spoil Dolfan’s already flawed morning. Dealing with Shevrans always managed to make a bad day worse.
    “You there!” If the lizard-man knew as much about Shrouded culture, he’d take the ring on Dolfan’s finger for what it was and use a more appropriate address. Instead, he placed long-fingered hands on his hips and moved to block the prince’s progress. “A moment. Thank you.”
    “What can I do for you?” Dolfan bit back the irritable retort and smiled for the transaction’s benefit.
    “I have a complaint.”
    “There’s a surprise.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “I’d be happy to listen.” He stretched the smile a little, not quite showing his teeth. His jaw tightened despite his efforts.
    “The terms of our contract.” The Shevran snarled openly. “Require re-negotiation. I insist on the leeway to inspect the goods before they are transported.”
    “You have it.” Dolfan stiffened. He knew exactly what the bastard wanted, but he wasn’t going to get it. “All contracts are pending only until the buyer inspects and signs off on the product. You know that, I suspect.”
    “We wish to inspect the material at the source.”
    “No.” He ignored the Shevran’s reaction, the chest puffing and the flush of yellow that crept across his gills. “That is absolutely out of the question, of course.”
    “Allowing a delegation to inspect the goods on site would save your operation a great deal of the cost to transport goods that might eventually be rejected.”
    “Reject away.” Dolfan leaned forward. He stood a good head taller than the lizard and he intended to use the fact to his advantage. The Shevrans understood posturing. But apparently they didn’t understand diplomacy or the terms of their trading agreement. “You are welcome to refuse any shipment or any portion of one. Go right ahead. We are more than happy to absorb the cost of transport, though I doubt we’d need to. The list of traders awaiting access to Base 14 is long and distinguished. I’m certain someone would be more than happy to take any of your shipments.”
    They’d be happy to take the Shevran’s place as well, and the man knew it. His whole face went yellow and his neck bobbed slightly—a sign of aggression, but Dolfan let slide for the sake of business.
    “You cannot keep the universe at bay forever,” the Shevran hissed.
    “Oh, I don’t know. We seem to be doing a fine job of it so far.” Dolfan grinned and shrugged. The subject shift, however slight, was a win for him. He doubted the man had ever refused even a portion of goods delivered, or ever would.
    Still, as the trader turned and focused on inspecting the crates of gem rough, Dolfan frowned. The whole act had been a ploy to get Shevrans on the core. He’d dealt with the same thing often enough. Too often, in fact. He watched the green fingers paw through the stone and shook his head. Everyone wanted to be on the surface. Everyone wanted a peek below the Shroud.
    He might tell a merchant or two that they had it under control, but somehow, he wondered. Could they keep the universe at bay? Base 14—the whole trading outfit—seemed like a good idea. It had worked for the first few