Answering Tamvost's Challenge (1)

There were no swordwielders in Cerkanst. 

The only one who might conceivably know taught staves, not swords.

Jamutaltei restarted a conversation with the people in the balcony above.

Krow deliberately caught Hulach's eye. He removed his mask and the distinctive dark Travelcoat.

The herbalist's eyes widened, his lips twitched, turning down at the edges.

Krow glanced up at the balcony.

Hulach exhaled hard, turned his attention to the draculkar from Tamvost. "You think we'd accept such a losing proposition?"

The other sneered. "What, could it be you can't come up with a contract of your own?"

Hulach reached into his coat, brought out a scroll. He lifted it, a blue woven knot with a seal dangling for all to see.

The sound of the crowd heightened.

"A lifetime contract," murmured a siren beside Krow, craning his head from within his stall. "It's really a losing proposition."