The sun was beginning its descent beyond the hills when Greystone's gates opened once again. This time, there was no flood of refugees or band of soldiers. Only a single caravan, pulled by two obsidian-colored beasts resembling rhinos with plated scales, rolled toward the city.
Atop the caravan sat a man cloaked in violet robes with a silver lining. A wide-brimmed hat shadowed his eyes, but his confident smirk revealed much: this was no ordinary merchant.
"State your name and purpose," barked one of the newly appointed Greystone guards, holding a spear steady.
The man didn't flinch. Instead, he flicked a silver token through the air. It clinked against the guard's breastplate and fell to the dirt. When the guard picked it up, he paled. The seal of the Grand Merchant Conclave.
"Malrick. Purveyor of rare goods, forbidden knowledge, and impossible deals. I come to trade... and perhaps more, should your lord be wise enough to listen."
...
Lucas stood in the council chamber, surrounded by his inner circle: Kaela, Elira, Reynard, and two of his new civilian advisors—Thorne, an older engineer with a keen mind, and Mira, a former noblewoman skilled in logistics and diplomacy.
Reynard was the first to speak. "This Malrick... his credentials are real. If he's truly part of the Merchant Conclave, he could bring massive economic growth. But they're also known to be unpredictable."
Lucas nodded. "Then let's find out which kind he is. Send him in."
The door opened, and Malrick entered with an elegant bow. He didn't grovel, but neither did he show arrogance. A perfect balance of confidence and deference.
"Lord Carter," Malrick said, eyes glinting. "You have built something extraordinary here. A beacon amid a sea of destruction."
Lucas studied him. "You don't come all this way for compliments. What is it you truly sell, Malrick?"
The merchant smiled. "Everything. Beasts, weapons, artifacts, secrets... But today, I offer you information."
He placed a silver scroll on the council table.
"This contains the movement patterns of Tide remnants, known factions observing your city, and a list of black market bounties placed on your head."
Elira immediately stepped forward. "How do you get this information?"
"I pay the right people. Sometimes I threaten them. Sometimes I save their lives. The method is unimportant. The result, however, is priceless."
Lucas unrolled the scroll. He quickly scanned it, eyes narrowing.
"Some of this we suspected... some we didn't. You've been thorough."
"I always am."
Lucas rolled the scroll back up. "How much?"
Malrick tilted his head. "Gold bores me. Influence is fleeting. But an opportunity? That excites me."
"Name it."
"Let me build the first official Merchant Guild under your reign. Here, in Greystone. Give me a seat on your council and protections for my people."
Kaela growled. "You think you deserve all that just for information?"
Malrick reached into his coat and dropped a sealed black box on the table.
"That, Lady Tiger, is an Astral Contract. A divine document of the old empire. Only ten remain in the world. I offer it freely to Lord Carter."
Lucas's eyes widened. He recognized the artifact—his memories from visions granted by Zephyra confirmed its authenticity. It was used by Emperor Carter himself to bind empires through diplomacy.
"You knew who I was before you arrived, didn't you?" Lucas asked quietly.
"Of course. I serve power, and power resides in those who shape the world. You are shaping it."
...
Lucas stood on the outer walls of Greystone, the wind ruffling his cloak. Malrick joined him, two cups of spiced wine in hand.
"You knew my ancestor," Lucas said finally.
"I served him briefly. Merchants endure, Lord Carter. We pass stories, names, secrets. The beast kings may die, but the markets live on."
Lucas accepted the drink. "Then you'll stay?"
Malrick raised his glass. "I'll build more than a guild. I'll build a network. A spider's web of influence and wealth. And you, my lord, will be the spider in its center."
Lucas smirked. "You're staying because of the Astral Contract. You want to be tied to history again."
"Guilty. And curious. I want to see how high your empire climbs."
The two drank in silence, the stars above shimmering. A new age had begun.
And now, Greystone had a merchant king at its side.