Veliss leaned forward, his tone dripping with false warmth. “You see, Cumoreen covets splendor and beauty,” Veliss said, smooth as oil. “Yet you thought to hide a lode of such stone from us? I guess I'm impressed by your guts to take on such impossible task" He chuckled at Ligon's naivety "We will cherish the mines better and guard it, for that, you have nothing to worry about. Now, young negotiator, tell us where Ulcar yields this black truth, and we may be merciful.”

Ligon’s eyes, ...