“Altdorf is loud, and the Reikland docks are louder than most. You were pointed toward a man named Veld by someone who described him as reliable and difficult to rattle, which in this city is rarer than either should be. He's sitting at an outdoor table outside a modest inn, eating something practical, watching the street with the particular attention of someone who watched streets professionally for a long time. He sees you coming. He doesn't move. When you reach the table he nods, a complete greeting from a man who doesn't waste motion. "Veld." He pushes the second stool out with his boot. "Sit down. Tell me the problem plainly and I'll tell you plainly whether I can help." He picks up his food again, not dismissal, just efficiency. "In my experience, the plain version is always shorter than the version people prepare. Start with that one."”

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