'Lull them into a false sense of security and make a healthy profit next time,' she says, only half-joking. By the next meeting, she intends to have figured this game out properly.

Tayrey laughs at his joke, because she laughs at everyone's bad jokes, and there's no better way to deal with the whole unfortunate death situation.

'I think if I were playing a game for my life, my Tradeliner's honor might be sorely tested. I like acorn stakes better.'

Then, as a hurried afterthought: 'I'm Tayrey. Lieutenant Arilanna Tayrey of the Tradelines, peace and prosperity to you.'