A Gamble Worth Taking
'I got no other choice.'
Brinda opened her eyes.
For several long seconds, she simply stared across the table.
Felberta's expression remained unchanged. The mysterious merchant sat with the same gentle smile she had worn throughout their negotiation, one hand resting near her teacup while the other remained relaxed against the table.
There was no impatience in her posture.
No pressure.
That somehow made Brinda more uneasy.
Her gaze met Felberta's.
'I hope I can deal with whatever you've got planned.'
The thought settled heavily in Brinda's mind.
She slowly extended her hand toward the pouch of white gold.
The movement looked simple.
It wasn't.
