Alaran Cale was not going to be pleased. The caravan was to leave within the week, and Riham was the man Cale trusted to choose his new hires. Cale was notoriously uncompromising about the quality of his workers. He paid well and he expected much, and well he might; he had a solid reputation as a reliable caravan master, and he had to be able to depend upon the men he employed to do precisely and efficiently what they were told. Riham understood this, and that was why Cale sent him to choose the replacements and additions to his payroll. This time the selection had been slim, to say the least, and though Riham felt he'd made the best choices from what was to be had, he did not relish delivering the news.

What little interest the city had ever held for Cale had long since been spent; he had seen the sights, and found them for the most part not to his liking. Cale was not a city man. He even preferred the sands of Vesari to this place. On the road to Lahkis, at least, he had a purpose.

So it was that Cale was updating his maps when Riham arrived. The maps were among the best to be had of the region between Guildsport and Lahkis, with many subtle details he had added himself over the years. Presently he was adjusting the locations of significant bandit presence as observed en route to the city. He did not expect much difficulty returning to Lahkis, as their cargo would be much less valuable by volume and the bandits knew it; nevertheless, it helped to pass the hours.

Cale nodded and glanced up at Riham. "It's fine, I'll have a look at them this afternoon when we start loading. It's still early yet but see if you can't start rounding up the men. They'll need to be sober and well-hydrated by sundown. I'll see you and Doren in the Merchant Quarter in two hours."

Riham nodded and backed out. "See you there," he said before the door closed.