Touring with Clerks

Sarel, faintly apologetic, called over one of the clerks under Tennar to guide Defi around the building.

Defi hadn't expected them to go directly into business in any case, so was happy to have someone take him around. He realized he didn't know precisely the business Bluzand dealt in.

"We're a condiment company, mestre," said the clerk who had been introduced as Darred. "We create and supply many of the popular spice-mixes traded on the Indar river cities. We also deal in ready-made sauces. We are a small company, compared to some, but we are known in our little niche."

The man, who was in his twenties, shone pride in his warm brown gaze despite the faint dark shadows under his eyes. His hands waved as he talked, and Defi could see ink splotches on his fingers.

"You have been with the company long?"