Quoted By:
“No matter what connection you might have to this 'Iron Wheel,' I still need to report this breach of contract to the guild. I see no reason to take you into custody at this time, but it is only wise to make a record of the accusation levied against you and your... defence against it.”
“With all due respect, officer, this is a waste of your time and mine alike. Surely there are more pressing matters that you need to take care, especially as nothing will come of anything that you write down.” Stanno's cordial behaviour quickly evaporates when you make it clear that you're not going to relent. The mention of the Iron Wheel still has both of your colleagues rattled, but you refuse to back down just because the foreman happens to know of this corrupt cabal.
“The outcome of this investigation is for my superiors to decide, not you. Radan, give me the ink and parchment, I would like to write this myself. Stanno, I would be grateful if you produced a copy of the contract that your workmen sign, so that I read the wording of it for myself.”
You don't know if either of your patrolmen have any ties to the Iron Wheel. While you doubt it,
it's best if you take care of this yourself, so you send them away to continue the patrol. You're not a fast writer – back when you wandered the Dak'fron wastes, the only things you ever wrote were poetry and prayers, to earn the favour of Zeht so that he might bless the tribe with an abundance of game. It takes the best part of an hour for you to write everything down, but by the time that you're finished, you're satisfied with the report. You've even noted down a possible solution, a writ of debt that would ensure that the workers would get their payment in full as soon as the next shipment arrives and the warehouse's coffers are replenished.
Stanno's glad to see the back of you when you take your leave. By the time that you run the report back to the Vault to be processed, the first bell of the afternoon has already rung. The first half of your shift is almost over. You have just enough time for a brief respite when you catch up with Janos and Radan, some water from your canteens and a few oranges that you bought from a fruit seller on your way back. While the three of you eat, Janos can't help but express some concern about your decision.
“I know you're not from Taneth, sergeant, but you shouldn't mess around with the Iron Wheel. If someone says that you're involved with them, you leave them well alone. This is their city.”
“I'm not messing around with anything, Janos. I'm doing my job. If the Iron Wheel is really in charge of the Vault and that man has their protection, then they can throw my report in the fire, no harm done. If they're not as powerful as people say, or if Stanno was lying to us, then maybe his workers might see some semblance of justice.”
