Idriss and Alexa took care of local disputes, occasional personal squabbles, marital troubles or civil cases, but their most important purpose was to act as an interface with the outside. The Mothers and Fathers of Theroc had always calmly made decisions based not on greed and wealth, but on their genuine beliefs for the good of their culture.

Rlinda glanced at Sarein for encouragement. “Well, your daughter has made my head dizzy with all the things I’ve seen and tasted here. I can name hundreds of possible markets for your exotic fruits, berries, nuts, and unusual fabrics.” Her stomach growled, as if to emphasize her opinion.

Sarein stepped forward, breathless. Her eyes were intense. “Think of all the doors it could open for us, Father. Mother? We could become a powerful trade presence without giving up our independence.”

“We have talked about this before, Sarein,” Idriss said.

Seeing the leaders’ closed expressions, Rlinda felt a sinking sensation. She began to suspect that she had been brought in as Sarein’s cat’s-paw in an old argument between complacent parents and their ambitious daughter.

“Rlinda is willing to accept sample loads of our products to prove their commercial viability, but she is also taking a risk by investing her own resources.” Sarein’s face hardened, then she astonished Rlinda by suddenly adding new terms. “Therefore, she has also requested several green priests—five would be a good number—in order to give her a bit of insurance. I feel that’s only fair. Don’t you?”

She looked at Rlinda, who tried to cover her shock. They had never discussed this, but it seemed to have been Sarein’s secret intention all along. Rlinda now feared the delicate negotiations might crumble.

“She would also carry treelings to help expedite the spread of the worldforest,” Sarein continued in a rush. “You see? Everyone benefits.”

Father Idriss looked disturbed, though not quite angry with his daughter. “We do not command the green priests where and when they must go, Sarein. The worldforest operates outside our political leadership. The priests defer to the wishes of the trees, and Mother Alexa and I must defer to the priests.”

“It was merely a suggestion, sir,” Rlinda said quickly. “Theroc has so many things to offer. Let’s not become focused on one sticking point—”

“But it’s an unreasonable sticking point, if only you would open your eyes,” Sarein said, openly defiant. Rlinda wanted to call a recess before an argument ensued that would end negotiations entirely.

Mother Alexa said, “We maintain careful records and control over the distribution of the treelings. Regardless of your interest in our fruits and berries, Rlinda Kett, we understand that our telink communication ability is the strongest coin Theroc has to offer.”

Idriss continued, “It would not be wise for us to establish a precedent by allowing you to take our priests along with our forest products.”