On the third day of their visit to Southshore, the Merchants' Guild's cargo ships began loading goods early in the morning, preparing for the return voyage.
Floyd was directing the sailors as they loaded the cargo when he spotted Young Master Rowan approaching the harbor in the distance. He hurriedly put on his hat and jogged over to Rowan.
He bowed politely, and Rowan returned the gesture with a slight bow before lowering his voice. "I asked you to sound out Mayor Maleb yesterday. What did he say?"
Mayor Maleb was an administrative official of the Kingdom of Lordaeron and the head of a town. If Rowan wanted to recruit him, he had to give careful consideration to the kingdom's politics. Extending an invitation outright would not be wise. The best approach would be for Mayor Maleb to resign of his own accord and join the Norwington Family.
Floyd gazed out at the sea and shrugged. "It's hard to say. He didn't refuse, but he didn't give me a definite yes either."
"So both sides have left themselves room to maneuver?"
"Yes, Young Master Rowan."
"Then I know where things stand." Rowan nodded and asked no further questions.
The soldiers boarded one after another. The warships weighed anchor and raised their sails, preparing to put to sea.
The first warship sailed out, and the others followed in their assigned formation, leaving only Rowan's vessel moored in the harbor.
"Your teacher really is unreliable. The sun's already high, and he still hasn't shown up. What did he say yesterday?" Rowan grumbled, looking thoroughly displeased.
Jaina glanced up at the sun to check the time. "It's not even eleven yet, is it? I went to Dalaran yesterday to discuss it with him. He said Dalaran's ruling council had changed its opinion of