With all due respect, neither when I was first informed, nor when I spoke directly with Maran, did any member of the Shallamese government mention protecting shopowners. We were simply informed we were being taxed--we were not given a reason why.

In fact, when I asked Maran the simple question, "Give me one reason to leave my shop in Shallam when Ashtan and Hashan will allow me to operate a business there for free?" he answered something to the effect of "Well, when you put it that way, I have no answer." (this is NOT a direct quote, but my testimony based on my best recollection)

Eschereheye

Penned by my hand on the 21st of Scarlatan, in the year 229 AF.