"... So that's the proposal. All you need to do is pitch the idea for us and if you succeed you'll get a finder's fee for your part in securing our talent. I trust you don't mind representing us in this matter?"

"It's a straightforward enough idea, and you've always maintained a good reputation in Caravan's End. I'll present your proposal to Haidar."

Layla's usually decent at finding opportunities, so he appreciates the tip that this mysterious 'amberwine' might be worth looking into a little more on his own time. In the meantime, it's only an hour of his time to present the scheme, and Layla's pay is better than market rate for this kind of service.

"Wonderful. I'll be in attendance if things start to go sideways."

A few hours after that, Isam, Layla and Kamil are ushered into a small sitting room that overlooks the papyrus fields, where they sit on long couches together and await Zamir's father Haidar. 

Haidar is a busy man. A retired former adventurer and an educated man, he spends most of his time overseeing the work of his small estate these days.

Layla sits quietly like the model Osirian woman and does nothing. It's in Isam's hands now.

After about thirty minutes, Haidar sweeps into the room. 

He's a giant of a man, six foot two and a solid slab of muscle. He has the kind of physique only possible in adventurers, and a red gemmed headband rests on his forehead. 

"So," he says. "I hear you have a business proposal regarding my son."

Isam stands and bows. "I do, sir. It is a simple enough proposal. I represent the interests of the Golden Stone caravan, which is interested in shipping cargoes of amberwine from Sothis to the Three Cities. They require the services of a licensed alchemist to transport such cargo legally; your son is such an alchemist. As such, they are prepared to provide him with room, board, and a generous wage to attend the caravan and ensure that their cargo is legally transported."

"Amberwine, hm. That is an interesting cargo. I take it that you're having difficulties finding an alchemist willing to accept an association with such a cargo." 

Haidar strokes his beard. "Still... It would get him out of the estate..." 

His brows draw together as he considers Isam. "I would like to ask you some simple questions about your business." 

"Please, go ahead."

Haidar looks Isam in the eye. "To the best of your knowledge, does the Golden Stone caravan intend to fully obey the letter and spirit of the law regarding the distribution and possession of amberwine?"

"Yes, I believe so."

Haidar's gaze goes to Layla, still sitting on the couch. "That proves little. However, you would know."

He crosses his arms and stares Layla down. "Do you fully intend to obey the letter and spirit of the law regarding the distribution of amberwine in Osirion, as Caravan Leader of the Golden Stone caravan?" 

"Yes, sir. I do." 

And she will just leave out that she is less certain that Rana can answer that question with such a strong yes.

Haidar's eyebrows rise. "Are you prepared to repeat that under Abadar's Truthtelling?"

There would be no point to saying it if she couldn't.

"I am, sir."

Haidar nods. "What wages would you be providing my son?"

She quotes the fee. It's not overgenerous for the services of an alchemist, but is likely the best pay Zamir would have seen in years.

"Hrrrrrrrrrrrrrm." 

Haidar's whole chest rumbles as he considers the problem. 

"... I am tentatively inclined to agree. Let's have that Truthtelling."

"Of course, sir."

Osirian men: always suspicious of a deal that seems too good. Still, she's telling the truth, and the spell will only confirm it.

The temple of Abadar is quite willing to have her repeat her answer to exactly that question under Abadar's Truthtelling for a small fee. 

She passes the truthtelling, and is asked no more questions. 

"You'll have my son," Haidar rumbles after a long minute's consideration. "It will do him good. And if this business venture fails, you will see him safely back to my estate, out of your own pocketbook. We are agreed?"

"I'm sure Layla will agree to such a simple provision."

"Of course, sir." 

She's tired of those words, but she's achieved everything she wants. There's no reason to seem ungrateful.

Haidar waves one meaty hand. "My son will join your caravan in a few hours. Be ready to receive him." 

Then he walks off, back towards his estate. 

Well. That went about as well as could be expected.