Nevall Od' Orr was the Chief Factor of Cawn. He was a nearsighted, bearded man with thin legs, who wore thick velvet robes of office. He lived with his nephew in a terraced home above the Street of Virtuous Discretion from where he could see the harbour.[1][2]
When Nevall had to travel in the city he was carried in a cloth enclosed palanquin toted by six extraordinarily tall men. They were accompanied by ten bodyguards wielding whips and truncheons to clear a path through the city's crowds. Commanding the guards was Captain Groten. Nevall lounged inside his palanquin with a paper fan and a pomander to ward off smells.[3]
Nevall's business was squeezing every last coin out of visitors to the city. He was willing to work with anyone to do so, including invaders.[4] He maintained an expensive string of sources and informants to supply him with information regarding news within Quon Tali and beyond.[5]
In Return of the Crimson Guard[]
Nevall had his servants quickly carry him down to the Cawn waterfront when Urko Crust's fleet of ships arrived in the harbour. They were of the rebel Talian League and Nevall was happy to drain their campaign coffers through the sale of goods and labour as well as through taxes, fees, and tithes.[6]
Nevall again rushed down the harbour when word later came of a second fleet. This time he confessed that the town was now short of goods. It possessed only enough food to feed its citizens and it would cost much to make them part with it. Captain Skinner of the Crimson Guard asked how much before burning down the town and taking what he wanted.[7]
By the time the fleet of Empress Laseen arrived, Nevall was living in a tent. He was strongarmed by the Claw, Ranath, into giving up the coin vaults of every trading house as pledge of loyalty to the Throne. Additionally, the writs of the Ruling Convene of the entire province were to be called in immediately with troop commitments being expected to meet that debt. Sensing the direction the wind was blowing, Nevall privately cursed both Laseen and Mallick Rel.[8]
Quotes[]
- "Cawn welcomes its liberators! Long live the Talian forces! We open our doors to your noble warriors!"
- ―Nevall Od' Orr's resistance against the Talian League invaders
Notes and references[]
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 3, UK PB p.334
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 4, UK PB p.364-365
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 3, UK PB p.335-336
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 3, UK PB p.334
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 4, UK PB p.364
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 3, UK PB p.334-337
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 4, UK PB p.364-365
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 5, US HC p.421-422