"I think," Tehr said speculating, his eyes far off and vacant as he considered, "That house Dale has played their forturnes fast and loose.  The gamblers have a saying, bet big win big.  But when you bet, you risk losing as well.  Certainly they had more in reserve other than their control of the dockyards, but I think that they had a lot in stake there and it was a powerful hand to lose.  In any regard they aren't out of the game, not yet for certain."<br/><br/>Tehr was hesitant to mention anything more that might happen with the house, not wanting to tip the queen's hand till she moved, and not knowing the alliances of anyone within ear shot.   "But as to this trade offer, tell me, would you wish to hammer out details in private, or is there more you can tell me now?  Anything else you could tell me would be beneficial as I may have to open talks with Spaniards soon anyways, and would not want to alienate the wrong people."<br/><br/>He set his drink down, only sampled, not wanting to drink any further, fearing the effect it might have on his constitution and his lips.  Now was not the time to spill secrets, not until the Queen moved against Dale.