Brennt's fleshless lips curled angrily, but he was defenseless against the drug. "Thirty-nine," he said.
"At what total cost?"
"Three hundred twelve thousand stellors."
Herndon nodded. "How many of those thirty-nine are actually functional starstones?"
"Thirty-five," Brennt said reluctantly.
"The other four are duds?"
"Yes."
"A sweet little racket. Did you supply Mardlin with the duds?"
"Yes. At two hundred stellors each."
"And what happens to the genuine stones that we pay for but that never arrive on Borlaam?"