Erfworld 111, Page 99

[SteveMB]

Another possibility: Charlie might ask for a considerably higher price when making the new contract with Transylvito, not out of any intention to squirm through a loophole, but for straightforward business reasons. The mission has gotten rather more dangerous -- perhaps well above and beyond what Ansom, who had expected an easy victory, had initially represented. He's already lost one Archon, and Translyvito would be hiring him to go up against a very strong force.

That could end in Don King deciding that he's not being treated as a man of respect, and Charlie deciding that the Coalition isn't negotiating seriously. The end result -- the contract is not renewed, but it seems to Charlie and most outside parties that it's a genuine breakdown of negotiations, not a betrayal.

(Another possible wrinkle: If Don King finds out that Charlie is trying to soak him because he lost an Archon as a result of the questionable judgment of "this barbarian chick", it isn't exactly going to enhance his trust in the Coalition or Vinny's assurances about their plans.)