Duncan! he yelled, rousing his cousin. Weve got wine to sell!
The wagons clattered over the cobbles of Krondors streets. Roo indicated Duncan should pull up behind him, over to one side, allowing some room for traffic to pass on the narrow side street. He had picked out his first stop, a modest inn named the Happy Jumper near the edge of the Merchants Quarter. The sign was of a pair of children turning a rope for a third who was suspended in midair over it.
Roo pushed open the door and found a quiet common room, with a large man behind the bar cleaning glasses. Sir? the barman asked.
Are you the proprietor? asked Roo.
Alistair Rivers at your disposal. How may I be of service? He was a portly man, but under the fat Roo detected strength most innkeepers had to have some means of enforcing order. His manner was polite, but distant, until he knew the nature of Roos business.
Rupert Avery, said Roo, sticking out his hand. Wine merchant in from Ravensburg.
The man shook his hand in a perfunctory manner and said, You need rooms?
No, I have wine to sell.
The mans expression showed a decided lack of enthusiasm. I have all the wine I need, thank you.
Roo said, But of what quality and character?
The man looked down his nose at Roo and said, Make your pitch.
I was born in Ravensburg, sir, began Roo. And then he launched into a brief comparison of the bounties of that small towns wine craft and what was commonly drunk in Krondors more modest establishments.
At the end of his pitch he said, The service to Krondor has either been bulk wine for the common man or impossibly priced wine for the nobles, but nothing for the merchant catering to a quality clientele, until now. I can provide wine of superior quality at bulk prices, because I dont transport the bottles!
The man was silent a minute. You have a sample? he asked at last.
Outside, said Roo and he hurried out to fetch down a sample cask he had filled before leaving Ravensburg. Returning inside he found a pair of glasses on the bar. He pulled the cork, and as he filled the two glasses with a taste, he said, Its a bit shocked, having rolled in this very morning off the road, but give it a week or two to rest before you serve it, and youll have more business than any other inn in the area.
The man looked unconvinced, but he tasted. He rolled the wine around his palate, then spit it into a bucket, while Roo did the same. Alistair was quiet again, then said, Its not bad. A little jumbled, as you said from the road, but theres some structure there and abundant fruit. Most of my customers wont know it from the usual plonk, but I do have a few businessmen who frequent my establishment who might find this diverting. I might be interested in a half-dozen barrels. What is your price?
Roo paused, and quoted a price he knew to be three times what he would accept, and only 15 percent below what the finest noble wines from Ravensburg would fetch. Alistair blinked, then said, Why not burn my inn to the ground and have done with it? Youll ruin me far quicker. He offered a price that was a few coppers less per barrel than what Roo had paid in Ravensburg. Then they began haggling in earnest.
They were waiting for Roo when he came out of the third inn an hour after midday. His first two negotiations had proven profitable, earning him more than he had anticipated. He had gotten about 10 percent higher a price from Alistair Rivers than he had hoped for, which had made him bargain harder at the Inn of Many Stars. His final price had been within coppers of what he had sold wine to Alistair for, so he knew what he was likely to get at the Dog and Fox Tavern. He had concluded his negotiations in quick order, and as he came out of the Dog and Fox he said, Duncan! We need to unload five barrels!
Then he halted. Duncan moved his head slightly to indicate the man sitting close to him on the wagon, who had a dagger point in Duncans ribs, though you had to look to notice it. To passersby it appeared he was merely having a quiet conversation with the driver of the wagon.
Another man stepped up and said, You the owner of these wagons?
Roo nodded once as he studied the man. He was rangy to the point of gauntness, but there was quickness and danger in his movements. Roo saw no weapons in the mans hands, but guessed there was more than one of them secreted on him, within easy reach. His narrow face was covered by a two- or three-day growth of beard, and grey-shot, raggedly cut black hair hung loosely about his forehead and neck.
We was noticing you driving around and making deliveries. Wondered if you were new to Krondor?
Roo glanced from the mans face to the man next to Duncan, then looked around to see if the two were alone. A couple of others lingered in close proximity to the wagons, men who could aid their companions in moments, without calling attention to themselves until needed. Roo said, Been here before, but just rolled into the city this morning.
Ah! said the man, his voice surprisingly deep for one so thin. Well then, youd not be knowing about the local licenses and duties, would you?
Roos gaze narrowed. We declared our cargo at the gate to the Princes magistrate, and nothing was said about licenses and duties.
Well, these arent the Princes licenses and duties, in a manner of speaking. The man lowered his voice so he would not be overheard. There are ways to do business in the city and there are other ways, if you catch my drift. We represent interests that would seek to keep you from encountering difficulties in Krondor, if you follow me.
Roo leaned against the back of the wagon, attempting to look casual, while judging how fast he could kill this man if needs be and what chance Duncan stood of disarming the man who held a dagger on him. Of the first he was confident; he could kill this man before his companions could take two steps in his aid, but Duncan didnt have Roos combat training, and while a competent swordsman, he would probably die. Roo said, Im very stupid today. Pretend I dont know anything and educate me.
The man said, Well, there are those of us in Krondor who like to make sure the daily commerce of the city goes undisturbed, if you see what I mean. We dont care much for unseemly price wars and large fluctuations between supply and demand. Toward that end, we make sure that everything coming into the city has a reasonable profit, so that no one has too much an advantage, dont you see? Keeps things civilized. We also keep thugs from roughing up merchants and destroying property, as well as make sure that a man can sleep in his bed at night without fear of having his throat cut, dont you see? Now, to that end, we expect a compensation for our work.
Roo said, I see. How much?
For your cargo, it would be twenty golden sovereigns Roos eyes widened for each wagon.
That was easily close to one half his expected profit on this cargo alone. His outrage couldnt be kept below the surface. Are you mad? Twenty sovereigns! He took a quick step back and said, I think not!
The man took a step after Roo, which he had anticipated, saying, If you want your friend there to stay health
Suddenly Roo had his sword out and at the mans throat before he could move away. The man was quick and tried to move back, but Roo followed, keeping the point of his sword touching skin. Ah, ah! said Roo. Dont move too quickly; I might slip and then youd get blood over everything. If your friend doesnt get his dagger out of my cousins ribs or if either one of those two men across the street makes the wrong move, youre sucking wind through a new hole.
The man took a step after Roo, which he had anticipated, saying, If you want your friend there to stay health
Suddenly Roo had his sword out and at the mans throat before he could move away. The man was quick and tried to move back, but Roo followed, keeping the point of his sword touching skin. Ah, ah! said Roo. Dont move too quickly; I might slip and then youd get blood over everything. If your friend doesnt get his dagger out of my cousins ribs or if either one of those two men across the street makes the wrong move, youre sucking wind through a new hole.
Hold on! shouted the man. Then, glancing sideways without moving his head, he shouted, Bert! Get down!
The man next to Duncan got down without question, while the man whom Roo held at swords point said, Youre making a big mistake.
If I am, its not the first, said Roo.
Cross the Sagacious Man and its the last, said the would-be extortionist.
Sagacious Man? said Roo. Who would that be?
Someone important in this city, answered the thin man. Well mark this a misunderstanding, and you ask about. But when we come back tomorrow, Ill expect better manners from you.
He motioned for his two distant companions to leave and they quickly darted into the midday crush of people. Other pedestrians had stopped to watch the display of one man holding another at swords point, and it was obvious the thin man didnt care for the scrutiny. A merchant looked out from his shop and started shouting for a city constable.
Glancing at Roo the man said, If Im handed over to the City Watch, youre in even bigger trouble than you might be already. He licked his lips nervously. A shrill whistle sounded a block away, and Roo dropped his swords point and the man ducked away, vanishing into the crowd.
What was that? asked Duncan.
Shakedown.
Duncan said, Mockers.
Mockers?
Guild of Thieves, supplied Duncan as he patted his ribs to make sure they were still intact.
I expect. He mentioned someone named the Sagacious Man.
Thats the Mockers, without a doubt. You cant do business in a city like Krondor without having to pay off someone.
Roo climbed aboard his own wagon and said, Damn me if I will.
If Duncan had an answer, Roo didnt hear it as he untied the rope holding down the barrels and lowered the drop gate. A shout and men running down the street caused Roo to glance past the wagon to where members of the City Watch, wearing blue tunics and carrying large billy clubs, paused to see the merchant pointing at Roo.
Roo swore under his breath. The constable approached and said, That gentleman tells me you was dueling in the street.
Roo tossed a rope to Duncan. Dueling? Me? Sorry, but hes mistaken. Im just unloading wine for this inn. He turned his chin toward the inn, as Duncan came down to help get the barrels off the top of the wagon.
Well then, said the constable, obviously unwilling to go searching for trouble when it was so abundant in Krondor, just see it stays that way. He motioned for his partner and they returned the way they came.
Duncan said, Some things never change. Unless I miss my bet, those two will be back in whatever pastry shop they were in when the whistle blew.
Roo laughed. They lowered the five barrels to the street, and Roo convinced the innkeeper to send a worker to help Duncan carry them inside, so Roo could protect the wagons while the wine was delivered. After the remaining cargo was secured, they took reins and moved on to the next tavern.
At sundown, they had sold close to a third of the wine Roo had purchased in Ravensburg. More, they had recouped almost all the gold Roo had spent. Roo calculated that he stood to triple his money if business the next day or so was as brisk as it had been so far.
Where do we spend the night? asked Duncan. And when do we eat? Im starving.
Roo said, Let us find an inn with a good-sized yard so we can guard this wine against our friends.
Duncan nodded, knowing full well whom Roo meant. They were in an area of the city unknown to Duncan, who had been to Krondor a number of times over the years, and from the wares displayed in the shop windows as they passed, not a terribly prosperous one. Roo said, Lets go around the block and head back the way we came. I think were leaving prosperity behind if we continue on this way.
Duncan nodded and watched as Roo headed his team out into the traffic of the road. The street was full of travelers as those finished with the days work headed home, or to a local tavern or shop. Some shops were being shuttered, while others were lighting lanterns, indicating their proprietors were staying open past dark for those customers who could only shop in the evening.
They moved slowly through the press and Roo turned right into another street, and Duncan followed. It took them almost an hour to find an inn with a stable area big enough to accommodate their wagons behind locked gates. Roo made arrangements with the stableboy, took his sample cask, and led Duncan inside.
The inn was known as the Seven Flowers, and it was a modest establishment, catering to merchants and workers equally. Roo found a table near the bar and indicated Duncan should take a seat. He spied an interesting-looking barmaid, a little long in the face but with an ample spread of bosom and hip, and he said, When you have a minute, if youd bring us both a tankard of ale and dinner. He indicated the table where Duncan sat. The woman looked at the handsome Duncan and her smile betrayed her interest. Roo found his eyes fixed upon the womans bosom where it strained against the fabric of her dress and said, And if youre free at the end of the evening, join us. He tried his best to look charming, and the remark got him a neutral expression and a noncommittal noise. Wheres the owner? asked Roo.
She indicated a heavyset man at the far end of the bar, and Roo made his way through a half-dozen customers and started his pitch. After providing samples of his wine and arguing price, Roo arrived at a price with the owner of the inn, including a nights lodging and food, and returned to the table.
The food was average but ample and after weeks on the trail tasted wonderful. The ale was also average, but cold and plentiful. After the meal, when business had thinned, Duncan started working his charms on the serving girl, a woman of middle years named Jean. Another barmaid, a thin young woman named Betsy, joined them and somehow ended up sitting in Roos lap. Either Duncan was terribly funny in his storytelling or the ale gave everyone a more forgiving sense of humor. A couple of times the innkeeper had had to come over and order his barmaids back to work, but as the evening wore on, the two women had found their way back to Roo and Duncans company.
The pairing was obvious: Duncan had captured the attention of both women, but Jean, the more attractive of the two, had staked her claim early on, while Betsy was content to spend her time with Roos hand fondling her. Roo didnt know if the girl really liked him or expected recompense, but he didnt care. The soft heat of flesh under cloth had him aroused, and after a while he said, Lets go upstairs.
The girl said nothing but rose and took his hand and led him upstairs. In his drunken state he didnt remember hearing Duncan and Jean entering the room with them, but soon he was lost in the feel, smell, taste, and heat of being with a woman.