Glancing around, he added, You now are in the heart of one of the most important trading centers in the Kingdom, certainly the most important in the Western Realm, and rivaled only by those in Rillanon, Kesh, and Queg.
How does one become a broker? asked Roo.
First you need money, answered the litigator, not in the least put off by the youngster seeking instruction. A great deal of money. This is why there are so many syndicates, because of the great cost of underwriting many of the projects that are conceived of here at Barrets or brought to us from the outside.
How does one start? asked Roo. I mean, I have some money, but Im not sure if I want to invest it here or try my own hand.
No partnership will admit an investor without good cause, said Lender. He sipped his coffee, then continued. Over the years a complex set of rules has evolved. Noble-men often come to Barrets seeking either to invest wealth or to borrow it, and as a result, the interests of those here who are commoners need to be closely protected. So, to join a syndicate, one needs a great deal of money though not as much as to become an independent broker and one also needs a sponsor.
Whats that? asked Roo.
One who is already a member of Barrets or who has close ties to one of the members who can vouch for you. If you have the capital, then you need the introduction.
Cant you do that? asked Roo, obviously eager.
No, said Lender with a slightly sad smile. For all my influence and position, here I am but a guest. My office has been here for nearly twenty-five years, but only because I work on behalf of nearly thirty different brokers and syndicates, and I have never placed a copper piece of my own capital at risk through any offering.
Whats an offering? asked Erik.
Lender put up his hand. There are more questions than time, young von Darkmoor. He signaled to one of the ever-present waiters. In my property box youll find a long blue velvet bag. Please bring it here. To Erik and Roo he said, I enjoy the break from the routine, but time doesnt permit a leisurely discourse on the business at Barrets.
Roo said, I plan on being a broker.
Do you? said Lender, and his face lit up with delight. His expression wasnt mocking, but he seemed to find the pronouncement entertaining. What is this venture, then, that you spoke of?
Roo leaned back. Its a plan I have that would take too long to speak of, Im sorry to say.
Lender laughed while Erik blushed at his friends bold freshness. Well said, answered Lender.
Besides, added Roo, I think discretion is in order.
Often that is the case, agreed Lender as the waiter returned with the requested item. Lender took the velvet bag and opened it, removing a dagger. It was a deftly fashioned thing, with a sheath of ivory set with a small ruby and bound at the top and tip with gold. He handed it to Erik. It was the other part of your legacy from your father.
Erik took the dagger and pulled the blade from the sheath. Impressive, he said. I may not be as well practiced with weapons at the forge as I am with horseshoes, but this is fine work.
From Rodez, I believe, said Lender.
Best steel in the Kingdom, agreed Erik. The blade was embossed with the von Darkmoor family crest, finely cut into the steel, and yet it was well balanced, both decorative and deadly. The hilt was carved bone, perhaps from the antler of an elk or moose, and capped with gold to match the sheath.
Lender pushed back his chair. Young sirs, I must be back to my business, but please feel free to linger awhile and refresh yourselves. If you ever have need of a solicitor or a litigator, you know where to find me. He waved vaguely at the place from which he had appeared and added, Goodbye. It was good seeing you well.
Erik rose, as did Roo, and they bade their host farewell, then looked at each other. As old friends do, they shared a single thought between them, and Roo said, Home.
They moved through the crowded common room of Barrets, a place both strange and exciting to Roo, and exited. At the door, Erik turned to one of the waiters and asked, Where can a man buy a good horse?
Cheaply! injected Roo.
The waiter didnt hesitate. At the Merchants Gate, he said, pointing along Aruthas Way, youll find several dealers. Most are thieves, but theres a man named Morgan there who can be trusted. Tell him Jason at Barrets sent you and hell treat you fairly.
Roo studied the young mans face. Brown hair and light freckles marked him and Roo said, Ill remember you if he doesnt.
The young man frowned, ever so slightly, but said only, Hes honest, sir.
What about new clothing? ask Erik.
Jason said, The tailor at New Gate Road and Broad Street is a cousin of mine, sir. Tell him I sent you and hell see you right for a reasonable sum.
Roo didnt look convinced, but Erik said thanks and led his friend away. They remained silent as they wended their way through the crowded city streets. It took them the better part of an hour to reach the tailors and an hour to select clothing for travel that fit. Erik chose a riding cloak to cover his uniform tunic, and Roo purchased an inexpensive tunic and trousers, a cloak, and a slouch hat. Erik also found a cobbler who provided him with a pair of boots to wear while those left him by his father were mended. Roo had gotten used to going barefoot while aboard ship, but purchased a pair of boots for riding.
Soon after they were at the Merchants Gate and spent another hour haggling for a pair of horses, but the waiter had been truthful with them and Morgan was an honest trader. Erik picked out two sturdy geldings, a bay for himself and a grey for Roo. Leading the horses away with rope halters, they found a saddler, a half-block away and quickly had the horses tacked up and ready to ride.
Roo settled into the saddle and said, I dont care how much I do it, Ill never get to like riding.
Erik laughed. Youve become a better than average horseman, Roo, despite your objections. And this time you can ride without much worry about having to fight while on that creatures back.
Roos expression darkened.
Erik said, What?
Whats this much business?
Erik laughed even louder. There are no guarantees in this life, my friend. So saying, he put heels to sides, and the horse moved out briskly toward the Merchants Gate and the road eastward. On to Ravensburg! he shouted.
Roo could only laugh at his friends merriment, and he followed suit, discovering that this horse was inclined to argue with every command. Taking a firm hand, and knowing that the sooner the battle was fought the sooner it was won, Roo slammed his heels hard against the horses sides and drove him after Eriks mount. Quickly they were outside the city wall, on their way home.
Rain pelted them, its insistent beat a physical assault. Night was rapidly approaching and the only traffic on the road was local businessmen and farmers hurrying home. A resigned wagon driver barely looked over at Roo and Erik passing as he urged his slowly plodding horses to continue through the mud. The Kings Highway might be the artery that carried the lifeblood of commerce from one border to the other, but when the rains came to the Barony of Darkmoor, the blood didnt flow, it oozed.