WILHELM, ACCOMPANIED by Darius, met them on their way into the city.
“I hope you don’t mind that I’m imposing on you to guard my daughter,” he said after he gave Alicia a hug. “Between the two of you, I’m confident she is safer than if I sent an entire company.”
“You honor us with your trust.” Farrell bowed his head slightly. “We’ll be certain to return her safely.”
“I’ve no doubts.” He motioned to his guards and moved off.
Alicia showed them her favorite shops, stopping along the way to buy things for her guests. At a chocolate shop, she bought them a large bag of various sweets to bring home and a smaller bag to enjoy on their walk. Farrell offered some to the guards, who looked to Alicia for approval before accepting.
“You will spoil them if you keep this up,” she said when they had put a few feet of distance between them and her escort.
“Nonsense. I treat all my people the same.” Farrell opened the bag so she could take a piece. “They enjoy the same pleasures as we do, only they have less ability to afford it. A small gift lets them know they are appreciated and not invisible.”
The princess walked in silence as she led them to their next stop. Before their day ended, she bought them smoked fish, fine cheeses, and even a few pastries. At the bakery, she asked her guards what they would like before going in. She seemed pleased by their reaction, giving Farrell a nod and a smile before they moved on.
After the food shops, they visited several tailors, a tanner, and a cobbler. They declined her offer to purchase them new clothing, with Miceral explaining how they already had two closets full. At the tanner’s shop, Farrell bought Miceral a new sword belt inlaid with gold, silver, and semiprecious gems. “For formal state occasions,” he told his new partner when Miceral began to object.
Before they entered the cobbler’s shop, Alicia informed them that she was buying them new boots. The woman in the front of the shop bowed several times before scurrying into the back. A moment later she returned with a middle-aged man in a thick leather apron. He wiped his discolored hands several times on his front as if that would remove a lifetime of dye. He quickly took Farrell’s and Miceral’s measurements, discussed styles and color, and promised the finished goods within a week.
While Alicia settled the tab for their boots, Farrell and Miceral went to the back of the shop to select new boots for Horgon, Lisle, Erstad, Wesfazial, and Cylinda. Remembering the work Glendora put into their ceremony, Farrell added a pair of new shoes for the priestess.
Miceral’s eyes went wide when he saw the total, but Farrell quickly paid the bill. “You forget your new status as consort to the prince.” He looked down his nose, doing his best not to smirk.
Miceral reacted exactly as he hoped, eliciting a laugh from Alicia.
“You were owed that, Miceral,” she said. “Instead of turning you into a toad, he has relegated you to concubine status.”
With the sun beginning its descent, they stopped at a small shop along the water for coffee and a light snack. Although the guards were not able to sit and join the trio, Alicia made certain they had a chance to order something as well. The pair seemed more attentive and protective as the day wore on, something Alicia commented on to her friends.
“It is as Farrell said.” Miceral shrugged. “They feel less like servants and more like valued employees. You cannot do their job, and you’re letting them know they provide you with a valued service. Feeling appreciated makes it easier for them to be personally invested in your safety.”
“But won’t this just create an expectation from any who guard me? How do I know those who clamor for the assignment aren’t just doing it in hopes of small favors?”
“You can never know for certain, but how often will you be out in the city buying things versus in the Citadel or some other building and require a guard?” Farrell asked. “A kind word, an inquiry into their needs, a moment to make sure they’re provided food and drink—these are not gifts so much as an acknowledgment of them as a person. You don’t need to overdo it. If paying their wages doesn’t make them loyal, a few baubles certainly won’t. Just remember to treat them like people instead of statues.”
When the sun began to head rapidly for the western horizon, they left the café for the palace. As they prepared to leave, Farrell spoke to the proprietor about the purchase of an exceptionally large quantity of the fine coffee they served. He felt good about his deal as he rejoined the other two.
“My purse may be considerably lighter, but I finally have a firm agreement to provide me with all the coffee I want. Lisle won’t need to ration my supplies anymore.”
Miceral stopped walking. “What are the terms of your agreement?”
“Who cares what the terms were?” He waved his hand dismissively. “What matters is I won’t run out ever again.”
Alicia and Miceral looked at each other. His partner shook his head while the princess laughed. “We know who has the head for business in this pairing.”
Despite his buoyant mood, Farrell realized he’d done something wrong. Reluctantly, he gave them the details of the deal.
“Fortunately, he didn’t sign a firm agreement for quantity and price,” Alicia said to Miceral. “You’re under no obligation to purchase anything from that thief of a merchant.”
“Now, Princess, it’s not fair to insult the man for taking advantage of a simple country boy. He did nothing more than offer a high price from which to begin negotiations. You can’t blame him that Farrell accepted his price without bargaining.” Miceral’s answer ruined Farrell’s good mood.
“A good point. Unfortunately, his willingness to take advantage of a ‘simple’ buyer has run afoul of more shrewd negotiators.” She shook her head, avoiding Farrell’s sour expression. “His shop will see no sales at such outrageous prices.”
Farrell followed glumly. He understood his mistake but didn’t enjoy having it rubbed in his face. Miceral slipped his hand into Farrell’s and drew it to his lips.
“I’ll make it my personal mission to find you a better bargain, or I’ll go back to that shop and buy as much as I can carry at the price you agreed on.”
Farrell perked up a bit at his partner’s promise but still felt a bit foolish.
Alicia grabbed his other hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “Don’t be so glum. Just as we cannot all be mighty wizards, we cannot all be skilled negotiators. I’m certain Miceral can make good on his promise, and you will have a fuller purse and a better bean to brew.”
Farrell found it hard to resist their attempts to cheer him up, and before they reached the Citadel, he’d put his disappointment behind him. Alicia’s guards took a moment to thank her for her generosity before returning to their company. She smiled at them until they moved out of sight.
“I’ll see that a page comes for you a bit before you’re expected for dinner. You have some time to relax, but I’d recommend you not get too distracted.” Without waiting to see if she got a reaction from her words, she turned and walked off.
MICERAL ADJUSTED the back of Farrell’s tunic as they followed the page into the empty dining room.
Farrell waited for the teen to leave before speaking. “Was that necessary? It’s not a formal state dinner.”
Miceral shook his head. “You really didn’t handle the state functions, did you?”
Grinning, Farrell reached out for his partner’s hand. “As few as possible.”
Connected by their hands, they walked around the large room, admiring the artwork. Staff set food and drink on a sideboard, but the pair continued their exploration.
“Thirty centuries of seafaring has brought the prince’s house more than a few interesting items.” Darius’s voice drew their attention to the doorway.
Before they could respond, Alicia arrived, accompanied by a teenager who could only be her brother.
“Your Highnesses.” Darius bowed, earning a nod from Alicia and a small glare from her brother.
The princess
walked toward their guests, her brother in tow. “Farrell, Miceral, this is my brother, Peter.”
“My sister tells me you’re a ruling prince, and he is your life partner?” Peter’s gaze went from Farrell to Miceral and back.
Farrell saw sadness in the younger man’s eyes, but also something else he couldn’t name. “Correct on both counts.”
“Peter!” his sister hissed. “That is hardly the way to address our guests.”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty.” He bowed to Farrell. “I meant no disrespect, but when my sister introduced you by just your names, I wanted to be certain I had your titles correct.”
“You may call us Miceral and Farrell if you like.” Farrell smiled, trying to make the young prince relax. “Had you the chance to join your sister for our trip into the city, you would know I’m not big on titles.”
“In Belsport we are.” His polite tone sounded almost regretful.
“My brother dislikes formal state dinners.” Alicia shrugged slightly and led them toward the food and drink. “Nothing I said could convince him this would be different. Unfortunately, since our mother died, he’s been withdrawn and doesn’t let anyone get close. Father hoped time would help, but there’s been little change since Mother’s death.”
Peter glared at her. “Perhaps if you stopped speaking about me as if I weren’t here, I would be a bit more pleasant.”
“My sympathies, Prince Peter.” Farrell used his title since Peter didn’t say otherwise. “I lost my parents when I was only a bit older than you. I understand that time only helps but so much.”
“You think your loss makes you an expert on my feelings?” For a moment Farrell thought the teen might cry. “Should I bare my soul to you because you shared your loss with me?”
For the first time since Farrell met her, Alicia looked angry. Glaring at her brother, she moved to stand in front of him. “If Father heard you speak to our guests like this, you’d be in serious trouble.”
Rolling his eyes, Peter evaded his sister’s gaze. “What would he do? Banish me from this dinner I don’t want to attend?”
“Perhaps I might, but it’s what I’d do later that should have you worried.” Wilhelm stood in the doorway, eyes tight and trained on his son.
Peter dropped his gaze and moved toward Miceral and Farrell. “Please accept my apologies, Lord Farrell. I was inexcusably rude.”
Holding out his hand, Farrell waited for Peter to look up. “If you get to know me better, you’ll realize I might have said worse if the situation was reversed.”
Only when Peter tentatively clasped forearms did Farrell give him a conspiratorial wink. The corners of Peter’s mouth flirted with a smile before he suddenly winked back. He cast a tentative glance at his father, who gave him the barest of nods to end the situation.
STAFF CLEARED away the remains of dinner, while others brought out coffee, liquor, and desserts. The variety of fish dishes brought back memories of Farrell’s youth in Yar-del, but he managed to enjoy all three helpings.
“Convey my compliments to your chef,” he said. “I don’t recall when I enjoyed a meal that much.”
“During the meal, I received an urgent plea from my chef to take away your utensils.” Wilhelm shrugged as the others laughed. “He ignored my warnings about your appetite and was in danger of running out of food.”
Used to being chided for the amount he ate, Farrell laughed as well. “If my chefs at Haven were that good, I’d be in danger of getting fat, wizard or not.”
Wilhelm stood up and selected a crystal decanter holding an amber liquor. After pouring a generous amount into a short-stemmed snifter, he held the bottle out to the others. “Brandy? It’s quite excellent.” Only Darius accepted, and the prince poured another for his chief advisor. “Please, help yourselves to whatever you desire. I had this coffee specifically selected for you, Farrell. If you like it, I’ll have a wagonload sent to Haven.”
Shooting Alicia a frown, Farrell moved to where the coffee sat ready. “Alicia told you about my exploits in the market, did she?”
“In fairness to my daughter, she has the heart of a merchant.”
“So I learned today.” Farrell’s sour expression turned to a smile when he took a sip. “Then again, if she saved me from buying the other beans so I could get these, I owe her a debt of gratitude.”
“It pained me to deflate his good mood.” Alicia’s fake sympathy drew another scowl. “But when I learned the terms of his ‘deal,’ I knew I had to step in. The price for what the merchant offered to sell Prince Farrell was nothing short of robbery.”
“How can you say that?” Miceral joined Farrell, nudging him gently. “It’s not that merchant’s fault Farrell jumped at his first offer.”
“Are you two finished?” Spinning, Farrell walked away from his partner. “The quality was better than the stuff I get now, and the price was lower. I thought I was getting a great deal. It’s clear I need to speak to my steward and find out why I’m paying so much for something so average.”
“Perhaps we can work something into a broader trade agreement between our two nations.” Wilhelm’s light tone did nothing to allay Farrell’s suspicions his host had more in mind than just trade. “Were you to import large quantities for sale in Haven, you would add considerably to your treasury.”
“Careful, Farrell.” Miceral’s voice in his mind nearly caused him to jump. “I’ll bet my sword arm this is the real reason for tonight’s dinner.”
Smiling over his cup as if Miceral hadn’t spoken to him, Farrell nodded. “I’ll be sure to bring it up with Horgon when we return.”
“Of course.” Wilhelm returned the nod. “Darius informs me you are close to lands with superior timber and other resources, such as iron and other metals. A steady supply of quality timber would be of great interest to Belsport.”
“I can see how that would be the case.” Farrell chose his words carefully. “Negotiating a broader trade agreement, however, might prove more difficult than you expect.”
“Why?” Taking a sip from his glass, Wilhelm reminded Farrell of the old merchants who used to bicker with his mother during court session.
“To understand why, you need to understand the oddity that is Haven. As a collection of refugees from the conquered kingdoms, there are craftsman and artisans from five different nations. We have five sets of blacksmiths, coopers, cobblers, tanners, tailors, cheese makers, and every other profession that make goods for sale to a demanding populace. Craftsmen are able to peddle their wares anywhere in Haven. This of course played havoc on the merchant and artisan class.”
Another sip and the prince raised an eyebrow. “Interesting, I hadn’t considered that the once-insular local blacksmith would suddenly have to compete with so many others.”
Farrell nodded. “You see the problem. The more ambitious and enterprising merchants were able to grow wealthy at the expense of those who clung to the old notion that each village needed its own set of every craftsmen. If I were to import products of superior quality from you, it would only further reduce the lot of those already suffering from the increased competition of so many rival artisans.”
“It is admirable that you seek to protect your people as you do, but here is the counterargument to that.” Wilhelm smiled, clearly in his element. “Free trade would force those with inferior skills to seek employment elsewhere, either in a new profession or to join the shops of superior tradesmen here at Belsport or beyond. Some could act as your middlemen. Others could find a niche catering to those who cannot afford the higher quality goods we offer. Free trade would enhance more lives than it would damage, as all would have access to superior products.”
“I told you this would happen,” Miceral said.
Farrell ignored his partner. “Prince Wilhelm, all you say might be true, but as I warned you, negotiating a trade agreement with Haven means dealing with five different people. Lord Horgon has a keener mind for these issues. He would be the one to handle the details.”
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br /> Smirking, Wilhelm nodded to Darius. “Darius told me you wouldn’t negotiate this yourself, but I felt I should try anyway.”
Wilhelm’s admission reminded Farrell they might be on friendly terms, but Belsport’s prince had no qualms about taking advantage of him if he could.
“I see my remark troubles you,” Wilhelm said, studying Farrell’s face.
“Troubles is the wrong word, Prince Wilhelm. It reminds me friendships end where duty begins.” Farrell knew his words bordered on an insult, but he didn’t appreciate the attempt to maneuver him into an unfavorable agreement.
Wilhelm’s eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened for a brief moment before a practiced smile crossed the older man’s face. “Well said. My apologies. It is often said merchants can be friends or partners but never both.”
“Allies are both,” Miceral added.
“Agreed, Lord Miceral.” Wilhelm let out his breath louder than normal, and he looked across the table to Darius. From the corner of his eye, Farrell saw the gray-haired wizard nod. The silent signal seemed to be enough for Wilhelm to continue. “Yesterday, you mentioned helping us with shielding and energy collection. Are you still willing to discuss those topics, or did you want them to be part of a broader trade agreement?”
Never looking over, Farrell reached out mentally to Miceral. “I don’t see any reason not to talk about it, do you? My plan was to give it to them at no cost.”
“Then their trader mentality is going to net us a tidy sum for your skills.” Miceral’s mental voice held a hint of glee.
Turning to Darius first, Farrell noted the anxiety in the man’s body language. “I see no harm in discussing the theoretical workings of magic.”
A soft sigh from Peter drew an angry glare from the prince. “My son’s lack of interest aside, I’m pleased you are so inclined.”
“Prince Wilhelm,” Miceral said, drawing everyone’s attention. “Should we move beyond a general discussion, this knowledge will not be cheap. Rare objects are always costly.”
Champion of the Gods, Books 1-2 Page 28
