Alastar picked up one of the chairs set before the goldenwood desk and carried it toward the conference table. “I think it might be best if I took a chair slightly away from the table, to your left.”
“I defer to your far greater experience and understanding, Maitre.” Charyn moved to the head of the table, his back to the north windows as he stood behind the chair. “I’ll be announcing that three navy warships sank three Jariolan second-rate ships of the line, and damaged two others. The Jariolans were attempting to board three Solidaran merchanters near Jariolt.” He glanced at the table, where copies of his change to the water-rights section of the Codex Legis were set before each place.
“You don’t sound that pleased.” Alastar’s tone was even.
“I fear it’s a step toward greater hostilities, if not war. Even if Marshal Vaelln’s ships are as successful in every encounter, our factors and those High Holders involved in shipping will continue to suffer losses for some time.”
Elthyrd led the factors into the study. He was followed, in order, by Jhaliost, Thalmyn, Harll, and Hisario. The five took their places on the left side of the table, the side away from the west wall. Almost immediately, the four remaining High Holders entered. Ryel was the last, and he smiled warmly and then nodded to Charyn before taking a position behind the chair at the far end of the table. Basalyt took the position closest to Charyn on the right side of the table, with Fhaedyrk next, and then Khunthan.
“Welcome to the chateau,” said Charyn, gesturing for everyone to sit. “I appreciate all of you coming.” He seated himself. “Before we begin the matters proper of the meeting, I do have some information for all of you. Yesterday, I received a dispatch from Marshal Vaelln informing me that three of his warships intercepted a Jariolan flotilla attempting to board and sink three Solidaran merchanters…” After finishing the description of the event, he added, “Marshal Vaelln has every confidence that our newer warships are superior to Jariolan ships of the same class, but we are still outnumbered considerably by the Jariolans, and the Ferrans appear more than willing to attack our merchant shipping when they think they can get away with it.” Charyn waited.
“Before we deal with the issue of trading, warships, and the like,” said Fhaedyrk quietly, “from what is on the table before me, I can see that you are changing that section of the Codex Legis dealing with water rights. I do not believe you even consulted with the High Council on this matter.”
“Copies of the change are before each of you.” Charyn smiled pleasantly. “I had the Minister of Justice review both the previous provisions of the Codex as well as the legal precedents. The problem that arose is that the precedents differ in different parts of Solidar. The entire point of the Codex is to make laws the same everywhere in Solidar. The most sensible precedents were those based on water rights being tied to the ownership of the land and that the claims to water rights being established by the first date of productive use.”
“High Holders have always had seniority in old Tilbor,” declared Fhaedyrk.
“Seniority has always been based on first use in Khel,” countered Jhaliost.
“That conflict is exactly why I have added the provisions to the Codex Legis. I thought it was necessary because it is clear that no regional governor would ever allow such an issue to reach the High Justicer. Only by a petition did I even hear about this,” said Charyn. “Perhaps you think otherwise, but the point of law is to establish a certain degree of fairness. Would you claim it fair for a High Holder to take water used by a factor whose family has exercised the rights to that water for generations? Especially if that High Holder had never used that water productively before?”
“That has always been the custom in Tilbor.”
“I understand that. That is why laws supersede custom. That is the principle established by the first Rex Regis, and my duty as rex is to follow that principle.” Charyn could see that all the factors were looking at Fhaedyrk.
“I am surprised that you chose this … precedent … so soon.”
“I could see that the matter wasn’t going away, High Holder. The longer I waited to address it, the more conflicts that would have been likely to arise.”
“You have only changed one type of conflict for another.”
“That may be,” replied Charyn, “but it will be more open and under the law, not custom, which seems often to be what people wish to believe.”
Elthyrd gave the smallest of nods, as did Jhaliost, while High Holder Basalyt’s face stiffened momentarily.
In the silence that followed, Charyn spoke again. “Both the High Council and the Solidaran Factors’ Council have expressed concerns about the piratical acts of Jariolan privateers.” Charyn looked down the table, looking directly at Ryel for a moment. “Dealing effectively with those privateers, and now, even Jariolan warships, will require building more ships of our own. According to the master ledgers of the Minister of Finance, construction of a ship of the line costs about four thousand golds, and another two thousand to ready it for battle. At present, the navy is building about four new ships a year, and my father committed to building two more in this coming year.
“That is the most we can build under current conditions. But … if we develop our own shipyard just for warships of the line, we could increase the number of ships being built each year to eight … and the cost of those ships would be less for each one, possibly even a thousand golds less.”
“That sounds very impressive, but I cannot believe that can be done with the current level of tariffs,” said Ryel calmly. “As you may know, the High Council is opposed to any additional increase in tariffs at this time … or in the foreseeable future. We have borne significant increases over the past five years, and the High Holders feel that such increases should be more than sufficient under prudent management.”
Charyn decided not to mention the shortage of funds. Not yet. “What is the High Council’s position on the destruction of Solidaran shipping by Jariolan privateers?”
“We find it barbaric and regrettable.” Ryel paused. “At the same time, successful shipping factors make great profits. Such profits come with great risks. Building more and more warships beyond what is already planned in order to reduce those risks would require increased tariffs. Those tariffs would fall mainly on High Holders and factors who do not profit from sea trading. So the majority of factors and High Holders would be more heavily tariffed to increase the profits of a comparative few.” His voice was smooth, even showing a sense of regret as he finished.
“Honored High Holder,” began Hisario, irony dripping from his words, “all of Solidar benefits from trade, except perhaps some High Holders. Bronze and brass are essential. Making them requires tin or zinc. We have little of either in Solidar. You’d also like your cooks and vast kitchens to have spices, I’d wager. Your ladies and daughters would not like to do without the silks from Otelyrn. Nor would you get the best of teas from Stakanar. I could spend glasses listing all that comes from trade. If this piracy is not stopped, prices for everything will continue to increase—”
“And so will your profits,” countered Khunthan.
“Not if my ships lie at the bottom of the oceans,” retorted Hisario.
“Tariffs are high enough,” muttered Jhaliost.
“Too high,” added Factor Harll.
To those comments, both Thalmyn and Basalyt nodded.
Charyn noticed that neither Ryel nor Elthyrd showed any change of expression. “Why don’t we look at the tariff situation,” he suggested. “The tariff rolls show that there are close to sixteen hundred High Holders and almost thirty-six hundred factors who pay two hundred golds or more in tariffs each year. An additional ten golds in tariffs on those factors and those high holders would raise slightly more than fifty thousand golds, enough to build and equip eight more ships each year. In five years, we could be on an equal footing with either Jariola or Ferrum.” That was oversimplifying, because not that many more ships could be built in the coming
year, and those tariffs would have to go toward building the necessary shipyard, but overall it could work.
“That’s absurd,” declared Basalyt.
“Your mathematics and logic overlook a fundamental unfairness in the tariff system,” said Ryel, his voice firm and without emotion. “Tariffs are based on property and assets. Trade and commerce based on reselling of what others produce do not require nearly the physical assets that land and manufacturing do. The cargo of a merchanter is far, far more valuable than the vessel. If you impose additional tariffs on all High Holders and factors, you are penalizing even more those whose income arises from land or mining, or the manufacture of various goods, in order to improve the protection of traders and shippers, who already pay effectively lower tariffs.”
Charyn nodded, trying frantically to think of a reply to his uncle’s calm statement. “Would any of you like to comment on this? You, perhaps, Factor Hisario?”
“That’s cherry-picking, most honored High Councilor,” retorted the shipping factor. “I get tariffed on my warehouses, my piers, and my ships. I pay tariffs for roads I seldom use, for an army and a navy that haven’t been that much help so far, and doubtless for lots of other things that don’t benefit me. That’s likely true for all of us.”
“Are you referring to High Holders as well?” asked Ryel.
“I’m talking about everyone who pays tariffs,” replied Hisario.
For a moment, there was silence, but only for a moment.
“How much of our tariffs go to support you and your family and all your great estates?” asked Basalyt.
“I’m glad you asked that, High Holder. I actually went over those figures with the Finance Minister. The regial estates, including the Chateau D’Rex and the Anomen D’Rex, fully support themselves. One part in twenty of the golds from the estates are paid in lieu of tariffs and provide more in golds for shipbuilding, roads, and other Solidaran requirements than the tariffs of any ten High Holders.”
“You have ten times the lands anyone else does.”
“You wanted to know if your tariffs are supporting the regial family,” Charyn pointed out. “They’re not. In effect, the rex pays tariffs as well.”
“How do we know?”
Charyn smiled. “I’d wager that I’d much rather have you look at the regial accounts than you’d wish my Finance Minister to look at your private accounts.”
Fhaedyrk offered a fleeting and amused smile.
“You’ve said nothing, Maitre Alastar,” offered Elthyrd. “What are your views on the matter?”
“You must decide whether your particular interests are more important than those of Solidar as a whole. If you all decide that your interests are greater than those of Solidar, then Rex Charyn will have to decide whether fighting another revolt is worth the time, effort, and golds.”
“Those are hard words, Maitre,” observed Ryel.
“They are,” agreed the Maitre, “but when the rex needs golds to protect some of his subjects and others refuse to pay what they must under the Codex, then such failure amounts to revolt or rebellion. That has already occurred twice in the last twenty years. It’s better said in the open than concealed behind ambiguous words … or pleasant ones that are deceitful.”
“Not paying tariffs—” began Khunthan.
“Is a repudiation of the authority of the rex,” interjected Alastar. “That is rebellion. You might call it civil or tariff disobedience, but it amounts to the same thing.”
“That’s absurd!” declared Basalyt loudly.
Alastar turned and fixed his eyes on the High Holder. “Is it? As I recall, several High Holds near yours were razed in the Wars of Consolidation for failing to obey the rex. When Jariolan ships attack Solidaran merchanters and warships, it might as well be called war.”
Basalyt looked away from the Maitre, even as he said in a low voice, “We’re supposed to give everything up for others?”
“I don’t believe the rex asked for that,” replied Alastar. “If I heard correctly, he wanted an average of ten golds a year more from each of you.”
“For many High Holders,” said Ryel, “that amounts to an increase of one part in twenty, and for some who are already struggling, it might be as much as one part in ten. You’re asking much at a time when times are not the best.”
“That is also not an insubstantial sum for many of the smaller factors,” added Elthyrd.
“Any increase is too much,” insisted Basalyt.
“Especially now,” added Harll with a nod.
Charyn was mentally calculating. If two-thirds of the factors were smaller … and the smaller factors only paid five golds, he could make that work. “Perhaps five golds for the smaller factors, and ten for the larger factors and the High Holders.”
“Too much,” declared Jhaliost.
“Agreed,” said Basalyt.
“Is ten golds worth waging a war over?” asked Alastar dryly. “Or five for a small factor?”
Elthyrd cleared his throat. “The factors might consider accepting that … if the rex does indeed build the additional ships and he agrees not to levy further additional tariffs for warships in the coming years. But … we need to establish who is a small factor.”
“What would you suggest?” asked Charyn.
The factors exchanged glances. Then Jhaliost leaned toward Elthyrd and murmured something.
After a moment, Elthyrd nodded and said, “Any factor who pays less than fifty golds a year in tariffs would be a small factor, just for purposes of this additional tariff. And those who pay less than twenty-five golds in tariffs should only have an increase of one part in ten over what they now pay.”
Ryel looked as though he might object, then nodded. No one else said anything.
“I would agree to that … with one provision,” replied Charyn, “that, if Solidar is threatened, or faces extraordinary circumstances, I reserve the right to raise additional tariffs, but I would not do so before consulting the two councils.”
“A man can’t argue with those two points,” conceded Elthyrd. “So long as we’re consulted first.”
“The High Council does not agree with the need for additional tariffs,” declared Ryel, “but in the interests of preserving harmony, we will accept the tariffs under the conditions you just stated. We also understand that the tariffs will not be imposed or due until the normal time when tariffs are collected. The High Council will not agree until you have sent a formal declaration setting forth those conditions.”
“I will send a declaration with those conditions to you and to Factor Elthyrd, with copies to the other councilors.” Charyn paused momentarily. “I will also send a copy to the High Holder selected to take the place of the late High Holder Oskaryn, once he is named and you have informed me.”
Ryel merely nodded.
“Are there any other matters any of you wish to bring before me?” Charyn looked down the table.
“Will you be making more changes to the Codex Legis?” asked Fhaedyrk.
“I have no others I am considering.”
“That response is not particularly reassuring.”
“I do not intend any others at this time. If other situations arise where precedents conflict or precedents and laws conflict, I may consider changes, but I know of nothing like that at present.”
“That seems fair enough,” interjected Ryel before Fhaedyrk could say more.
Charyn hadn’t expected Ryel’s words, but he appreciated them, even as he wondered why his uncle had effectively cut off any further discussion of the matter by the High Holders. From what his mother had said more than once, Ryel never did anything merely out of kindness, and there was always a reason behind every action.
“Are there any other matters you wish to bring before us, Rex Charyn?” asked Ryel formally.
“Not at this time, High Councilor. Seeing as I am new to these responsibilities, there may be other matters when we meet next month … on the eighteenth of Fevier.” Charyn looked, in tu
rn, to Elthyrd. “Have the factors anything else they wished addressed.”
“No, Your Grace.”
“Then … we will meet next month.” Charyn gestured as he stood.
He remained standing at the head of the conference table as the councilors stood and departed, noting that Ryel did not look at him. Charyn had the feeling that his uncle had not been totally pleased with the way the meeting had turned out, even though Ryel had not been vociferous in his opposition to the tariffs.
Once the councilors had left and the study door was closed, Charyn turned to the Maitre. “What do you make of that?”
“You never mentioned that you had been threatened,” said Alastar.
“It didn’t seem wise to admit that. I can’t say why.”
“You were likely right. It might have seemed to some that you wanted to tariff them to save yourself.”
“I greatly appreciated your presence.”
Alastar smiled. “One might think that you had observed such meetings before.”
Charyn shook his head. “I was worried. So much could have gone wrong. Your presence kept everyone calmer than it would have been.”
“Sometimes my presence does. Sometimes it does not. It takes judgment to know when.”
Charyn laughed ruefully. “I have to say that I was just hoping it would.”
“You have their agreement on tariffs. You realize that neither your father nor your grandfather obtained such.”
Charyn heard a flatness in Alastar’s voice, and he paused a moment to consider just what the Maitre had said and the implications before he responded. “I doubt I would have obtained it without their efforts and your presence.” And the agreement doesn’t mean my troubles are over, only that I can plan to build warships.
“You don’t sound elated, Charyn.”
“I’m not. Building warships will take time. We’ll lose more merchanters and warships in the meantime, and many factors and High Holders won’t be happy.” He offered a crooked smile. “But it is a start.”
Alastar nodded.
“If you have a moment, I would think my mother would appreciate any news you might be able to give us about Aloryana.”
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