by ForestRage
Tochus laughed as he heard Gofart instructions.
"Not a bad deal from this expedition. When you corner the trade in this region make sure you find me some playthings. Now that we are finished let's have some fun. I saw a herd of Inyoni just a while ago, help me chase them around for sport."
He stared at the naked men like a hungry wolf.
"You there! Yes, you. I name you the new Mong bandit leader. My eyes for men are never wrong, you have the face of a killer."
Young Master Tochus pointed out the man. A man with an unforgettable face stepped out and bowed.
It was the face of a perpetually sneering man.
Chapter 23
A Great Gift
Chu delivered the last of his pelts to the Trading Post.
This time the Trading Post did not buy it, but the new Master was acting as an intermediary between him and another merchant.
Ever since he netted a huge profit last winter, Merchant Kim was very considerate whenever he interacted with Chu. He had been introduced to this boy by Griz after they had made a small fortune.
Chu used his influence on John to make him create his own little Merchant company.
"If Griz can have one, then why can't the youngest Master of a Trading Post Branch also startup his own side business?"
With a prideful and ambitious person like John, it did not take him long to set up his own rights as a merchant. Although he was confined to the village without a convoy of his own, he still waved that certificate showing he was registered by the Merchant's Guild.
After returning from his late winter trip, Merchant Kim had hooked up with both John and Chu. John was the middleman and served as Chu's registered dealer. Merchant Kim was the one who had a well-established convoy and transport network.
It was between the three of them that Chu presently conducted his main business. All his supplies from Griz passed through the wagons of the Trading Post. The well-processed pelts and a huge influx of lumber during the autumn season were shipped and sold by Merchant Kim.
This last delivery before winter was also the last trip for the year by Merchant Kim. He would be returning next spring. According to him, the storage buildings were filled in his home city of Haven. Next year would bring another huge profit distribution to the three of them.
Before he left, John brought Chu to the Lodge to collect the package he had long ordered. Chu opened the box and removed a well-made robe lined inside with soft fur. The outside was made with a thick brown cloth treated with oils and wax to make it slightly waterproof.
These cloaks would seem ordinary to anyone, but that internal lining and neat workmanship would make it among the most expensive in even the cities.
"Chu, give me another one, please! Kim only loosened his mouth when we drank last night, I only found out how amazing this was yesterday."
Kim looked at the pitiful face John was making and snorted.
"Master Chu I am not as thick faced as some people to want such an item for free. Please sell me another, I would really like to gift my wife one when I return home."
Chu could only shake his head to the two grown men who were pleading. It had to be known that these two were the most unscrupulous beings around. Neither would bow to any pressure that would cut into their profits.
"I am truly sorry my friends. These cloaks already have owners. I cannot part with not even one. I must also say they are very important to our future business transactions. Remember our profits always depend on our supply line."
It was only after that statement that the two were quelled. They would never interfere with this gold mine. Chu chatted with them before he had Ming and the others carry the chests into the wagon.
He reminded John about the new employees staying in his village home and to keep an eye on them. After bidding Merchant Kim a safe journey home he left the village.
On their way back Ming couldn't help asking about what was so special about those cloaks. Even Mr. Thomas was piqued about why the two merchants would even stoop to begging for another one.
Chu had Mr. Thomas stop the wagon on the road. In the late autumn evening, the wind was already chilly.
He rummaged through the chests until he found two cloaks with sizes for Mr. Thomas and Ming. The cloaks were long enough to reach just past the top of their boots. They also had large fur-lined hoods.
"Put them on."
Hearing what Chu said the two removed their old patched cloaks and draped themselves with the new ones.
Almost immediately the cold vanished as they began warming up.
"Wow! No wonder John wanted another. These cloaks are amazing!"
Ming announced in comfort.
Mr. Thomas nodded in agreement.
"It's warm in the autumn chill, I believe it would be even warm during the height of a snow storm. It is slightly heavier than the other cloaks though, is it because it's thicker?"
He said.
Chu laughed in reply.
"Heh, these cloaks are made using waterproof cloth but that is not the real secret. The fur lining is made completely with that of wild foxes. They are the softest and best in trapping heat. That alone makes those cloaks worth its weight in gold."
Mr. Thomas thought before asking a question.
"True, the furs of such foxes are scarce and a rare commodity even in the cities, but I feel there is something more to this."
"Sharp as always Elder, Yes your right, the secret is the layer between the cloth and fur. Stitched hidden from view includes a layer of supple leather made from the pelt of the wild boar we killed.
Not only is this cloak a superb winter warmer, but it can also help reduce damage from arrows and crossbolts shot from a distance. Merchant Kim even said it was able to fend off a weak dagger strike from an ordinary person."
Chu boasted unashamedly. The cloaks gifted to the Merchants contained pieces of the Red Boar leather sewn to protect the vitals. Five cloaks fashioned completely from the leather, offering even more protection.
'Amazing'
Was all that could pass through Mr. Thomas's mind. He trembled as he decided to ask another question but Chu stopped him.
"Don't worry, besides the five cloaks I had Merchant Kim use his sources to make five more cloaks from normal boar leather. They are lighter and best for the ladies, Merchant Kim included those as a gift."
Mr. Thomas sighed in appreciation. Such cloaks would mean an extra life in any ambush attacks. Whether from bandits or even the goblins they may encounter, his family always came first.
Now that his family had expanded, he worried about those support staff at home. This was because his immediate family was part of that group. Chu's consideration showed him that the boy had already thought about everyone.
He admitted the boy owned the rights to the title of the boss of their group.
Well made fur coats were a luxury in the cities, hence he only imagined the amount of trouble Chu went through to secure them.
This was even more so when he saw how the cloak for Mrs. Thomas was decorated with embroidery and gems. Such a cloak would turn the heads of even those high standing nobles and clans. That smile on his wife's face as she tried out the cloak was priceless.
◆◆◆
Clod soon had his revenge on Ming for abandoning him in the tavern incident.
Ming had picked up quite a few bad habits during his month-long stint in the slums. During that time he spent his nights hanging out in the Tavern chatting with adventurers, guards and the usual drunkards. One night he tried convincing Clod to peep through the boards in their room to the girls' room above.
Next morning when they all gathered at the breakfast table, Clod promptly sold him out before casually finishing his meal and heading out. He left Ming to the fate of the murderous stares emanating from the girls.
Mrs. Thomas tried to blow it off as the mark of a growing healthy young man.
Chu and Mr. Thomas excused themselves and slunk out. Both individuals being smar
t enough to avoid getting involved.
That evening during training, there was a full turnout of the female community.
Ming ended up beaten senseless under these hostile gazes by Lucy.
Mr. Thomas leaned on one side of the stable fence looking on in pity with a straw dangling out of his mouth.
Nearby Doug and the others stood clutching the fence as they watched on in awe. Ming was already a terror to them, now this girl who seemed to predict his useless efforts and rain down undefendable blows looked even more frightening.
"Strong ain't she?"
Mr. Thomas spoke airily.
"Uhuh"
"Yea, so strong."
"Amazing!"
"Pretty isn't she?"
Mr. Thomas continued.
"Yea."
"Like a gem."
"Strong and pretty."
Mr. Thomas spat the straw from his mouth.
"Last time down south a trapper set his eyes on my little girl. So I nailed that sucker to a tree in the forest for wolf food. Don't ever get any ideas on my girls okay?"
The little white lie produced its desired effect.
Doug and the others cringed under the blood lust seeping out from the old man.
'What the heck is wrong with this old man? His sons are already so terrible, now his daughter is like a genius fighter. Not to mention the youngest girl is a full-fledged bandit boss.'
'Who the hell would be stupid or crazy enough to interfere with your mad family?'
Mr. Thomas had enough worldly experience to read their terrified faces.
"After work wait at your shack for me in the evening. From tomorrow I'll give you guys some training. That way you won't become killed so easily when you make your way in the world."
The old man tossed them a bone and rambled off.
That night a lot of people went to bed very contented. Large quilts now covered the floor on the upper rooms like rugs to nip any further indecent thoughts in the bud.
Doug and the others had renewed dreams of living an adventuring lifestyle. Mr. Thomas was pampered by his wife for such an exquisite gift.
Only the occasional whimpering from below spoke of one individual in pain and suffering...
Chapter 24
The Ballad of Assistant Manager John
John walked into the Trading post receiving station located outside the south gate of the village.
"Good morning Master John."
"Good day Master John."
"Hello Master John, you look wonderful."
Amidst the greetings and welcomes, he simply acknowledged the ones showering the praises with a simple nod. He raised his head and beamed in pride as he strutted into the inspection bay like a proud peacock.
At the end of last winter, Griz left along with the convoy from the Trading post. The roads were not yet free from snow when the letter arrived by messenger from the city of Dame. John shivered on witnessing the seal from the headquarters of this powerful merchant company.
Griz had been appointed as the new Head for the Trading post in the town of Karst. The previous Master had retired and would offer his guidance to the youngest Head ever promoted. His appointment was already in effect, so he had to hasten to undertake his new role.
Master Griz first decision was to let John hold the role of Assistant Manager for the vacant position in the village. When he familiarized himself with the new position he would make a final decision.
Griz had mentored the clerk for nearly three years. John had his faults but he was a competent person. At the moment this had been his only choice, so he made sure that the new Manager understood his responsibilities.
John was aware of what Griz meant. If he could prove to his former manager that he could make a high profit in the village, then it would only serve to increase his chances of becoming permanent.
In clerical work and in inspection activities, John was just as good as any other manager. His main fault lay in the fact that he lacked the charisma and the skill in dealing with people.
"This one is not up to par. Dock a few silvers of the cost."
"That one's fur is torn in at least five different places, and it has a long sword slash on the back. The reason our price is so high is that we buy fur. We are not a butcher shop, take those torn pelts elsewhere."
John looked at his assistant and the weary hunter standing at the counter. It was clear that the hunter had gone to great lengths to capture this wolf. He was still sporting injuries from the battle last night. The Trapper who had brought in the other wolf was standing beside them.
The new Trading Post master was unconcerned about what toils and tales this man went through. His business was above all to make money.
"Ulf, two silvers for this wolf. As for the former, four silvers is more than enough. Next time you should know what to do."
John glanced at the wounded hunter who could only reluctantly collect the payment. The other trapper only bowed his head and received the money. He had escaped the troubles of winter by keeping his daughter safely hidden inside the house.
Who knew that this man had already set his eyes on her. Because of his refusal to give in to the demands, it had come to this. Soon summer would arrive and competition for the game would become scarce.
If he wanted to avoid the dangers and risk of hunting deeper within the forest, then his only alternative would be to comply with the new manager demands. Earning a few more silvers before the next winter was a far better alternative to starving. Protecting the virtue of his daughter could not feed hungry stomachs at the end of the day.
"I understand Manager John. Thank you for your kindness and gratitude. Please look forward to my gift later tonight."
John smiled at the now broken man.
"Ulf, pay this man one extra silver for his continued patronage."
The Manager left the inspection dock and went into the side shop to take a little rest, he had to conserve all his energy for tonight. This would be the first of many nights of perks weasel out from these villagers.
"Well, well it seems the young Master of the Trading Post has decided to grace us with his true colors!"
Came a voice dripping with sarcasm.
John awoke from his dreams in a stupor. With Griz departure, there was nobody in this village who would dare disturb his slumber.
"Who the hell do you think you are, making noise in MY place? Guard..."
In the midst of his rantings, John's eyes finally landed on the culprit.
His jaw dropped, eyes began to bulge and the rest of his curses were forcefully stuffed back into his throat. Under a fit of incessant coughing that arrived partly due to this reflex but mostly due to fear, he stumbled onto his feet.
Hastily adjusting his clothes and putting on the air of a subservient clerk, he welcomed his visitors.
"Young mister Chu, what pleasure do I have to serve you today."
After a chat with this young horror, John did not dare to lay his hands on any of the village girls again. He was hence reborn as a new man.
John officially became the new Master of the Trading Post at the end of Spring. It was in this month that he began to have constant dealings with the little devil. Not even the visiting merchants could make the man so wary as this kid that habitually strolled into the shops in a casual manner.
He soon understood why Griz always treated the kid differently. In Spring the boy came and ordered a batch of supplies from the shop. He then went on to purchase a horse and wagon outright at the same time.
Those sales were like a monthly bonus to the Spring ledger. The newly promoted merchant could tell that dealing with the boy could only bring endless benefits.
Soon he was coaxed by the boy into forming his own merchant company.
"All those merchants are registered, even Griz. Why ain't you a merchant?"
Using the money saved during his time as a clerk, he registered and soon flaunted his own certified merchant scroll.
"Hmm, not bad. All y
ou need now is your own caravan. Too bad you can't go any place since your tied to the Trading Post."
John racked his brains until Merchant Kim returned to purchase goods in the village. The two men bonded perfectly due to behavioral similarities. Both were unscrupulous and known advantage takers, both would never deal in a loss, and both would die before yielding a single copper.
He introduced Chu to Kim one day and was shocked that the boy already knew the merchant. After a healthy conversation between them, Chu left the two after leaving John with a few words.
"I see you got a distributor, now all you need is a dedicated supplier and you're in business."
The man racked his brains for a few weeks until he realized that which was staring him in the face. He finally understood the subtle meaning of their conversations. The boy had led him on a leash from the very start.
He braced Chu the next time he saw him waltz into the shop.
"Fine, what are you selling and what's the cut?"
"Meet me tonight in at my village home. Bring Mr. Kim, you're not as dumb as you look."
The boy answered.
That night three merchants huddled around a small kitchen table. They ignored the strange glances the other inhabitants gave them from time to time.
A small kid, a young man, and an older geezer plotted and argued about goods, distribution, and sales.
In the end, they decided to share an equal cut in the business they conducted among the three. Any other trade on the side would belong to the relevant party.
Master John soon understood the power of having capable partners.
Chu provided them with an endless stream of firewood, lumber and most important pelts. It was these processed pelts and hides that would make the profits in those far off cities.
Merchant Kim made two trips before the end of summer. His usual run would be twice for the year. Only last winter he had tried to return to make an extra trip but was caught up in the winter drama. Now the boy gave him a golden opportunity to expand his caravan routes since a steady supply stream suddenly gushed forth.
