Traders and Traitors (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 2)

by Loren K. Jones

  "Uncle Davan!" Sahren said in shock, then laughed. "When someone saves your life as many times as Stavin saved mine, you want them around."

  Barvil laughed and said, "Let's hope that this year is less exciting in that department. It's hard enough making him behave with one star on his shoulder. Give him two and he'll be unmanageable."

  * * *

  Stavin and Karvik saw Barvil talking with Trader Sahren and Lord Zel'Vandar and shook their heads. "They're talking about us," Stavin said, looking up at Karvik. Sometime during the winter, Karvik had added another hand in height.

  "They're talking about you," Karvik countered.

  "You're probably right. I have something to take care of. Excuse me," Stavin said, and strode away. He saw the diminutive figure of Kethlan and hurried over to his wagon.

  "Ah, Stavin, just in time. Lend a hand here," Kethlan said and grabbed one end of a long box. Stavin automatically did as he was asked, then remembered why he had gone looking for Kethlan.

  "Kethlan, I want to send a shipment of grain home to Kavinston," Stavin said as he grabbed the next box.

  "Zel'Vandar doesn't handle grain, Stavin," Kethlan said as they lifted the box, "but Davan can help make arrangements for you. Help me with these last four boxes and we'll go talk to him."

  Stavin and Kethlan finished loading the wagon, then walked over to where Lord Davan was watching the proceedings. "Davan, a moment of your time please," Kethlan said and Lord Davan smiled.

  "What mischief have you gotten into now?" Lord Davan asked with a grin.

  "Our young friend here is looking to send a shipment of grain to Kel'Kavin. I'd like permission to put Zel'Vandar's name behind it to ensure he gets treated fairly."

  Lord Zel'Vandar nodded. "You have it. Go to Rahndahl Zel'Valin. His warehouse has a good supply of grains left."

  Stavin bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Zel'Vandar.

  Lord Davan smiled down at Stavin. "I believe in doing well by those who do well by me, young man. That is trade at its best."

  Kethlan and Stavin walked away and Stavin led them to Barvil's side. He snapped to attention and said, "Sir, I request permission to go with Kethlan to the gold merchants and the grain merchants."

  Barvil looked at him and nodded. "Take Kar, Aldric, Tavan, and Sharvit with you. What are you planning?"

  "I know the Council is sending for supplies, but I want to make sure Shari, Sora, and the other pregnant women have extra," Stavin replied.

  Barvil raise an eyebrow, but no objection. "You certainly have the resources. Very well, but let Kethlan do the bargaining. He's almost as tricky as Sahren."

  Kethlan drew himself up to his full height and then bowed very low. "Why, thank you, Barvil. That's the nicest thing anyone has said to me this year." Stavin and Kethlan walked away laughing, gathered the warriors, then marched out of the compound.

  Their first destination was the Gold Merchants' Chapter House where Stavin withdrew twenty gold crowns. When Karvik and Kethlan looked at him curiously he explained, "I left all but five silver crowns with Shari. I want a reserve in case we don't see much combat."

  Kethlan then led them to the warehouses of the Zel'Valin Trading House, where they were met by a large man in a leather apron. "Hello, horse-thief. What brings you to darken my door?" the man asked as he smiled and clasped forearms with Kethlan.

  "We're looking to send a shipment of grain to the Kel'Kavin Valley, Dardan," Kethlan replied.

  "How much?" Dardan Kel'Valin asked and Stavin leaned forward to whisper in Kethlan's ear.

  "Fifty bags each of wheat, rye, barley, and beans," Kethlan replied.

  Darden looked at his old companion and asked, "Is this for Zel'Vandar or these warriors?" as he looked at Stavin and his friends.

  Kethlan smiled. "Friend Stavin is paying, but the contact is endorsed by Zel'Vandar."

  "Oh," Darden said softly. "Very well. Now, as to the price."

  The two traders started bargaining at a pace that left Stavin and the others blinking in confusion. Far sooner than any of them expected, the two traders clasped forearms to seal the bargain. "Seven gold crowns it is," Dardan said, shaking his head in sorrow.

  Stavin stepped forward and counted out the gold and placed a slip of parchment with it. "Seven gold crowns, as agreed. This note will tell the guards what's going on."

  "As agreed. Be careful about spending too much time with this horse-thief, young man. He can be a bad influence," Darden said as he collected the coins and note.

  Stavin grinned and replied, "I've been warned, Sir, but he's the only person over ten years of age who I can stand eye-to-eye with." Everyone laughed at that before they left the grain merchant to see to their contract.

  Kethlan was chuckling as they walked back to the Zel'Vandar compound. "Dardan will see to it that your shipment is properly taken care of. The Zel'Vandar endorsement will see to that."

  "Sir, why did that man call you a horse-thief?" Aldric Kel'Ranat asked.

  "When we were young, your age or thereabouts, I got the best of him in a bargain over a horse and he's never forgotten it," Kethlan answered with a grin.

  "How good of a deal did you get?" Tavan Kel'Vorash asked.

  "He had started by asking for one hundred silver and I had countered with thirty. We had worked our way to seventy and fifty when a pretty girl walked by and distracted him. When he turned back he asked, 'Where was I?' I said 'Thirty' and he said 'Thirty?' and I said 'Done!' Let that be a lesson to you all: Keep your eyes on your opponent and concentrate on what you're doing."

  "Excellent advice," Barvil said as he joined them.

  "Your shipment will be on the road tomorrow, Barvil," Kethlan said with a slight bow.

  "Not mine, Kethlan. This was all Stavin's idea. We leave in the morning, men. Until then, keep the hands together," he commanded and his men formed up behind him. The other five members of their group soon joined them and sorted themselves out.

  The other groups had been divided out to Zel'Vandar's other five caravans. Stavin only saw one wagon that didn't match the Zel'Vandar colors and nodded to himself when he saw the two women on the seat. They were the survivors from the Reynadian caravan, and that realization made Stavin wish he was going with them instead of Sahren. To see the fabled Rey on the Glimmer--a hard blow on his shoulder broke his reverie.

  "Stave, wake up. You were staring at those women," Marvat Kel'Sangran said.

  "Sorry. It wasn't the women, it's where they're going. They're headed to Reynadia, all the way to Rey on the Glimmer," Stavin said, grinning up at his cousin. Marvat was on his fifth expedition and had one red stripe over four white stripes on his shoulder.

  "How do you know?" Farval Kel'Dorval, the other fifth-year man asked.

  "Remember the story of the caravan where there were only two women survivors? That's them," Stavin said, nodding toward the wagon again.

  "Then definitely don't stare," Farval snapped. "Rape victims tend to be sensitive about a men staring at them."

  "Oh?" Stavin asked in a puzzled tone, then said, "Oh!" as Farval's meaning became clear. "What should I do?"

  "Nothing. Let them put it behind them. I doubt that anyone in that caravan knows who they are and they won't unless you tell them." Farval and Marvat were both giving him the same intense look and Stavin blushed. I wasn’t going to say anything. I’m not a complete dunce.

  Barvil called his hands together and gave his orders. "We eat at our own expense tonight, so enjoy it. We'll form on the wagons as they leave the compound in the morning. There are fifteen of them this year to take maximum advantage of Stavin's status. We're also taking a more northerly route to avoid the taxes in Coravia. That means you're not going to be able to deliver your packet to Lord General Zel'Enred, Stavin, but Sahren said that her brother Landon is going that way. I'm sure you can talk him into delivering your work to the general."

  "Yes, Sir," Stavin answered.

  "Set up your bed rolls in the bunkhouse, then we'll go eat." Barvil led th
e way to the bunkhouse they had been told to use, then walked up the road to the Black Boar Inn.

  The innkeeper saw them enter and hurried over to their side. "Yes, good warriors, what is your pleasure?"

  "What do you have to eat?" Barvil asked as he looked around.

  "Sliced bison roast over boiled barley and carrots, good warrior," the man answered with another bow.

  "Good. Food and beer for eleven," Barvil said, walking across the room to an empty table against the wall.

  "As you wish, good warrior," the innkeeper said and scurried away. The food appeared within moments and the beer just a blink later. The meat was tough, but it was fresh, and after the unrelieved moons of salted or dried meat, it tasted wonderful. Barvil let his men have just two mugs of beer each, then made them switch to water or tea. Most of them nursed their second beer to avoid that horror. The night was quiet as Barvil led them back to their bedrolls.

  Morning arrived too soon and they all got ready to go. Stavin went with Sahren to talk to her brother Landon. "Lan, this is Friend Stavin. He has a packet that needs to go south to Fort Kel'Vardal for Lord General Zel'Enred."

  Landon bowed slightly to Stavin and said, "I'd be pleased to oblige, and I'll only charge a silver crown for the cartage."

  Sahren said, "Lan," in a warning tone of voice.

  "It's reasonable, Sahry," Landon replied.

  "Master Sahren, I can-" Stavin began, but Sahren wasn't listening to him. She stepped forward and grabbed Landon by the collar and put her head beside his. Stavin couldn't hear what she said, but when she stepped back she was smiling and Landon looked nervous.

  "I'd be happy to do a service for such a stalwart ally of our house at no charge, Friend Stavin," Landon said, but he kept his eyes on his big sister.

  Stavin said, "Thank you Master Trader Landon,” and handed over the carefully crafted box that contained the translated pages of the Book of Inatat.

  Sahren immediately led him back toward her caravan. Stavin waited until they were out of earshot, then he looked up at her sideways and asked, "What did you say to him, Ma'am?"

  Sahren kept her eyes forward as a wicked little smile crossed her lips. She replied, "I just reminded him of something he'd rather forget, and certainly hopes no one else ever finds out about."

  "Like what?" Stavin asked with a grin, but Sahren just shook her head and gave him a gentle push toward his horse.

  Aldric and Tavan got the number two and three slots this time while Stavin and Karvik were behind them at five and six. The others were spread out along the line with Marvat and Farval at the end. Barvil, of course, rode beside the lead wagon.

  The sun was only three spans over the horizon when they left Aravad, and Stavin felt the muscles in his back tense up. Barvil had briefed all of them to be extra vigilant because of the hard winter. There were tales of starving people attacking outlying farms in search of food, and a caravan like theirs was bound to attract unfriendly attention.

  Stavin found himself on the left side of the caravan this time, but it was just as dull. He took a moment to remember how bored he'd been at the beginning of the last season and laughed at the memory of his younger self and how anxious he’d been for combat.

  The first night, Sahren circled her wagons and made introductions all around. The person she most wanted to introduce the warriors to was her assistant. She brought a young woman over to the warriors and smiled as all of them stood to greet her. "Barvil, this is my granddaughter, Rahlina," she said as she stopped. "She's going to be taking over my caravan when I retire."

  Barvil bowed deeply. "I am pleased to meet you, Rahlina."

  "Warmaster Barvil, I am very pleased to meet you," Rahlina replied, returning his bow. "Nanny Sahren has been telling us stories about you and your men all winter."

  Barvil chuckled at the look on Sahren's face. "I'll bet she has. This is my son, Karvik, and our golden child, Stavin." Both young men bowed as they were introduced. "My fifth-year men are Sergeant Marvat Kel'Sangran and Farval Kel'Dorval. Fourth-years are Sergeant Sharvit Kel'Porval and Orkahn Kel'Erins. The third-year pair is Vardik Kel'Markat and Rolas Kel'Norlan. And my greenlings are Aldric Kel'Ranat and Tavan Kel'Vorash." Each of the young men bowed as he was introduced.

  Sahren smiled and looked Barvil in the eye again. "This is Rahlina's last trip as an apprentice, so I'll be letting her take over occasionally. I wanted to ensure that you all know that she does have the authority to give instructions." She smiled at Rahlina for an instant, then looked at all of the warriors.

  Barvil gave his men a quick glance, then bowed to Sahren. "We understand. Sort of like a young Warleader we all know." Then he grinned at Stavin's bashful blush.

  Chapter 5

  SAHREN SET A RAPID PACE THROUGH Kavadia, though it wasn't a grueling one. This road was a remnant of imperial times and lacked the dust that made most roads so unpleasant for all but the first wagon. It was a six-day trip to the northernmost reaches of the Evandian border, and there were no towns along the way. There were the remains of a town that had once stood along the road near the half-way point, but it had been wiped out almost to the last man by a plague fifteen years before. Even though several magi had pronounced the area free of infection, no one would risk resettling the ill-omened place.

  Stavin was secretly enjoying the sight of Aldric and Tavan frantically trying to do everything that Barvil was requiring of them, and saw Karvik grinning a time or two as well. They helped on occasion when the workload threatened to make everyone late for the evening meal, but mostly they just saw to themselves.

  The caravan reached the Evandian border late on the sixth day. Sahren decided to camp for the night and make an early crossing. Even though Stavin was there to sign away their taxes, she preferred to face sleepy inspectors.

  Stavin had his own worries about the crossing. He wasn't as innocent about trade as he had been, and suspected Trader Sahren and Madam Elain of abusing his status the previous year to ship some form of contraband. As the caravan settled in for the evening, he approached Sahren. "Trader Sahren, can I have a word with you in private?" he asked.

  He was holding himself very tightly in check, and he kept glancing behind him, as if he was worried about someone seeing him. Sahren nodded as she eyed him carefully. "Very well, Stavin. Over here," she said, and led him behind her wagon. "There is something troubling you, isn't there?" she asked as she gazed down at him.

  Stavin nodded. "Yes, Ma'am. Please forgive me, but are you--That is, is there anything--um," he paused and took a deep breath before asking, "Is there a reason the Evandian guards shouldn't search your wagons?"

  Sahren smiled and shook her head. "No, Stavin. We're not carrying anything that would besmirch your honor." She chuckled and patted his shoulder. "You are brave. Not many men would risk their contract by asking if I was smuggling. Of course, in most cases it would only be my problem."

  "Yes, ma'am," Stavin said with a relieved sigh. "I just wanted to be certain."

  "Very well," Sahren said and gave him a slight push back toward the center of the wagons. "I won't say that I've never smuggled anything, Stavin, but I'd never try it going into Evandia from Kavadia. They expect trouble at this crossing, so I'm very careful to never give them any."

  Stavin gave her a suspicious look and said, "Yes, Ma'am," before he rejoined Barvil and the others.

  "What were you talking to Sahren about?" Barvil asked as soon as Stavin joined them.

  "I just wanted to know if there was anything in the wagons that was going to be a problem going across-"

  "What!?" Barvil roared, silencing Stavin and making him take a step back. "Stavin,” he continued in a more moderate tone, "when you are leading a group on an expedition, then, and only then, can you think about asking your employer a question like that, and only at the very beginning of a trip, before you sign on. A question like that could cost us a contract."

  "Yes, Sir," Stavin said as he stared at the ground.

  "Was there a particula
r reason that you decided to risk a season's pay on a question like that?" Barvil demanded.

  "Because of last season, Sir. Madam Elain's consignments."

  Barvil took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. "That's actually a reasonable question, but not from you. I asked if we were hauling anything of the kind before we left Aravad. She assured me that she isn't."

  "Yes, Sir," Stavin said, coming to attention.

  Barvil looked at all of his men and said, "This is our last night in Kavadia, and there are a lot of caravans going both ways across the border. Stay alert, especially after watch change. I want the off-going watch to stay ready for a span or two after the change. Be especially careful after the moons have set. Mar, your hand is on first."

  "Yes, Sir," Marvat snapped and led off. Behind him were Sharvit, Vardik, Stavin, and last came Aldric.

  Stavin marched with his eyes on the surrounding area and only kept the wagons in his peripheral vision. He was watching the shadows for any sign of movement when he heard someone shout, "Catch her! Don't let her get away!" from somewhere behind him.

  Stavin turned towards the shout and saw a small form scampering away from what appeared to be two giants. His hands clenched in anger on his Dragon's Tongue as they almost caught her, but she squirmed away and ran straight toward Aldric.

  Turning to look ahead, Stavin saw that Vardik was watching as well and then turned to run toward Aldric. The girl had fallen just short of Aldric and was crawling toward him as the men slowed to a walk.

  "You'll find no safe harbor there, bitch," one of them is said and kicked the girl in the back of the thigh, making her fall forward with a muffled scream.

  Aldric shouted, "Touch her again and I'll kill you!"

  "Will you now, cat boy?" the other man sneered. "I've killed plenty of your kind. You'll be just one more."

  "And what about me?" Stavin asked as he came to a stop two paces from Aldric.

  "And me?" Marvat asked as he walked up behind Aldric.

  "This bitch is my property," the larger of the two men snapped. "It's no lookout of yours what I do with her."