‘Turn and look about you, my friend,’ instructed Weneth ‘What do you see?’
I turned and surveyed the world from Weneth’s vantage.
‘I see the bridge stretching back to the shore. I see a small outpost. I see the moon and clouds. I see the river churning under the bridge,’ said I.
‘Go on,’ said Weneth.
‘I see the moonlight on the water. I see a small fishing boat moving under the pilings of the bridge. And another by the shoreline...
Weneth cut me off as he rang the bell to open the gate.
‘I stand at this post from dusk till dawn,’ said he. ‘I see where they catch ‘em, and where they don’t. I see where the tricky ones get away and leave a good man grumblin’. I see where the pike are schoolin’ and the river cat jumpin’. Each night when Gency let’s you out, just hover here a few moments and I’ll let you know where to dip your line in the water.’
The city gate swung open and Gency poked his head out. Weneth smiled and patted me on the back.
‘Now off to bed with you,’ he said.
The next night he informed me of a school of pike hanging under one of the bridge’s pilings. Sure if I didn’t reel in a dozen within the hour. The next night the rivercat were feasting on fresh water mussels at the bottom of an eddy near the far shoreline. I battled several into the boat. As I passed Weneth with my stringer full, he smiled with pride.
Several weeks later he sent me after an Urgron that ran the shallows along the citadel’s walls. A few skiffs attempted to land the fish to no avail. I pushed my skiff into the strong current and rowed to the spot. Weneth signaled by candlelight when I reached the area. For two nights I tried to land that fish, but found no luck.
Then on the third evening, my line plunged into the water. The moon waned and scant light reached the river through the cloud cover. I found it difficult enough to see my hand in front of my face let alone the strong creature I battled under the oily black of the running river. I fought the beast for three quarters of an hour. My arms ached from tugging and spooling the line around a gunwale on the small boat. Finally, the Urgron thrashed to the surface, scaring me half to death. Its big body slapped and whipped the river’s surface into froth. Far in the distance I heard the whoop and holler of the watchman as he surveyed the scene with delight. As I strained to lift the beast from the blackness beneath me, I heard Weneth call out.
‘Use the gaff ya fool! You’ll break the line!”
I never landed such a fish, and held no inkling that its girth might snap my corded line or sturdy pole. One hand fumbled in the boat as the other strained with the thrashing creature. My hand came across the handle of a short gaffing stick. I quickly hooked it into the side of the Urgron and hauled the monster aboard.
The walk back across the bridge was a trial as I buckled under the weight of the beast. As I approached Weneth I expected to see the man beaming at me. However, he stood with lips pursed and head downcast.
‘Look at this beauty!’ said I delightedly.
The watchman barely looked at the monster.
‘Aye, tis a beauty.’ he acknowledged softly.
‘That was one of the grandest moments of my life,’ I said with exhilaration.
He smiled and slowly nodded.
‘What in heaven’s name is the matter?’ I exclaimed
‘I apologize,’ said Weneth. ‘My excitement got the better of me.’
‘What are you on about?’ I laughed.
‘I did not mean to call you a fool young, Prince Manfir,’ said he, hanging his head lower still, ‘but I stand here many a night dreaming of casting a line and catching a monster such as that. The fear that you might lose him right next to the boat overcame good judgment. Many apologies.’
I laughed heartily and told him I cared not. 'Twas the heat of the moment. Weneth rang the bell. As Gency opened the gate, the doorkeeper’s eyes went wide at the sight of my catch. On my return to the castle, I passed the fishmongers’ booths. The idea of returning with my catch to the palace did not seem right. News would surely travel within the walls that the queen’s son caught a grand Urgron. My mother would be none to happy with my antics. Therefore, I slid in behind the fishmongers’ booths and found the man the palace purchased most of their fare from. I negotiated a fair price for my catch and he was happy to accommodate me, knowing he would sell it to the palace for a profit. We agreed to keep my activities a secret and if I were to continue, he would buy all I caught. Ironically, the next evening we dined on my own grilled Urgron.
Late the next evening I had tremendous luck with some schooling pike Weneth had seen jumping near a sandbar mid river. As I returned to the gate I stopped and produced a medium sack of coins from beneath my belt. I held it out toward the watchman.
‘What’s this?’ exclaimed Weneth.
‘I didn’t throw that beast in the trash you know,’ I laughed. ‘Geleg the fishmonger paid a good price for it.’
‘Well....’ stammered Weneth pointing at the bag. ‘That’s yours. You caught the monster.’
‘Tis true, I pulled the line to the skiff, but it was you and your knowledge that showed me where to go.’
‘No, no I can’t,’ replied Weneth.
‘This fool insists,’ I demanded. ‘It’s not proper for me to profit off of another’s knowledge.’
The reminder of his indiscretion and his desire to share in the glory of the achievement prodded Weneth into acceptance. He smiled broadly.
‘I knew you’d get that one. It toyed with many a boat throughout the week, but I knew you possessed the patience to play it just right.’
I smiled and once again handed the bag of coins toward him. His hands shot up once more pushing them away.
‘I’ll share in the profits, but not take them all. The fish was your catch. You deserve the most. I’ll accept a seventy-thirty split.’
‘I wouldn’t have caught the beast without you. Besides, I wouldn’t even be on the river without the help of you and your brother. Gency deserves a cut as well. Fifty-fifty.’
‘That silly bookworm. He’s taken to reading the night away by candlelight inside that blasted gate. He neither enjoys nor appreciates this beautiful river. He isn’t even sure what your about as you sneak out at night,’ grumbled Weneth.
‘Nevertheless, he is a part of this and deserves a share,’ said I.
‘Sixty-forty,’ frowned the watchman. ‘We’ll take twenty parts each.’
I smiled as a plan formed in my head. I was the heir to the throne of Zodra, a duke of Rindor. My family’s wealth was almost countless. I had no need for the money, nor a want for it. However, this goodhearted man would not accept more than his share. I negotiated the price with Geleg, so only I knew the contents of the purse.
‘Done!’ I exclaimed. ‘I agree to a sixty-forty split. I will deliver your share to you each evening after a sale.’
I quickly counted out some coins and handed them to Weneth. He gaped at the sum as I laid it in his hands. It was more than three months his salary. He thanked me profusely for the coin and I returned to my quarters after first visiting Geleg.
This arrangement lasted for the three summers I visited Rindor in my youth. I daresay it was quite profitable for all concerned. I satisfied a young man’s urge to rebel against my parent’s orders, and satisfied my love of the sport. Weneth and Gency purchased land together South of the city. Their sons and daughters work a profitable ranch the two men purchased with the extra coin they received.
“What plan did you put into play against the watchman?” asked Flair.
Manfir smiled as the group arrived in front of “The Singing Mermaid”. A crudely drawn sign depicted either a mermaid diving beneath the waves of the river or an otter. Kael wasn’t certain. As they dismounted, the prince continued.
As the end of my third summer in Rindor approached, I knew I wouldn’t be returning for a fourth. My education at the Hold was to begin in my fourteenth summer and I would spend the entire year in
Zodra. One evening as I returned across the bridge I smiled and tossed a small sack to Weneth. The watchman’s normal grin was gone.
‘I never need to go into the markets, for I leave all of the supply gathering to my wife,’ said he. ‘I sleep a good portion of the day away in order to be alert in my city’s service.’
‘It’s admirable that she takes the full task upon herself,’ said I in confusion. ‘Why do you tell me this?’
‘My wife is ill,’ he replied.
‘I’m terribly sorry,’ I returned. ‘Is there anything I can do? Is it serious?’
‘It’s but a small thing. However, I needed to make a visit to the markets.’
‘Yes, and ..’ I prodded.
‘I’m not a man of letters, but I’ve a meager understanding of numbers.’
The watchman dumped the contents of the small sack into his hand and slowly counted the coins. When he finished he looked up to the crescent moon floating in the cloudless sky. He calculated figures in his head, abruptly stopped and frowned.
‘I’m quite cross with you,’ he stated. ‘How long has this been going on?’
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ I exclaimed defensively.
‘Well,’ said the watchman. ‘I stopped by the fishmonger’s booth yesterday. I wished to see that Urgron you caught last evening in the light of day. Twas a fine fish.’
‘Yes, it was,’ I returned.
‘Unless I’m mistaken, it seems that master Geleg is selling his fish at a loss to himself,‘ frowned Weneth.
I stood in silence for a moment staring at my feet and fidgeting.
‘Manfir, the backbone of every man is his integrity, his honesty. Knowing you’ve been fair in your dealings allows you to expect fairness in return. We were to split the proceeds sixty-forty.’
‘Ah, but I did!’ I exclaimed smiling. ‘I just never specified who was to get the sixty.’
Weneth furrowed his brow and frowned once more.
‘Are you telling me this entire time you’ve been givin’ me sixty parts of your profit?’ asked Weneth.
‘Per our agreement,’ said I and quickly cut off further protest. ‘Weneth, I’m the heir to the throne of Zodra. I require nothing. What use might I find for this coin? You stand here year after year serving the citadel. You deserve it. Our arrangement will come to an end shortly anyhow. I must leave for Zodra at the end of the week and attend training at the Hold for my next several summers. Please accept that you were misled, but deserve even greater rewards than this.’
‘I proudly do my job for the price agreed upon by the stewards of the city. I never expected more. I can’t repay you. The coin was used to support my family and can’t be retrieved. However, I’ll hold myself indebted to you, my prince,’ said Weneth bowing lightly.
‘I’ll accept that,’ said I smiling.
I reached up and tugged on the chain. The bell sounded and a moment latter the huge gate swung open and I marched into the darkness of the city at night. From behind me in the darkness I heard Weneth softly call out.
‘Take care, my boy. The patience you learned on the river will serve you well on the battlefield.’
I never returned to fish the river.
CHAPTER 23: THE SINGING MERMAID
The group entered the cramped lobby of “The Singing Mermaid”. The horses were tethered to a series of posts set out front. Granu remained with them in the shadows of the street. A small cluttered desk sat unattended near the front door. Past the desk and through the lobby sat the smoke filled common room. A small bar stood on the right side of the room and several rough looking characters leaned against it, chatting to one another over pints of ale. Teeg stepped into the room and all went quiet.
“What can I do fer ya, Master Elf?” asked a rotund, balding man pouring ale from a tapped keg.
Teeg surveyed the room quickly and pointed to a large empty table in the corner.
“That will do nicely. The horses on the street need housing. Seven billets in your establishment are required. I need that table full of whatever hot fare you serve, and an equal measure of ale to go with it,” said Teeg as he produced a small pouch from beneath his belt and threw it to the landlord.
Quick as a cat the landlord’s hands shot out and snatched the bag from the air. He hefted it for a moment then smiled.
“Of course, me lord,” said the man. “Briny! Get out here and set up the corner table.”
A greasy haired young man poked his head through the swinging doors that led into the kitchen. He surveyed the crowd in the common room for a moment then disappeared.
“Send the wash boy to Hentil’s stables and secure a number of their stalls! Tell Hentil the usual deal applies!” bellowed the landlord as he filled mugs retrieved from a wall.
A crash was heard off in the kitchen and Kael imagined several employees scurrying about to fulfill their employer’s wishes.
“Woman! Can you not see we entertain paying customers?” continued the landlord.
Kael followed the man’s gaze to a sultry woman at a far table. The woman smiled and slowly stood. She smoothed her tight dress over her voluptuous body and sauntered forward. Auburn hair cascaded over her exposed shoulders. Kael flushed slightly as the woman brushed past him.
“I don’t think our old friends will mind if we take our time getting the rooms ready. They’re hungry and will spend some time at the table,” purred the woman.
“Eh, old friends?” said the landlord squinting at the group in the darkly lit and smoky common room.
The woman glided past a smiling Ader and slid up tight against Manfir.
“Hello, Rin,” she whispered through pursed lips. “You never said goodbye the last time you were here.”
“Rin?” said the landlord as recognition crept across his face. “And old Jasper too. How fare you?”
“My father never sees past the man with the fattest purse,” said the woman. “Your Elven friend blinded him as soon as he tossed that coin across the bar.”
“Now, now, Lete. There’s no need to be mean. I was looking after the interests of my new customer,” frowned the landlord. “It’s not often that we receive guests of such high station.”
A few of the men at the bar grumbled disapproval.
“Oh, you know what I mean,” growled the landlord to his regular patrons as he rubbed the thumb and index finger of his right hand together.
They laughed and nodded their heads at the gesture. Manfir stood stock-still and rigid as Lete tightly circled and inspected him.
“You look no worse for the wear,” she commented. “A few more scars and a few more lines in the face, but as handsome as ever.”
“Vetic, your daughter has gained weight,” said Manfir softly to the landlord.
Lete stopped in her tracks, and a few men at the bar winced. Vetic looked about the room as if trying to find a means of escape.
“But as in all things,” continued Manfir. “She uses it to enhance her already formidable assets.”
The room remained quiet for a moment. Even the unflappable Teeg looked for a rock to hide under. Lete let out a deep, soulful laugh and stepped away from Manfir. She spun slowly in front of him, throwing her head back in laughter and lifting her arms to the ceiling. The dress remained taught against the curves of her body.
“This is the new version of Lete. More of me to love in all the right places.”
Manfir remained expressionless. His eyes inspected the woman.
“You mean the married version, don’t you?” commented Manfir.
The woman stopped mid spin and the smile fell from her face. Her arms came down and she folded them in front of her bosom.
”Life moves on with or without some people,” she humphed. “You came in through the south gate?”
“The head guard of the south post, your husband Caylit, has an important position,” replied Manfir flatly.
“I suppose,” said Lete as she absentmindedly glanced at her feet and wrapped a finger
around one of her long curls.
“I’m sure the fact that every visitor from the south gets referred to your father’s inn is purely a side benefit of your nuptials?” deadpanned Manfir.
Vetic coughed and dropped one of the mugs he was polishing.
“Hold your tongue!” snapped Lete. “I love Caylit and married him out of love. If you think for one moment I’m ... I’m using that good man..... You’re mistaken! You waltz back in here after two years and... and think you can judge me!... You think you know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet. You ..”
Lete’s arms waved wildly in front of her and she once again advanced on Manfir. The Zodrian prince stood as rigid as before. Lete waggled a finger in his face and her tirade carried on. She smacked Manfir on the chest. The big man wrapped her up in his arms, lifted her from the floor and quickly kissed her.
“Congratulations,” he said dropping the stunned woman back onto her feet.
She stared at him puzzled for a few moments more.
“Wha... what did you do that for?” she asked.
“I congratulated you. Isn’t it customary to kiss the bride after a wedding?” said Manfir.
Lete looked bewildered.
“Why did you walk in here and pick a fight?” she asked cautiously.
“I wanted to know if you truly loved the man. My accusation assures me you do,” smiled Manfir. “You are a tough woman to read, Lete. The same cool exterior no matter what’s going on underneath. The only time I’ve seen a crack in that facade is when you truly care about something. You must love the man deeply to defend him with such passion.”
The barmaid blushed, fidgeted and stared at her shoes.
“I do,” she whispered.
“I wish you great happiness,” Manfir whispered back as he lightly kissed her forehead.
“I will see to your rooms,” said Lete as she smoothed her dress once more and proudly walked to the stairway.
As Lete strode up the stairs, Briny emerged from the kitchen carrying a platter of roasted game hens. A boy followed with a pot full of boiled potatoes. Vetic filled the table with mugs of ale, bread and butter.
The Merchant and the Menace Page 31