Well, that answered how my accounts were sitting. I would need to ensure I brought coins north with me for day to day life of paying people. Added to the list. For now, I could shop to my heart’s content. Yet I had to think of a few about things with the animals. Would they help, and could I get them to Fernlan? I had seen some massive warhorses that looked thin. Probably would be amazing but I doubted they could be ferried to Fernlan from griffin. A large list of problems began to spool in my head getting my mind racing. I was losing focus again so I corrected myself.
“Yes, let us continue our walk. We stopped at the runtlets.” I said.
“Well next was the cooler rabin breed with the thin fur instead of skin. Same desired effect. They will trim the fields of weeds and let the good stuff grow. You bought the entire stock earlier today. At the Duke's price, which I never like because it cuts margins too thin. Still a good buy.”
When a salesperson complained. You got a good deal or they were trying to make you believe you did. Seeing as the Count answered to the Duke I figured he was being honest.
“Next is the war horses. Now, these I can sell above the price of the meat. It is a sad time but they eat a lot and rarely get used. The Duke keeps them for the knights to still ride on but it is only a matter of time before they... well... it is most unfortunate. The only way you are getting these north is by riding them. It is a three hour flight to Fernlan. With the roads overgrown, and the way the river bends it is a two day, maybe three day ride in Horde infested wild lands. I doubt you could find any fools brave enough to risk the trip. The meat is tough and sells cheap, regular horses flooded the food market, and these ones would probably fetch a gold each. In their prime, these fine animals of war used to go for hundreds of gold. Only the finest are left, oh well.”
I looked at the mighty animals and wanted to help but I couldn't think of a solution. It was too risky to move them north. We walked to the next pen to find a long necked fluffy bird. “This is a racer bird, called fastlings. They produce little meat, rarely lay eggs, and cost a bunch to maintain. They are an animal for racing in cities larger than here or for a noble to buy his daughter to ride on. Not sure why they were sent this far north but sometimes I take what I can get. Never know who wants an exotic right? Do you?” I shook my head. “Alright next is sheep and goats. You bought all these. Again good prices.
“Right here are the monox. See how this cage has double wiring and three locks on the gate. The little shits are crafty. They used to be sold to nobles for hunting. It made finding deer, boars, and other game a breeze. They were over bred during the war for partnering with scouts. Every adventurer that goes into the wild lands and wants one, has one. The rest sit in pens to one day lose value and become meat. These are like horses. They are very niche and cheap compared to the past. Great, great deal, and as you can see there is what three dozen of them for sale. I guess some breeder from the south figured he could offload his entire stock where people still war with the Horde.”
I watched the monox watch me. They were similar to little monkeys in body shape with expansive coned ears, huge oval eyes, and the snout of a fox. It was apparent I was the absolute worst at detecting my surroundings. I wanted to drool at the thought of having a few of these warning me of danger, or finding easy prey. I took my finger and snapped it loudly, it made Conway jump. The entire cage of creatures glared at me with anger at the sudden, loud noise. There was a definite intelligence. It would take time to train the next generation, but maybe some of these would be useful. I instantly knew I was getting in the monox breeding business. Yet I said nothing and moved on.
“I can see it in your eyes, you liked those monox. I did hear you were one of the brave fools who ventures into the wild lands. If only they had been implemented earlier in the war. It may have changed things. Alright onto our next must get rid of animal. The lowly wolf. These beasts were used in archer lines. Nothing stopped a charging clump of orcs on wargs faster than a female running the other direction while in heat. The pack would almost always follow the bitch. The other thing was the alpha in the archer lines tended to challenge the charging warg alpha. Causing the charge to falter. Simple tricks, like those, and using them as extra guards helped keep the war going. Now... They are pets I guess. Some nobles took them into their homes as guards, but that is rare. I have a hundred of them. Once again over bred for the war efforts, then sent north in the hopes of a sale. If they don't get sold I think the Duke is going to buy them and set them loose into the wild lands. Give them a fighting chance. They make horrid meat and well... The Duke loved having them in his armies. I heard he keeps a few in his room, and he has never been killed so they got to be working. Right! That is exactly why you need some of these. I can even get them under a griffin. Same with the other creatures besides the bison and the war horses. Apply some water magic potion of sleep into their drink and out they go. Cheap stuff too.
“Next is the bison, purely a delicious meat and milk animal. Griffins love them until you ask them to carry one. They flat out refuse, I personally think it is not a weight thing but who knows. And before you go trying to get a deal by asking, I don't truly care, I just accept it.” Conway said.
We moved to the largest pen in the entire barn. The bison were cows, about one and half times the size of cows I was used to. They even were white with black spots. Some things on Vin drove me crazy with the logic. It was my turn to just accept it. Looks like I needed to have a talk with the griffins later. I was pacing thinking on what to do when Una showed up with eight burly men.
“Leave it to a new knight to spend an hour or two picking out his horse. You can't even fly one to Fernlan.” She said with a snicker, the men behind her chuckling. Conway ever the gentlemen removed himself from the situation and began giving orders to prepare my earlier purchases to be moved. He knew I would find him when I was ready.
“Did this new noble hire you?” I asked.
“Yeah, stupid dad, made us take the going Lakeland rate. Not sure who got on his good side or what he has planned. He said it was for some Earl. I would know if some Earl lived in Fernlan, I would have married one of his sons.” More chuckles from the men behind her. “Hey you shits, you know it is true. You are from there Gryff. What Noble from the south has decided to restart the war efforts? Is he old and does he have any sons?”
I knew it was inevitable they would find out. If they were contracted to me, no point in hiding the truth that would come out tomorrow. I handed my document of promotion to Earl to Una. She read it, threw it on the ground, and charged me. I had the reach on her and I knew she was weaponless entering the animal market. I simply stretched my right arm out and let her neck fall into my open hand. I had a solid grasp on her neck. She used both hands trying to break my grip. I lifted her a few feet off the ground. Lazra had a good sense to read the document before interceding. He held the other men back.
Elbows rained down onto my forearm, kicks aimed for my balls. When she turned purple I set her down and let her go. As she gasped for breath I stepped forward and kicked her over. Not too hard, but enough to make my point.
“By the gods Una, if you fucking attack me or mine again you will not live to see another day. I care not that your father is the Duke. If you recall I knocked him on his ass too when he challenged me. You work for me now, respect my strength or fear my wrath.” I scolded her as I hovered above her in a threating posture.
She coughed then got her composure. “You are not drinking potions, I had Lazra watch you, and he signaled you had not. What are you Earl Gryff, a demigod?” Her temper began to get the better of her when she noticeably calmed. “I hereby swear to defend you and yours while under contract to you. In violation of the contract, I signed earlier I will find a way to make it up to you. Hence forth I will also continue to respect my sister’s marriage to you and drop the subject. Dad made me swear to that this morning anyway when he found out you married Bella. What a shitty day. For honor though, what are you?” She
said while she collected herself off the ground.
“The will of the gods is not for you to know all, it is for you to have faith... Or some shit like that. Tell you what. You and your nine men; what is your merchant company called and how much am I paying you?” I asked.
“The Fearless.” They said as one and for the first time I was impressed by the group. They finally did something worthy of a tad bit of respect. Then again maybe not, speaking in unison was a simple task. Una spoke breaking my thought. “Six months at fifteen gold a head. Was the best deal I could get.”
“Perfect name. I tell you what, how does forty five gold a head for six months sound but I am cashing in your favor right now. You see those fancy warhorses over there. You are going to do something fearless and save twenty of them. You will go weaponless, yes weaponless, and ride north with them. An extra thirty gold each for a two day ride. Less if you do not make camp which should be easy with two per rider.” I gave my offer.
Una scoffed. “You want us to ride horses to Fernlan. Weaponless! You are delusional. The Horde is everywhere north of here. Ninety gold a person, assuming you can afford it. Which I doubt you can. We will not go a copper lower. This way you can abandon your stupid notion...”
I cut her off. “Done, ninety a person to move two horses north per person. Count Conway, I see you over there listening. Do you witness the contract?” I asked as I shifted in direction towards him.
“I do, great deal on the horses too. The Duke will be thrilled to hear some will be saved.”
Una grumbled and two men went to leave. She quickly tripped them up, scoffed at them, told them she was telling their wives secrets and then hauled them back into the group muttering but cowed. That woman sure had a way with people.
“We will get your horses to Fernlan, so help the gods if I lose a single man or you refuse to pay I will haunt you for eternity. Let us get out of here and get prepared. Stupid man was supposed to reject my ninety offer.” Una proclaimed and with that, the group left.
I turned to the Count who had paperwork for me. The horses were a gold each but assured me they would be free. The former knights and nobles they belonged to were not short on money to see them go to a good home. He pestered me with how I would feed them but I told him I had a plan. That he was always welcome to visit them on the frontier, as were the former owners. Visitors were always a good thing. Maybe get Melina some business at the Inn. We haggled over the monox, but I got a fair deal on them. I added a dozen of the tamed wolves. They were big dogs and the idea of a few on the manor, and a few for hunting sold me on them. The runtlets cost more than everything else combined, by a lot. I ended up spending forty gold for the whole breeding stock of monox, and twelve gold for the wolves. It was a hundred and twenty gold for the stupid little pigs. I was bitter but I got over it. They would breed quickly and help with garbage food, not that much of that existed with a starving population.
We shook hands and I bid Count Conway goodbye. My trip shopping today had proved eventful and satisfying. Now I need to head to the roost and ask the griffins about moving some bison. The sun was nearing dinner time when I safely made it through the slums and into the proper city again. I was excited for this day to be over, get a good night’s rest, and get home.
CHAPTER 8
“Lord Gryff! Did Lydia tell you, she thinks the cubs will come any day now?! I am so excited. She also mentioned your promotion, congratulations.” Lirkon said from behind the roost wall. It was less of a wall and more of a fence with spaced horizontal planks.
I viewed the inside of the roost to see the former Cern group of griffins on the field. I noticed they all had riding harnesses on. There was a thick leather that covered most of their backs, giving room for the wings. It contoured down the sides of the body around the chest of the griffin. Below the chest, there were large anchor points to balance weight. Somehow I had thought they would talon carry everything for hours. This made more sense.
All across the back wall of the staging area were supplies stacked high. I saw Bella and a team of servants stacking her stuff. There was Zack and his cart being guided to a spot for unloading. His cart was closed up and a large bag on his back. An all female crew of griffin handlers were working on getting the next load ready for flight. I saw sacks big enough to hold a man being filled. Besides those were square pads being loaded then weight balanced. I noticed more commotion as the refugees from Fernlan unloaded in the middle of the field.
“Greeting Lirkon and pride. I am excited too, interesting times for Fernlan. Thank you all for bringing the refugees. I know there is going to be a lot of flying to shuttle supplies and personnel. I see you went to Cern for your harnesses. I promise the rest of the war boar to all you fine griffins.”
“We want some too!” Lord Nova said with desire. Damn, griffins loved war boar.
“Yes, two of our pride decided it was safe enough to stay and help scout for the new leader there. They are working with the hunting parties today in an effort to meet the quota. We got our harnesses because eventually our talons cramp and we drop things. In advance, I must warn you. Today was when we planned on getting most of the trees removed. Lydia arrived and said there was too much work here for Lord Nova alone. So here we are, if you will excuse me, I need to get our cargo unloaded and some water.” Lirkon said. The griffin lifted up into the air with mighty jump and burst of his wings.
People flooded by me as I walked past the gate into the roost. Lyna and her two daughters passed. I got a defiant stare but she kept moving. Right inside the gate, I saw Melina and Micka asking where I could be found. I was surprised the Inn owner was here in Lakeland. I gave a clap of my hands to alert them I was behind them.
Melina handed me paperwork. “That Velia got the better of me. Did you know she could bargain better than most? I did, and I still made a deal with her. Here is the title to the Inn. I always told myself I would die in it. Yet, I heard I could escape the starvation and dirt. Someone had struck a deal for refugees to be allowed south. Six months ago, seven hells... two months ago we would have been turned away. I am thrilled to be in civilization again. You owe me fifty six gold. That includes the supplies I ordered which I don't need and you will.”
I jumped with a fist pump. “Yes! I get a room. I mean I would have eventually but I got a bed last night and I never want to go back to sleeping on dirt. I will happily settle the debt. Bella!” I hollered to my wife. She was flustered, messy, and looked tired.
“Moving sucks, I never want to go through this ordeal again. Ugh, I have acquired so much and I have no idea what I will need so I brought it all. What can I help you with?” Bella said.
“I figured you were going back to the palace. Here is a hundred gold marker. Give Melina, this lady here.” I said and gestured toward the old lady. “She is owed fifty six gold coins, pay her sixty please it would make us both happier. Melina could you wait over there while I discuss something between Bella and Micka. She will be over there shortly Melina.”
Melina went over to an area away from us with a smile.
“Bella this is Micka, Micka, Bella. This is Donnie's mom, and without Donnie, I wouldn't be in the position I am in. Take her with you and give her ten gold. Take the rest of the marker and break it into mainly silver and copper for Fernlan. Here is another hundred marker, we should turn this into gold coins.
“Micka, I promise to look after Donnie, I plan on making him my official squire. One day he will be a knight. When things stabilize in Fernlan we will send word for you to visit. Maybe even return to work. I understand wanting to get out for now.”
Micka looked at me with sad eyes. “Yes my lord. I thank you for the gold, and for helping Donnie transition into becoming a man.” She said then walked over to Melina.
“History?” Bella asked. I shook my head no. There really was nothing there. “I will get these ladies their due and then convert some coin for Fernlan. See you this evening my lord. I am almost done packing but
running out of time. I have to prepare for our wedding ball tonight. Try to look dashing my husband.”
I watched the three women walk toward the palace and grinned. I got the Inn. I was so, so, happy about that. It didn't solve all our housing issues. We were gaining more workers than we were losing villagers. I would have to order Elan to open up the town center for sleeping. I was curious about how he would handle me being his new lord. I knew I had enough on my plate that I needed him there to help run things. I hoped I could find a way to have a smooth transition.
“Lord Nova, why do griffins refuse to fly bison? The females produce milk, the meat is delicious, and I would like to have some in Fernlan.”
“Earl Gryff, there is at least five flights of goods, tools, and personnel remaining. That is with the pride that recently arrived to help. We have enough to move without you adding more, please. We refuse to fly bison because they are near our weight capacity. We can haul them, but at a great risk. It is not worth it. Before we could have done so for a favor to you. But if we sprain a wing or tear a muscle there is nowhere we can land safely. It is beyond risky.” Lord Nova was animated as he said this, he raised a mighty paw and pointed at certain areas on his body to emphasize his point. “I recommend using a boat, ten water mages and go against the current. Or take them on the ground. We have seen caravans leave from here, go south and return.”
“That is a good idea, the second one. I have some adventurers called 'The Fearless' moving horses north. If they are successful maybe I can use them to move a herd of bison. Probably charge me all the golds in the empire though. Alright thanks for the explanation, and I would never endanger you or any of the pride for something as trivial as milk. I could always have them hosted here and ship meat and milk to Fernlan or trade for it. Sorry thinking out loud.” I tended to zone out when I processed logistics.
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