CHAPTER 16 Spies Merchandise.
BRETVER 32ND YEAR 548 ASMERIAN CALENDAR
Jackson was in the central plaza of Greendale, Mister Miller had asked him to meet with him about a job the day prior and Jackson was fairly excited to see what was in store for him. Miller refused to answer him about the details of the job or what even he would be doing other than it was safe. As Jackson sat on the fountain he saw several guards posting flyers of propaganda. He couldn't read them because of far away he was. A guardsman passed by Jackson and Jackson reached out to him. "Hello sir, may I have one of those. I saw the royal seal on the parchment." Jackson asked.
"Of course kid, the King has just established a new government. Please pass the word to your friends and family." The guardsman said as he handed Jackson the flyer.
"I will, thank you, sir," Jackson said as he looked down at the flyer.
The flyer read;
To the citizens of Asmeria, I King, Xavier Asmeria, ruler of Asmeria, and Commander of the Asmerian Military herein do by commit to the restructure of the Asmerian government and do subject all person's inside of the Asmerian territory to this new government. As most may well know, there was a plot to turn over our lands to other countries and destroy our great nation as we know it today. I was able to stop this horrid plot and return the Capital to order. Much must be done in order to keep our lands. The Senate who tried to sell you as slaves also let out castles and fortresses fall into disrepair and left them to be garrisoned. Under my rule as monarch of Asmeria, the first since my grandfather, I will enforce the law to the best of my ability and keep this country out of the reach of our foes and those who would otherwise seek to destroy it. As a symbol of our new Kingdom, I shall rename the great city of Asmeria to King's Helm. In doing so I reaffirm the crown's commitment to the protection of our lands, homes, peoples, and our very way of life. I hope that this travesty shall soon pass with the death of all those who would betray our Kingdom.
Signed, King Xavier Asmeria, King of Asmeria, and lord of the land.
Jackson read the letter in a secret disgust, he could never forgive the House of Asmeria for what it did to the House of Scottkey. The Scottkey's were the most faithful of the founding Houses of Asmeria. To be declared traitor's during the civil war was an insult far graver than any that Jackson could think of.
"What do we have here kid?" Miller asked as he leaned over Jackson's shoulder.
"Mister Miller?" He asked surprised as he looked back he saw Miler wearing a dark leather jacket and brown pants.
"Aye, I'll be taking this." He said as he snatched the flyer out of Jackson's hands. "Huh, just a load of propaganda bullshite. You buy into any of this lad?"
"No, not even a bit."
"That's good to hear, now I'm sure you weren't just here just to enjoy the view were ya?"
"No sir, you said that you had a job for me today."
"Aye, it's not going to be hard but it is rather important to me and I want you to do it." Miller said as he took a seat. "I'm headin up to Gregoria for about a month and I need to gather some supplies and do a few jobs before I leave next month. Now, the jobs I have to do are pretty dangerous and I can't have a good state of mind if I have to bring Ruby with me everywhere." Miller said as Jackson looked behind him Ruby was standing on the other side of the fountain waiting for Miller to call her over.
"So, what would you have me do?"
"I would have you watch her while I'm working, I'll be going south for a job here in two days and I won't be back for a week or so. Your father will also be coming with me but I wanted to tell you instead lad." Miller said as he waved to Ruby. Ruby came around and greeted Jackson. "It's nice to meet you again Jackson." She said. "I'll be under your care."
"Likewise Ruby, so, Mister Miller, will I be watching her today?"
"Yes, just show her around town, I've not taken her too many places in Greendale yet. I'm sure that it would be pretty enjoyable as well."
"Well Ruby, what would you like to do?"
"I um, I don't really know what there is to do, I'm sorry."
"Come on now lass, what'd I say about sayin sorry all the time," Miller said as he pulled her close. "Now, I've got to be going now, you listen to everything the kid says now, ya hear."
"Yes, Mister Miller," Ruby said. "How long will you be gone for?"
"Most of the day, I'll come for you tonight, I promise," Miller said as he turned away. "Kid, take care of her, you'll be in charge of her a lot for the next few weeks," Miller said as he disappeared into the crowd.
There were supposed to be several lords, newly appointed by the King, meeting in Greendale today. Connor was invited to the meeting as he was one of the wealthiest men in Greendale. Miller was asked by Connor to meet him at the back of Black's Tavern for something important. Miller turned into the alleyway and saw Connor sitting on a barrel eating a green apple. "Ah." Connor paused as he swallowed. "I'm glad to see that you've come, Miller."
"Yeah, not like I've much choice since you know what I'm doin here in Greendale."
"Oh please, I sell all sorts of goods but I'd never sell a friend," Connor said as he stood up. "Now, let's talk, as I've told you, I'm going to be attending the meeting held by Lord Daniels for funds for the castle and who should supply the project. I plan full well on being the sole provider for that damn castle and there's a law that can make that happen."
"So what do you need me for, you sound like you've got everything sorted out already," Miller said as he crossed his arms. "I may be a spy but I don't like sticking my head out for no reason Connor." He said quietly.
"Well, you haven't heard the rest. I'm talking about the first contract law."
"What's that?"
"A fairly unknown law nowadays I assume. It was a law made by King Zander Asmeria to provide the nobility a way to control or deal with merchants of their choice. The wealthiest merchant gets the first contract and can then decide which services to best use. Nobody does it anymore because it requires the seal of a nobleman and it hasn't been used since the civil war."
"Again, I don't see where I fit into this Connor."
"Well, I said the wealthiest merchant right?"
"Aye, that would be you right?"
"No, unfortunately, I'm not, Mister Thompson, the owner of the horse track and the Thompsons Horse Stables is the wealthiest man in all of the town and I want to dethrone him in one fell swoop today. That's where you come in Miller. I need you to keep him from getting to the meeting by any means."
"Any means huh, would that include cutting his throat?"
"Whatever you have to do to keep him from that meeting, I wouldn't go as far as killing him, however."
"You worry about getting that contract, I'll worry about making sure he doesn't. Where is he at right now Connor?"
"He's just behind me," Connor said as he leaned back against Black's Tavern.
"Well, at least I don't have far to walk." Miller laughed. "Now, I'll try to not kill him at first but if it comes down to it, Greendale could use one less person loyal to the King."
"I agree but if we kill everyone who was loyal to the King I'd go out of business for lack of customers. Now, I've got thirty minutes until this meeting. You'll most likely have to keep him under wraps for over an hour or two.
"I've got just the Idea that could help with that. But what happens if let's say I don't kill him and you have the contract. Will he not be able to challenge that contract since he's the wealthiest man in town?"
"Well, only if Lord Daniels breaks his seal which would dishonor his name," Connor said as he turned and walked away. "I leave the rest to you, good luck."
Miller looked around the alley and saw a large barrel, probably filled with ale, next to a small window that was high in the wall. Miller walked over to the barrel and stood on top of it as he glared into the window. He saw many men gathering in the far side of the room drinking and celebrating something. At the bar were five men, four of whom were younger and the final man was quite old and wearing rags as he looked to be a drunken beggar. Miller saw an older gentleman waving around gold and silver and buying drinks by the dozen for the men celebrating. Miller was sure that man was Mister Thompson.
Miller got down from the barrel and decided to make his way inside. There was a trick that Gregorian's used to prank people into staying out later than they were supposed to, it was mainly used by children. Its concept was simple, to turn back time by an hour or two and make the other believe it was actually earlier than it was.
Miller walked into the Tavern and took a seat in the corner, a young waitress made her way to him as soon as she saw him take a seat. "Hello, sir and welcome to the Black's Tavern, are you looking for lodging or a bite to eat?" She asked with a smile on her face. She was a younger girl no more than eighteen years old and had blond hair and green eyes. Her waitress outfit was provocative to say the least, her skirt stopping halfway to her knees. "Do ya have any Luccian drinks, I've just come from our great empire and I'm rather parched miss."
"Yes, we actually sell Luccian beer's made in the city of Port Fressia and it is one of our best selling drinks."
"Oh is it? That's good to hear, miss, I'll take one."
"Thank you sir, is that all sir? We've just got some fresh Varin meat and I know how big of a delicacy it is in the Luccian Empire."
"No, no thank you miss. I'm not hungry as of now." He responded with a cold tone as he leaned forward in his seat.
"Sorry sir, I meant no offense." The girl said as she bowed her head.
"And none was taken, it's just that I've been offered so much food since I've arrived in this town it became an annoyance." He bluffed.
"I understand sir, those street vendors can be annoying at times. They normally don't leave you alone unless you're another merchant or tradesman." The girl said as she turned to the kitchen.
Miller looked around and saw that there was only one clock in the corner of the room. However, the scheme wouldn't work if Mister Thompson had a hand watch with him. Miller stood up and walked over to the clock and without hesitating or acting as if he wasn't supposed to be there, he turned the hour hand of the clock back by two hours, walked back to his seat, and sat down. No one noticed him nor did anyone seem to care. The only thing left to do is see if Mister Thompson had a watch on his person or not.
Miller waited for his drink and watched as Thompson checked the clock in the corner every few minutes. His drink came and Miller, who hated Luccian brews, drank it as if he were a Luccian. It was a dark brewed beer and it tasted as if someone ran dirty water through a soldier's boot. Mister Thompson kept drinking and celebrating with the men around him. He showed no sign of stopping anytime soon. Miller paid for his drink and walked outside and waited for Thompson to exit. If he left too soon Miller would ask him to help him with something in the alleyway and spill his guts before making an escape.
He waited and waited for Thompson to come out but he never did. A woman ran outside screaming for the guard. Several guardsmen came to assist the woman. They then entered the Black's Tavern and dragged out a Varin slave who had been caught sneaking into the Tavern. The owner of the slave drew an arming sword and stabbed him through the chest killing him. Miller watched as they dragged the corpse of the man away to a fireplace and threw him inside of it.
Miller stayed for only a moment longer as it had been two hours since he had entered Black's Tavern. Just as he started off he saw a distraught Thompson burst through the doors of the Tavern, berating the men accompanying him. "You stupid fucking fools, I might have just lost the largest profits of the year because I took your offer to celebrate!" He snapped. "You're all out of a job now you fools!"
Miller walked away towards the great hall, Mister Thompson was also making his way to the great hall with haste. He kept pace with Mister Thompson but as they crested the hill before the great hall he saw Connor. He had with him a book and a rolled piece of parchment. Connor paid no mind to Thompson as he rushed past him. Miller grabbed Connor by the arm and pulled him into the alley close by. "What are you.. oh god, Miller I thought it was someone else."
"Aye, so, did you get it?"
"Of course I did, I'm a Scottkey for fucks sake." Connor said with glee. "Look, I did you one better Miller, I've managed the entire ledger for the supplies needed for the castle and managed to coerce the other merchants to act as subordinates to my company. Since I have the first contract I can make the other merchant's fight for who gets to supply the castle."
"So, you've made it to where ya control who can do business?"
"Yes, in a sense, I get to decide who can profit off of the castle and who cannot. Mister Thompson, if he's still alive, will be under my heel because I could out sours the beasts of labor to any other stable that would contribute horses or oxen."
"Well, I didn't cut his throat so he's making his way into the great hall now." Miller said as he sat down on a crate in the alley. "How do you think he'll respond?"
"One of two ways, either through a clean-cut business transaction or violence. For him, I don't necessarily take him for the violent type but you can never say for sure Miller. But I'd rather talk about other business now."
"Like what Connor?"
"Have you been able to send word to your accomplice in Gregoria about the deal I made you?"
"Nay, he's on a mission for the Prime Minister now. He should be done by tomorrow and my courier will return with him once he's finished. Now, have you thought about what you're going to do with your son?"
Connor turned away and stared at his feet. "I decided that I'm going to retract my statements from the other day. He's young and needs to make such decisions for himself. I just hope that he doesn't fall prey to the King's propaganda or promises or security."
"I understand my friend, if it helps you any, when we were at the race track he seemed appalled by the news of the King retaking the throne."
"That's good to hear, I know I've taught him the kings only lead to tyranny and I can only hope that my brother has done the same."
"Well then, go ask him if he has any loyalty to the crown."
"What? You can't be serious." Connor turned back to face Miller.
"Sure, why not? He's a good lad and I doubt he does after what my girl told me."
"Your girl? Ruby, the Varin?" Connor asked, confused.
"Aye, I've started to see her as a daughter, which is why I'll be traveling to Gregoria to make that decision with my wife."
"I didn't know that you were married."
"There's a lot that ya don't know about me and that I don't know about you. All that I know is that I can trust ya and that your son is a good kid whose friendship I enjoy. It's not like I've known ya for years upon years Connor."
"I agree, this entire situation has been moving very fast and there's been little time for such conversations."
"Still, if I can protect Gregoria from a possible vengeful tyrant, then I will."
"I couldn't agree more, Miller. Now, do you know where my son is?"
"Aye, he's watching Ruby right now and I'll give him some coin for his effort. Besides, he doesn't even have to do any work related to what we're doing. He can just watch Ruby for all I care." Miller said as he walked out of the alleyway.
It didn't take long for them to find Jackson and Ruby, it only took thirty minutes to be exact. They were looking at a toymakers shop. Ruby had a stuffed bear in her arms and she was tightly clutching it. Jackson was bouncing from store to store trying to find one that allowed Varins to enter. He ran from store to store as Miller and Connor watched from on top the hill.
"You have a kind son whose heart is in the right place. You should be proud of that Connor." Miller said as he saw Jackson get thrown out of the third shop.
"Yeah, I don't get to have credit for that. It's my wife's strict teachings and mentoring that paved the path my son is on."
"Still, I know from personal experience that young boys look up to their father's just as the sword looks up to the whetstone. For the sword knows that it could not keep its shape if not for the grinding and roughness of the whetstone."
Connor was taken aback by Miller's poetic words and found himself with a smile that wouldn't go away as his son kept on trying to care for Ruby. Miller started down the hill and Connor followed. Miller caught up to Jackson as he stepped outside of yet another shop that didn't allow Varins to enter. "Hey kid, what are you up to?" He asked.
"Oh, Mister Miller, you're back already?"
"Aye, and your father is with me as well." He said as he pointed back to Connor who was sidetracked by an item at a vendor's stand. "So, how was it?"
"Watching Ruby you mean?"
"Aye, she was well behaved right?"
"Yes sir, she couldn't have been better." As Jackson finished Ruby ran up behind Miller and hugged him tightly.
"Hello Mister Miller, Jackson and me did so many wonderful things. Can he watch me again, please?" She asked.
"Aye, he can watch ya again and as a matter of fact that's what he'll be doing for almost every day until we leave."
"Really, almost every day?" Ruby exclaimed as her tail began to wag with excitement.
"Now, kid, how much do I owe ya for watching her?" Miller said as he pulled a few coins from his pocket. "Would an Asmerian Silver do?��
"You don't have to pay me, Mister Miller. I enjoyed watching her."
"I insist, at least let me cover the cost of the bear."
"Sir, I bought that bear for her with my own coin. You don't need to pay me back for it."
"Ha, this is why I can't let you be a merchant, son. Your honor gets in the way of coin and profits." Connor said as he finally came up behind Miller.
"Father, where were you at?"
"Oh, I was just over there looking at something, I actually just arrived with Miller, he and I are going to become business partners." said Connor. "So, all the more reason for you two to watch each other and honestly, just enjoy each other's company."
"Thank you father, could I take Ruby to our store. There was something that I wanted to buy her but all of the store owners have kicked both of us out."
"Sure, I need to head home though, your mother is going to be upset if I take too much longer."
"Why would she be upset with your father?"
"No reason son, just enjoy your time with Ruby and Miller." Connor said as he started walking off.
"Wait for a second Connor, I have to get back home now. The lad will have to walk her back to my home and it's gotten late."
"Then she could always stay over at my house Miller."
"It's fine Mister Miller, I'll go home with you." said Ruby. "Goodbye Jackson, I'll see you later."
"Bye Ruby," Jackson said as he started after his father. "Wait for me father!"