Quincy was quiet for a moment; then he resumed walking, gesturing for Tal to accompany him. As they proceeded he said, “Trade with Olasko is…difficult. It’s as if somehow every trading concern in the duchy has…decided to do business the same way.
“They send their agents to Rillanon, Roldem, Bas-Tyra, Ran, down to Kesh, but if I send one of my agents to Opardum, it may as well be for a holiday. For no one will entertain an offer to trade. It’s always their agents, in our cities, on their terms. Take it or leave it.”
“Are they bad trades?”
“No; otherwise, I wouldn’t care. Often they’re very good business. But the essence of commerce is regular trade routes, with goods being dependably provided. It keeps the market alive. This hit or miss…I can’t help but feel that a vast opportunity is going to waste because of these trading concerns.
“I feel if I can get Duke Kaspar’s ear, perhaps convince him to speak to some of the wealthier trading concerns, or even to let me visit his court…if I come from the Duke’s court to the offices of a major trading concern, like Kasana’s or Petrik Brothers, then they would have to take my offers seriously.”
Tal listened and nodded, as if agreeing. To himself he thought, And if you can get your agent up into Opardum, especially if he’s trading with the Duke’s chancellor, then the King of the Isles has a pair of eyes and ears near a troublesome neighbor.
“I’ll see what I can do,” said Tal. “But for the moment, don’t count on anything.”
“Why not?”
“Because the Duke is likely to offer me a place in his court, and I will almost certainly will turn him down.”
“Why in the world would you do that?”
“Because it is not in my nature to wish to serve another,” Tal lied. He knew that before the supper on Fifth-day at Dawson’s, half of Roldem would hear about Kaspar offering a position to Tal that he refused. “And, besides, I have some other prospects that may suit me better.”
“Well, don’t offend him too deeply,” said Quincy dryly.
“I’ll try not to.”
They reached the street on which Tal resided and parted company. Tal went quickly to his quarters, where Pasko and Amafi waited, passing the time with a game of cards.
“Master,” said Pasko, rising as Tal entered.
“Awake me an hour before dawn,” Tal instructed as he crossed to the door of his bedroom. “Dress for a hunt.”
“A hunt?”
“Yes, the Duke of Olasko has invited me out to slaughter some helpless animals, and I will oblige him.” To Amafi he said, “Tomorrow I hunt with the Duke. When I return, we’ll visit several villas and estates nearby. It is then we introduce you to the world as my retainer and bodyguard.”
“Magnificence,” said Amafi.
Pasko said, “Unroll that bedding in the corner. You’ll sleep here.” He indicated to Amafi a place on the floor near Tal’s doorway. “I sleep in the kitchen.”
Then Pasko followed Tal into the bedroom and closed the door. Helping Tal unlace the fancy jacket, he whispered, “All goes well?”
“Well enough,” Tal whispered back. “Knowing Kaspar’s reputation, the animals won’t be as helpless as I indicated. Something nasty like lion or giant boar, I expect.”
“He seems that sort of man,” observed Pasko.
“What do you think of our new friend?”
“He’s a bad cardplayer.”
“Bad player or bad cheat?”
“Both.”
“What else?” asked Tal as Pasko pulled the linen shirt over his head.
“He’s a weapon. Very dangerous, despite his claim to old age. He may be useful if you don’t cut yourself.”
“I take your meaning.”
“I will keep an eye on him for a while,” said Pasko.
“He took oath.”
“That is as it may be,” answered the wily old servant, “but he wouldn’t be the first man to foreswear in history.”
“I made him swear at the Temple of Lims-Kragma.”
Pasko considered as he pulled off Tal’s boots. “Some men are not even cowered by the Goddess of Death.”
“Does he strike you as such?”
“No, but did Nakor strike you as particularly dangerous upon meeting him for the first time?”
“Your point is made. Keep an eye on him for a while.” Tal pulled off his leggings and small clothing and slipped under the quilted comforter on his bed. “Now, get out so I can sleep.”
“Yes, master,” said Pasko as he stepped stealthily through the door.