“. . . collateral. Prepare a list of your holdings and return here on the due date, and we’ll work something out. Can’t have your family out on the streets now, can we?” said Roo pointedly to Meaks.
The two men left and Roo began dealing with the men who were coming in before the due date to plead for more time because there was no grain to buy. He noticed the notes Masterson had set aside for him to peruse, and made a mental list of the names on them. Not one of those men came to see him.
At the end of the day, Roo and his three partners, along with Sebastian Lender, sat down. Roo said, “Gentlemen, I propose we form a standing company.”
Crowley said, “Say on.”
“We have, according to Jerome, managed to achieve the single most stunning manipulation of any market in the Western Realm in the history of Barret’s.”
Lender said, “I think that is a safe assessment.”
Jerome said, “Well, none of us would have expected it to turn out the way it had.”
Roo said, “My point is that we’ve done as well as we did because you gentlemen were steadfast. Lesser men would have broken and run.”
Crowley looked unconvinced, but Hume appeared pleased at the remark.
“I was a soldier for two terrible years,” said Roo, “and I understand the incalculable benefit of having men at your back you can trust.” He looked from face to face. “I trust you four men.”
Crowley looked genuinely moved at that.
Roo said, “I propose we keep our newfound wealth pooled, and form a new company, one as diverse and widespread as any seen before.” In his mind he knew he was proposing the formation, overnight, of a company to rival Jacob Estherbrook’s far-flung holdings.
Crowley said, “And you will preside over that company?” There was a note of suspicion in his voice.
“No,” said Roo. “I’m still new at this, and while I think I have a knack for this sort of business, I also know that we got lucky.” He started to laugh. “I doubt anyone will sell a grain contract in the Kingdom for a long time without having purchased the grain in advance.”
The others laughed in return.
“No,” said Roo, “I was thinking you should preside, Brandon.” It was the first time he had used Crowley’s first name.
“Me?” asked Crowley, obviously surprised.
“Well,” said Roo, turning to Jerome, “Mr. Masterson and I have, shall we say, less than pristine histories.” Masterson laughed at that. “And while I respect Mr. Hume, it seems to me you’re the senior member here. Your age and experience would serve us well. I propose that you preside, and Mr. Hume could act as the company’s second officer. I will be content to be but one of four partners. I will conduct a fair bit of business on my own, outside the company. Running Avery and Sons will take some of my time. And I expect we’ll all have undertakings we will wish to pursue outside the company. But we’re about to be confronted with many, many men who will not be able to meet the notes they sold us.” He outlined his discussion with Masterson and his offer to Meaks and Meany. “We could end up with shared interests in dozens of businesses scattered around the Bitter Sea. For that reason, gentlemen,” he said to them all, “I propose that this day we found the Bitter Sea Trading and Holding Company.”
Masterson slammed his hand down on the table. “Damn me if you’re not a shooting star, Roo Avery! I’ll ride with you.”
Hume spoke next. “I will join with you; yes, I will.”
After a moment Brandon Crowley said, “Presiding Officer?” He nodded. “Very well, I will join with you also.”
Roo said, “Mr. Lender, would you be so kind as to execute an agreement to this effect?”
“I would be pleased, Mr. Avery.”
Masterson rubbed his hands together. “I think, gentlemen, it is time for a drink.” He turned his head and shouted to a nearby waiter to bring his private brandy and five glasses.
When the drinks were poured and each man held one, Masterson said, “To Mr. Rupert Avery, without whose tenacity and conviction not only would we not soon be very wealthy men, we’d probably be begging in the street.”
Roo said, “No. Please. Each of us here is due some credit. I would rather we toast”—he held up his glass—“the Bitter Sea Trading and Holding Company!”
Each man in turn said the name of the new company, and as one, they drank a toast.
15
Consolidation
The inn was crowded.
In a dark corner five men sat, keeping their voices low despite the din of the common room. One nearly spat as he spoke, so intense was his anger. “The bloody bastard strangled the market and we’re going to be ruined. You said this was going to be easy pickings. I took multiple positions in three different syndicates, all secured with the same collateral! If I default on more than one of them, I will have to flee Krondor or go to prison! You said there would be no trouble!” He pointed an accusing finger at the man across the table from him.