Jacoby turned to look at Roo. “Avery,” he said calmly, “I don’t know how you managed this, but I smell something here that stinks like week-dead cats. And when I find out what it is you did, and how you did it, we’ll have a score to settle.”
Roo rose slowly, so that a fight wouldn’t erupt in the balcony at Barret’s. He came around the table and looked at his taller foe. “I told you once before, when I took your knife out of your hand, that you weren’t the first enemy I’ve made. But you went too far when you punished an old man because you were angry with me, Jacoby. If you’re ready to die, we can step into the street right now.”
Jacoby blinked and his jaw tightened, but he did nothing for a moment; then he turned and stalked off, pushing past others come to settle their debts with the Krondor Grain Traders Association.
Roo returned to his chair and Masterson said, “Selling him our grain so that he could meet his contract may have made us a bit more gold, Roo, but we all might have slept better if we had put Jacoby and Sons out of business outright.”
“If we had done that, we’d be spilling blood right now.” Looking at Masterson, he added, “I’ve seen the inside of the death cell; I have no desire ever to see it again.” Then he smiled. “Can you imagine Jacoby’s reaction when he discovers that we were the ones selling him grain so he could deliver it back to us? At a loss?”
Masterson nodded with a smile. “He might burst at that discovery.”
More men came, some with the grain, now being delivered for a fraction of the price it was commanding on the open market. The others came to plead for time or to offer compromise offers.
As they had agreed to do, the partners heard every offer of compromise, and in most instances took part or all of a company in settlement. By the end of the day the Bitter Sea Trading and Holding Company controlled a pair of mills, sixteen ships, a half-dozen shops in the city, and other holdings as far away as the cities of Ylith, Carse, and Malac’s Cross.
As day came to an end, Roo rubbed his hand over his face. “How have we done?”
Masterson looked at Lender, who consulted with a scribe employed to keep accounts. “In the last four days, you’ve captured assets that are, conservatively, worth in excess of one million four hundred thousand golden sovereigns, gentlemen. I would set the Bitter Sea Trading and Holding Company’s current net worth in excess of two million gold. When we deliver the grain we’re shipping ourselves to Bordon and Port Natal, that will rise to something in excess of three million gold.”
Roo couldn’t help but grin despite his bone-numbing fatigue. “Damn me,” he said quietly.
“When’s the party?” said Masterson.
“What?” asked Roo.
“It’s traditional around here for the newest member of a syndicate to host a party for his partners and those doing business with him. Given you’re presently doing business with just about every trading concern in the Kingdom and half of those in Kesh and Queg, I hope you have a large house.”
“A party?” said Roo. Then he thought of the house across the street. “Soon, I think.”
He turned and leaned across to whisper to Lender. “Can you find out who holds title to that house across the street and how much they require to purchase it?”
Lender rose. “I’ll find out at once.”
Roo also stood. “I must for home, gentlemen. My wife has seen less of me since we started this mess than you four have, by half. I must reacquaint myself with her and my daughter.”
He left word at the door that should anyone need to reach him they could do so at the office of Avery and Sons. Then he walked home.
Karli looked up as Roo entered the dining room. He smiled and said, “I have something to tell you.”
The baby rested in Karli’s arms as she nursed. Karli said, “Yes?”
Roo pulled out a chair and sat down. Putting his arm around his wife’s shoulders he said, “You are married to one of the richest men in the Kingdom.” He couldn’t repress a giggle.
Karli pulled back. “Are you drunk?”
Roo looked injured. “Woman! I am not drunk.” He stood. “What I am is very tired and very hungry. I’m going to take a bath, and if you would tell Rendel, I would like supper as soon as she can manage.”
Karli said, “Don’t you want to say hello to your daughter?” Roo looked confused. “She’s a baby! How is she going to know if I say hello or not?”
Karli looked stricken. “She needs to know her father, Roo.” She held up the baby and put her over her shoulder. “She smiled at me today.”
Roo shook his head. “I don’t know what it is you’re talking about. I need a bath.” As he began to leave the room, he said, “Did I tell you I plan on buying a new house?”