B3 Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

“I agree.”

Master Saltner leaned into his chair, seemingly taken aback by Lucan’s response. It only took him a moment to recover, however, quickly putting on a wide smile. “Stupendous! Then may we begin planning this joyous affair?”

It was Thomas who answered him. “Before that, there are matters to be discussed, Master Saltner, yes? Particularly, the duties of the two families towards the pair.”

The merchant frowned. “I thought we had discussed these matters already. I have spoken with Sir Golan about them at length before the betrothal was affirmed.”

Thomas wore a smile of his own now, slightly insidious. “That was indeed so, but at the time, you were marrying into a knightly estate, Master Saltner. Surely, you don’t expect to bear the same duties now that the groom is a lord.” Lucan didn’t speak for now. He had wanted to make the affair as smooth and straightforward as it could be, but Thomas and his father had both affirmed that some things needed to change based on the circumstances and their station. It was already quite fortunate for Maris Saltner that he would be tied to a lord’s house instead of a knight’s. His wager had borne fruit faster than the merchant had likely expected.

Master Saltner shrugged. “I had thought that Sir Golan’s word was as set as carving on stone.”

That was a provocation, and Lucan chose to abandon his silence there. “My father negotiated with you to wed Lilian to a knight’s heir, not even a knight. Father’s word is inviolable, but circumstances have changed, and now I am lord.” He’d wanted to add that they could arrange for the merchant’s family to be bound to a knight instead if he was so desperate to stay true to that agreement, but he worried that it would insult Lilian if word of what he said reached her. And that, he could not suffer.

“Of course, I do not question Sir Golan’s word, but I had thought matters were set. But this old man can err.” Master Saltner gave them a placating smile. “What would you say ought to be changed? Perhaps we can reach a swift agreement. Your betrothal has been smooth as silk, if I might say, and I am certain we can see this matter resolved.”

Thomas was back to being the negotiating party once more. “The dowry’s amount ought to be remedied, considering the changed stature of this marriage.”

“I had agreed on five hundred gold with Sir Golan,” Master Saltner said. “Is that not enough to replenish your coffers?”

Lucan was the one to shake his head this time. “It is not a negligible amount, Master Saltner, but it is no longer a significant one for us.”

Thomas nodded. “Even the dowries of some noble ladies of the realm are higher when they’re being wed to a lord, let alone if they were not of noble birth.”

“I had intended to gift them both a house in the capital.” The merchant smiled ruefully. “But as you well know, that is no longer within reach.” He affected a melancholy countenance. “I have lost much in this rather filthy affair, you can imagine. Only the safeguards I had in place have protected me from complete ruin.”

“Of course, we understand that this royal affair has not come without a cost for you, Master Saltner,” Lucan said softly. “We only ask for the reasonable.”

“Indeed,” Thomas said. “Of course, Master Saltner must have the means to present more. One would err to imagine less from a man such as yourself, yes?”

Master Saltner sighed. “I suppose I could procure some excess of what was planned, but I hope that you will not overburden this humble man.”

“We don’t ask for much,” Thomas said. “Two thousand gold.”

There was a brief silence before Lucan quickly added, “And your willingness to aid in a few matters.” He hadn’t forgotten the promises he’d made at the assembly.

That didn’t seem to make the man more talkative, something seemingly stuck in his throat. After a moment and a gulp, he leaned forward with a red face and spoke, his eyes shifting between Lucan and his steward. “Two thousand? You must take me for a gold mine, not a man of trade.” He shook his head vehemently. “I have not yet discovered a tree that bears me gold, Masters. Forgive me, that is too much.”

“It is not,” Thomas deadpanned, his sharp eyes on the merchant. “It is rather scant for disparity in statures here, I might say.”

Master Saltner shook his head in disbelief. “That is…” He sighed. “I am not certain I could even procure so much coin now.”

“It doesn’t all have to spawn on the estate’s footstep within the day, Master Saltner, “ Thomas said. “Lord Zesh is patient.”

With another frown, Master Saltner fell into silence. After a few moments, he leaned over the side of his chair, whispering something to his son, who whispered something back with vigor. After a back and forth that lasted long enough to test Lucan’s patience, the merchant sat back in his chair properly. “We agree, but we have some demands.”

Lucan cocked his head sharply. “Demands?”

Master Saltner gave him an assuaging smile. “This is not a small amount, Son, and with all that is transpiring in the realm, we must make the best of our union here. Your estate and my mercantile net can benefit each other plenty. But for that, you would need to provide me certain liberties.”

“What liberties would those be?”

It was Bartram who leaned forward to answer him, nudged by his father, perhaps in an effort to teach his son as Lucan had been taught at times. “Storehousing privileges for our caravans, better stands and a lax hand with stall tolls for our men in the market, rights to buy salt and silver before any other so long as we have the coin, the sole right to buy goods in your name should you need them. And we hear that Master Sawyer has built a Merchants' House in the town, near the open market. If that is the truth, then you will need someone to arrange its affairs, and it would preferably be a merchant if you wish to keep the guise of free trade. We would claim such a responsibility as well.”

Lucan sat still in his chair, his features unflinching, even through the incredulous demands. He glanced between Master Saltner and his son. “So you had already prepared these demands, eh?”

Master Saltner gave him an apologetic smile. “You misunderstand, Lord Lucan. You are to be my lawson, and well, certain privileges would have been expected between family regardless.”

Lucan spared a tilt of his head to acknowledge that, then huffed. “Stores for my lawfather are only proper. You can use the estate’s storehouses. Thomas can arrange for market privileges for your men’s stalls, as long as what they ask for is reasonable. Stall tolls will not be waived, for they are the estate’s dues, and undercutting them is undercutting me. The sole rights for salt and silver are not a reasonable wish, Master Saltner, and I believe you know such.” He met the eyes of the man, who affirmed his suspicions with the twinkle in his eyes. “I will not allow anyone to dictate salt and silver prices, even if they do it with a light hand. As for the privilege of buying goods in my name when the estate needs it, I am not against patronizing your caravan in such instances, but the estate has others who have proven good trade fellows. I will not punish their competence…However, I will ensure that you receive a generous share of our dealings. And the Merchant House is indeed built.” He paused. It was no surprise that his lawfather-to-be had heard of it. Lucan had made certain to spread word far and wide about the measures they were taking to accommodate merchants.

The Merchant House was only a few steps away from the open market, where stalls were often set up for the sale of items to townsfolk. The House, however, would be for heavier mercantile affairs. Merchants could seal dealings there in amounts of goods and coin no common man could handle. It was a place for merchants to gather, handle such dealings without fear of theft, and discuss prices and matters of wider trade. Lucan would have guards posted there at all times to provide the safety needed for such affairs. And although the open market would be likewise guarded, there was nothing safer than an enclosed structure for the grander dealings.

“I had intended, however, for it to be governed by a council of merchants,” Lucan continued. “With the wayfaring life of such folk, that council would be changing with the seasons.” Of course, it would be an opportunity for the lesser but ambitious merchants to gain some measure of power in his town, which might tie some of them, along with their coin, to Silvergate and further expand its prosperity.

Master Saltner raised a hand. “I thank you for offering your stores. Such generosity is indeed what I expected from a lawson and a family such as yours. Setting privileges for my men’s stalls are likewise appreciated; however, we had not intended for toll fees to be waived. Never would we demand such a thing! I only wish for opportunities for my men to venture into the market with their goods at times before committing to a stall, for not always are the goods fitting for the time and the place. Such venturing may be seen as mercantile subterfuge by some towns, and I had hoped for it to be allowed for my people. As for the matter of silver, perhaps Bartram could be presented with your silversmith’s best pieces before others? We will pay fairly. That, I promise.” He paused for a breath. 

“Forming a council for the Merchant House is undoubtedly wise, but that does not mean the House cannot have a master. The council may form since it would protect the interests of all merchants, but a master to keep the House’s affairs smooth and to have word with you would serve the estate well too. Believe this old man, speaking with councils would drive the sane mad, and you have many responsibilities.” He glanced at Thomas. “So do your aides.”

Lucan tilted his head, thinking. “Some leniency in the market can be handled.” He shared a look with Thomas, who nodded. After tapping his chin and humming for a moment, Lucan continued, “I will not have any goods sold before they are seen by those who may offer more for them, even if a fair price is offered. However, Bartram or any of your men may be brought to see all our silverworks before they are brought to the throng of buyers, so that you may prepare better and decide on your course. A close eye and an appraisal would certainly serve you well.” He saw Master Saltner shrug and nod at the same time, which Lucan took to be reluctant acceptance. Good.

“As for the matter of the Merchant House,” he continued. “How would you be its master when you have so many mercantile journeys to keep you occupied?”

“I will be here often in the coming times, I believe,” Master Saltner said. “When I am not, Bartram or my man Ghafir will oversee the House in my stead.”

Lucan hummed again, and after a prolonged silence, he said, “Very well, you may have it and continue to be its master if you can handle its affairs well enough.”

“You have my word that it will be!” Master Saltner grinned. “I believe we are in agreement then. When will the estate be ready for you and Lilian to be wed?”

“It will take a fortnight to get word to those who matter,” Lucan said. “We can have rites and the feast in a month at the earliest.”

“Then so it shall be.” Master Saltner stood up, followed by his son, and then he extended his arm over the table. Lucan mirrored him and took his arm, sealing their agreement.