Singer Sailor Merchant Mage

Chapter 73: The Journey home

"It’s a funny thing, coming home. Everything looks the same, feels the same, and even smells the same. You realise what’s changed is you.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

It was a short sail back to the growing island town on the shore of the lagoon before we quickly walked through it towards the hidden harbour in the cliff. As we made the long climb back up to the top of the cliff, that surrounded the island and protected it from both the sea and the monsters within it, Mercurio frowned furiously thinking about something. We finally crested the slope and were able to look out across the sea. After he had checked once more to see that we were out of sight, from both the town and anyone else who might be out and about in the midday sun, he spoke, “We have a spy on board.” He spat over the side of the cliff.

“I noted the red flare but it meant nothing to me at the time. Luckily the situation is still salvageable but . . .” he hesitated. “It might not be next time." He paced back and forth,

"I knew there would be resistance to a new noble family, but for it to be so quick, and extreme, is a little frightening. The waters are deep and the depths are dark. I didn’t expect the response so soon or to be so lethal. I thought we would have more time. When we return to the ship I can only ask that you do not mention our new arrangements until we have returned to the prince. I hope that you can accommodate me on this.” Although it was a statement it was said almost questioningly.

“That won’t be a problem. As an Alderman, I am bound to the prince not any other within Ponente. It is the only thing that allows Aldermen to be considered sufficiently trustworthy enough to be impartial. Although I acknowledge there are still some ways in which the binding can be bent.” I responded. I supported my country and the Prince of Ponente, and if this was his decision, if he truly meant to honour his father's writ of nobility, then I was bound to support this new noble family in their inception. “I doubt that he will raise the entire family without significant remuneration, but believe he is currently supporting the creation of their house. Whether this will be enough to restrain the other nobles of the land I could not possibly say.” Although I highly doubted this attack would be the last the new Silversea family would have to face. Hopefully, with official royal recognition of their status, the more physical and lethal attacks would desist. Despite the fact that I was sure that even if they did the nobility would find other ways to crush, curtail or restrict any new house.

“Yes, well. Time and distance will hopefully dull their threats enough to help Silverseas to weather any more significant incidents.” Mercurio responded. “Although Royal support in founding their house would be a substantial help in curbing their excesses. Is there any way we can ensure his support for them?” he asked obviously not only concerned for their welfare but his own financial freedom as well.

“Actions speak louder than words and money carries a volume all of its own. If you put some of your money where your mouth is I am sure that you could gain his support for as long as the money continued to flow. Although whether the other nobles would counter such financial support is impossible to say. They would probably far rather nip the problem in the bud for significantly less cost and a more permanent result.” I hypothesised. Nobles could be counted on for one thing, and one thing only, which was to work towards their own self-interest. If you could make it worth their while they would support it. But if it infringed or cut into their profits you could also count on them to counter it however they could.

“Something to think about then. Remember not a word about this when we return to the ship. Until we work out who the assassin was communicating onboard any conversations about the Silversea family will have to be kept private. Now, let's hurry back to the Swift to send some porters to pick up the salt. We will need to clear some space for the salt they mentioned though it should not be too much.” Mercurio turned to begin the descent down the fold in the cliff to the ship below.

“I remember,” I replied pondering how effective silence would truly be on the ship when we would be announcing the results to the prince in 3 months anyway. Still, we had travelled a rather convoluted route through the archipelago and along the coast so provided they did not actually know which island the new noble was on it could take the majority of nobles, who opposed the idea, a considerably longer time to track down the new noble family. We descended the cliff to board, what for me had become, a home away from home.

Log of Alderman Cadmus

Once the salt had been squared away, as much as was possible, our first task was to stop at the two nearby islands of Little Wester and Wester Levante to sell as much as possible of the salt. The trick as always for any merchant was to do so at the highest price they could. Mercurio even had a skill that allowed him to know the best price to sell at called, ‘Market Value’ This allowed him to have an understanding of what the market would price his goods at as well as notified him when the amount that he was selling started to devalue his product. A suitably impressive skill that meant he could prevent himself from lowering the value of his products. While he sold a lot of salt on the behalf of the Silversea family he never sold more than the market could handle maximising their profit and preventing a boom and bust cycle of prices. He assured me that by the time the Swift returned, presumably with more salt, the price would be back to where it was today and ready for another infusion. This, unfortunately, meant that we were unable to offload all the salt and it seemed that we would be continuing to sell it at each island we stopped at on the way home to the capital.

Our short visit to Wester Ponente meant that I had failed to acquire any more goods for the next round of islands leaving me to pick up a few at Little Wester and Wester Levante but this far out from the capital there were few civilised goods to acquire. Although Mercurio reassured me that a profit could still be made nonetheless. This time he recommended I pick up items of scrimshaw from Little Wester, as well as polished shells and other curiosities from Wester Levante which he assured me he knew two markets for back in the capital that would be keen to buy such seemingly worthless items of wood, stone, and shell. Mercurio had yet to steer me wrong on any of my mercantile investments so I followed his advice but only parted with a small percentage of my profits to do so as he said that there would be no market for them until we returned to the capital. If I had invested all my earnings in them I would be unable to profit from the multitude of stops that we would be making on our return journey and I had become rather accustomed to the steadily increasing weight and wealth of my purse. Indeed I would soon need a small chest to accommodate my gains although that in itself would cut into my profits but would be a worthwhile investment if only to hold my newfound wealth but also hopefully keep it safe as well.

We visited another 8 major islands along the northern edge of the archipelago although we stopped here and there at smaller isles. Each time Mercurio offloaded as much salt as the market could hold. I realised that we could have visited these islands on the way out to Wester Ponente but Mercurio clearly had planned a circular clockwise route and we would not be visiting the same islands that we had visited before on our westward outbound journey. Now that we were travelling eastward and homebound we visited the islands we had failed to do so already. We stopped at each island for a day or two to ensure we had filled the hold with more goods to sell both between the isles and for when we returned to the capital of Ponente.

Our journey was an interesting cross-section of the trade within Ponente. While there were a fair few trade goods that we didn’t buy and sell, each island had a favoured export that Mercurio was able to pick up cheaper than elsewhere. On the western isle of Favon, we acquired olives and olive oil, while at Corus we were able to buy both grapes and wine. At each isle, we sold our salt as well as goods from the previous isles. On Circe, we traded in dried fish which was probably the cheapest of goods but popular when sold on Septon in exchange for their pottery. On Aquil, we picked up glassware which were filled with perfume on Caecia. Our final stop within the archipelago before ending back to the coast of Ponente proper was Solan where we were able to pick up a variety of spices that reinvigorated our daily meals. Then we headed towards the northern part of Ponente on the border with Maestro before we worked our way back down the coast towards the capital.

Solstice City

It felt incredibly strange to be back in the capital, Solstice city. I had become accustomed to the rock of the boat and for some reason, the land itself felt less secure beneath my feet as we crossed the capital to the palace, at the center of the island, within the bay. Our glorious capital lay on star island within a bay whose mouth opened out to the west and the western archipelago we had just sailed around. Before we had landed on Star Island and entered Solstice City we had visited the three sister cities on the shore of the Compass continent within the bay offloading the Swift's full hold of goods. Different goods were offloaded at each city depending on whether they would be going North, East, or South depending on the level of profit that could be made there. Mecurio’s profits turned into gold, silver, and gems for the short trip back across the bay to the capital and the biggest banks on the continent. If I judged by the profits I had made on this trip then Mercurio's profits must have been truly outstanding. However, I had merely profited and faced none of the costs he would have had to face. I was unsure of the general wage of a sailor or how much it cost to outfit a ship from bow to stern. But I was sure they would cut heavily into any perceived profit well before any noble took their cut. Although Mecurio had managed to reduce that part of his expenses significantly.

Following Aleera's request, the profits from selling salt had been reinvested into buying the remainder of Wester Ponente and the majority of the remaining land available on both Little Wester and Wester Levante. Such land was remarkably cheap for its volume although I supposed that was only to be expected seeing as it was land so far from the capital. Ponente was not a small compass kingdom by any means and had made its mark on the world through its marine trade up and down the west coast north to the north-western kingdom of Maestro and beyond to the northern kingdom of Tramontana as well as south along the coast past the southwestern kingdom of Libeccio as far south as the southern capital of Ostro the southern kingdom. Merchants would travel further afield certainly working their way all the way around the compass continent. But you did not have to travel so far or risk such dangers to make such a profit. Plying the Western Archipelago was full of trade goods to be found as Mercurio had most excellently shown me.

I accompanied him as much by habit as by necessity. We had spent the majority of the last six months together and it felt strange to consider that our time together was nearly up. As we climbed the steps to the palace I found myself reminiscing on our travels together. Once we had returned I found myself quickly gathered up by the Royal Seneschal while Mercurio was forced to wait with the other petitioners. Then I found myself quickly grilled on everything that had happened over the last 6 months. Before being escorted quickly and quietly to the line of petitioners where I was once more placed next to Mercurio.

Palace of Ponente

After a significant amount of time waiting and slowly shuffling forward in line with the other petitioners we had made it once more to the base on his throne and found ourselves once more looking up at him. “Have you succeeded in ratifying the rise of this individual to nobility based on land, riches, and nobility?” the prince asked addressing his question to me rather than Mercurio.

“No, your highness. I was unable to do so, due to the individual in question, promptly perishing within an hour of his purchase of the patent of nobility.” I dourly responded.

The court had already stilled to listen to our conversation but now there was complete silence.

“That is a sad state of affairs, indeed. It is truly troubling to hear that a recently ennobled individual who was welcomed into our society by the foresight of my father should be so quickly and violently ended.” He spoke more to the court at hand than to answer me. I had already passed on all the relevant details to the Royal seneschal as soon as we entered the palace and this was merely a play put on for the lords and ladies watching. The outcome had already been decided the decisions made. This was but a play put on to gauge their reactions and establish our exit.

“It is even worse though, your highness. Particularly, as the individual in question was just a child, their future bought for him by his family and for it to be so abruptly ended it is not only a crime against my subject of investigation but for all nobility, and indeed, your majesty himself.” These were the words I had been given to say by the seneschal who had clearly created a plan to take care of the chaos that was about to unfold.

“A child?” asked the prince seemingly shocked and I was left wondering how much the prince was aware of. Had he been informed of everything in advance or were his responses in line with what the Seneschal had predicted merely an exceptional example of the Seneschal's predictions.

“Yes. The individual in question was not yet one year of age, but he was cruelly thrown from the top of a cliff after the patent had been purchased on his behalf.” I calmly answered although out of the corner of my eye I could clearly see the sweat forming on Mercurio's brow. His plan had always been to provide remuneration to the Prince for the land on Little Wester, Wester Levante and Wester Ponente hopefully gaining his trust and support before ever airing such a tragedy in public.

There was a suitable gasp of outrage among the nobles whether feigned or real I had not the senses or skills to tell. But it was a suitable reaction to the tragic tale of woe of a child's time on the compass continent cut short before their time. For if the nobles had a second rule after that of their own self-interest it was that their children at least until they came of age were off-limits to some of the more lethal games of politics they played. A child not yet able to assign stats, a child under even the age when the system was granted to them would have had no chance at all against their machinations. It was considered particularly poor form to have to resort to such drastic measures against children even if they were for the most part united in their refusal to allow others to join their august group.

Although there had been no accusation or judgement of guilt a small space formed around one family in particular. The family that had once been the patron of Merchant Mercurio. There might not be any evidence or any way to accuse or even recuse themselves from the possibility, but it was clear that the other nobles at least felt that this noble family was the most likely to have been responsible for the reprehensible crime.

“That is a most shocking and disturbing story. Is there a close relative that could retain the title in recompense for such an unjust and dare I say it evil act?” The prince asked the question even though he knew the answer. By airing it in court after such a build-up no noble present could truly object to the title being carried to another even if they still desired it without appearing to be either complicit in the child’s death or amoral enough to be completely unmoved by the sentiment filling the royal hall. This was the point of the farce. For whatever reason, it appeared that the Prince and the Seneschal were supporting the creation of a new noble house, and with their support, perhaps, possibly, the new house had a chance at survival.

“Yes, your majesty. He was survived by his close family, a sister, mother, and father, and presuming they survive their birth another sibling will have already been added to the family.” I answered calmly still kneeling on one knee.

“Very well. I am assuming that everything else was in order for the patent of nobility apart from the demise of its holder?” He questioned me once more.

“Yes, your highness. Their holdings, wealth, influence and power were all in line with those needed to raise a household to nobility as laid out by your forefather” I answered.

“Then I decree that the siblings shall inherit the title of Lord or Lady as appropriate. Forthwith I expect, . . . ” here he levelled his gaze at the nobles overlooking the court, “that they will both be alive to be welcomed to court on their 20th year. This is my royal decree and I expect all nobility across Ponente to abide by our decision lest we have to look closer into the cause of their demise. Indeed should they perish before they are presented to our august selves we will be most vexed and moved to further action against those who could so cruelly act against a new noble house not only once but twice.”

The susurration of whispers that whipped their way around the court made it clear that while certain nobles were unquestionably unhappy with such a decision, under the current circumstances, they were unable to verbally object to it. It would also appear that the Silversea family would not all be becoming lords and ladies. Still, a 20-year reprieve from the most immediate and obvious threats would surely help them build a strong enough foundation to weather future strife and conflict.

However the prince did not end is announcements there, “Furthermore, under the light of their most recent circumstances, until the new noble house and its members are presented to court they are under no obligation to reveal their location, crest, or members. Alderman Cadmus and Merchant Mecurio you are hereby ordered by royal decree not to divulge your knowledge of such matters.” This was his last statement before he waved us to depart. Mercurio for his part had been silent for the majority of our time in the hall but was looking confused as we were led off to the exit.

Seneschal side room

“While I obviously appreciate the royal decree protecting and preventing me from divulging the knowledge within my head why the secrecy? The nobles will surely find out who they are before their 20th year is up anyway.” Mercurio asked even though this was what he had hoped for he was cautious of accepting such a boon for both him and them at face value.

“Whether they will or won’t is up for debate. But before I attempt to answer that in more detail, what do you really understand of the court factions?" The seneschal held from answering him immediately.

"There are two main factions of nobility. The Western lords of Ponente from the coasts and isles as well as the Eastern lords who are the mainland landlocked areas of the kingdom. Both parties wield considerable power in setting policy for Ponente but the Prince holds the deciding vote in the majority of matters." Mercurio summarised his understanding of politics within the palace.

"An accurate enough assessment from the outside. However, what initially may appear to be one faction for and one against is often actually more complicated. To start with while all nobles object to a new noble on principle each faction is divided further into two again. For example, the Western lords would not object to having another member in their faction as it would bolster their numbers but would still be against someone taking part of their territory which the Silversea family will in theory over time begin to do should they expand beyond the Wester Isles. Then again, on the other hand, while the Eastern lords will, in theory, be against having another member in the opposite faction some of them would be in favour of another western noble diluting the other western lord's power or creating strife within the faction. Life is always both more complicated and simple than it needs to be. Indeed, again after the initial objection, the Independent faction themselves would be happy to add another to their faction if and only if they are strong enough to stand alone yet with them.” He began to explain just a few of the complexities of life here at the palace. I was aware of the struggles between the groups but due to my position and the essential neutrality required for arbitration, I had managed to avoid, evade or overrule such political problems before.

“Ultimately, complicated politics is a necessary part of running Ponente although on occasion unnecessarily complicated. Still, if you can enjoy the level of complexity there is no game greater or more worth playing. Point of fact, adding to the complexity of this particular conundrum, there are at least two types of individual lords that will be particularly unhappy with today's turn of events. First, the ones whose wealth is derived from pearls and second the ones whose wealth is derived from salt according to Alderman Cadmus the Silversea family will be taking over a significant share of the market should they continue to bring such significant amounts to the market.” He smiled at some joke or pleasure he found in the situation only he was aware of.

“Then again there is the case of your own former noble patron. Since you have been gone they have raised a motion questioning the legality of poaching merchants from their patron's families. So far the motion has not gained any traction as no other nobles or merchants for that matter are willing to offer or risk switching sides no matter how favourable the terms are. The Silversea family on the other hand are in the envious position of existing on a pioneer island where taxes are officially neither owed nor expected by the crown as part of the legal lease that allowed and supported them to settle there on such inhospitable and uninhabited islands. Should other merchants become aware of their location and your generous terms with them they would undoubtedly be interested in making similar deals. Yet another reason to sustain the secrecy for as long as possible one might think. Surely that would be beneficial to all including the crown, officially and unofficially.” He explained some of the hidden currents swirling here at court. The hidden subtext to the conversation and quite clearly not vocalised officially was that if the Silversea family hoped to continue to enjoy the protection of the crown such gifts or purchases of land would have to continue.

“Now I believe that seeing as there are now two patents of nobility to be registered it might be best if the two of you returned to wherever it was you found such a family in the first place.” He smiled once more.

“But sir I just returned.” It had been fun while it had lasted but I had been looking forward to returning home for the first time in 6 months.

“I feel that another journey would be the best thing for your health. A royal decree carries a lot of weight with nobles but we ourselves are unfortunately not nobles.” He nodded his head as if everything was settled. "Scribner will take a record of their new holdings and pass on the payment for any purchases made. Best to keep such purchases private for the moment. I look forward to seeing you in six months' time Cadmus." With his final comment and introduction to the man who had been at his side, he departed leaving us with Scribner.

After being thoroughly quizzed about the Silversea family, for the records, we were escorted quickly and quietly back out of the palace avoiding the courtiers and nobles attending court. Before we managed to slip away again. Mercurio had a quick meeting with the Compass Star Bank placing the majority of his profits and funds there before we departed once more to return to the Wester isles via our convoluted and serpentine route.

The journey once more took us along the southern coastal cities travelling once more to the edge of Ponente and the border with Libeccio, before turning westward once more and working our way through the southern islands of the archipelago on our journey westwards. We stopped at the islands of Apelio, Vulturn, Euron, Notos, Auster, and Libon once more as Mercurio traded his way back to Wester Ponente. 3 months later we finally arrived to finalise the agreement we had made 6 months earlier with the noble children now officially recognised by the Prince of Ponente.