All that Glitters (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 1) (30 page)

Stavin began reading the titles out loud in answer, pausing to pull one book or another from the cabinet to examine more closely. In just a few moments he had selected ten books.

"Are you a rich man, young warrior? For those books I would ask twelve gold crowns. Can you make that payment?"

Stavin immediately began to say no, but remembered the pouch that the blond man had carried. "A moment, please," he said to the bookseller, then turned away to count. When he turned back, his face was drooping in sorrow. "I cannot, good Sir. I could pay six gold crowns," he said in a hopeful tone, but the bookseller waved him away.

"You wear golden armor, yet you would deny me just payment for such rare tomes as these? I suppose I could be generous and allow you to have them for ten gold crowns." The old man smiled broadly, showing his three remaining teeth.

"Ten is still beyond me, good Sir. Have pity on me, for I am not rich. This armor was a gift, and it has brought me misfortune far more than fortune. Just moments ago we were attacked in the streets by brigands. Still, you are an honest man, and I could manage eight gold crowns, if I add in all that I carry."

"Eight? Eight, you say? You offer but half what they are worth. I was being generous at twelve. Still, you're the first customer to enter that door today. I'll say nine gold crowns, or I'll say good day to you."

Stavin was about to haggle some more when Kahndar's voice came from outside. "Don't take all day, Stave. It's past time we were back."

Stavin rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Very well, good Sir. A moment, please." Stavin turned away and began counting. He pulled out all twenty of his silver crowns, and added seven gold crowns from the purse the blond man had been carrying, counting them out with great reluctance. "My wife is going to kill me, then take the books for herself," he muttered. "Now I have to carry them back to the caravan."

"I have a crate that will hold them. A moment, please, young warrior." The old man was gone before Stavin could answer and back just a breath later. "Here you are." He quickly packed the books into the crate and smiled as Stavin lifted it. "Good fortune to you, young warrior, and a safe journey."

"Thank you," Stavin said as he carried the box out of the stall.

"Gods Below, Stave!" Kahndar almost shouted. "How many books did you buy?"

"Just ten," Stavin answered.

"Ten?"
Horvan and Barin asked together.

"Oh, Shari married the right one, all right. Now come on," Kahndar said, turning to go, "we don't want to be late." Horvan and Barin carried Stavin's weapons and booty on the short journey back to the caravan.

Barvil met them at the wagon. "What's in the box, Stavin?" he asked.

"Books," Kahndar answered with a laugh.

"And just where did those swords come from?" Barvil asked, suddenly all business.

"We were attacked. Ten men were after Stavin," Kahndar said, then gave Barvil a quick rundown of the events.

"There may be more trouble then. Get some rest, all of you. Stavin, here is your pouch. We've already eaten, but there should be some left." Barvil gave each of them an intense stare, then turned away.

S
TAVIN HOISTED THE BOX OF BOOKS
into the back of the wagon and spent a few moments getting it situated while the others simply tossed their war booty in amongst their gear. Then he pulled out all three of his pouches and took a deep breath as he considered what he was planning. After a moment, he pulled seven gold crowns from his big pouch and put them in the thief's pouch. The other two pouches went back to their hiding places, but he kept the newest pouch in his hand.

Stavin hurried to the cook's fire and got his meal, then sat down with Kahndar and the rest. "I've been thinking, and I've reached a decision. Kahn, divide this out." He handed the pouch to Kahndar. "If I had killed that man this would be mine by right, but I didn't. We were all there, so we all share."

"That is very generous, Stavin," Horvan said, putting down his plate. "You don't have to do it, though. That Chosen deputy gave it to you."

"It's what I believe I should do," Stavin said. "Kahn?"

"Horvan is right. I count ten gold, thirty-seven silver and twenty-two sparks. We'll start with two golds each. That leaves fifty-seven silver, so another gold to Stavin and Barin, and ten silver to Horvan and myself. Seventeen silver gives us four each. That leaves a silver and the sparks."

"You three split that. I have enough for my needs," Stavin said, then stood and walked away.

Kahndar watched Stavin walk away, then shook his head. "I'm not going to argue with him. Not over a few sparks he doesn't feel he deserves. I'll take the silver and you two get eleven sparks each."

When they came off watch that night they found Barvil waiting. "It seems that we can't take Stavin anywhere without him being attacked. Kahndar, you've added two more kills for a total of sixteen and your third red stripe. Congratulations Senior Sergeant Kel'Horval. Horvan, you are up to thirteen and so are you, Barin. Stavin, you've made an almost unheard-of twenty kills. If you had killed the leader of those men you'd have your fourth red stripe."

Stavin ducked his head in embarrassment as his friends commiserated on his 'bad luck' of killing only three of the seamen.

It was the middle of the next day before they heard anything more about the incident in the bazaar. Kahndar's hand was on guard when four elegant carriages stopped by the caravan and seven richly dressed men and women got out.

Trader Sahren hurried over to meet them and bowed deeply. "Good day, noble lords and ladies. How may I be of service?"

The eldest of the men answered. "We are seeking Friend of Evandia Stavin Kel'Aniston. Where can he be found?"

One of the younger ladies spoke next. "Why is a Friend of the Kingdom standing watch like a common guard?" she asked in an aggressive tone. She pointed and everyone looked to see Stavin coming toward them around the caravan.

"That is what I employ him for. Friend Stavin is a mercenary from the Kel'Kavin Valley in old Farindia. He and his comrades are our protection from bandits," Sahren replied.

"That is hardly a fitting occupation for—"

"That will be all, Andreah," the elder man said, silencing the woman instantly. "We would like to speak to Friend Stavin about the unfortunate incident in the bazaar yesterday."

Sahren bowed and turned to signal Stavin, but he and Barvil were already on the way. Stavin stopped two paces from the nobles and removed his helmet, then bowed deeply. "How may I be of service, noble lords and ladies?" he asked, concentrating on the elder.

"Friend Stavin," the elder began, "I am Cevin Zel'Vadan, Lord Mayor of Zigamarad. This is my wife, Lady Daras. This gentleman is Lavad Zel'Carval, our Lord Sheriff, and his wife, Lady Cahrie. Danival Zel'Orvan you met yesterday, and his wife, Andreah. Andie is my daughter. And last, but certainly not least, is Northan Zel'Carnic, our Harbor Master. Lavad, would you care to inform Friend Stavin of the results of your investigation?"

"Of course, Lord Cevin," the Lord Sheriff said with a bow. "Friend Stavin, the man that Danival captured yesterday was questioned by Adept Fel'Vasan. He revealed that he was in fact the owner and captain of a small trading vessel called the
Maiden's Cheek
. His intention was to ransom you for ten thousand gold crowns to His Majesty. He was executed this morning at dawn." He paused as Stavin and Barvil exchanged glances. "The
Maiden's Cheek
was boarded by Harbor Master Zel'Carnic and his customs enforcers. Lord Zel'Carnic, would you care to continue?"

"Thank you, Lord Zel'Carval," the Harbor Master said with a grin. "My men boarded the vessel unchallenged. It would seem that you either killed the entire crew, which is reasonable for a craft of that size, or the rest of the crew abandoned ship when their captain didn't return. The vessel has been seized and searched, and in its holds are goods that we estimate to be worth five thousand gold crowns. The vessel itself will fetch between fifteen and twenty thousand gold crowns when sold. Lord Cevin, I believe this discussion has returned to you."

Lord Zel'Vadan smiled as he again addressed Stavin. "Friend Stavin, the laws of Evandia prevent kingdom officials from benefiting financially from the exercise of their duties. Therefore, since it was the attack upon you and your party that led to the seizure of the vessel, it belongs to you as the rightful spoils of conflict."

Stavin stood stunned silent for a moment, then whispered, "A ship? I have a ship?" Turning to Barvil he asked, "Sir, what should I do?"

"This has only happened once before that I know of. That pirate ship. That time it was obvious what we had to do, but in this instance I have no idea what you should do, Stavin," Barvil said, staring at Stavin with a peculiar expression on his face.

"If I may, I have a proposal to lay before you, Friend Stavin," Lord Zel'Vadan said, drawing Stavin's attention. At his nod, the lord continued. "Friend Stavin, you may do as you wish with the vessel and its contents. If you wish to sell it, you will have to remain here to do so. However, since it appears that you are not staying, my friends and I would like to make you an offer. Our good Harbor Master has estimated the total value of the ship and cargo at between twenty and twenty-five thousand crowns. That is not, however, guaranteed. We would like to offer you fifteen thousand gold crowns for the whole thing. Any risks will then be ours, as will any amount we receive in excess of that payment."

Stavin remained motionless as he considered the offer. Fifteen thousand crowns was more than five times what the whole expedition normally returned with. Stavin again turned to Barvil, this time grasping his forearm.

"Sir, please, what should I do? It's too much, too big a decision. What should I do?" Stavin pleaded.

Barvil took a deep breath, then blew it out slowly. "I would take the offer if I was in your place, Friend Stavin. Lord Zel'Vadan is correct: you would have to stay here to dispose of it in any other way. Trader Sahren wants to leave at daybreak, and we are honor-bound to be with her."

"Honor, above all else," Stavin murmured. Turning to the nobles, he bowed. "I accept your most generous offer, Lord Zel'Vadan. What must I do?"

Lord Zel'Vadan smiled broadly and raised his hand. An officious-looking young man came forward with a lap-desk and stopped at Lord Zel'Vadan's side. "We anticipated your answer, Friend Stavin. This document transfers the
Maiden's Cheek
to you. It requires your signature to complete it," Lord Zel'Vadan said, handing Stavin the quill.

Stavin signed his name and titles in imperial glyphs. If Lord Zel'Vadan was surprised by Stavin's literacy, he didn't show it. "This second document will sell the ship and cargo to my friends and me for the sum of fifteen thousand gold crowns. Please sign here." The lord pointed to a blank at the bottom and Stavin again signed his name and titles.

Lord Zel'Vadan signaled and eight men came forward with four strong boxes. He opened all four boxes and began counting bags of coins. "Friend Stavin, each of these bags is sealed by the Gold Merchants' League as holding one hundred gold crowns. Count with me, please," he said as Stavin stepped up beside him. "One, two, three—" they counted, and continued until the last bag of the last box. "One hundred fifty," they said together.

"Where shall I have the boxes placed, Friend Stavin?" Lord Zel'Vadan asked.

"In there," Stavin replied, pointing at the warriors' wagon. "Our things are all in that wagon."

Davel and Kahndar were standing by the wagon and held the canvas up so the boxes could be loaded. As the men returned to the carriages, Lord Zel'Vadan spoke to Stavin.

"I believe we have all gained from this incident, Friend Stavin, as unfortunate as it may have been. I wish you a safe journey and a prosperous future." All four of the lords and ladies bowed, and Stavin bowed very deeply in return. Without another word the nobles returned to their carriages and left.

S
TAVIN SAGGED A LITTLE AS SOON
as the nobles were gone. "Sir, I'm—I'm confused. How can this be real?"

"I won't say that stranger things have happened, Stavin, but there have been incidents where our warriors have fallen on their faces only to find gold in the dust. It may just be my suspicious nature, but I think Lord Zel'Vadan and his friends got a much better deal than you did."

"I would agree with that assessment," Trader Sahren said. "I wasn't going to interfere unless you asked, but those people will probably more than double their investment in just a few days. I wouldn't to be so foolish as to call the Lord Mayor a liar or a thief, but I would guess that he understated the value of the ship and cargo by a considerable margin."

"Which makes me look like a sun-struck fool for the pittance that I accepted for that pirate's ship," Barvil said with a wry grimace. "My only consolation is that what we received probably
was
all that the town had."

"It was fair under the circumstances, but you must realize that these circumstances are much different," Sahren said as she patted Barvil's shoulder.

Stavin looked at the road that the carriages were on, then shook his head. "It's still too much. How can we protect that much gold on the road?"

"You cannot," Sahren answered, "and you will not. Before we cross the bridge in the morning we will stop at the Gold Merchants. There you will very publicly deposit your gold with those worthies. You will be able to redeem the deposit in Aravad three days before we reach Markavia Cross."

Stavin thought for a moment, then turned to Barvil. "Sir?"

"I agree completely," Barvil answered.

None of the warriors slept well that night. They all knew what the rumor of that much gold in the open could do. Fortunately, nothing happened and the morning sun found the caravan ready to roll. Sahren had the warriors' wagon take the lead as they headed out. She pointed the way to the Gold Merchants' Chapter House and had everyone stop outside as she and Stavin went in. Moments later, they returned with two richly dressed men.