Chapter 61

Chapter 61

After the affair with the refugees had been handled, a few of them whipped and a certain bandit-whisperer hanged, Lucan and his father spent more time acquainting Maris Saltner and Lilian with the territory and its resources. Though their men-at-arms continued cleaning up the forest. The merchant was happy to gather more knowledge about their state of affairs, and Lilian seemed genuinely curious about everything.

Once two days had passed, Maris Saltner bade them farewell to recommence his caravans journey to the Union. He, again, urged Lucan to take care of Lilian while implicitly aiming that insistence at his father.

The caravan left them content, since its traders had bought an abundance of the local goods and sold some of their goods too. What they didnt buy would be lapped up by the merchants flowing in with the turn of the season. The caravans presence for those two days had even raised the prices of some goods due to fierce competition. Lucan was happy to reap the benefits, though the jump in food prices was somewhat harmful to their estate at this time.

A new spring day soon came, and after a brief bout of training with his father, he was to be accompanied by Lilian once more. Today, they would ride out to see the hinterland of their estate.

He met her outside of the keep. The pleasant appearance of Lilian in her riding attire surprised him. She wore a short, white tunic that was tucked into riding trousers the same shade of brown as the horse provided for her. Her hair was tied into a long tail except for a single strand that swirled down the side of her face. She was giving him a beaming smile that made him think.

May I so boldly assume that this isnt your first time riding? Lucan said with a bit of mirth.

Yes, Lilian said, her smile even wider. I love riding. Even more so when its out in the wideness instead of inside a boring enclosure.

I see, Lucan said. I suppose Im glad to be of service.

Thank you, she said, her tone clipped with a mirth of her own, then she lowered her head in a mock bow that he wouldve normally found insulting.

Lucan sighed and led her down the walkway into the bailey. There, he was surprised to catch sight of Ainsley wrapping up his goods. He approached the young merchant quickly.

Ainsley, my friend, leaving already?

Ah, Master Lucan and, he glanced at Lilian uncertainly.

Mistress Lilian, Lucan said. Master Saltners daughter and my betrothed.

Ainsley bowed smoothly and smiled. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mistress.

The pleasure is mine, Master Ainsley, Lilian said.

Ainsley gave her a polite nod and turned back to him with a helpless smile. Indeed, Master Lucan, I must be on my way today. Im still at the beginning of my route, and while theres ample opportunity here, Im afraid Ive used it all up for now.

I see, Lucan said and mirrored his smile. I apologize for my absence during your visit, but as you know, there were matters to attend to.

Lucan fell deep in thought. There was no way to bring back the guilds without the kings blessing, but perhaps there were ways around it. First and foremost, whatever he may put together must not be called a guild. Second, it must not appear to be a guild. And this far from the capital, it would hopefully not be too noticeable.

Well, he began. What if there were to be a merchant house here? A place where those of your trade could come together to converse about the difficulties of their profession, trade routes and such. Perhaps I would also visit such a place to commune with those who might need someone to hear them, and so that they may be privy to the circumstances that govern this corner of the kingdom when needed.

Ainsley went quiet again, his eyes wandering off once more. Then he came back with slow, increasingly firm nods. He was smiling by the end of it. I believe my fellows would find that quite appealing.

Very well, Lucan said. Would your fellows be willing to bear the expenses of building their merchant house?

Lucan could swear that Ainsley held back a chuckle before he forced himself to speak politely. Master Lucan, it would certainly undermine the purpose of appealing to tradesmen if you were to force them to bear the expenses. And in all appearances, it would not be a guild, yes? Gradually and slowly, the fellows of my trade would have to be introduced to the merchant house privileges without knowing for certain what it is.

Lucan shook his head with a bit of mirth. It was wishful thinking to believe the merchants would part with coin when someone else could. Rather, he would have to bear these expenses since he was the one pursuing this matter. Still, if it fulfilled its purpose, then it would be coin well-spent.

Youve given me much to think about, Ainsley, Lucan said. Thank you for your counsel.

A pleasure to be of service, Master Lucan, Ainsley said.

Lucan gave him a nod. Let us not delay you much longer then. Farewell, my friend.

Farewell, Master Lucan, Ainsley said, bowing his head slightly to him then to Lilian. Mistress.

Master Ainsley, Lilian nodded to him amicably.

They parted ways then, as Lucan and Lilian continued on their way out of the bailey where their mounts were waiting.

The stableman was waiting for them with the horses outside. He greeted them with a bow and settled their steeds for them as Lucan helped his betrothed onto her steed then moved to his own. Normally, one of the men-at-arms wouldve accompanied them, but they were still busy with the brigands in the woods. While the former peasants were no threat, they were scattered all over the forest, making it difficult to end them in one fell swoop.

As they prepared to begin their ride, Lilian ventured a question. Why are you of such interest in bringing merchants to live in the estate, if I may ask.

You may, Lucan said then went on to answer her. Perhaps its wishful of me, but I believe that if merchants come to our territory, then their coin will come with them, and that should certainly contribute to the prosperity of the fief. In the end, even a merchant must spend at least some of their hard-earned coin somewhere. Not only so, but trade will certainly be strengthened if what I wish comes to pass. You cant have dozens of merchants or more living in a settlement without them partaking in their beloved craft.

Lilian seemed thoughtful for a moment then slowly nodded causing the swirl of hair framing her face to bob with the movement. Wise.

Lucan gave her a grateful smile and urged his horse onward.