Dreams of Discovery by Jule Selbo

Author:Jule Selbo
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mentoris Project

Two of the three ships that carried cargo for Chabotto Trading were lost at sea. Other merchants lamented their losses and all were petitioning the banks to pay on their insurance. There were so many requests that the banks closed their doors, arranging private appointments with only their largest clients. Caboto sent numerous petitions to the banks and was told to be patient. Gravi and Trifulo sent demanding messages, wanting Caboto to make good on their guaranteed profits.

Caboto did not have the personal fortune to cover his losses. In addition, the butcher, the shoemaker, the tailor, and the dressmaker waited impatiently for their bills to be paid.

Caboto could not sleep. Or eat. He paced, trying to find a solution as the waters slowly receded and Venetians ventured out again.

At midnight, a loud pounding on the door of the villa caused Caboto, at his desk in the small library, surrounded by his account books, to look up, startled. Who could it be at this time of night? Caboto heard a servant hurry down the stairs and across the tile floor. Moments later, the servant stood in the doorway to the library.

“It is Signor Gravi and Signor Trifulo.”

“Show them in. Grazie.” Caboto pulled his robes tighter, and poured three glasses of sherry. He did not have a good feeling about this call in the middle of the night, but he must persuade them to be patient.

It was soon clear Gravi and Trifulo were not in a friendly mood. They told Caboto that they expected their investments to be returned, that the demise of the ships and loss of cargo was on him.

Caboto wanted them to be fair. “It is obvious, of course, that the storm is an act of God. I am sick that the gems and antiquities are sunk and likely never to be found. I pray for the souls of the captains and sailors. And I assure you, I’m working late into the night, planning to repay you with profits from voyages to come.”

Trifulo snorted. “More guarantees. You think we’re gullible.”

“Well, we’re not,” Gravi snarled. He put his thick hands on his protruding stomach. “We want our money back, now.”

“I explained that your investment would be used to purchase cargo,” said Caboto. “Once goods were back here and sold, then you would make your money back, with profit.”

Gravi’s eyes narrowed. “You’re saying you don’t have the funds? If so, we have no choice.”

Caboto felt a prickle of fear. “What do you mean?”

“Justice will be called on to force your hand,” Trifulo said.

Gravi laid out the plan. “We’ll request the doge’s finance council to find you unable to pay your promises. You know the punishment for unpaid debts can be severe. Even prison.” Gravi puffed out his chest, relishing his threat.

Caboto tried to keep his voice calm. “All I need is time. I’ll be able to make up this loss. I just need time. And you must realize that if I’m unable to work, I won’t be able to put myself in a position to repay your investment.

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