Shard & Shield by Laura VanArendonk Baugh

Author:Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Æclipse Press
Published: 2019-04-27T03:47:35+00:00

Chapter 36

The first merchant caught Shianan and Luca off their guard. “Just a drink together,” he suggested with a smile, and as Luca poured the wine he’d brought, he made small talk about the advancing season, and the state of trade, and then he began detailing his reliable and cost-effective supply of spearheads.

Luca worked it out before Shianan, of course. Though Commander Becknam wasn’t procuring supplies for the army, as the officer credited with exposing the fraud, his approval and endorsement were logical assets in the fight for the newly available military market. The second merchant brought a smoked ham one evening and explained how his house had come to be a respected provider in Alham and elsewhere.

The food and drink surprised Shianan. “I can’t be seen receiving gifts,” he protested, and Luca knew he was thinking not of his position as commander, but as bastard. “Thank you, but I must—”

“Oh, it is nothing more than a gift,” interrupted the latest merchant smoothly. He drew a bottle of wine from a bag. “Honest men such as you cannot be influenced by material goods. But it is important you trust our supplies, and so you must have a sample. Here is an excellent vintage, suitable for officers like yourself—so you may know our product, of course.” He smiled broadly.

“Of course,” Shianan repeated, his smile less broad. “Thank you for your consideration.”

The next had the decency to appoint a time for dinner in Shianan’s office. As Luca admitted him he noted the bright red sash crossing his chest. From Vandoga, obviously, and probably anxious to sell leather goods.

“Good evening,” Shianan offered. “Please have a seat. Luca, the drinks?”

The conversation began on pleasant, neutral topics—the changing weather, the happy reprieve from fighting the warlords, the new southern market. And then, as Luca served, the Vandogan skillfully turned the topic to the provision of military goods. Luca had been right, he had leather harness to sell as well as hardened leather armor.

As they spoke, Luca waited a few paces away, ready to supply more wine as the cups ran low. Vandoga’s vast grazing ranges lay between their mercantile and industrial cities and the profitable markets of Alham and others. They relied on sea trade to deliver their goods. Luca’s father had been negotiating a profitable deal shipping Vandogan cargo when the loss of the Alamar had lessened confidence in their house….

Luca respectfully retreated a few steps and then turned toward the other room. They would be ready for bread and honey soon. He checked over the tray and brought it to the table.

“Your prices do appear reasonable,” Shianan acknowledged. “And your proposed delivery does seem efficient.”

“I know you have several others seeking this same arrangement,” the merchant said modestly. “May I pour you a drink?”

Luca felt a prick of guilty apprehension that he had not been quick enough to refill his master’s wine. But the Vandogan added only an inch to Shianan’s half-filled cup. Shianan reached for it automatically, and as the Vandogan raised his own wine a tingle of recognition ran through Luca.

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