Rise of a Merchant Prince by Raymond E. Feist Read Free Book Online Page A

said Lender. “Far superior to what is grown in the Kingdom. More flavor, less bitterness.” He waved his hand around the room. “Barret’s is the first establishment in Krondor to specialize exclusively in fine coffees, and as a sign of his wisdom, the founder placed his first shop here in the heart of the Merchant’s Quarter, rather than trying to sell to the nobility.”
    Roo instantly came alert; stories of success appealed to him. “Why is that?” he asked.
    â€œBecause the nobility are difficult to approach, expect extreme discounts, and rarely pay in a timely fashion.”
    Roo laughed. “I’ve heard that from the wine merchants at home.”
    Lender continued. “Mr. Barret knew that the local businessmen often needed a place away from their homes or offices where they could discuss business over a meal, without the distractions of an inn’s taproom.”
    Erik again nodded, having spent a fair part of his life in the taproom of the inn where he had worked as a child.
    â€œSo was born Barret’s Coffee House, which prospered from the first week it was opened. Originally a more modest enterprise, it has existed for nearly seventy-five years, in this location for close to sixty.”
    â€œWhat about the brokers, and syndicates, and . . . you?” asked Roo.
    Lender smiled as a tray of hot rolls, breakfast meats, cheeses, and fruits, along with pots of jam, honey, and butter, was brought to the table.
    Suddenly hungry, Roo took a roll and slathered butter and honey on it while Lender answered him. “Some of those without offices of their own used to conduct business all day long and, to keep Barret happy, would buy coffee, tea, and food in a steady stream. Seeing this a pleasant alternative to hours of empty tables between meals, Mr. Barret ensured certain tables would remain reserved for those businessmen.
    â€œThey formed the first syndicates and brokerage alliances. And they needed representation”—he put his hand upon his chest and bowed slightly—“hence litigators and solicitors became habitués of the establishment. When things became crowded, the son of the founder moved to this inn, tore out the third floor, and created the exclusive members’ area above, and things have continued that way since.” He motioned at the second rail. “Some members were forced to use this end of the ground floor, hence the newer railing. Now one must purchase a location in the hall for one’s syndicate or brokerage, or risk not having a table at which to sit when arriving to conduct business.”
    Glancing around, he added, “You now are in the heart of one of the most important trading centers in the Kingdom, certainly the most important in the Western Realm, and rivaled only by those in Rillanon, Kesh, and Queg.”
    â€œHow does one become a broker?” asked Roo.
    â€œFirst you need money,” answered the litigator, not in the least put off by the youngster seekinginstruction. “A great deal of money. This is why there are so many syndicates, because of the great cost of underwriting many of the projects that are conceived of here at Barret’s or brought to us from the outside.”
    â€œHow does one start?” asked Roo. “I mean, I have some money, but I’m not sure if I want to invest it here or try my own hand.”
    â€œNo partnership will admit an investor without good cause,” said Lender. He sipped his coffee, then continued. “Over the years a complex set of rules has evolved. Noblemen often come to Barret’s seeking either to invest wealth or to borrow it, and as a result, the interests of those here who are commoners need to be closely protected. So, to join a syndicate, one needs a great deal of money—though not as much as to become an independent broker—and one also needs a sponsor.”
    â€œWhat’s that?” asked Roo.
    â€œOne who is