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

already a member of Barret’s or who has close ties to one of the members who can vouch for you. If you have the capital, then you need the introduction.”
    â€œCan’t you do that?” asked Roo, obviously eager.
    â€œNo,” said Lender with a slightly sad smile. “For all my influence and position, here I am but a guest. My office has been here for nearly twenty-five years, but only because I work on behalf of nearly thirty different brokers and syndicates, and I have never placed a copper piece of my own capital at risk through any offering.”
    â€œWhat’s an offering?” asked Erik.
    Lender put up his hand. “There are more questions than time, young von Darkmoor.” He signaled to one of the ever-present waiters. “In my propertybox you’ll find a long blue velvet bag. Please bring it here.” To Erik and Roo he said, “I enjoy the break from the routine, but time doesn’t permit a leisurely discourse on the business at Barret’s.”
    Roo said, “I plan on being a broker.”
    â€œDo you?” said Lender, and his face lit up with delight. His expression wasn’t mocking, but he seemed to find the pronouncement entertaining. “What is this venture, then, that you spoke of?”
    Roo leaned back. “It’s a plan I have that would take too long to speak of, I’m sorry to say.”
    Lender laughed while Erik blushed at his friend’s bold freshness. “Well said,” answered Lender.
    â€œBesides,” added Roo, “I think discretion is in order.”
    â€œOften that is the case,” agreed Lender as the waiter returned with the requested item. Lender took the velvet bag and opened it, removing a dagger. It was a deftly fashioned thing, with a sheath of ivory set with a small ruby and bound at the top and tip with gold. He handed it to Erik. “It was the other part of your legacy from your father.”
    Erik took the dagger and pulled the blade from the sheath. “Impressive,” he said. “I may not be as well practiced with weapons at the forge as I am with horseshoes, but this is fine work.”
    â€œFrom Rodez, I believe,” said Lender.
    â€œBest steel in the Kingdom,” agreed Erik. The blade was embossed with the von Darkmoor family crest, finely cut into the steel, and yet it was well balanced, both decorative and deadly. The hilt was carved bone, perhaps from the antler of an elk or moose, and capped with gold to match the sheath.
    Lender pushed back his chair. “Young sirs, I mustbe back to my business, but please feel free to linger awhile and refresh yourselves. If you ever have need of a solicitor or a litigator, you know where to find me.” He waved vaguely at the place from which he had appeared and added, “Good-bye. It was good seeing you well.”
    Erik rose, as did Roo, and they bade their host farewell, then looked at each other. As old friends do, they shared a single thought between them, and Roo said, “Home.”
    They moved through the crowded common room of Barret’s, a place both strange and exciting to Roo, and exited. At the door, Erik turned to one of the waiters and asked, “Where can a man buy a good horse?”
    â€œCheaply!” injected Roo.
    The waiter didn’t hesitate. “At the Merchants’ Gate,” he said, pointing along Arutha’s Way, “you’ll find several dealers. Most are thieves, but there’s a man named Morgan there who can be trusted. Tell him Jason at Barret’s sent you and he’ll treat you fairly.”
    Roo studied the young man’s face. Brown hair and light freckles marked him and Roo said, “I’ll remember you if he doesn’t.”
    The young man frowned, ever so slightly, but said only, “He’s honest, sir.”
    â€œWhat about new clothing?” ask Erik.
    Jason said, “The tailor at New Gate Road and Broad Street is a cousin of