Dragon Clan #1: Camilla's Story

CHAPTER FIVE

Edward, the Earl’s eldest son and the newest member of the sheriff’s table, left the offices of the sheriff with a sigh of relief and went directly to see Tomas, as he’d been instructed. Tomas was second in command to the sheriff. A lofty position. In his brief year at the sheriff’s table, Edward had yet to speak directly to the man. Now, in a shed near the stables, Tomas sat behind a huge crude desk made of thick planks laid across beer kegs.

The rich smells of horse sweat, and nearby waist-high piles of manure permeated the air. Only one chair was present, and Tomas occupied it. Edward strode to the desk, chin up as he’d been taught, and announced, “The sheriff told me to personally investigate the rumor of the dragon boy. He instructed me to see you for travel funds and said you are to charge me your ‘best’ interest rate. I will also need swift horses for four messengers, as well as the equipment required for traveling to and from Nettleton.”

Tomas concealed a smirk with the back of his hand. “Of course, my Lord.”

“I am not your lord.”

“Ah, but your father is the Earl, so you will be one too, someday. It’s never too early to be humble to an important man such as yourself. How many gold coins will you require for your venture?”

“Not counting the cost of horses, I will need to pay wages to the four messengers, a guide, and a cook. And all will need enough food for the journey.”

Tomas jotted down the requirements as if he couldn’t remember all of them. Without looking up, he said, “Will you also require tack for the horses? Saddles and such? Tents? Wagons?”

“Uh, well, yes.”

“Good, good. Have you already secured the men you need?”

“Not yet. That will be my next order of business.”

“So you intend to depart for Nettleton in only three or four more days, perhaps a ten-day?” Tomas waited, knowing the impatience of the sheriff, and also knowing that if the sheriff was up to his usual schemes, he expected Edward was to depart immediately.

Remembering the sheriff’s instructions to leave this evening or early in the morning, Edward felt a twinge of fear. “Can you also help me hire messengers? Today? I wish to leave before dark.”

“Of course, my future lord. Money talks, does it not? Now, about the amount of gold again, do you know how to calculate simple, or compound interest?”

Understanding that it is usually better to admit ignorance on some subjects and leave them to be done by the lower classes of people, Edward stood taller, held his chin higher and said, “I do not.”

“No problem. I’ll handle the small details and explain it all to you before you sign the papers. I have experience in outfitting ventures of this sort. This is not the first time the sheriff has ordered someone on a venture. I’ll have everything here waiting for you shortly after you enjoy your midday meal. You can depart early and impress the sheriff and your father with your eagerness.”

“Right. I’ll go make my preparations and return after eating. Thank you so much, Tomas.”

“No, you don’t owe me any thanks,” Tomas said, a wide grin splitting his face. “None at all, I assure you.”

Tomas watched Edward retreat and allowed himself the first lingering smile of the day. He almost gloated openly as he called to his men. “Callen, William, Henry, get your lazy asses in here. We have work to do and money to earn.”

While waiting for his workers to gather near him, Tomas glanced again at the list and estimated preliminary numbers. The sheriff’s coded message to charge the ‘best’ rates on lending gold meant Edward had no idea of what he was doing. Tomas would charge the highest rate possible, and young Edward would believe he had a bargain, at least until the time came for his father to pay. The Earl would protest, naturally, and a new sum negotiated. By this, Edward would learn to respect the business prowess of Tomas, and know there was profit for him to be made when he became the Earl if he used the services of the sheriff and Tomas properly.

It would be an expensive trip and an expensive lesson for the young man.

Meanwhile, Edward left the office of Tomas and breathed air free of the heavy smell of horse piss and dung. He stiffened his back and strode directly to his chambers trying to ignore the rising fears and uncertainty of the assignment. This was the first time the sheriff had given him something to do, and he meant to impress. It had been a year of sitting and waiting. Now he planned to earn the trust and respect of the sheriff, as well as that of the others at the table who had taken him lightly.

His mind churned at the array of items he needed to take along on the trip. After all, he was a nobleman who needed to keep up with appearances, even while traveling. His father would expect no less. He would require at least three trunks of proper dress clothing, books to read, several pairs of boots, a variety of hats, and many other choices to make. He still must deal with the likes of choosing silver or pewter for dining utensils. So many questions and only a short time to get ready. The servants would earn their keep today.