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<blockquote data-quote="spyscribe" data-source="post: 1101395" data-attributes="member: 5808"><p><strong>Part the Very Twenty-Second</strong></p><p><em>In which: Reyu negotiates, and Anvil nearly changes the face of the Confederacy.</em></p><p><em>(as recorded by Fajitas)</em></p><p></p><p> The party’s jaws collectively drop. “What?!” Thatch exclaims.</p><p></p><p> “500 gold,” Tern repeats, without prompting.</p><p></p><p> Anvil pipes up, clearly fighting to control his righteous anger. “See here,” he says. “This man was purchased as a household slave, an untrained laborer. It is my understanding that 100 gold is the going rate for household slaves. Do not seek to take advantage of us, or Kettenek’s Wrath shall surely be upon you.”</p><p></p><p> A hint of anger and confusion show in Tern’s eyes and his smile kinks a notch, as he slowly steps back and whispers to his first functionary. <em>He doesn’t have the slightest idea what a slave is worth</em>, Anvil suddenly realizes. <em>These people behind him are telling him everything.</em></p><p></p><p> This time the whisper only goes back to the second functionary before it returns to the front. Tern’s smile reasserts itself. “He <strong>was</strong> an untrained laborer… when he was purchased. Now, however, he is a skilled artisan, and a far more valuable commodity.”</p><p></p><p> “A skilled artisan? You said he was a gardener,” Reyu says as evenly as she can.</p><p></p><p> “He has developed quite a green thumb since he came here,” Tern replies. “He has a great talent for gardening.”</p><p></p><p> Anvil bursts out “Even skilled artisans do not sell for more than 250 gold!”</p><p></p><p>Tern’s smile falters, but he whispers to his people. Again, the whisper only goes as far as the second one before returning. Tern reasserts himself. “If I am to be deprived of my finest gardener,” he says, easily, “I deserve some compensation. He has made my gardens the envy of Dar Aego.”</p><p></p><p>“Surely there is room for… negotiation,” Reyu says, over the sound of Anvil’s heavy breathing.</p><p></p><p>“Certainly,” Tern replies. “I am not, after all, unreasonable.”</p><p></p><p>“We cannot afford 500 gold,” Reyu says, “for there are other slaves we must also purchase. But we could afford to double our original offer. Shall we say 200 gold?”</p><p></p><p>“No, no,” Tern says affably. “As I said, some compensation is in order. But I am not unmoved by your plea. I would be willing to drop my price to… 495 gold.”</p><p></p><p>The party gapes at him, trying to see if this is a joke. But the earnest look on Tern’s face and the pained look of his second functionary indicate that no, it is not a joke. This is Tern’s idea of negotiation.</p><p></p><p>“Allow me to… discuss this with my companions,” Reyu says. Tern’s smile widens. They take this as a blessing (on the assumption that Tern’s hat prevents him from nodding) and quickly huddle out of earshot.</p><p></p><p>“I do not think negotiating with him will be… productive,” Reyu says.</p><p></p><p>“So what do we do?” Thatch asks.</p><p></p><p>“Return to Dar Pykos, raise an army, and storm this place,” Anvil says.</p><p></p><p>“I’m pretty sure the Pledge of Confederacy forbids that,” Cyrus points out.</p><p></p><p>“Then first we’ll withdraw from the Pledge.”</p><p></p><p>“What’s with the guys behind him?” Thatch asks, aiming for a productive train of thought.</p><p></p><p>“I think they’re his advisors,” Reyu says. “He seems… unsteady without them.”</p><p></p><p>“The first is clearly a chamberlain,” Cyrus notes. “The last one answered all the questions about the slaves. The second answered all the money questions.”</p><p></p><p>“The slave master and the money guy?” Thatch asks.</p><p></p><p>Cyrus shrugs. “As good a guess as any.”</p><p></p><p>“Um. Then the second guy is probably the one we actually need to negotiate with.”</p><p></p><p>“Sure. But how do we do that with Tern here?” Cyrus asks.</p><p></p><p>“Easy!” Hue says. “We ask him to leave so we can talk without him.”</p><p></p><p>“That might be considered… rude,” Reyu points out.</p><p></p><p>“Really?”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t think talking directly to Tern is gonna do it here,” Thatch says.</p><p></p><p>“I agree,” Reyu says. “He is quite… inept.”</p><p></p><p>“Um. And Anvil might have a stroke.”</p><p></p><p>“There may be another way,” Essela says quietly. All eyes turn to her. “We do have professional negotiators at the Temple. One of them, Resolute, is a member of the Caucus.”</p><p></p><p>The others take a moment to consider that idea. “Our representative could deal directly with Tern’s representative without it seeming rude,” Cyrus muses.</p><p></p><p>“And he stands a better chance of getting a reasonable price,” Reyu adds.</p><p></p><p>“I like this plan,” Anvil comments. “It involves us not being here.” </p><p></p><p>The party breaks their huddle and turns back to Tern. “We are happy to open these… negotiations,” Reyu announces. “We shall send a representative to you to… work out the details at once.”</p><p></p><p>Tern seems slightly perplexed by that, and whispers to his chamberlain. The chamberlain fields this one himself, whispering directly back to his lord. Tern, now reassured, turns back to the party. “Excellent. My controller will receive him when he arrives. Now, good day to you all.” And with a last, rigor-like smile, Tern heads back up the staircase.</p><p></p><p>The party lets out a sigh of relief. “I hope this Resolute knows what he’s doing,” Thatch says.</p><p></p><p>“Me too,” Essela replies, and the party heads back toward the Temple of Justice.</p><p></p><p>**********</p><p></p><p> As it is late in the day, the party decides not to pursue any of the other slaves tonight. The first thing they do upon their return to the Temple is track down Resolute the Just and ask him to negotiate with the Lowess estate on their behalf. He agrees, and heads off immediately. </p><p></p><p>Now the party must plan for tomorrow. They still have no leads on Amelia’s current whereabouts. They’ll have to wait for word from the House of Barter before they can pursue her further. The other two slaves are outside the city, one at a plantation, one at a quarry. As the plantation is on the way back to Dar Pykos, they decide to save that one for last. </p><p></p><p> “It’s about five hours to the quarry from the city by cart,” Essela says. “We’ll need to leave early to get back before the gates close. Getting in after dark can be… very expensive.” There’s more than a little rancor in her voice.</p><p></p><p> “Then hopefully, we shall hear from the House of Barter early,” Anvil responds.</p><p></p><p> Resolute returns some hours later. He looks exhausted. “That man is an Aegosian among Aegosians,” he says, with little humor.</p><p></p><p> “How did you make out,” Reyu asks.</p><p></p><p> “250 gold. Best I could manage.”</p><p></p><p> There is simultaneous relief and frustration among the party. It is a better price than they expected, but still more than they have budgeted.</p><p></p><p> “So, if we pay that, we’ll be left with…” Reyu begins.</p><p></p><p> “390,” Cyrus says.</p><p></p><p> “Colin and Andrew should each cost us 100 gold,” Thatch notes.</p><p></p><p> “Plus 250 for Amelia. Assuming all goes smoothly,” Reyu notes. “That’s 450 total…”</p><p></p><p>Cyrus brings up the grim truth. “If we pay this much for Dennis, we won’t have enough for all the others.” </p><p></p><p><em>to be continued...</em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="spyscribe, post: 1101395, member: 5808"] [b]Part the Very Twenty-Second[/b] [i]In which: Reyu negotiates, and Anvil nearly changes the face of the Confederacy. (as recorded by Fajitas)[/i] The party’s jaws collectively drop. “What?!” Thatch exclaims. “500 gold,” Tern repeats, without prompting. Anvil pipes up, clearly fighting to control his righteous anger. “See here,” he says. “This man was purchased as a household slave, an untrained laborer. It is my understanding that 100 gold is the going rate for household slaves. Do not seek to take advantage of us, or Kettenek’s Wrath shall surely be upon you.” A hint of anger and confusion show in Tern’s eyes and his smile kinks a notch, as he slowly steps back and whispers to his first functionary. [I]He doesn’t have the slightest idea what a slave is worth[/I], Anvil suddenly realizes. [I]These people behind him are telling him everything.[/I] This time the whisper only goes back to the second functionary before it returns to the front. Tern’s smile reasserts itself. “He [b]was[/b] an untrained laborer… when he was purchased. Now, however, he is a skilled artisan, and a far more valuable commodity.” “A skilled artisan? You said he was a gardener,” Reyu says as evenly as she can. “He has developed quite a green thumb since he came here,” Tern replies. “He has a great talent for gardening.” Anvil bursts out “Even skilled artisans do not sell for more than 250 gold!” Tern’s smile falters, but he whispers to his people. Again, the whisper only goes as far as the second one before returning. Tern reasserts himself. “If I am to be deprived of my finest gardener,” he says, easily, “I deserve some compensation. He has made my gardens the envy of Dar Aego.” “Surely there is room for… negotiation,” Reyu says, over the sound of Anvil’s heavy breathing. “Certainly,” Tern replies. “I am not, after all, unreasonable.” “We cannot afford 500 gold,” Reyu says, “for there are other slaves we must also purchase. But we could afford to double our original offer. Shall we say 200 gold?” “No, no,” Tern says affably. “As I said, some compensation is in order. But I am not unmoved by your plea. I would be willing to drop my price to… 495 gold.” The party gapes at him, trying to see if this is a joke. But the earnest look on Tern’s face and the pained look of his second functionary indicate that no, it is not a joke. This is Tern’s idea of negotiation. “Allow me to… discuss this with my companions,” Reyu says. Tern’s smile widens. They take this as a blessing (on the assumption that Tern’s hat prevents him from nodding) and quickly huddle out of earshot. “I do not think negotiating with him will be… productive,” Reyu says. “So what do we do?” Thatch asks. “Return to Dar Pykos, raise an army, and storm this place,” Anvil says. “I’m pretty sure the Pledge of Confederacy forbids that,” Cyrus points out. “Then first we’ll withdraw from the Pledge.” “What’s with the guys behind him?” Thatch asks, aiming for a productive train of thought. “I think they’re his advisors,” Reyu says. “He seems… unsteady without them.” “The first is clearly a chamberlain,” Cyrus notes. “The last one answered all the questions about the slaves. The second answered all the money questions.” “The slave master and the money guy?” Thatch asks. Cyrus shrugs. “As good a guess as any.” “Um. Then the second guy is probably the one we actually need to negotiate with.” “Sure. But how do we do that with Tern here?” Cyrus asks. “Easy!” Hue says. “We ask him to leave so we can talk without him.” “That might be considered… rude,” Reyu points out. “Really?” “I don’t think talking directly to Tern is gonna do it here,” Thatch says. “I agree,” Reyu says. “He is quite… inept.” “Um. And Anvil might have a stroke.” “There may be another way,” Essela says quietly. All eyes turn to her. “We do have professional negotiators at the Temple. One of them, Resolute, is a member of the Caucus.” The others take a moment to consider that idea. “Our representative could deal directly with Tern’s representative without it seeming rude,” Cyrus muses. “And he stands a better chance of getting a reasonable price,” Reyu adds. “I like this plan,” Anvil comments. “It involves us not being here.” The party breaks their huddle and turns back to Tern. “We are happy to open these… negotiations,” Reyu announces. “We shall send a representative to you to… work out the details at once.” Tern seems slightly perplexed by that, and whispers to his chamberlain. The chamberlain fields this one himself, whispering directly back to his lord. Tern, now reassured, turns back to the party. “Excellent. My controller will receive him when he arrives. Now, good day to you all.” And with a last, rigor-like smile, Tern heads back up the staircase. The party lets out a sigh of relief. “I hope this Resolute knows what he’s doing,” Thatch says. “Me too,” Essela replies, and the party heads back toward the Temple of Justice. ********** As it is late in the day, the party decides not to pursue any of the other slaves tonight. The first thing they do upon their return to the Temple is track down Resolute the Just and ask him to negotiate with the Lowess estate on their behalf. He agrees, and heads off immediately. Now the party must plan for tomorrow. They still have no leads on Amelia’s current whereabouts. They’ll have to wait for word from the House of Barter before they can pursue her further. The other two slaves are outside the city, one at a plantation, one at a quarry. As the plantation is on the way back to Dar Pykos, they decide to save that one for last. “It’s about five hours to the quarry from the city by cart,” Essela says. “We’ll need to leave early to get back before the gates close. Getting in after dark can be… very expensive.” There’s more than a little rancor in her voice. “Then hopefully, we shall hear from the House of Barter early,” Anvil responds. Resolute returns some hours later. He looks exhausted. “That man is an Aegosian among Aegosians,” he says, with little humor. “How did you make out,” Reyu asks. “250 gold. Best I could manage.” There is simultaneous relief and frustration among the party. It is a better price than they expected, but still more than they have budgeted. “So, if we pay that, we’ll be left with…” Reyu begins. “390,” Cyrus says. “Colin and Andrew should each cost us 100 gold,” Thatch notes. “Plus 250 for Amelia. Assuming all goes smoothly,” Reyu notes. “That’s 450 total…” Cyrus brings up the grim truth. “If we pay this much for Dennis, we won’t have enough for all the others.” [i]to be continued...[/i] [/QUOTE]
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