Ойкумена / Oikumena: Глава 7

Chapter 7

Camrad_RIP 02.10.23 в 21:28

The will at the tip of a quill

Camrad_RIP 02.10.23 в 21:29

* * *

Camrad_RIP 02.10.23 в 21:28

// "Filthy degenerates."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:05

The lord of Malersyde was angry and ill at ease, struggling to recover from his magical transition. Age, damn it... In addition, the Duke could not tolerate all sorcery and reasonably feared magical travel, but the urgent need to forget about the principles. As usual, after such kind of travel, he felt dizzy and dizzy, and a feeling of some kind of disorganization. It was as if the parts of the soul had been taken apart and then put together carefully, but with the smallest mistakes, invisible to the eye, as when restoring a complex mosaic of different colors.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:06

But a hundred times more unpleasant than any bodily ailments was the humiliating feeling of dependence, of inevitable subordination to another's will. Patrons snapped their fingers, and the lord duke was forced to rush to the call, even without being aware of the object of such an urgent need. It had never occurred to anyone that the master of Malersyde, with its second largest and most important port on the continent, might have other concerns. But Duke Wartensleben is in a hurry, risking part of his soul in a magical passage, lest the island Bonoms prove displeased...

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:07

// "Filthy degenerates,'" the duke repeated to himself, glad the magic that allowed read minds had long since been lost. Centuries before magic began to leave this world.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:09

It should be noted that in his energetic and expressive characterization, there was a considerable amount of truth. Before the Cataclysm, Saltoluchard Island (or rather, two islands separated by a shipping channel) was deservedly considered the poorest and most useless corner of the Ecumene There had never been anything useful. Even the middle mountains of the continent seemed richer and more respectable. At least there was grass growing and sheep grazing there. On the Island, sea salt was boiled in stone baths under the hot sun, but it was of the lowest quality. Fish and corned beef were bitter and did not last long.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:13

Therefore, only one noble family ruled on the Island - the Aleinsae [1] - and even that, to tell the truth, belonged to the Primators rather nominally. No one respected her, no one was not in a hurry to be married, and in general, they were kept as a guest under the stairs.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:14

Everything changed after the Old Empire collapsed. In a matter of months, the former rulers of the world had become a pack of hyenas, fighting to the death for the shards of the old world. And Saltoluchard was suddenly the safest piece of land within the inhabited world precisely because no one claimed it. In addition, Salt Island had retained most of its fleet, unlike the other coastal houses that had squandered ships in desperate naval battles, lost to broken repair yards and non-magical navigational errors. Amidst the growing chaos, the Island became a safe harbor, able to defend itself against any enemy. And then, as the ravaged continent began the long road to recovery, the Aleinse family took over much of the maritime trade, ruthlessly wiping anyone who had anything against the monopoly off the map. Salt came in handy, too, albeit a nasty one, but cheap and the only one available. It laid the foundation of Aleinsae's wealth, which in time surpassed that of the Fillamont family, which had long held the banking business of the whole East and which also withstood the winds of change.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:15

The Islanders retained many old habits and traditions, including old fashions, as well as a penchant for close marriages. At first, because no one wanted to be related to distant beggars, sending promising daughters to the salty desert. Then - in the years of chaos and desperate war of all against all - in order not to disperse power and family wealth. This approach was inevitably reflected in the physiognomies of the Aleinse, repeatedly parodied in puppet shows, pamphlets, and engravings.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:20

"No, so disgusting faces!" - Duke Wartensleben thought again, taking a sip of wine.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:21

What do they want?

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:17

The dinner in honor of the dear guest was rather modest. One should even say minimalist. There were no feasts, pleasure trips, shark hunts, or other entertainment. A windowless room with a very low ceiling, more like a casemate (albeit luxuriously draped), light appetizers of garden fish, some imported white wine, more for order than for drinking. And three hosts gathered to meet the Duke. In other circumstances, such a reception might have been considered insulting, but this was not the case. The small square table was very low, barely above the knees of the people sitting there, the three Bonoms and a guest from the continent. One man to each side of the dark brown wood varnished to mirror-like condition. The Duke, as the guest of honor, got the north side, with three family members keeping him company.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:25

Yulo, responsible for the circulation of precious metals, was distinguished by her tall stature, goddess-like build, and grandiose wig. A mound of finely curled hair rose two palms high, falling in broad waves over her shoulders. A yellow ribbon tied in a dapper knot above her ear was across her forehead, and beneath the ribbon were glassy eyes, one of which was noticeably squinting.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:26

Jirolama, the representative of the Board of Trade, was not old, but he looked as shabby and, one might say, as worn as a shoe shined for the first time after months of wear. His narrow nose and sagging lips seemed more like those of a doll than a man.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:26

The third was Curzio, a member of the Privy Council with a wide range of tasks that could be defined as "solving his family's problems and inflicting them on others." Of the three, he seemed the most normal and wore a continental dress. Only his hair was old-fashioned islander, shaved from front to top, the strands at the sides curled in hard rolls, the remaining backcombed up and back to give the impression of an elongated, ovoid skull.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:28

The duke took a small sip, breathed in the warm air, and felt a pang of envy. The walls of the casemate were double: stone and velvet on exquisite frames. The space was filled with pepper, which had been ground and dried specially. The air was in constant contact with the spicy substance, acquiring a marvelous aroma and healing properties. Each breath soothed the troubled soul, sharpened thoughts, and cleared the throat. The owner of Malersyde, despite his wealth, could afford to fill only a few bottles in this way. Such wealth... unnerved.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:30

"We're glad you were able to take our advice," Curzio politely rejoiced and set down his glass, signaling that it was time for a serious conversation.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:31

"What sort of advice?" inquired the old proprietor in the same dignified manner. "You have given much valuable, eminently wise advice, and I have found use for much of it."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:34

"Silver," squeaked Yulo laconically. "The fifty 'dry' barrels[2] you were so fortunate to procure in small portions in the east."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:34

The duke set down a glass of the purest glass without a single bubble of air. There was not a shadow of emotion on Bonom's face, and the aristocrat thought that no matter how many eavesdroppers you torture, there will always be more. Not that the owner intended to keep the silver negotiation a secret from his "friends," but something was humiliating about the ease with which the operation had been exposed.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:36

"Ore, crude metal," the lord dryly retorted. "After refining, the net yield will be considerably less."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:37

"And yet it is eminently profitable and wise to stockpile silver in advance," Curzio smoothed the tension that had arisen. "Is there already a shortage of money in your land?"

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:40

"Yes," admitted the duke. "I have sent emissaries to all parts of the world, who have secretly and carefully collected a few coins of every possible denomination in all the great cities, measured and weighed them."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:40

"Were we right?" Yulo shrugged again, twitching the loosely hanging end of the knot of her yellow ribbon.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:41

The question was clearly rhetorical, but the Duke felt it was proper to answer politely, once again paying tribute to the foresight of the Coin Council.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:41

"Definitely. Coinage seems to be in decline everywhere due to a lack of metals. Money wears out naturally, and new money is minted rarely and sparsely. It's ..." the duke paused briefly. "Unpleasant."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:42

"Forewarned is half-armed," Curzio smiled wryly. "One must seek solace in the fact that even though we are facing a new challenge, we have the opportunity to prepare for it in advance."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:47

"Not long ago, I read a very interesting book," the duke said neutrally. "There was a chapter where the author considered separately the benefits and harms of minting copper and bronze coins. It seems that this is a way out of the predicament. Combining in an alloy not so expensive separate ingredients, which together acquire a completely different value."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:56

"Perhaps," said Jirolamo, who had been silent until then. "Perhaps. But those worries are for the day after tomorrow. Now we are concerned with matters of the day."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:58

"So?" the Duke grimaced inwardly at his inability to lean on the back of a normal chair. The island's poufs and low banquettes, upholstered in red-colored cloth, were luxurious, but they were tiring to sit on. They were not meant for sitting; the Island tradition was to recline at the table, like the legendary patricians of the Old Empire.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 11:22

"To begin with, we are pleased that now, including your efforts, the stock of precious metals at our fingertips has multiplied. It will come in handy shortly. You don't intend to sell silver to the Imperial Mint, do you?"

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 11:23

"No," the duke pressed his thin lips together, not even trying to hide his displeasure at such an obvious claim on his personal reserve.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 11:24

"Time to begin," Jirolamo said, simply and mundanely.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 11:25

"What?" the duke blurted out.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 11:25

"It is time to begin, my friend," Curzio repeated almost sympathetically. "A new table has been drawn in the Hall of Intentions, and the first cell has already been crossed out. That is why you have been asked to be our guest so unexpectedly and ... quickly. The countdown is on. We couldn't waste time on your sea voyage. We must discuss the steps you must take, as we agreed before. Because now the steps will have to be a little faster. And, as you have already realized, we will be forced to ask for a loan. The Mint Council needs more silver. Including your stockpile."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:08

"More?" asked the duke curtly, obeying a momentary impulse. "And how much do you need?"

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:09

"Everything," Yulo replied without a shadow of a smile. She never seemed to have blinked once since the conversation began.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:09

"Our plan requires a lot of spending," Curzio rounded the sharp corners again. "Unfortunately, at these stakes, we have to throw everything we have on the board. But the future winnings will be worth it."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:10

The duke bowed his head, hoping the shadow would hide the storm of emotion on his pale face. The subtle odor of precious pepper suddenly seemed like the stench of a well-aged corpse.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:11

"Why such haste?" questioned the duke deafly.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:11

"There were circumstances."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:11

"You decided to time everything for the Tournament of Faith after all," the aristocrat didn't ask but stated.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:13

Curzio remained silent.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:13

The Duke raised his head, feeling red with rage, no longer trying to hide his anger and frustration.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:14

"I was under the impression that we were having a . partnership," he said quietly, and the Bonom's voice sounded like a snake's hiss.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:14

"It is," Jirolamo confirmed.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 16:15

"It doesn't seem so," the duke leaned over the table like a viper ready to lunge. "Partnership itself implies an alliance. A treaty. Joint plans."

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 08:18

The duke took a breath. The islanders listened silently, like sinister puppets in a theater of evil legends.

Camrad_RIP 05.10.23 в 11:17