Chapter 3

The Tribunal of the Black Ledger

For nearly three days the ship that housed Lawrence was continually adrift along the Roam river making no announcement of its voyage save the creaks and moans the current rocked upon its buoyancy. Lawrence and Matthias were confined to the bottom deck, in the depths of the hull. They had seen no light save it were by candle of which they were permitted only one during their transit aboard.

They were treated much more favorably than their dastardly season in the abyss of Jurgen's dungeons. This time they were well fed, given clean garments and had access to the poop deck. All these vast improvements considering their previous accommodations. Matthias was still grieved by the injury to his leg while Lawrence struggled to apiece his master plan while being separated from the woman who enabled his bravery.

Lawrence made sparing use of the candle to research the black ledgers, an inconvenience intentionally brought about by his caretakers, to obtain as much information as possible concerning the inner workings of the tribunal. The rationing of light was not the only obstacle to his scheme, he also needed to portray good intentions before Cyrus Aswadi who made it his appointment to place the merchant under his unrelenting scrutiny. But not only this, the distrust of his only friend during this time, Matthias, added to his vexations.

Yet Lawrence posessed more than unmatched business sense and good nature, he also had tenacity to work and construct his actions under the most stressful of circumstances, even through fear of pain and death. He was the man the great Holo the Wise Wolf found worthy of her matrimony after all.

A subtle creak, a lurch in momentum, and a nudge from under the keel announced to them that the ship was preparing to make port. From above deck a square of light pierced the blackness as the hatch was pulled ajar with a voice from one of the deckhands informing, "We are preparing to make berth. Bring them up to disembark."

Lawrence closed the ledger automatically and arose but durst not set foot anywhere until Cyrus approved. Once the lines were cast and the starboard bow was secured Cyrus tossed Matthias a crutch and admitted them to the main deck. No sooner than when they had surfaced they shielded their eyes from the pain of daylight.

While still in the struggle of lifting their eyelids they could detect by ear strange and unusual cries to those who are landlocked, they were the shrieks of seagulls. Once the sting of their eyes subsided enough for them to struggle them open Lawrence caught but a glimpse of endless blue beyond the buildings.

"How far have we traveled?"

Matthias grunted while rubbing his sockets, "We've gone as far east as the continent can allow."

"Welcome to Dehlmare,' came the sinisterly polite voice of Jurgen De Buhr who casually strode up behind him from the helm, 'the port town farthest east of Ploania."

Alas Lawrence was able to fix his gaze and set it upon the crashing waives far in front beyond the streets and alleys, "The ocean? That is the ocean?"

"Have you not seen it before?"

With a heart playing a balancing act above the pit of despair Lawrence replied, "I have been to the port town of Kerube and sailed across the channel to Winfiel. But I never thought I would ever lay eyes on the eastern sea.' then after sinking his head said, 'nor have I been this far from the place I've called home."

"Well with luck,' replied Jurgen as shipmates began establishing the docking ramp and walked towards it, 'you'll be even further than this."

A rod of fear shot through his chest at these words but could not dwell on it for Cyrus was quick to force them towards the pier. As they descended down the ramp Lawrence spied a man, backed by a troop, awaiting lord De Buhr, who shook hands with him in a cordial greeting. He had grey hair kept shortly held to the scalp who was plump enough for his chin and neck to meet. His dress consisted of the deep red robes of a high ranking city official with lines of gold adorning the hems.

"Thank you for meeting with me personally my friend." said Jurgen to the stranger who turned to Lawrence to introduce him, "This is Gustav Bihari, head of the Starboard Emporium."

Lawrence gave him salutations via nod of the head and replied, "Pleased to meet you I'm Kraft Lawrence, newly recruited financier to Jurgen De Buhr."

The tone in which he employed caused ire to pulse through the flesh of Cyrus who withheld recourse while in the eye of the public. Gustav appeared slightly amused while Jurgen chuckled, "That is one way to put it.' then diverting topics, 'let us conduct business within your guild. I will have my men unload at once."

Gustav extended his hand and informed, "No need my lord. Hathom fetch my gords."

The one whom he addressed replied affirmatively and withdrew to the warehouse. Not soon after, three of the largest men Lawrence had ever laid eyes on advanced from the structure towards the docks. Each stood no shorter than seven feet tall and could be no lighter than three hundred pounds. Lawrence carefully eyed them, the one in front had frizzy black hair and mutton chops, large bellied and massively fisted, resembling more of an ogre than a man. The two behind him were identical, blonde haired, chisel chinned with cleft indentations running down the course of their thick jaws. They however were not plump like the other, their shoulders were broad and their stomachs flat.

Lawrence could not keep his eye off the dark haired one, he was the largest of them all and clearly the leader of the trio who most likely took that mantle due to a test of strength once ensued in their history.

Even Cyrus took their stature as something worthy of note as he gripped his concealed arms as they drew closer. The trio of brutes stopped before Bihari who introduced them, "Lord De Buhr, these are my gords,' to the ogre, 'Andre Golokov,' then to the blondes, 'Vladmir and Vladislav Pervukhin. I won them in a card game last year and will serve you well."

He then turned to them and instructed while pointing to the boat, "Unload the crates."

Andre huffed out his nostrils then proceeded to march up the ramp with the other two in tow like fuming bison. They returned back down this time burdening their arms with large crates hugging their chests. Lawrence marveled at their strength which rivaled that of the common oxen. They began setting their loads in order so they could be logged. Lawrence knew the purpose of this was a ruse to have Jurgen and Gustav meet in secret with him undoubtedly having to participate.

"Salutations Monsieur's!" cried another voice which halted all operations and set eyes upon the perpetrator of it.

There, standing at the border of the dockyard, was a gentlemanly soldier wearing a noblemen's shirt embraced with a jerkin styled tabard of dark green around his torso, black trousers tucked into his jackboots with the final touches being an aramis cape draping aloft his left shoulder and handsomely sporting a cavalier hat sprouting an extravagant feather which went well with his long curly brown hair neatly drooped down the back of his neck and blue eyes sitting high above a finely twirled mustache perched over a perfectly triangular mouche that enlightened the definitions of his chiseled jaw.

Two others, dressed like him, were resigned on both sides of him.

"What do you want, lieutenant?" asked Gustav with a history of ill acquaintance preceding him.

With one hand on his waist and the other (both clad in leather swordsman gloves) pointing up the fair man replied, "Ah, ah, I have been promoted as of late, it is Capitano Jean-Luc Pierre Lemonte now." said he with a tone familiar in assuming authority.

"Fancy that,' spat Gustav with an air of ire, 'congratulations are in order but forgive me for not celebrating this achievement, as you can see I have business to attend to."

"Heyday!' replied Lemonte, 'Tis' why I have come to you at this hour. For recently a cavalier of the grand legion spied an unknown merchant vessel drifting into your dock and had sent for me to carry out the duties that permit me to allow you to carry out yours."

Lawrence calmly looked over to Jurgen you shot glances between both Gustav and Lemonte like a man under pressure.

"And what are these duties you intend to carry out?"

"Ah, an oversight,' observed Lemonte, 'to ensure all foreign cargo entering Dehlmare remains within the confines of the law; these men, and myself, shall conduct a quick examination of all product you have taken off board."

Though Lawrence was a sworn enemy to these men he felt the same bolt of apprehension strike him as it did they.

The giant hands of labor went on as if oblivious to the conversation.

Gustav, subduing his irate emotions, replied, "Come now Lemonte, you and the Marquis know the logistical issues that come with this."

"Should all the products within those crates meet the parameters the Marquis has set then there shall be no logistical issue to be resolved." came Lemonte's quick but sure reply who seemingly chose devotion to law over any accommodation.

Then looking to Jurgen asked, "What is it you carry?"

De Buhr answered innocently enough like a man who has done this countless times, "Gold and silver to be minted into coin and medicinal plants."

Lemonte nodded then looked over to Matthias and Lawrence, "And who are these gentlemen who accompany you?"

Lawrence felt a hot flash roll over his neck, Jurgen was about to answer for him if not for Lemonte objecting and opting to hear the answer come from the men he questioned personally.

"My name is Kraft Lawrence, I've been hired as a financial advisor for these men of esteemed class."

The mustache adorning Lemonte's lips twitched slightly, "And you, Monsieur who is bound to that cane?"

"Matthias, a member of security."

"And was it by your devotion to this station that you have come by that injury?"

"Yes sir."

Satisfied, Lemonte therefore said, "Without much further ado we will examine your cargo."

Gustav intervened, "Not wise my friend, just think for a moment, there is potential for new coin for the poor and plants to be ground into medicine for our plague. Should one thing fall unfavorably in the eyes of the Marquis you will be forced to confiscate them and prevent these humanitarian efforts from reaching the less fortunate and down trodden. It is possible the people will hold the grand legion responsible for their misfortune take up arms in riot against you!"

There was not even a second's worth of pause before Lemonte fired back, "Let us not forget that it is the alleged activity of the Duke, of whom you have sworn allegiance, who has forced the Marquis to enforce policies that might incite the masses to rebellion."

Lawrence was so satisfied by his response he failed to keep his mouth from falling open.

Lemonte and the other two walked towards the crates, crowbars in hand, and pried the lids open to have their contents in plain view.

Lemonte plucked up a gold and silver nugget, held them to the sun for tight examination them then said as he tossed them back, "Unrefined gold and silver; according to the civil governments discord all gold and silver ushered in under the Duke and the Marquis must be weighed and taxed appropriately. You shall not touch these crates until a means to do so has been provided." then proceeded to count the crates and inscribe his findings upon a piece of parchment.

A flare rippled trough Gustav's brow.

The next batch was opened up revealing bushels of dried leaves. Lemonte picked one by the stem then showed it to his men and those of the Starboard Emporium.

"Angel leaf, as it has been referred to in times past, is now under the strict contraband mandate. These can only be sold to doctors and surgeons officially approved by the Marquis. The Duke has recently forfeited that privilege until the investigations against him are complete. Which means it is no longer within his power to grant it to those under his banner therefore they shall be expedited from these docks as immediate as time permits"

"But it can be manufactured into medicine here and distributed to the doctors without hiking the price!" protested Gustav as if to have the people's best interest in mind.

"True,' replied Lemonte rustling a hand trough the dry leaves, 'however there has been a hike in the illegal use of nimbus powder that has claimed both the lives and gold of many citizens now turned addicts. Nimbus powder, as you know, can be manufactured from angel leaf, the distribution of which as been traced back to the Duke. Had he been more prudent in his endeavors in the handling the stuff then perhaps there would be no shortage of coin and health among the masses."

Lemonte then did as he had done before, recorded the crates on parchment. Handing it off to one of his men he sent him away with instructions to have the correct bodies brought back to perform the operations previously described.

"This is an outrage!' bellowed Gustav, 'I demand these policies, of which the Marquis imposed, be exempt from me!"

He made a hostile move towards the cavalier who quickly drew a stance with one hand clutching the saber he had hooked round his belt, "If it is your desire to enact violence against me, know this, that I will defend myself vigorously!"

That is when an idea struck Gustav's head, "Yes, I desire both exemption and violence against you. And there happens to be a means I can have both, mutual combat."

An eyebrow below the cavalier's hat raised, "Very well, it can be settled here, for I have my second (motioning to his other man) and all these witnesses."

Lawrence whispered to Matthias, "What's going on?"

Cyrus overheard and answered to keep their voices down, "There shall be a duel between these factions, the victor gets his demands."

Lawrence turned slightly pale, "What kind of duel?" that is when he saw Lemonte detach his cape, hand it to his second which allowed his rapier to be exposed. Gustav approached the twin giants and demanded with order not to be failed, "One of you gords get a sword!"

Vladislav volunteered to be the combatant and was given a cutlass then was instructed to the designated arena.

"To the death…?!" Lawrence muttered, weary at the potential sight of blood.

Lemonte withdrew his saber, stepped before Vladislav who had three heads above him and whipped his blade upright before his chest. Vladislav did the same while the second instructed, "The duelists will turn and take three paces back."

Lemonte whipped his sword down, turned about and marched the demanded sum of steps then quickly turned back to face his opponent, performed a quick flourish which led into a politely aggressive fencing stance and remained motionless.

"This can't be happening." said Lawrence when accounting the size difference between the two men, "This isn't a duel it's an execution."

The second leaned over looking in Lawrence's direction, "The witnesses shall remain silent until the duel has ceased to commence. Gentlemen!"

Both swords aimed towards their rivals.

"En garde!"

Both shuffled in, blades lightly crossed at the tips while circling about. Vladislav made a huge step in collective with a grand swipe but found his attack foiled by the tip of Lemonte's rapier poked in the middle of his bicep. Vladislav grunted through his teeth, pulled free and went to reattempt a strike but was thwarted by Lemonte viscously slapping the hilt of his cutlass cascading it from his grip.

As Vladislav went to a knee to retrieve it another blow found itself in his inner thigh. Repossessing the blade in the opposite hand, he attempted to arise but was overcome with soreness just in time for Lemonte to make another mark similarly in the other arm. Vladislav attempted another effort from off the ground but was halted by the sensation of soft steel resting at his throat and made a motionless parley.

"The challenger may yield at anytime." informed Lemonte as a warning.

Vladislav grunted, dropped his sword and spat upon the ground as he painfully withdrew. Lawrence was awestruck, the duel did not even reach a tenure of ten seconds and Lemonte felled the giant as of David of old.

The least impressed of the group was Gustav who referenced Vladmir while announcing, "I have another challenger."

With a coolness and patience seemingly beyond his years Lemonte stood erect as the twin brother of his previous rival readied himself. The proceedings of the next duel ensued in same fashion and, "En garde!" was announced once more.

Despite being identical in appearance, Vladmir was not set out to mirror his brother's performance, he instead charged and made a deadly swipe to split the capitano of the grand legion in two. Surely any other man would have fled for safety but Lemonte made no such retreat, instead he parried with a loud clash then made a thrusting riposte that plunged through Vladmir's breast in a single go.

He fell to his knees, clutched his wound and coughed up blood while gasping for air. Lemonte addressed Gustav, "Have you any other challenger?"

The defeated Gustav looked to Andre and considered it a vain hope to lose three of his strongest bodies in a day. Then with disdain to that possibility he said to Andre, "Pick him up and take him to the doctor."

Andre did as he was told and grabbed his colleague by the collar and adopted this means to drag him to a physician.

Lemonte congratulated himself by wiping his blade clean, replacing it near his hip and redrawing his cape back into its original fashion like a model musketeer. As he was ready to make way he said while tightening his gloves, "I am the victor this day, therefore the demands of the Marquis will be met." he then withdrew without saying another word more.

Gustav made a signal for everyone in attendance to move inside save Vladislav who occupied himself in binding his wounds.

"I still expect a full day's work." was all he said to the gord then left him to it.

Gold and Spice

Within the Starboard Emporium up the stairs, down the hallway was the main office designated for Gustav's affairs. Seeing how Lawrence was to be apart of these, he too was situated in an arm chair across the desk from where Gustav resigned. Jurgen sat likewise at his left and Cyrus tucked himself into dark obscurity of the corner.

Gustav inaugurated the meeting with an air of noticeable resentment, "Lord De Buhr, though I am always pleased when you come to visit me personally, I had hoped, this time, it would be to refund me in full."

Jurgen, subduing the justice he felt by that reproach, tapped the heal of his shoe he had crossed over his other leg, "I understand, no one likes debt, and even less so to have to become a debtor to those he calls friends. But you see, for the perseverance of the tribunal, much if not all of my funds have been exhausted, including my return on investment with you and the others."

Gustav took a sudden chill to the manner in which his character was displayed, "You mean, the ones on Laterniuex's errand have survived the barrage you had waiting in store for them?"

A heavy reprieve escaped his nose as Jurgen replied, "Afraid so, in fact Evgeny had been compromised, so much so that he let slip many documents into the hands of our enemies and let loose many words into their ears."

"Surely this betrayal was met with the utmost deconsecration of his standing with us?"

"It had to wait, the Ranger and the wolf moved with great haste through Yoites which pressured me to flee."

"What of those natives you had a pact with, the Sawatii? Surely an army could have fronted your defense."

"That army was met with another army, of their rivals the Kahotoe tribe, who sided against them bungling that garrison as well. So now we are here, bankrupt and on the run."

"Do the others know of this?"

"Not yet, but they will eventually, that is why I've come to you first to parley. I have always considered you and I on the best terms of understanding, and would hope that you could send word using your voice. I'm sure they would be less wroth hearing it from a comrade on their level."

Gustav leaned forward, willing but agitated nonetheless, "I can quell the tides of dissatisfaction I'm sure, but as you said, no one likes to be a debtor and I happen to be a rather impatient one, even with those who think they are closest to me. Satisfaction ultimately comes from having our debts paid in full. How does one who is bankrupt plan to do so if not with his own life?"

Lord de Buhr motioned to Lawrence, "Remember the man I had hostage?"

"Wait, you mean?"

"Indeed, Holo's husband sits before you."

Gustav slammed his palms on the table and arose by those means, "You brought him into the fold?"

"Relax my friend, I have him under tight surveillance and in exchange for his life he is willing to use his expertise in satisfying the debt."

"A willingness misplaced I'd assume."

Suddenly Lawrence spoke coolly out of turn, "Your success rides on mine."

Every pair of eyes shifted towards him with unfailing scrutiny.

"Care to justify that comment Mr. Lawrence?" inquired Gustav with a greater level of hostility than originally displayed towards his better.

Lawrence maintained his posture despite the pressure he felt on his shoulders, "Because I know specifically why these are dire times to become a debtor to your presiding authority. I know why it is you have been calling on him more frequently for repayment."

"Explain yourself."

"You are facing the threat of bankruptcy also and have debts of your own to clear. And if you don't, certain doom will befall you also."

Unfazed by the risks portrayed, Gustav said callously, "I hope you are a better merchant than you are a gambler." in reference to a bluff.

"It's not a gamble when you can see your opponent's cards. I have seen the black ledgers and know everything about your inner workings and finances, and you're all in trouble."

The color from Gustav's face flushed in an instant and he cast himself back into his chair, "You allowed this…?" said he sliding a defeated gaze over to Jurgen who seemed rather resigned over the whole affair.

Keeping his legs crossed and his fingers elegantly collected at the apex of his chin Jurgen replied, "Well, back to your gambling metaphor, I decided it would be in all our best interests to take a chance rather than fold."

"But he knows everything…" Gustav sighed with overwhelming chagrin.

"Well,' started Lawrence, 'to speak as if this is a gambling game; these are the cards you've been dealt."

Gustav seemed to have no more energy to resist the man, who seemingly from nowhere, knocked him from off the boot he initially held him down with. With a weakened gasp of defeat his perseverance metamorphosed into desperation.

"Tell me your plan then."

Lawrence attempted that best merchant smile that always prevailed him, "To start, let's talk about your legitimate dealings that you keep on official record for auditing purposes. Your major imports come from the Eastern Trading and Company of Talhari which I am to assume is on the continent that lies all the way furthest east of this ocean. Am I correct?"

"Tis' true."

"What surprises me most is that your major imports from Talhari is angel leaf and slaves. Eastern countries make huge profits by selling and shipping gold and spices to western merchants who in turn make huge profits of their own. Yet I do not see you making these investments. Why is that?"

"Because the merchants waiving the Marquis' banner acquired that privilege first."

Lawrence appeared a bit stupefied as his ignorance on the matter seemed to overwhelm him allowing Jurgen to explain, "You see Mr. Lawrence, Dehlmare has a dual governmental body. The Grand Legion headed by an appointed Marquis with the cavaliers as their enforcers and The Royal Envoy headed by a Duke who choses his successor and is considered a servant of the church here. Their authority is extended through the arm of their policing unit known as The Vicars. Both the Legion and Envoy are accountable to the Council of Nine who determine which of them get which trading privileges. When there is a dispute among the two parties they can either take it up with the Council or engage in mutual combat."

"I take it then that the duel I witnessed has not been the only duel between representatives of these parties." observed Lawrence.

"Indeed so,' sighed Gustav rubbing his mid brow, 'Duels between and amongst the Vicars and the Cavaliers are a daily occurrence. Though mutual combat is a lawful way to resolve dispute, it is the most abused system in this power struggle between the Legion and the Envoy."

"I take it the Legion is gaining ground in this struggle then?" asked Lawrence with a tone of surety.

"And reaping all the benefits." concluded Gustav.

"Getting back to the first topic,' said Lawrence, 'is it impossible for you to get gold and spice from Talhari?"

"Not without paying a hefty tax to the Marquis."

"It'd be stupid to ask but I will anyway; you do know how to get past taxation right?"

Gustav massaged his temples, "We used to smuggle gold and spice in our angel leaf barrels and other assets but ever since the illegal distribution of nimbus powder has been linked to the Duke the entire Royal Envoy was put under investigation by the Legion by order of the Council of Nine. Every vessel docking in the interest of the Envoy were subject to be searched and naturally the smuggled goods were discovered with it which is why the privileges of minting coins ourselves and manufacturing nimbus powder have been redacted. Which was the origin of Lemonte's visit earlier today when you landed."

"I take it he's too troublesome of an enforcer to either be bribed or eliminated."

Gustav nodded, "Bribe him and he'll arrest you and bring the whole Legion upon your organization. Eliminate him and every man associated with the Envoy will fall prey to their scrutiny. He's even more troublesome now that he's been promoted to Capitano.' then resting his head lower, 'his reach is even greater now than ever."

Lawrence sympathized somewhat to his frustrations, that is, as far as his disdain for the tribunal would allow (which was a shallow portion indeed), then proposed, "I know enough about things on your end but perhaps the answers don't lie here you may need to expand your resources."
Jurgen's head twitched right as Gustav's lifted, "How so?"

He leaned forward with a bout of enthusiasm and just enough secrecy for him to want to hear more and comply, "First I need to know everything there is to know about Dehlmare and Talhari."

…

Hours passed into the early evening before Lawrence was able to retire from his sessions of; study, stretching, pacing and pondering. He returned to Gustav and Jurgen and requested everyone else vacate save those two to prevent his plan from entering the mind of the non essential man who could more easily be interrogated.

"Well Mr. Lawrence,' started Gustav with a hand ready to call for his execution at the slightest detail to be construed as betrayal, 'I'm listening."

"To start,' Lawrence began with unwavering confidence, 'the first plan on the offensive is to not gain control from the Legion economically but politically."

"Go on."

"The reason the Legion has been granted so much control over Dehlmare was due to the fact that the Duke was careless enough to get caught smuggling and drug dealing, which in turn has soured the view the people and Council of Nine had towards the Envoy. This damage needs to be repaired and the best way to start is by having the Duke resign."

Gustav nearly laughed, "He is one of the most powerful men in Dehlmare, even the Council cannot make that happen."

"Is he not more or a less a servant of the church?"

"Indeed he is."

"Is it not the duty of a servant to fulfill the commands of his master?"

This is when Lawrence's credibility caused the man to sit further erect, "Have him removed by the church?"

"Yes, you see, the church's image has been tarnished also. Convincing them to pressure him out of office wouldn't be an issue."

"But he still can chose his own successor, and he will most likely select one in line with his character whom the people will equally distrust as well."

"Again, have the church pressure his decision."

"But with who?"

Lawrence pointed a finger non directly towards Gustav who became all the more intrigued when he heard him say, "One of your own."

There was a pulse of energy that buzzed through the room.

Lawrence quickly followed up to maintain steam, "I know how the Tribunal works. You have a foot in every door and a hand in every pocket and a mouth to every ear. Surely you have subordinates loyal to you within the ranks of the parish do you not?"

"True, in fact as you speak a few names come to mind who can be made eligible for the office as long as the proper steps are taken."

"Whomever you pick,' warned Lawrence, 'he must be able to convince the town that he is better than the last Duke if you are to rebuild trust." after Gustav concurred with an assenting chin Lawrence went on, "After that, you will need one of your own to get into the offices of the Council of Nine. But he needs to be an everyman, one whose simple history would make him ideally relatable. Say, one of your gords?"

Gustav's eyebrows lit up as if by a spark, "Yes, a hardworking foreigner able to advance from the dockyards to the courtyards would inspire many a laborer."

"And even promote the idea that the Envoy is the guild of opportunity for those of humble beginnings." added Lawrence.

"From there he can influence trade policies in my favor…" he mused while stroking his bulbous chin.

"You see what we are doing here?' inquired Lawrence as an insight to more devious schemes, 'the Starboard Emporium no longer pressures the establishment, it becomes the establishment."

Jurgen then spoke with inquiries of his own, "If we are willing to be this radical, why not put Gustav in one of those positions himself?"

Lawrence was quick to refute with reason, "Because it would be way too suspicious for a company like the Starboard Emporium, who has suffered from the policies of the Marquis the most, to suddenly thrust its chief executive into a position where he can undo that."

Jurgen pondered then remained silent.

"Is that all?" asked Gustav in hopes it was not so.

"No, now that we have succeeded in restoring the image of the Royal Envoy we must destroy the image of the Grand Legion."

The countenance of Gustav livened up a bit upon hearing this reform, "I'm listening.

"First we start by allowing the Legion to carry on as is. You said the price of medication will go up due to the contraband mandate and that the civil governments discord only permits them to mint new coins for the time being. Ultimately, supply and demand of medicine will put a strain on the trade and in order to be compensated for minting gold the interest will be paid by retaining the sum required. You can use this to start spreading rumors about the Grand Legion.

Such as, that they are withholding the medicine while raising the market and taking coins out of the welfare system."

Gustav raised his hand, "However, any rational person could look at that and know it is normal for such an occurrence given the situation. Plus people do not like being lied to even if it is against their enemies."

Lawrence reassured him, "That is why we are playing to man's irrationality. The goal of this rumor is to make the Legion look greedy. All the evidence needed to support that claim is expensive medication in short supply and a smaller deposit into the welfare system. The people will fill in the blanks so long as they don't have all the information."

Gustav leaned back as if resigned, "Well…the spreading of misinformation is the most effective weapon in the battle of politics."

"Most common, not 'effective." corrected Lawrence.

"And your idea of effectiveness then." replied Gustav slightly irritated.

"Bold fabrications almost impossible to refute."

"Carry on."

"Next we're going to frame the Grand Legion of a crime, namely sabotage. And we do it by hiring a third party."

"How so? I cannot think of a saboteur capable enough to convince the people they are crooks."
"This operations does not occur on land but by sea using privateers."

Gustav grunted with surprise enabling Lawrence to continue on.

"We hire a ship of privateers under the guise as an agent of the Legion and simply give them a contract and advanced payment forged with the signet of the Marquis. The contract will hire them to pillage Royal Envoy merchant vessels. They'll surely get caught and, like any scoundrel with no loyalty, will divulge the nature behind their actions."

"The forged contract and gold will be the evidence that it was in fact the Marquis who hired them to attack Envoy vessels." said Gustav mostly to himself while leaning on his chin.

"Yes,' said Lawrence, 'once indicted and placed under investigation the Council of Nine will have no choice but to revoke the Legion's oversea trading agreements with Talhari. When that happens your gord on the inside can sway balance of power into your favor allowing the Starboard Emporium to have exclusive rights to the industry and from their monopolies the overseas market."

Jurgen lightly clapped his hands, "Bravo, a stunning display of your wit and intellect Mr. Lawrence. However there is but one set back, we cannot lift up this operation without the funding for it."

Lawrence maintained the simple approach, "All this that we've talked about was part one of the master plan, gaining power politically. We now must move onto the second part, gaining power financially."

"What are your ideas?"

"I understand that the Envoy is the only establishment that permits brothels and prostitution, what normally holds business back is that the church can't support the practice and many people are god fearing and fear to enjoy themselves. There is a loop hole to get the church's support and to put people's soul's at ease. There is a donation process known as tithe, if you pay the church a tithe on the income made from brothel's they'll be more likely to assist. Once on their good side pitch to them this practice; sins can be forgiven if one offers penance, and penance now includes offering coin."

Gustav flexed an eyebrow, "You mean sell forgiveness?"

"Yes, if a god fearing man were able pay the church for forgiveness for indulgence imagine the profits both brothel and cathedral would bring in."

"And how can anyone be guilty in the eyes of God if they've purchased absolution from their sins?" added Jurgen who seemed just as eager to see this scheme function perfectly.

"With a heavier backing from the church,' continued Lawrence, 'you'll have more opportunity to manufacture and distribute nimbus powder on their behalf for a much cheaper price than the Legion causing hordes to flood to you."

Gustav's face gleamed with heinous satisfaction, "And after I have monopolized all of Dehlmare, what next?"

"Using your slaves to monopolize the oversea market."

Appearing more intrigued, Gustav leaned forward.

"The biggest obstacle is getting control of Talhari's spice and gold trade, even with the Eastern Connection on your side it's too much of an investment to start there so we start small. Next to Talhari is a small hamlet that makes its living off selling spice and gold from their local resources, however they lack the manpower to mass produce enough to compete with Talhari. What you're going to do is offer them a trading deal, one too good for them to ignore, one that, should they fail their end of the bargain means dire consequences."

"Go on."

"What you'll do with the hamlet is set up trade agreements to purchase their spice at double the cost then turn around and sell it for half the cost here."

Gustav sputtered with disbelief, "Are you insane?! We'll surely go bankrupt."

Lawrence let his calmness prevail his demeanor, "This doesn't go on indefinitely, you're building intense competition with the legion forcing them to lower their prices to match yours thus putting them on your level. You see when competition happens, business goes up but profits come down. Once you and the Legion are neck and neck you will go to your supplier who has now been trapped into greater demands by your contract and say that you will now purchase at lower than regular cost."

"But we'll never get a profit from that, in fact they wouldn't be able to pay us back to end the contract."

"Exactly that's why instead of taking their money, you will seize their assets you'll have established as collateral."
"Their village and farms?" inquired Gustav with a ray of hope glimmering in his sinister eye.

"Correct, you will have the legal right to seize their mines and farms and then will be able to divert your slaves to labor there thus making your spice and gold investments virtually dirt cheap. The profits you will make off of this practice will give you the leverage needed to start buying out other suppliers in Talhari until the Tribunal owns the entire eastern trade."

Jurgen made an addendum to better sway his comrade, "From there it will be impossible for the Council of Nine to revoke trade agreements and the Legion will be far too weak to be much of an issue. You may even be able to absolve it all and own all of Dehlmare."

Gustav let his thumb make passes under his fat chin, "Well gentlemen, I am convinced this all can be done and should this all be successful the Tribunal will become more powerful than ever and all debts shall be forgiven." said he looking to Jurgen.

"Now,' he continued while arising, 'I don't know about you but I feel we all deserve to be refreshed and entertained, and the night is younger still. You shall all be treated at a place of my choosing."

He went around the desk to shake Lawrence's hand then gave Jurgen a half embrace while whispering into his ear, "Praise be to my master."

The clock was winding down closer to seven by the time Lawrence's meeting was adjourned, which brought a small relief to him in the same way a cool breeze eases the turmoil of the laborer in the vineyard. He had hopes to retire to an inn pre selected for him but was ushered over to the other side of town, to where any married man dare not go.

He was taken to the brothels.

Filled with dread he was forced to sit next to his wardens in the pit of debauchery were he had to endure all temptation assail his virtuous spirit. Though he was once a young man and he did attempt slake the curiosities of his flesh while in his youth, this den returned none of those vain excitements, instead he could only think of what Holo would think of him should she witness this predicament.

The patrons were gathered all about which included Andre and the bound up Vladislav who resigned upon sofas and easy chairs with a harlot to each side. Lawrence forced his eyes down for some of these courtesans purposefully held their dresses low to bare their chests while others went as far as to hike their split skirts so it exposed the anterior of their loins. For they were the strongest lures they had.

"You don't seem to be enjoying yourself Mr. Lawrence." came the voice of Gustav who stood before him.

Following with his eyes from the shoes to his face Lawrence answered, "I was rather hoping to get an early night."

"Oh but the night is young enough." said he while using his hand to present the fruits of the flesh in the lobby.

Lawrence looked him in the face and attempted to say with unrelenting vigor, "Mr. Bihari, I'm a married man."

"Suit yourself." said he while turning away and pulling a working girl away to be his concubine.

Jurgen sat next to him, legs crossed and looking down on him with his eye. He then leaned over to Cyrus, whispered something to him and handed off a pouch of coins. Cyrus then excused himself with Lawrence watching. Cyrus approached a courtesan who, by a well endowed figure, was the most sought after of them all, was given the bag of money and directed over to Lawrence's direction.

The fair maiden made her approach to Lawrence who was communicating with his rigid body that he would not accept her advances. Yet she did as requested and made her first enticing attempt by simply standing before him enthusiastically.

"Hello stranger, my name is Lotus." she started but Lawrence kept his eyes down.

She lowered her face towards his, "I am told you are far away from home and are in dire need of company. I can provide."

Her lure was cast again but to no avail.

Jurgen, who was observing the whole exchange said, "Come now Mr. Lawrence, you have done well today and are being rewarded with an all expenses paid retreat of leisure."

"Tis' true,' added Lotus, 'I have been paid in advance and am obligated to fulfill your every need."

She then sat upon his knew which caused him to jerk as if wrung by lightning and nearly pushed her off. She gasped and nearly fell but Lawrence, by account of good nature, caught her by the shoulders.

"There's no reason to fuss!" she protested.

"Mr. Lawrence…' Jurgen interrupted with a terrifying look in his eye, 'you are insulting her and am embarrassing me."

Lotus then offered, "Perhaps we can go someplace private?"

"Oh yes…' said Jurgen peering into Lawrence's soul, '…in fact I insist."

Lawrence looked as if to plea but he knew all too well that it was De Buhr's aim to destroy him morally and he could not afford to foil his master plan now. Therefore, with the same crises of soul Peter had when thrice denying his Master, he retreated up stairs to a private room.

No sooner than when the door had shut behind them that Lotus pulled him to the bed and sat upon the mattress. He quickly arose; while breaking free he pled, "Please Miss Lotus, I'm sure you're nice and good at what you do but I cannot do this!"

"But why? I'm the most sought after woman on this side of the coast, how can you deny my beauty? Or am I not beautiful enough for you?"

Lawrence cocked his head, "You are plenty beautiful."

Lotus pondered a moment then suddenly was hit with an epiphany, "Oh I see what may be the problem."

"You do?" Lawrence asked with unease.

"This is a town of sailors, I'm sure we can find you man willing to…you know…"

"Wait…' Lawrence paused, 'What?! No! That's not it at all, I'm a married man!"

"Hasn't stopped me before." her replies were as encouraging as they were quick. He could not have been the first married man she had pulled into the depths of adultery.

"Whoever she is…' started Lawrence, 'She's lucky to have you. But tonight,' she got on her knees atop the bed, 'I'll make you luckier than anyone could ever be."

With that said she liberated her body from her dress causing Lawrence's head to sharply turn away.

"Please…don't make me do this." said he as a man who suffered from the impasse of loyalty and aroused faculties.

Lotus heeded him not but instead got to her feet, grabbed him by the shoulders with remarkable strength beyond her caliber, forced him onto the bed and straddled over him. She nuzzled her face into his rigid cheeks then drew the line when she attempted to undo the buttons of his vest. Realizing the only way to keep himself chaste he grabbed her wrists and began to resist.

"Don't!"

They struggled with Lawrence curtailing his strength to one level above her resistance. She was about to scream if not for a calamity muffling outside the door. Someone was coming up the stairs with vigorous haste with another chasing after him.

"Don't open that door, I beseech you!" was heard the voice of Gustav.

But alas the door swung ajar with no respect to that request showing Lemonte standing in the doorway gazing at Lawrence.

"I'm sorry Monsieur Lawrence,' said the Capitano of the Grand Legion, 'I must detain and take you away at the moment."
There was an awkward pause.

"As in arrest me?' Lawrence spoke dumbfounded like, then exclaimed with relief and excitement that took the cavalier off guard, 'You're taking me away; oh thank God!"

He happily shifted from under the lass to eject himself from off the bed causing her to nearly fall off, "Hey!"

Lawrence rushed to the cavalier with his wrists presented to be bound, "Yes you may take me away at your earliest convenience!"

Lemonte's brow curled as his eyes gazed upon his willing hands then to the wench who was dressing herself with fury. Putting his hands down he assured, "That shan't be necessary Monsieur, I don't restrain the willing. Please come with me." he then turned and went the way he came expecting Lawrence to follow.

Lawrence moved past Gustav who had all the eternal rage of hellfire in his eyes who, as he passed, went into the room and slammed the door. Lawrence stayed a step to listen, then to his astounded horror, heard the sickening slap of a man's hand striking a woman's cheek. He heard Lotus' fall to the floor and weep low enough to not be heard, such are the terrible conditionings of the frequently abused.

Lawrence kept close to Lemonte as they passed through the brothel, avoiding the eyes of Jurgen and Cyrus as he clung to this man he entrusted his life with.

When alas exposed to twilight and fresh air Lawrence suddenly realized something he overlooked during the commotion, "By the way Captain, what am I being arrested for?"

"Not 'arrested,' corrected Lemonte, 'Detained."

"What am I being detained for?"

"During the excitement upon your arrival this morning I made an oversight, Monsieur Bihari was to also provide a certificate of commerce that validates your post as a financial advisor under his banner."

Lawrence thought on this a moment then asked to be certain, "What, are these certificates of commerce like passports for outsiders to work for the Envoy?"

"That is the best simplification. There is much corruption within this city and we combat it by scrutinizing all that pass through here be it merchandise or merchandiser."

"So because Gustav lacks the proof of me being a financial advisor hired by him I am to be detained?"

"That is the case Monsieur."

Never had such a circumstance filled Lawrence with as much joy and dread. Though separated he was from his captors, who knew how they might deal with him while in the hands of their enemies.

As they made it to the detention center swarming with cavaliers Lawrence asked, "How long do you plan on holding me?"

While opening the door to admit them Lemonte said while giving the lead to Lawrence, "I will repeat to you what I have said to Monsieur Bihari, if you provide the certificate of commerce you will be released as early as it is in my hands. If he fails to so within a week you will be sent back to wherever you came and barred from rendering any assistance to the Starboard Emporium or any guild under the Envoy banner for that matter."

As Lawrence was shown the way he was amazed when taken to the upper wing where two cavaliers stood watch by a door who parted shoulders mechanically when Lemonte approached. The door was opened for Lawrence and to his astonishment he was to be held in a well furnished, properly kept chamber with Matthias already sitting in an easy chair on the other side.

"Why not a jail cell?" he thought aloud.

"Because Mr. Lawrence, the violation was committed by Monsieur Bihari, not you. You are not being arrested therefore you are not a prisoner."

The thoughts of controversy flew through Lawrence's brain like a stream but he let it be bygone.

"I take it Matthias was to have a document proving his security detail?"

"That is correct."

Before Lemonte shut the door Lawrence turned to him and asked in all earnestness, "You seem like an admirable guard, why not join the Envoy to bring the same discipline to them? After all they seem to be in the most need of it."

Lemonte gave his inquiry an honest salute then replied, "There could be benefits to that, however each soldier loves his uniform the best."

Lemonte then made to depart after informing his two guards the procedures and restrictions regarding the accommodations and surveillance of their detainees. As he proceeded down the hall Lawrence felt the inclination to call upon him one last time.

"Captain!"

Lemonte turned elegantly on his heel with one hand resting upon his pommel.

"The harlot Lotus working at the lowly sailor, I have reason to believe she is being abused by her employer. I'm sure that violates Dehlmare's many laws regarding civil conduct."

Lemonte nodded but then spoke with a tone that lowered Lawrence's heart, "I am aware of Monsieur Bihari's conduct towards his workers of the female class. Yet there are also many regulations that prevent the cavaliers from simply marching into a burlesque house. Mademoiselle Lotus can either seek new employment at another whorehouse, change occupations entirely and work under the Legion, for prostitution is illegal in our guild, or take her grievance up with the Vicars."

Lawrence knew none of these options where realistic or viable.

"At the end of the day there is only so much a capitano can do."

Lemonte departed without saying another word more.

Lawrence retired to his chamber, sat on his bed, put his head in his hands contemplated with contentious lament all the foulness he was forced to conduct and participate in order to sell his scheme.

Vermili Facts

(I've decided to these at the end of chapters if I chose)

-The concept of the gord actually is based on a real stereotype 'The Swede.' Basically a swede was your big strong dumb guy who could foot heavy lifting. Even today we have tools named after this, one being called 'the swede bar.' And yes, Andre is a reference to Andre the Giant. Vladmir and Vladislav are based on the Golokov brothers who starred on the old Soviet Hockey team in 1980.

-The structure of Dehlmare is based on The Musketeers vs the Cardinals in Alexandre Dumas' The three Musketeers with Lemonte as the type of love letter to D'artagnan, Aramis, Athos and Porthos.

-What I wanted different for the fencing duel is to show how quick and lethal an actual fencing duel can be. Unlike movies, a skilled fencer could fell an opponent in as little as one move. The rapier and fencing swords where designed to make quick pokes in lethal areas such as between the ribs and into the chest cavity. And no, a chest wound is not always lethal it all depends on the severity. In Vladmir's case his lung was punctured but his other lung and heart were not injured, also when a lung is pierced it doesn't 'fill with blood til you drown' it can still draw in air into the uninjured parts the bigger risk is air escaping into the chest cavity and building up pressure until it collapses the lung and jives with the heart's position. Vladmir though had an open chest wound so any air escaping out the lung with escape out the hole. It's a painful recovery but it was possible to recover from those back then.

-The plan Lawrence presented to Gustav was based on actual trading schemes in the past, particularly how the Dutch monopolized the eastern trade. They intentionally made deals with small villages that set them up to fail so they could take it over then move their slaves there (talk about brutal) This was not intended to condemn the Eastern Trade as a whole but to condemn the evil actions of those who sought only power and control through it.

-The selling forgiveness point was also a real church practice, where one could pay to receive forgiveness for sins they have (or yet to have) committed. This of course was one of the many reasons that sparked the reformation movement namely among protestants. If you think that practice was corrupt and against the will of God, well so did the reformers.

-The methods Lawrence was implying to destroy the image of the Grand Legion are based on real radical practices utilized by radicals. The man who wrote the rule books on modern radicalism was named Saul David Alinsky an activist during the 60's who wrote the Books Rules and Revile for Radicals. In them he described how radicals effectively pressure the establishment to gain power and control control over society. He knew and admitted the methods were corrupt but in his mind they were necessary evils to go out and get corrupt for your cause. Me personally I could never bring myself to follow his instructions to gain influence for in my opinion, if you use treachery to combat your oppressor, you are the oppressor.

-That's it for now, stay tuned for the next chapter!