22 The Hill (1/2)
Nikolai wasn't the best rider and in front of someone as skilled as Elya he could sense his inadequacy. She rode at his side, relaxed and enjoying the breeze. They didn't speak after leaving the town, just enjoying the breeze as they rode along the coast to the uniquely named 'fifth hill'. Nikolai stopped to observe a fleet of merchantmen sailing into port, the insignia of a Vezani Merchant Prince Emblazoned across the bow.
”Of course you would expect the Vezani to come if they catch the scent of even a single coin.” Elya's melodious voice sounded from behind him.
”In general yes, but in this case, it's a request I made.”
”What did you need from them?”
”Glass, gems, black sand and some silver.”
She nodded. Glass of high quality had to be purchased from the Vezani because the Princes owned a monopoly on the techniques to produce it.
”Is it for your experiments?”
”Yes. Unfortunately Imperial products can't match the quality of the Vezani or the Council of Avar, especially for magical equipment.”
”You can't make it yourself?”
Nikolai flicked his reins and moved on, back to the road that led to fifth hill.
”I made attempts and had minor successes. Glass was actually the easiest but the effort that goes in only produces sheets of it, I was never able to shape it even with the help of the greatest artisans of the Empire. Black sand is impossible, there's something about the soil they dig up in the barren wastes of the south that lends itself so well for developing controlled explosions.”
”It's a shame we can't extort the techniques from them.” Elya eyed the ships once more and Nikolai got the sense she would lead an assault on the boats if it was required for the benefit of the Empire. ”Too bad their approach stops me from doing so.”
”They were smart, coming to the Emperor and swearing fealty.”
”Fealty with conditions.” She growled.
”Swearing an oath always has conditions, whether it's the protection of a liege lord or the wealth that they would receive in return for their service, they ask for something. In this case they managed to keep their trade secrets, and the Emperor received money and manpower in exchange.”
”The Emperor would not be swayed by anything.”
”Not easily, but the amount of money that flows through their hands is astonishing. Each of those Princes would be as wealthy as one of the Great Houses and that's not even counting the great trade families.”
”That's not possible.” She stared at him in dismay. It wasn't easy to come to terms with the fact that you were poor. And the Empire, for all its gaudiness and military prowess, was destitute. Compared to the surrounding nations at least.
”I'll take you to see Athkala, the city of Lights some time. Then you'll see what I mean.” He'd only passed through it with his Master, but the city was a wonder, it made the Capital look like a village.
”I'll hold you to that.” Her eyes sparkled.
”If you like travelling so much, there are many places we can go.” The enthusiasm Chen had suppressed was coming back at the thought of roaming across nations with his wife.
”I do like to, but aren't you doing work for the Emperor here?”
”I don't mean now. When we get time.”