28 Negotiation (2/2)

”Five dozen?Are you out of your mind?” Maisen blurted out.

I turned to face my angry bodyguard and put a finger to my lips.”Shhhh!”I winked at her and then turned back to my adversary.”My companion took the words right out of my mouth,” I smiled.”Sixty signs each is a lot.And the risk that I won't sell them all will be quite high.If you insist on such a large order, then I must, in turn, ask for a larger discount, say half off?” I grinned back.

The half-elf's face immediately turned pale.”I can't do that, milord,” Roen shook his head.”The cost of wood and paint, plus the time spent to make these signs would cost me more than half retail.As much as I'm intrigued by your wholesaling idea, if you insist on half-off then I would be foolish to enter into a money-losing deal,” he concluded.

I nodded solemnly.”I appreciate your honesty, my good sir.I certainly understand your plight and would not wish for you to lose money in this proposed business transaction.Let's offer each other give-and-take instead.Would you be amenable to a wholesale order of fifty signs each at twenty-five percent discount?” I offered.

”Please allow me a moment to calculate the numbers.I'm afraid math isn't my strong point,” Roen grinned again.

”Of course,” I agreed readily.”Please take as much time as you need to make your calculations.”

Roen opened his drawer and pulled out a parchment and quill.He started writing furiously.A few minutes later, the shopkeeper raised his head and turned toward me.”Your offer is acceptable—on the condition that you prepay your entire order.”

”What!” Maisen exclaimed in shock at the outrageous demand.

I immediately raised my right hand.Keeping my eyes on the wily half-elf, I asked, ”What assurance do I have that you will fully perform the agreement if I pay for everything up front?” I asked.

”You have two assurances.First, my reputation is at stake.If I fail to provide you with the signs that you ordered, my Reputation will suffer tremendously.Second, you can take me to the Town Judge for recompense,” Roen replied.

I looked deeply into Roen's eyes as he spoke.I saw no hint of deception on his part.”If we can have all the terms of this wholesale agreement in writing and signed by both of us, then we have a deal,” I replied calmly.

Roen inhaled sharply at my suggestion.If the agreement was in writing and he tried to deny its authenticity before a truth stone, then Roen will die from the interrogation.

I took great pleasure in watching my adversary squirm as he began to process out the implication of my insistence on a written contract for all to see.

Finally, the sign maker exhaled a deep breath.He got off his chair and walked across the shop to stand in front of me.He held out his right hand and said, ”We have a deal.”

When I shook Roen's hand, I received a pop-up.The message read, ”General Skill ACQUIRED: Negotiation, Level 1.+100 XP.”

Suddenly the town bell tolled, marking the change in the hour.

”I will return tomorrow with further details of how I want the signs made.Please give me an estimate of the cost of the entire order.I will secure the funding needed for the order before you initiate your work,” I said.

”I'll see you tomorrow,” Roen nodded.

So dismissed, I left the shop with Maisen.