Rise of a Merchant Prince by Raymond E. Feist Page A

than Roo wished to pay, but a fair price, and the wagon was exactly what he was looking for. He paid the money and said, “Horses?”
    â€œMartin still be cheapest for sound animals,” answered Gaston. “Your papa got an extra team these days. Won them in a dice game last month.”
    A calculating look crossed Roo’ s face and he said, “Thanks. That’s good to know.” Glancing at the snoring figure of his father, he said, “If he wakesbefore I return, keep him here. I need to talk to him before I leave town.”
    Roo started for the gate and Gaston said, “Where are you off to now?”
    â€œGrowers’ and Vintners’ Hall. I have to buy some wine.”
    He left the yard and made his way down the street as the town began to stir into the day’s activities. Workers were already at their shops, and now those women heading out to purchase goods and food for their families were also about. Roo nodded in greeting at a few familiar faces, but mostly he was lost in thought about the next step in his plan for wealth.
    As he reached the town square, opposite the Growers’ and Vintners’ Hall, a clatter of hooves upon cobbles heralded the approach of riders, and from the sound, Roo knew they were coming fast. A moment later the squad appeared around the corner of the very hall for which Roo was bound, five riders at a canter. Pedestrians scampered out of the way as the five men in the colors of the Baron of Darkmoor hurried by. Roo marked the leader, the same corporal they had encountered in Wilhelmsburg, and he knew instantly where they would eventually stop: Milo’s inn. Roo hesitated and decided against heading directly there. He had business to conduct and, besides, he was pretty sure this would be a matter between Erik and his half brother Manfred. If the Baron needed to speak with Roo Avery, he could come looking for him after he finally found Erik. Roo entered the hall.
    Erik stood admiring the forge. Nathan and his apprentice Gunther were showing off the changesthey had made since Erik had left. They were minor, but Erik made a point of admiring the boy’s work. It was clear he doted on Nathan and had developed much the same attitude that Erik had toward the smith, that of a boy for a foster-father. Nathan’s own children had been killed in an almost forgotten war and he took special pains to care for his apprentices.
    â€œYou look fit,” said Nathan. “You like the army?”
    Erik said, “There’s much about it I don’t like, but . . . yes, I think I like the order, the sense of knowing what is expected of you.”
    Nathan motioned with his head for Gunther to find some task to attend to, leaving them alone. “And the killing?”
    Erik shrugged. “Not much. There are times when it’s like hacking wood for the fire. Something you must do. Other times I’m too scared to think. But mostly it’s . . .I don’t know. . .ugly.”
    Nathan nodded. “I’ve worked with a lot of soldiers in my day, Erik. Be cautious of those who enjoy the butchery. They serve when the fighting’s hard, but they’re like guard dogs; better to keep them on a short leash most of the time.”
    Erik looked at Nathan and their eyes locked. Then Erik smiled. “I promise I’ll never get to liking it.”
    â€œThen you’ll do,” said Nathan, returning Erik’s grin. “Though you’d have been a fine smith, no doubt.”
    â€œSmithing is something I still enjoy. Maybe you’ll let me turn a hand to some—”
    Roo approached. “Nathan! Erik!”
    Erik said, “How is this mysterious business deal of yours going?”
    â€œJust about finished,” answered Roo with a grin.“A couple of things more and I’ll be ready to go.” He made a face. “Besides, there are soldiers wandering around town looking for you.”
    The sound