Time To Expand

Demenik entered the room and knew immediately that Lord Caladan was in a foul mood.

"Ah, here he is. The man who is ruining my alleys."

Demenik glanced over his shoulder and then faced Caladan with a puzzled expression. "Me?"

"Yes, you. Destroying everything."

"I don't understand what you mean."

"You have changed everything with your meddling ways."

"I don't know what you mean."

"People used to come to the alleys because they had nowhere else to go."

"That is still the case."

"Yes, but they no longer remain here." Caladan picked a stray hair from the bearskin on which he sat. "You loan them money and they use it to better themselves."

"That is true."

"They prosper and then leave the alleys, returning to a normal life."

"That is not always the case. Many remain, choosing to run operations from the safety provided by the alleys."

"Most leave."

"To be replaced by new souls."

Lord Caladan glowered at Demenik.

"I also understand that the ones who do leave continue to pay you tribute for the term that they originally agree upon, is that not the case?"

"Yes."

"Allow me to repeat what you are saying so that I might better understand your anger."

"Don't get fancy to me, lad. I can drip that honey as well."

"All right." Demenik approached a side table and, after a nod from Caladan, poured two glasses of water. He handed one to his lord, and then sat down at the table. "You are upset that people come to the alley and, rather than lying in the dirt as poor wretches for the remainder of their lives, they do well. When they leave, if they leave, you continue to receive tribute. Then more arrive and the process repeats itself. This earns more than you ever collected with the old system, but you are upset." Demenik took a drink from his glass and shook his head. "I am definitely confused by your anger at me."

Caladan opened his mouth and then closed it. He glared at Demenik as he drank from his own glass then, after a moment, laughed. "When you put it that way, I do sound ridiculous, don't I?"

"You are far from that, Lord. I must have described the situation wrong."

"No, you said it true." Caladan ran one hand through his long black hair and stroked his beard. "It's just that your method is new. The way of things was set for so long and now it has changed."

"Has it changed for the better?"

Caladan thought for a moment and then nodded. "Of course. Six years ago, when you first stood before me, I was already very wealthy. Since then, my fortune has increased more than a hundredfold."

"Much of that is a result of your efforts, Lord."

"And much of it is also a result of yours. I give credit where it is due, and you deserve the recognition."

"That pleases me."

"Why have you not asked for release from your bond to me?"

"My lord?"

"You are wealthy and clever, Demenik. The average man would have demanded to be released from their lord's bond so they could go out and build their own territory."

"We spoke of this years ago and nothing has changed. I do not wish to be an alley lord."

"All people crave power."

"I agree."

"That power is displayed by their position in the world."

"Yes."

"Titles command respect."

"To some degree. They also invite attack."

"You are not craven, Demenik. I know as well as everyone else the price you extract on those who threaten you or yours. I doubt you fear being attacked by anyone."

"That is true, but titles are rare. In order for someone to gain a title, they must eliminate the person holding it. There can be only one lord over the alleys you control. In order for someone to take that position, you must be overthrown. It is that way with all titles and, in my opinion, a terrible waste of energy and resources are required to defend an extra word before one's name."

"Damn it, but you are clever, boy."

"I try."

"I can't imagine being a common person with no title."

"I am far from a common person. Because there is no real advantage in attacking me, I can walk alone and feel relatively safe. You must always have bodyguards with you in case an aggressive underling tries to kill you and claim your position."

"The extra attention doesn't bother me. I rather enjoy it."

"We are different in many ways, Lord."

"That is true." Caladan drained his glass and refilled it, bringing the flask to top up Demenik's glass as well. "Perhaps you are not ruining my alleys, as I had thought."

"I'm glad that you agree. It is also important to note that many of the other lords are suffering during these times while you are not. Your alleys are the destination for the poor and destitute. Did you know there is a waiting list to live in them?"

Lord Caladan threw his head back and laughed. "I know you are right, but I find it hard to believe."

Demenik smiled. "The alleys have changed, Lord. They were once a place for the discarded."

"And now they are a destination for those who wish for something better. Your subtle influence has changed the way of things, Demenik. I am surprised other lords are not doing the same."

"They resist change." Demenik nodded. "You can understand that."

"Yes, I can."

"Maybe it is time to expand and take control of a fourth alley, Lord."

"Yes, young lion. Maybe it is."