Chapter 9: Wealth
After two years, I am here with my store at Nakitel.
That drake was looking for someone who was strong enough to take down undead.
Although there were two people in my mind, Kiltan was not a good choice since undead are immune to poison, and Marshan was no good either, since he would charge his head without thinking. So the last choice would be the unreliable duo, Garcel and Malia.
Last year, they returned but the undead were sealed so the unreliable duo got lucky that time
Last week, there was a raid of the orc at a human remote village.
I feel sad but at the same time, the weapons' price is rising, and so is metal, wood and herbs.
Then I remember something when I was a drake.
*****
- Sir Hiwan, are you mad?
- We have to increase our production of weapons and herbs. War is coming. We need to get more weapons and supplies.
- Our treasury…
- Put a tax on metal, salt and wood then.
- But…
- It is for our people or the elves will invade our land.
- Where can we get more metal?
- Get deeper, our volcano should provide us enough mythril for this war.
- We don't have …
- Grab those wyverns, we should have enough animals to carry the products and ores.
- Yes my lord. I shall announce our plan. There might be some people against us
- Tell them: "You want to die like a warrior or die like an ignorant?"
- As you wish.
****
If this is similar to that time, then this must be
A war
In the near future, there will be heavier taxes, tighter checking and worst of all…
There will be a xenophobia between humans and orcs.
Posarol will be in danger. I must tell him before the war happens.
I quickly go to buy some rations for myself and goats. Checking all weapons and locking the store, all done.
Some people are looking at me suspiciously.
I don't want to get my cover blown but I need to return my favor. Posarol is my saviour, now this is my chance.
- Why are you going at a very unusual time?
- I need to restock my goods.
- Evidence?
- Here is my checklist and bills.
- You may pass.
****
When I arrive… Thank gods that Posarol is about to go.
- What is the matter, Jehidas?
- War, it is about to happen.
- Any proof?
- The price of weapons, food, material are all rising. Heavier taxes and recent raids.
It seems like Posarol doesn't have any care
- Any details?
- Orcs raided a village 2 weeks ago
- Further?
- I heard some people said that their relatives at that village had seen black fang painted orcs.
- Black Fang tribe huh? I usually trade with White Mark tribe
- So there will be war between Black Fang and humans?
- Probably
- I came here to warn you about war and possible discrimination between humans and orcs.
- I think you should think more about humans instead of orcs. I heard that the other four chieftains were against war. Orc doesn't discriminate against humans. They hate cowards.
- Why humans?
- They fear. Once an orc kills someone, they will think others are evil and must be destroyed.
- Other reason?
He pauses for a moment.
- Humans are greedy as you can obviously see it. They take all lands and give nothing back. The current Nortus is ignorant and rotten. To slay a tyrant, you must decapitate and cut all the roots of evil. But do not kill those Nortus who are not rotten and decayed.
- Once this war is over, my next objective for humanity and our kins is to slay the current king of humans and those who are rotten right?
- Perhaps.
- How could you know all of this, Posarol?
- The rumor from refugees. Outlaws and the wanted. They sold me the information.
- Where are they now?
- Probably, they go to live with dwarves.
- Dwarf?
- You were curious then right? Humans have something called "human supremacy" cult. Those fanatics hunt down other races for slaves, for enjoyment and for revenge too. So the outlaws and the wanted hunt down those fanatics without mercy. Then dwarves passed the laws to shelter these kinds of people.
- I can see that. It is good to see that you are okay. I am better off going to grab some weapons.
- God blesses your road and way.
- Yaddy yah. I will take that.
After I trade herbs and food for some weapons and different rations from sand elves, I move back to Nakitel.
One week later, in Nakitel, a post
_
An order from the king.
We will be at war against orcs.
Anyone, no matter rich or poor, elf or dwarf, noble or commoner, dares to trade or to have friendly interactions with orcs during this time shall be executed immediately.
Signed by Todur Nortus
_
Posarol was right. The one that I should worry about is the current king of humans.
****
Tonight is a great night. Half moon today huh?
[
Time has come
Kill that tyrant
Fight for our home
Don't stand there and do nothing
Kill that foul king
Hang the corpse with string
Seven brave souls.
Jilkan, Lotar, Klis, Balkour
Gontal, Miltaw and Roktir.
The tale of the seven
Will be sang to salute the fallen
]
That song is a Dwarven rebellion song.
Who sang that? The tales about how seven dwarven blacksmiths lead the revolt against the tyrant are just based on various songs.
The voice is coming from that valley.
Dark and empty.
- You must be curious, merchant
- I heard that song before
- A dwarven song. How did you know?
- Passing through a smithy
Swish.
I blocked the slash with my dagger.
- You are a strange type of merchant. Tell me, are you a human truly or not?
He is holding a sword in one hand. What is he hiding behind the cape?
Something is bulky
- I am just a normal human being. Another man who is just another trader with dwarves.
- No wonder why you have many dwarven quality weapons at your store
Who is this man?
Is this man an assassin?