Death's Reckoning Read Online Free Page A

of vindictive pride swell in his breast. They would show these interlopers whose town this was.
    “Now to the list of charges,” Grayme Lautner said. “These are violations of the law set down by our king’s decree. I will now read them to you.”
    “A moment, please,” Cassius said. “I thought this meeting was of specific charges you feel your town is owed, the specific property or goods and their value. I was expecting a number, and then we would discuss a settlement. I remind you again this is not a military tribunal, and as an ambassador you do not have the requisite authority to bring charges against this city.”
    “Then I will keep it focused on our demands. First of all, you will hand over all prisoners of war. We have already provided you with a list.”
    “And we are working on finding and identifying those specific people,” Cassius said, with a hint of irritation as if he were tired of hearing about it.
    “This city will pay an amount equal to the stolen goods, plus a fee for the loss of crew hours, transportation and any charges the various buyers might incur upon Janisberg’s export businesses. I’ll show you the details now.”
    Lautner held his hand up, and one of the Janisberg representatives handed him several pieces of parchment. Then Lautner handed the copies to each member of the city council. Muldor looked it over. The amount was ridiculous, for he knew the exact amount owed. The money funneled to Castellan’s mercenary operations was a large amount of coin but not this much. He lowered the paper and regarded Lautner. His visage had not changed, and he looked like someone who expected complete compliance. This whole thing would be more difficult than Muldor thought.
    Raul scoffed and shook his head. Muldor could tell he wanted to say something, but the City Watch Commander was out of his element. He said nothing while frustration boiled underneath. The others did much the same, save Cubbins. He didn’t give it more than a glance. It was obvious there was something more on his mind.
    Muldor gathered himself, making a quick calculation in his mind, adding the numbers on the page, and faced Lautner. “Even considering the amount you claim was stolen, and any subsequent fees that might be incurred from buyers, transportation fees, etcetera, this amount is over that mark by twenty percent. Explain this discrepancy please.”
    “Simple. This is a twenty percent fee my city has determined you must pay. For our trouble.”
    Some at the table scoffed, and Cassius frowned. Muldor held back the urge to speak up, for he and The Guild were already exposed. Speaking would only expose them further. Janisberg was in the superior position. Muldor wasn’t. Allies were needed before making any moves.
    Cassius saved him. “That is your prerogative of course. People make demands. It is only human nature to feel affronted, injured, and even afraid. Our city’s reputation is fearsome, and foreigners are often afraid when dealing with us.”
    “Personal feelings are not part of this, Lord Cassius. This is our demanded, nay, our required payment, and this city is responsible for it. Pay or face more severe repercussions. It would be a shame to involve the king in these matters since all of us can resolve this situation here and now.”
    “Of course,” Cassius said and sat back. The mention of the king was enough to mollify his temporary confidence. Muldor heaved a mental sigh and tapped his fingers on the tabletop.
    “Ambassador Lautner,” Muldor said. “Your grievance is with The Merchants Guild. Our former Guild Master, Castellan Du Sol, was the main perpetrator of these crimes, and he is now imprisoned by you. Do not involve the city council any longer. I am now Guild Master, and I will see to it you are satisfied.”
    Lautner let his confusion show, perhaps on purpose to make what he said more dramatic. “But the Guild is part of the City Council. There is no separation, responsibilities are