Nathan - POV

  Later that night, I gathered my family within a huge tent that we were able to procure from the city. It was not luxurious, yet, but it will serve our purpose for now...somewhere to shield us from prying eyes when entering the pocket dimension. With a flick of my hand, the shimmering veil parted, revealing the treasure chamber beyond. What had once been a modest vault had now tripled in size, transformed into a grand chamber that defied the term “room.” The air shimmered with latent magic, and the soft glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated the vast space.

  Their reactions were immediate and unanimous...stunned silence.

  Gold coins spilled from open chests in glittering cascades. Piles of gemstones sparkled like captured starlight. Silks and exotic textiles were stacked in neat bundles, their vibrant colors and intricate patterns hinting at far-off lands. Spices filled the air with a heady aroma; cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, and others I couldn’t name. It was a dragon’s hoard, a merchant’s dream, a noble’s treasury.

  “Nathan…” Mother’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Where did your minions get all of this?”

  I turned to face them, my expression calm but resolute. “Mother, Father… all of this came from bad men. The first haul was from the baron’s son, a slaver. My minions stripped him of his wealth. The rest came from various gangs back in our old home. They left the old baron untouched. And the most recent haul…” I paused, “was taken from the merchant guild of this city. They took everything.”

  “Are they still alive?” Mother asked, her tone unreadable.

  I hesitated. The question hung heavily in the air. Before I could answer, Krizek stepped forward, his voice smooth and composed.

  “My lady,” he said, “those merchants were the intended recipients of the stolen goods we recovered. When we approached them to sell the mead, they turned hostile. They attempted to capture and torture us for information. Naturally, we did not allow that to happen. We turned the table. They are no longer a threat, and we claimed what was valuable.”

  A long silence followed. Then Father spoke.

  “Son… I do not object to the wealth your minions have brought us. But all this killing...it seems excessive.”

  Before I could respond, Christine stepped forward.

  “Lord Jakob, forgive me, but I must speak. Back at the Slalanese border, if Nathan’s people hadn’t acted swiftly, we would all be dead. If Nathan hadn’t saved me, I would have been sold into slavery. The people they killed were dangerous. They would have come for us eventually.”

  “She’s right,” Mother added, her voice firm. “They acted before things got worse. Nathan, don’t carry this weight alone. We’re not condemning your actions. You did what was necessary to protect this family. And I ask that you continue to do so.”

  I nodded, and Dianne pulled me into a hug. This time, I didn’t mind being smothered by her… assets.

  “I’m proud of you, my son,” Father said, ruffling my hair. “You did the right thing. Your people did the right thing.”

  “Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother,” I said quietly.

  The next day, our family, accompanied by our maids and retainers, made our way into the city. Everyone wore their new armor and tabards, proudly bearing the crest of House Mayweather-Abensberg. Even my minions were clad in their new uniforms, blending in with surprising elegance.

  As we approached the city gates, the guards were visibly startled.

  “Make way! Nobles approaching!” Anda announced.

  The crowd parted quickly. One of the guards stepped forward, confused.

  “Pardon me, sir, but this gate is for commoners. The nobles’ gate is on the south side.”

  Jennie stepped forward, her tone sharp. “Would you have my lord and his family walk to the far end of the city just to enter? No. This gate will suffice.” She handed the guard a pouch of coins, far more than the standard toll.

  The guard blinked, understood, and waved us through. “Make way! Make way now!”

  Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Classic bribery. Effective as ever. Still, the attention made me cringe. Why did we have to make a scene?

  Once inside, I quickly realized I should’ve stayed at camp. Mother and Serena were darting from stall to stall, inspecting fabrics, furniture, and trinkets. The men, me included, simply trailed behind like lost puppies. Our retainers looked equally bewildered...except Jennie and Belle, who were happily shopping alongside the women.

  By sunset, we returned to camp with an impressive haul. Mother had purchased a large pavilion to serve as our new residence, along with fine tableware, plush pillows, elegant furniture, and gifts for Belle, Jennie, and our ten servant girls. Their joy was palpable.

  The sheer volume of goods required two additional wagons, which Father promptly arranged.

  Several days passed with no word from Lyle. My minions offered to visit him, but I declined. If we were to earn his loyalty, it would have to be freely given. We continued preparing for our journey. The blacksmith and tailor were nearly finished with our orders. Our people looked magnificent in their new armor and tabards. Even the servant girls, dressed in crisp maid uniforms, radiated pride and happiness.

  “Nathan,” Father said one evening, “it seems Lyle isn’t coming.”

  “Perhaps,” I replied. “Let’s give him until tomorrow morning. If he doesn’t show, we’ll move on and find another merchant.”

  Father nodded and returned to his tasks.

  That night, just before dinner, Anda approached with news.

  “Lyle has returned,” he said. “He’s approaching with a woman, two children, and a group of others.”

  Trouble?

  Our retainers intercepted the group, halting them at the edge of camp.

  “Good evening, Sir Anda,” Lyle said. “We request an audience with Lord Jakob and Lord Nathan.”

  “Let them through, Anda,” Father said.

  But Lyle and his group hesitated, clearly uneasy. I quickly realized the cause; my minions had drawn their weapons and surrounded Lyle’s group. I issued a mental command, and they sheathed their blades and stepped back.

  Lyle and his companions approached and bowed deeply.

  “Lord Jakob, Lady Dianne, Lord Nathan,” he said, “good evening. I apologize for the late visit.”

  “It’s fine, Master Lyle,” Father replied. “What can we do for you?”

  “My family and I have considered your offer. We wish to swear fealty to your house.”

  Father was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered. “Excellent. And who are the people behind you?”

  “They are my employees and their families. They wish to follow me and swear fealty as well.”

  Unexpected, but welcome.

  “Did you explain our destination and the challenges ahead?” Father asked.

  “Yes, my lord. They understand the risks. But we have nothing left here. Our shop will eventually fail, and the guild will drive us out. We seek a new beginning.”

  “Very well,” Father said. “If they understand the dangers, we accept them. Kneel, all of you, and repeat after me.”

  And so, sacred oaths were made. Fifty new souls joined our house; men, women, and children.

  After the ceremony, we held a meeting with Lyle and his people.

  “We leave tomorrow,” Father said. “Do you have wagons, tents, and supplies?”

  “Yes, my lord. We sold everything to prepare.”

  “How many employees?” Mother asked.

  “Ten. Five men, five women. All couples with children. The men served as bodyguards, the women as clerks.”

  “Good,” Father said. “We’ll train the men as household guards. The women will remain under your supervision. You’ll oversee acquisitions for our household and identify goods to buy or sell in the next city. We’ll cover all salaries.”

  “Thank you, my lord. I feared I’d have to abandon trading. But if I may ask, why do you need a merchant? Surely a quartermaster is enough,” Lyle asked.

  “You forgot what my son said,” Father added. “Nathan?”

  “Good question, Master Lyle. You see, I foresee a future where you will not only be buying and selling other people’s goods.... You will also be producing and selling our own goods too,” I said.

  That bit of news not only shocked Lyle, but also my parents and siblings as well.

  “Produce and sell our products? What products?” Serena interjected.

  “I have many ideas,” I said. “Scented soaps, Damascus steel, shampoo, cookies… but we need land first.”

  “Damascus steel? Shampoo? Cookies?” Mother echoed.

  “Err...Yes, these are just ideas for now. We will need land for these ideas to bear fruition. Master Lyle, your primary role is that of a merchant. You may buy and sell freely. As our house merchant though, you’ll act on our behalf. You’ll also serve as liason to our quartermaster. For funds, speak to my mother, she’s training Anna and Belle to be our treasurers.”

  Mother nodded. “Jennie will serve as quartermaster. She’ll coordinate with you for camp needs.”

  “There you go. We already have a viable candidate for quartermaster. All that is left for you is to use your talents as our house merchant,” Jakob said.

  “I understand my lord,” Lyle said.

  “If there is nothing else, you may go now and collect your things. Be here tomorrow morning. We will leave after breakfast," Jakob said.

  “I bid you goodnight my lords and ladies. I will be of service to your house,” Lyle said as he bowed and left along with his group.

  When Lyle and his people were out of earshot from the campsite, my family immediately gathered around me and questioned me about my earlier statement about making goods.

  “I will explain everything later. For now, let's eat. I am starving,” I said.

  I should have kept my mouth shut.