DragonKnight - Donita K. Paul [30]
“This won’t take much of your time, and what I have to offer might make your trip less taxing.”
Bardon wanted nothing more than to collect his earnings and leave the crotchety old kindia breeder to stew over whether he’d been shrewd in their interchange. Or, whether he appeared a shrewd businessman in the eyes of the populace. Bone-weary and uncomfortable in his sweaty, dirty clothing, the squire wanted a bath, a meal, and to begin arranging for the transport of his companions down the river to Ianna. He sat on the leather chair next to Holt and waited to see what the farmer had in mind.
“I’m interested in the emerlindian.” Hoddack leaned his stocky frame toward his visitor. “If you have an arduous journey ahead of you, you don’t need to be encumbered by females.”
Bardon remained silent. The sooner he had the money in his hands and got away from this man, the better. He noticed that Holt had ceased fidgeting. He stared at the tip of his shoe, but his stillness belied his lack of concern.
Hoddack picked up an empty money purse and a stack of coins. Through the wide opening, he let each grood piece drop into the soft leather sack. The first coin landed silently, but each one after clinked against the others.
“My son is of an age to marry. As is our tradition, I will arrange for a suitable bride. I find your emerlindian to be suitable.”
Bardon clenched a fist, but he voiced his words in calm tones. “Her name is N’Rae, and it is not our tradition to arrange marriages. Furthermore, I am not her guardian.”
Hoddack picked up a second stack of coins. “Then you shall propose my offer to the granny.”
Bardon stood. “I think not.”
The money ceased dropping into the purse. “Why? This alliance would bring her comfort and prestige.”
Holt came to his feet, hooking his thumbs into his finely crafted belt. “I don’t understand your sudden desire to marry me off, Father.”
“You have nothing to do with it.” Hoddack snarled his contempt for his son. “It’s a matter of business. Do you realize what this emerlindian girl can do?”
“She tames kindias.”
“Yes, and we want her to tame kindias for us, not for a competitor.”
Holt’s hands came away from his waist, and he clenched his fists. Propping them on the desk, he leaned across the clutter of paper and stacks of money. “That’s preposterous! Why not just hire her?”
“Hired hands can walk away.”
“And a married woman is trapped.”
Hoddack stood and glared, his stance mirroring his son’s. Inches separated their red faces. “It’s business,” Hoddack shouted. “Cool, calculated business without the niceties you and your mother prattle on about.”
Bardon scooped up two stacks of the money and dropped them into the spacious pockets of his tunic. “No need for a family argument.” He smiled at them both as he pocketed two more piles. “N’Rae has a plan in mind for her immediate future, and it does not involve romance, kindia farms, or business.” He plucked the leather purse out of Hoddack’s hand and gathered the last coins. “It has been interesting, if not a pleasure, doing business with you, Master Hoddack. I wish you well in your endeavors. All those that do not include me or my companions.”
He turned on his heel and marched out before either father or son could make further comment.
Granny Kye and N’Rae waited for him in the front yard of the stately farmhouse. The younger emerlindian carried Jue Seeno’s basket hooked over her arm.
“You look angry,” commented N’Rae as she fell in beside his quick step.
Granny Kye ambled along behind them, seemingly more interested in the scenery than the young people.
He slowed. “Hoddack is an unpleasant marione, insensitive and prone to think first of money and not of people at all.”
“His son is nice.”
Bardon cast her a quick glance. “You met him?”
“There was little to do all day while we waited for the race to end. Dame Hoddack ordered a feast with roasted pig, duck, and goose. The neighbors brought all sorts of food, and Holt Hoddack made sure Grandmother and I had full plates and plenty