Fires of Prophecy_ Book Two of the Morcyth Saga - Brian Pratt [61]
When Roland replies to him, explaining that James cannot speak the language, he immediately switches to the northern tongue. “Welcome to Salli’s Barrels,” he says to James. Placing his hand on his chest he continues. “And I am Salli, how may I help you fine sirs today?”
“We understand that we may be able to procure some barrels from you?” James explains. “As well as a wagon, perhaps?”
Nodding his head, Salli says as he gestures around his shop, “As you can see, I have many barrels for every need, as well as a couple of wagons available out in the courtyard.”
“We would like to purchase a wagon and about six large barrels,” James tells him. “We are taking a trip and need sufficient water to sustain us through the journey.”
“Ah,” says Salli, “I have just what you would need.” He goes over to where several large barrels sit against a wall and then says, “These barrels are made for just such a use. See,” he says as he holds up a round wooden lid, “I have even made lids, especially for these, so the water will not slosh out during your journey.” He shows them how easy it is to seal the barrel and to reopen it again.
“How many do you think we would need for about ten horses and eight people?” James asks.
Thinking for a second, he says, “Probably four would be sufficient, provided you are able to replenish them every three or four days.”
“Very well,” he agrees, “we’ll take four. Now, can we go see what wagons are available?”
“Certainly sir,” he says as he leads them out a back door to the adjacent courtyard. Outside are four wagons of varying size and age. One is really old and looks to be falling apart, another is brand new with lots of ornamentation. Seeing James looking at the one with ornamentation, he says, “Sorry sir, that one has been special ordered by another customer. I do have these other three available.”
He takes them to one that is neither old nor new and looks to have seen service at some time or another. “This one here, though not new, is sturdy and will last you a long time.”
James and Roland inspect it, the wheels don’t show signs of cracking and overall, it looks to have been very well cared for. “How much?” James asks Salli.
“For the barrels and the wagon,” he replies, placing his hand on his chin in contemplation, “ten golds.”
“Ten?” James says in mock shock and then begins what he really hates, haggling. “Surely this wagon has seen better days, I would think six would be more than adequate for such a well used wagon.”
“Six!” Sallie exclaims. “Why not just steal it from me right now!” With a look of outrage, he says, “Surely you can see that this wagon, though having been used, still has many, many years left in her. I couldn’t part with it for less than nine.”
“Hmmm…” James murmurs as if he’s contemplating the offer. Turning to Roland, he says, “Wasn’t there that merchant trying to sell his extra wagon for seven over at the caravansary?”
“I think so, yes,” Roland says with a smile as he plays along.
“Eight, good sirs,” Sallie counters. “And I’ll throw in a couple buckets to help in the watering of your horses.”
James thinks about it for a second and looks to Roland, who nods. “Alright, eight it is,” he says, holding out his hand to clench the deal.
Beaming again, Salli takes his hand and shakes it firmly. “Thank you good sirs,” he says. “When would you like to pick it up?”
“We could just take it right now,” James replies as he hands over the eight golds.
“But you brought no horses,” Salli says, taking the coins. “Surely you two will be unable to pull it yourselves.”
James looks at Roland, “How could we forget about the horses?”
“I hadn’t,” Roland explains, surprised that James had. “I just thought you wanted to purchase the wagon first.”
Turning to Salli, he asks, “Where can I get a couple horses?”
“There’s a horse trader on the other side of town, a man by the name of Jiharan,” he explains. “Just tell him Salli sent you and he’ll treat you fairly.”
“Thanks,” James replies, “we’ll do that.”
“I’ll have everything