Excerpt, "Quest"

Linvin gets his affairs in order.

The store was bustling and Linvin had to squeeze through a throng of people in order to reach the counter. Several young elves wearing matching clothing, gathered merchandise for customers and stacked the goods on the counter for processing.  Behind the wooden facade, stood a slightly more mature elf that was hard at work tabulating the totals of the bills. “Good morning Lord Grithinshield,” the cheery young elf called out to Linvin while handing a receipt to a customer. “How is business today, Dandor?” Linvin asked as he pulled out the ledger book and poured a cup of tea. “Excellent sir.  I checked this morning and noticed that sales have increased every month since we opened.  At this rate, we should turn a good profit within the year.” Linvin rolled his eyes up from the ledger and looked at Dandor.  “Do not count your bonuses before they are there to count my young manager.” “Manager?” Dandor noted with marked surprise. “Is that what you call your Assistant these days?” Linvin snapped the book closed and set in down. “No Dandor, that is what I call my manager.  When you are done with these orders, come see me in the office.” Linvin took his tea and retired to his office.  He closed the door behind him and sat at his desk. Producing the letter from his pocket, Linvin read the words repeatedly to himself.  He had taken little time to consider the words until then.  The cryptic message was both intriguing and simultaneously frightening.  Its reference to the long-passed rooftop conversation with Anvar led him to believe that some great truth would come from his uncle’s visit. Of further concern to Linvin, was the part about the trip.  “Where would he possibly want to go that would take a year?” Linvin thought to himself.  “And what of the mule and provisions?  Will we not be headed to a place with proper lodging establishments?  If we are not, then what business will bring us there?  Come to think of it, since when has Anvar ever taken an interest in the business?” His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.  “Enter,” called Linvin.  The door opened and Dandor poked his head timidly into the office. “You asked to see me sir,” Dandor said as he slid cautiously through the half open door. Linvin folded the letter and placed it in his vest pocket.  “Yes Dandor, I have been looking at the books and the trends are encouraging.  I have no reservations about leaving you in charge here during my trip.” Dandor looked surprised.  “I wasn’t aware that you were taking a trip.” “It is just business,” Linvin assured.  “There are some new trade routes I would like to establish.” “How long will you be gone?” “I can’t say,” Linvin answered honestly.  “I could be gone as much as a year.  During that time, you will be responsible for this store.  I will draw up a bonus plan and send it to the Veniccis.  The terms will be most attractive.  Do you accept the position?” Dandor found speech to suddenly be a problem. After several attempts to speak netted only nonsensical utterances, he finally managed to agree. “Excellent,” Linvin said as he took a quill and parchment in hand.  “I have many details to address. Send for four messengers and outfit a mule with all the supplies it can hold for a journey far from any towns.” His new manager tried to form questions but found once again that the words were not coming out as he had hoped.  Linvin stopped him before he could compose his thoughts.  “I did not ask for questions nor do I have time to answer them.  Now, do as I told you.” Dandor nodded his head and left the office. By the time the riders had arrived, Linvin had letters regarding his trip sealed and ready for his lawyer, the Venicci, Gredly and Gradon.  He saw to other administrative details throughout the day as the mule was outfitted to his specifications. At the close of business that day, Linvin gave some last instructions to Dandor and took the mule to the stables by his tree to be tended until needed. Returning home, Linvin entered the tree and headed to his bedroom to pack.  He pulled his traveling bag from the closet and laid it on his bed.  He paused for a moment to consider his needs.  It was not easy to pack for a journey that held no destination.  After giving the matter some thought, he decided to start with the essentials.  Soon the bag was nearly full of clothing.