Volume One: The Forest Knight Chapter 51: When Dogs Turn on Each Other (Part One)

In the end, thanks to Berrion’s persistence, the wily old Gamgee finally agreed to Berrion’s proposal: Gamgee would purchase the exclusive distribution rights for Nolanburg’s colored pottery and soap within the Direct County and Janvikshaw Province, at an initial payment of two thousand denars. Over the first year of their partnership, Gamgee’s total purchases could not fall below five thousand denars. Should he fail to meet this threshold, Berrion reserved the right to end their cooperation; conversely, if Gamgee not only achieved but doubled the target, Berrion would grant his company the agency rights for the Highlands Province as well.

With the main terms settled, they realized that an entire afternoon had slipped by in negotiation. Seizing the moment, Berrion drafted an agreement, both parties stamping it with their seals in triplicate—one copy to be stored in the church at Amding, under the watchful eye of the Fire God, as a testament to their earnestness and intent to be trustworthy partners.

Gamgee, however, did not have such a sum on him. He promised that upon his return to Amding, he would promptly remit the funds, not only for pottery and soap but also for woodwork and wicker goods. Furthermore, he agreed to purchase all the valuable wolf pelts and other animal skins Berrion had in stock, with Berrion, in a show of goodwill, offering a friendly price.

The pact sealed, both sides were well satisfied. Upon their return to Nolanburg, they organized a grand banquet. This night, Gamgee and his men dropped their previous wariness and let themselves relax, drinking and reveling with their Nolanburg friends until deep into the night. Gamgee, never much of a drinker, was carried away dead drunk by two of his guards.

It was not until noon the next day that Gamgee finally sobered up. Still reeling from his excesses, he firmly declined Berrion and Mark’s invitation to stay another night. He dared not face another round with these men, who had taken turns persuading him to drink, working him over in shifts. He’d barely had a bite to eat before his belly was full of ice-cold beer, and by midmorning, he’d made three desperate trips to the privy. His legs wobbled as he walked, as if half his life had been drained out of him. There was no way he would remain any longer.

Seeing Gamgee’s pale face and unwavering resolution, Berrion did not press him further. Instead, he instructed Eomer to assign a detachment of infantry to escort Gamgee’s caravan back to Amding.

Just before departure, Gamgee quietly confided something to Berrion: the Amding Merchants’ Guild had long been troubled by the greenwood bandits of Stagwood. Three years prior, they had posted a bounty of five thousand denars to be awarded to any who could eliminate the three major gangs infesting those woods.

Gamgee went on to say that now, with Nolanburg producing both colored pottery and soap—two lucrative commodities—and with the annual bounty from hunting in Stagwood, it was imperative to eradicate the remaining Hound Band and Grizzly Band. Otherwise, not only would other merchants hesitate to trade with Nolanburg, but those bandits might very well ally with other powers to raid Nolanburg, abducting craftsmen and looting the town’s wealth.

This bounty notice and well-intentioned warning moved Berrion. Gamgee had only just escaped danger himself, yet, upon forging their partnership, he immediately began considering his partner’s welfare on multiple fronts. He seemed far more genuine than those so-called business associates Berrion had known in his previous life, who mouthed platitudes of righteousness while plotting treachery behind closed doors. Society’s progress, Berrion mused, sometimes came at the expense of humanity and virtue.

Berrion thanked Gamgee for his counsel and, after swearing him to secrecy, whispered that the two remaining gangs in Stagwood, south of the Karl River, would not survive to see the spring wheat sown.

Gamgee was taken aback by this, studying Berrion’s confident young face. He did not think Berrion was boasting, but left with a mix of skepticism and hope, lying back in his carriage for the journey home, pondering all the while. The Count had mobilized several knights and hundreds of troops, waging campaign after campaign with no success. Could Nolanburg’s modest force truly accomplish what so many had failed to do? It seemed beyond belief.

Whatever Gamgee thought, Berrion could not know. Having secured his business arrangement and a stable income for his territory, Berrion now turned his attention to the eradication of the Hound Band and the Grizzly Band. One does not tolerate wolves at the threshold; these bandit gangs not only hindered Nolanburg’s commercial growth but would inevitably bring grave trouble if left unchecked. It was essential to strike first, and Berrion already had a plan in mind.

That afternoon, Larr’s man sent to negotiate with the Hound Band returned. He was not an unfamiliar face among the bandits, having twice visited their lair with Larr for drinks. Not only did he return unharmed, but he also brought a gift from Gu Huiyang, leader of the Hound Band—much to Berrion’s surprise. This Gu Huiyang seemed unexpectedly forthcoming.

Larr brought his subordinate, Illya, to Berrion for a report. “My lord,” Illya began, presenting a sword, “I carried this token from Larr to Raven Ridge. I had not yet arrived when their sentries intercepted me. Once they learned my purpose, they blindfolded me and led me to their stronghold.” He grinned. “Of course, they didn’t know I’d already been there with Larr and knew the route. Their caution was rather unnecessary.”

“Get to the point,” Larr interrupted, irritated by Illya’s rambling.

Illya straightened. “My lord, after I conveyed your proposal to Gu Huiyang, he showed little reaction—neither pleased nor angry. He simply had me lodged and well treated. A day later, he summoned me and said he had discussed matters with his men and was willing to accept your terms: an official post for himself, his son as a knight’s squire, a house and farmland. He found these terms satisfactory. However, you gave no promise regarding his followers. Without assurances for his men, how could he, as their leader, submit with peace of mind? He requests a face-to-face meeting with you, to hear your pledge in person. Only then will he surrender. To show his sincerity, he sent this chest of gifts.”

With that, Larr opened a finely crafted wooden box, revealing silver coins and red and green gems.

Seeing Berrion’s gaze linger on the treasure, Illya continued, “To demonstrate his good faith, Gu Huiyang offers you a gift of one thousand denars and gems worth another fifteen hundred. He says that, once he surrenders and you help clear his name, he will reward you even more handsomely. My lord, I believe Gu Huiyang is a reasonable man. There should be no problem negotiating his surrender in person.”

Berrion did not realize that Illya had accepted a twenty-denar bribe from Gu Huiyang, which explained his eagerness to promote the deal. But Berrion could guess as much from Illya’s demeanor. He also glanced at Larr, noting a touch of irritation—Larr was no fool and likely understood as well.

Feigning delight, Berrion said, “Well done, Illya! I’ll reward you with thirty denars for your efforts.”

Illya bowed gratefully. “Thank you, my lord. It’s my duty.”

“There’s no need for modesty. I never shortchange those who serve me well. And I must trouble you once more: go back to Raven Ridge and tell Gu Huiyang I’ll meet him, wherever and whenever he chooses.”

Illya thumped his chest in assurance. “As you command, my lord. Leave it to me!”

After Illya left, Larr, unable to contain his worry, murmured to Berrion, “My lord, can’t you see? This is a trap Gu Huiyang has set!”

Berrion remained unruffled. “Of course I know. Gu Huiyang would never surrender so easily. His true aim is to capture me, ransom me for his men, and extort a hefty sum.”

Larr was astonished. “Then why agree to the meeting?”

Berrion cut him off, smiling. “Larr, whose side do you think Illya is on?”

Larr fell silent, his face darkening. “He must have been bought by Gu Huiyang. I never thought he’d betray us, though he’s always been a bit lazy and greedy.”

Berrion laughed heartily. “I was worried our messenger might be too upright. Your choice of Illya solves that problem perfectly.”

Larr scratched his head in embarrassment, then looked up. “My lord, is this a double-cross? Do you plan to capture Gu Huiyang instead?”

Berrion gave him a mysterious smile. “You’ll see in due time. Meanwhile, why not check Illya’s bedding for his hidden stash?”

Larr grinned. “I’ll look into it quietly, my lord.”

“Good. Just wait and enjoy the show,” Berrion replied.

What transpired between Berrion and Larr remained unknown to Illya, nor did he care. He now had thirty denars from Berrion and another twenty from Gu Huiyang—a small fortune, enough to buy five acres in Nolanburg. And as he was to make another run, perhaps he could collect rewards from both sides, enough to buy a house. The thought thrilled him. Soon he would have land and a home, and he must hasten to find a wife—he already had his eye on a voluptuous young cook in Berrion’s manor.

With such prospects, Illya brimmed with confidence. With his wealth and looks, he should have no trouble winning her over. With a few children, he could live a life he’d never even dared to dream of as a bandit.

As Illya jingled his purse of silver and dreamed of a bright future, Nolanburg’s infantry scout officer, Baring, trailed him with two plainclothes men. Illya’s every move was under Berrion’s watch, though he remained oblivious.

The next morning, Illya rose early, grabbed a quick bite, and set out for Raven Ridge to deliver Berrion’s message to Gu Huiyang. He was eager for the money, but also for the comforts he enjoyed at the bandit stronghold—good food, fine drink, and the company of a young woman thoughtfully provided by Gu Huiyang. For Illya, a man used to the rough life at the bottom of the outlaw ranks, such treatment was a rare delight. He had once been angry at Larr for sending him on such a dangerous errand, but now he was grateful; otherwise, how could he have earned so much or been treated so well?

Upon his arrival at the Hound Band’s stronghold in Raven Ridge, the bandits didn’t bother to blindfold him this time. Instead, a familiar leader—one who’d shared drinks with Larr and Illya before—greeted him warmly and led him to the main hall to see Gu Huiyang.

Illya greeted Gu Huiyang with exaggerated enthusiasm, affecting a weary air. “Boss Gu, you can’t imagine how difficult this was. At first, Sir Berrion flatly refused your terms. If I hadn’t argued your case and earned his trust, he wouldn’t have agreed to a meeting. It was hard work, but it’s done—he’ll let you choose the time and place, and he’ll come as promised.”

“My dear Illya, you’ve worked so hard!” Gu Huiyang laughed, enveloping Illya in a bear hug that nearly crushed him with its sheer strength.

After this effusive greeting, Gu Huiyang draped an arm around Illya’s shoulders, poured him a cup of wine, and called out, “Bring the gifts!”

At his command, two young women in scanty attire swayed into the hall, each bearing a small wooden chest. Their entrance made Illya’s eyes light up, his gaze nearly burning with desire.