They would go for nine and the buyer would be either Kuang Tao or Brod Lacour. Only they owned the equipment which would make such a price worth the outlay. And, if either bought, then something must be moving which as yet he was still ignorant.
Damn Othurine and her tears!
Chart Embris shifted irritably in his seat as another parcel was offered for sale. This time it was a score of battle-hardened mercenaries, good men and reliable and far better than the cheaper semi-trained and basic material which usually was to be found on the block. But times were hard and even good men were willing to sign up for bed and board and a few basic comforts which certain women, also on contract, were willing to supply.
'Three,' droned the auctioneer. 'No? Gentlemen you amaze me. Two then, let us try two. Still you hesitate? Then let us forget the reserve. Name your own figure. What am I bid for a score of experienced fighters?'
Embris touched the button of the instrument in his pocket. Far to one side a man said, 'Five hundred!'
'Five-surely you jest!' The auctioneer, an old man, had his pride. 'I will start with one thousand. If there are no bids the lot will be withdrawn. The reputation of Ilyard must be maintained. These are trained and skilled soldiers, gentlemen! Do I have to remind you of that? Now, who will open the bidding?'
'One thousand.'
'Thank you. I will accept bids in hundreds.'
Again Embris thumbed the button and, like a marionette triggered by the radioed impulse, his agent lifted his hand.
'Eleven.'
Another man, 'Twelve!'
'Thirteen!'
'Fifteen!'
That would be Gin Peng always impatient or intent on forcing up the price so as to weaken later competition. His bid was secret, of course, as was any dealer's of note. Even a good reputation would inflate the price and, unknown factions were opposed, then the fur really flew.
'Fifteen? Any advance on fifteen?' The auctioneer poised his hammer. 'Going… going… gone!'
Well, if Peng had made the bid, then good luck to him. There would be other lots and more men and it would do no harm to conserve wealth and outlay until he had a market for anything he might decide to buy. A conservative outlook and one which would hardly make a man a fortune but he could afford to coast for a little. Forever if it came to that-he had money enough to retire. But how else could he occupy his time? What could ever replace the thrill of buying and selling men, of manipulating supplies, of weighing the scales against an opponent and arranging private alliances, deals, surrenders?
'My lord!' His aide was deferential, his voice low as he stooped over the back of the chair. 'There is a man requesting an audience. A mercenary. Kars Gartok-I have his record.'
It was a good one, at least the man knew his trade and wouldn't waste his time as so many others did or tried to do. Embris looked up and around, seeing nothing of interest either on or near the block, noting too that several seats were empty. He would lose nothing by leaving and could gain much.
'Give me an hour. Have the man wait in the iron-room of my house. See that he is fed. A meal will take up most of the time.'
And the wine which went with it helped to ease his tongue. Kars Gartok recognized the danger and sipped sparingly at the rich and potent liquid an attendant kept pouring into his glass. The food was another matter and he ate well, chewing at succulent meats and spiced vegetables, dabbing at the juice which ran from his mouth and over his chin.
Once he saw the look of disdain the attendant threw at him and smiled behind the napkin. Let the fool sneer- the food he ate now would see him through days if necessary. And the report the man would make would serve its purpose later.
A game, he thought, as the dishes were cleared and only the wine left standing before him. In life everything was a game, A man gambled for riches, for comfort, for ease and, if he had to set his life on the board to win them, well, that was the nature of the play. Win all or lose all- a fair wager. Only the weak were afraid to take the chance, clinging to a life little better than a hell in order simply to survive. Fools who overvalued the few years of existence they could expect. What difference if life ended now or in a score of years? Ten? One? Against the immensity of time what a small thing a year was.
'You dream,' said Embris as he entered the room. 'Of past victories, perhaps?'
'Of future gain, my lord.' Rising Gartok bowed-those with titles liked them to be used and it cost nothing to be polite. 'And I was admiring the room.'
A lie, decorative metal meant nothing to him, not even when it was fashioned into edged and pointed weapons gracing the black leather beneath in a host of chilling glitters.
'A notion of my son's. He-' Embris broke off, shaking his head. 'Never mind that. You have something to say to me?'
'A matter of mutual interest, my lord, and perhaps one of common profit.' Gartok helped himself to the wine. 'I saw you and your lady in the church. The death of the monk obviously had affected you both. I too had attended to pay my respects-did you know that I was almost the last to see him alive?'
'I did not.' Embris looked at the decanter. 'You appreciate the wine?'
'And your generosity in offering it, my lord.' Gartok lifted his goblet and drank. 'And now to business. As you might expect a man such as myself often picks up items of information which could be converted into profitable enterprises. Your trade is in the supplying of men and arms-mine is using them. We have a common interest. So, if I hint that there is a world ripe for a little war, that there are those interested in seeing it takes place-well?'
'Continue.'
'At the moment it is an aborted conflict. Apparently the instigator died. But what was once planned need not be ignored. Naturally an investigation needs to be made and so we come to the purpose of my visit.' Gartok set down his goblet. 'To be plain-would you be interested in backing me? In return you get the sole concession of the loot of a world.'
Embris said, flatly, 'I have been made such promises before.'
'Am I making promises?' Gartok shook his head, smiling. 'I am stating probable facts. I have your confidence? Then let me mention a name. Gydapen Prabang. It strikes a chord?' His eyes were hard, direct, gimlets searching the other's face. 'Gydapen Prabang,' he said again. 'He bought some guns which were shipped via Harald. Perhaps they originated on Ilyard. You could even have handled the deal.'
'And if I did?'
'Then surely all is plain. If not then others might be interested. Kuang Tao, perhaps, or Gin Peng? Both are always eager to make a small investment in the hope of vast returns.' Taking up his goblet Gartok sipped at his wine. Then, casually, he said, 'This room was decorated by your son, you say?'
'It was his idea.'
'He must spend many happy hours here.' Gartok blinked as if realizing he could have made a mistake. 'I take it that he is well?'
'He is-away just now.'
'Children.' Gartok shrugged. 'At times I thank God I have no need to acknowledge any I may have sired. A man has enough worry without adding to his burden. A wife, children-what need has a mercenary for such things? A fine son like yours leaves an aching void when he is absent. How would you feel if he should die? To love is to store grief for the future. None is immortal.'
'Tomir's a fine young man.'
'I know. I know. I've heard of him. Ambitious too so I understand. An eagle eager to spread his wings. With your help he could command his own corps and he wouldn't want for men to serve under his orders. A pity he isn't here. If he was we could have done business together.'
'Your business is with me.'
'Perhaps. You don't seem to be interested.' Gartok was indifferent. 'But it's worth investigating, don't you think? And quickly if at all. Others could be interested and might already be acting. A wise man would make certain he wasn't left out in the cold. An entire world-the dream of every mercenary. A whole planet waiting to be exploited-and you hesitate to spend a little to make it yours.'
