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After the clerk stamped his chit and handed it back, he reminded Bill to keep the slip safe—it was proof the duty had been paid. Any further inspection and all he had to do was show the paper.
"Thank you, thank you!" Bill beamed, the words tumbling out like free samples. Half the expected tax had left him in an excellent mood.
This was exactly what Gaemon had intended. He could have slashed import duties from the start to lure merchants, but he'd decided against it. Better to match the rates of other ports first, then offer rebates and reductions later. Merchants would set their expectations high; when the cuts came, they'd feel like they were getting a bargain instead of complaining about sudden changes.
Bill tucked the precious slip into his pouch and practically skipped out of the customs tower. He found John waiting exactly where he'd left him.
"Tax is paid," Bill announced cheerfully. "What now?"
John took the chit with careful fingers. "The dock officer said to bring this back so we can clear the barrels, my lord. But we'll need somewhere to put them first—can't just leave good beer sitting on the quay in this heat."
"I already asked around while you were unloading," Bill said, waving the concern away. "Some of these buildings along the waterfront are warehouses. We'll rent one for now, just temporary. Once we're settled we can make proper arrangements."
Still grinning, Bill led the way toward the row of sturdy three-story buildings that faced the river. They were close—barely twenty yards from the water—so the walk took no time at all.
The ground floors were open to the quay, shaded by wide awnings of sailcloth and rough timber. Merchants had set out their wares beneath them, and the constant foot traffic from the docks kept every shop busy.
Bill spotted an inn sign swinging above one doorway and steered John toward it.
They hadn't even reached the entrance when a man in his forties stepped out to greet them. Thick brown hair, neat clothes, and a professional smile already in place.
"Welcome, sirs! Looking for rooms or a meal? I'm David—David Cobbler, proprietor of the River's Rest."
"Rooms," Bill answered. "One for me and my man here. We'll share."
"Excellent! We have fine master chambers on the second floor. The best room is one silver stag a night. A more modest one is three copper stars. Which would you prefer?"
Bill's smile faltered at the price of the best room. He had coin, but not coin to throw away on luxury. "Three copper stars will do nicely. Just for tonight, the two of us."
"Very good, sirs. Right this way."
David didn't push; he'd seen plenty of careful merchants. The cheapest common room downstairs was only ten coppers a night and still had bodies in it.
He led them through the main hall and up a creaking wooden staircase. "Best rooms are on the second floor—high enough to stay dry when the river rises, but no need to climb all the way to the third. The third floor's quieter, mostly single rooms for longer stays."
The corridor was plain but clean. David stopped at a door midway down, produced a heavy iron key, and swung it open.
"Here we are, sirs. Please step inside."
Sunlight poured through an open window that looked straight out over the river and the busy shipping traffic. The room itself was modest—maybe eighteen feet square. A sturdy writing desk sat beneath the window with a chair. In the center stood a decent-sized bed, already made up with clean linens. A narrower cot waited near the door. Against the far wall was a simple wardrobe and a covered wooden bucket for night soil.
Bill gave the room a quick once-over. No strange smells, floor swept, everything in order. "This will do nicely."
"Wonderful. Shall we settle the payment now? How many nights?"
"Three for a start. If we stay longer I'll pay the rest then."
Bill counted out one silver stag and placed it in David's palm.
"Perfect. Oh, and we serve simple meals here—hot stew, fresh bread, roasted fish. I can have it brought up, or you can eat in the hall downstairs. Special requests cost a little extra, but we can usually manage."
"We'll eat later," Bill said, already looking around again. "Right now I have a question for you…"
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