Chapter 152

Jay didn't fill out any paperwork. It turned out that when you were about to be rich and wanted a loan the bank was willing to take care of everything – so long as Jay signed the final paperwork, which he did.

It wasn't a big loan. Two gold. Jay chuckled to himself. Wasn't it just the other day that he had been told 2 gold was a small fortune? Jay told himself that it was still a small fortune – he wasn't filthy rich yet. The last thing he needed was something to go wrong with the dungeon and end up owing Boland and the bank money. This way everything was above board with terms that everyone had agreed to beforehand. In writing.

Jay took a set of paperwork, his copies, and stored them in his backpack simply by pressing them up against the bag's opening and giving the mental command to store them.

M'redith smiled as she watched Jay, it was nice to see him make a financially responsible decision without her having to guide him.

As Boland took his copies of the signed paperwork back M'redith spoke up.

“So where should we all bring our armor for repairs?” M'redith asked, she was excited to have her armor made new again.

Boland laughed, “Goddess you two are precious. Do you think that I'd have you go to them? No, someone will come to you, tonight.”

Jay looked confused, “Won't they need their tools?”

Boland looked at Jay as if Jay was teasing him. After a moment he grinned when he realized that Jay was serious. “Tools! Ha! Jay you never stop making me laugh! I promise you that whoever arrives to repair your armor will have all the...tools, they need.”

Jay shared a confused look with M'redith for a moment before they were interrupted by Boland.

“Enough of that, it's a done deal, consider it taken care of and give it no further thought. We still have other things to talk about however. Your mini-golf course for example?” Boland asked.

Jay's eyes lit up, he hadn't even asked about the course. “Is it ready?” he asked excitedly.

Boland nodded, “Just about. Can you come by Friday night for the grand opening? M'redith too. Especially M'redith actually.”

M'redith shrugged and Jay nodded.

“Great! Dress formal. As if you were going to a play. Everyone else will be dressed up, I would hate to have you two show up under-dressed.”

“How's it look?” Jay asked. He was excited to see how it had all turned out.

“Wonderful! I think it's going to be very popular. We've already had quite a bit of interest. The more people we refuse entry to the more people ask to be allowed inside. You should see the size of the bribes they've been offering the watchmen!” Boland explained cheerfully.

Jay and M'redith smiled as Jay replied, “We'll be there Friday. What time?”

“Dusk. The place really pops at night. You'll see!” Boland teased Jay.

Boland offered the two a wide smile, “So, next topic. Where are you planning on living after graduation?”

Jay shared a look with M'redith and shrugged, “I've no idea, I hadn't given it much thought really.”

“Well you might not be aware but from what I can tell your class is getting close to graduation. Once that happens you can stay in your rooms for up to thirty days, you'll have to pay for it of course, but after that, you're out. They expect you to find your own place, or places.” Boland explained kindly.

“Shouldn't I wait until I have some gold in my account before I start looking for a place?” Jay asked and M'redith made a displeased noise that she cut off as soon as she made it.

Boland laughed at the byplay and smiled at M'redith, “She gets it! Jay, real estate is a gamble – what is available is constantly changing. If you start looking when you get money who knows how long it will take to find what you're looking for. If you start looking now however you might have a place already picked out by the time your money arrives. Which way do you like better?”

Jay chuckled self-deprecatingly and shook his head, “Ok, we'll do it your way. I guess I still have a lot to learn.

M'redith laughed out loud at that but looked at Jay apologetically. “I'm sorry Jay, I have a lot to learn too. It's just funny hearing you admit it for once.”

Jay joined in the laughter, “Ok, ok. You got me. I have a lot to learn. There, better?”

M'redith smiled and nodded. “Better.”

Boland was still waiting for a response from Jay but it took a moment for Jay to catch on.

“Right. So I have no idea what things cost,” Jay began.

Boland nodded, “Right. Just assume that anything short of a castle is probably within your means.”

M'redith shook her head at the absurdity of the situation. Pick anything you want up to but not including a castle!

“Ok, well, I haven't spoken with the others but I think it'd be nice to have a place where we could all go home to. Let's say a house for each of us and a main building as a sort of clubhouse for the Glimmerhide Group. Is that doable? Oh, and a house just for visitors, like a guest house?” Jay asked.

Boland smiled, “Maybe. Financially you should be able to swing it without any trouble. Finding a contiguous plot with room enough for seven buildings inside the city will take some doing though. It's a good thing you're starting to look now and not later.”

“How much would you say?” Jay asked.

Boland sat back and rubbed at the back of his neck with one hand as he drummed the fingertips of his other hand on the table. “A few hundred gold. Not a couple of hundred, a few hundred. Three or four maybe? Land in K'tharkle city is notoriously expensive. For example, the buildings will cost less than the land.”

Jay shook his head. “That's a ridiculous amount of money. I can't believe I'm going to ever have that much.”

M'redith nodded, “You'd better start getting used to it quick then. You're going to have a lot more than that!”

Jay chuckled and shook his head, “Ok. Let's do it then. Start looking for a multi-acre plot, it has to be contiguous though, not a bit of land here and a bit of land there.”

“One acre would be enough for a few houses.” Boland pointed out with a raised finger.

“Sure, if you want them shoved right up against one another. I'd like to be able to spread them out a bit though. Have a garden, training quad, things like that. I mean, it would appear that I have enough money for it.” Jay said before he quickly corrected himself, “WILL have the money. I will have the money.”

Boland nodded in understanding, “I get what you're going for, like a private compound. I'll keep that in mind. We don't even need the buildings for purchase, we just really need the land. We can pay to have buildings raised afterwards. It might be a bit more expensive but it will make it much easier to find what you're looking for.”

Jay nervously grinned, “I feel like I'm spending someone else's money but let's do it. Start looking and let me know if you find anything close.”

Boland nodded, “Do you have a preference on the general area? There are a lot of open plots in the more run down and dangerous parts of the city.”

Jay shook his head, “No need to do that if I'm going to have so much money. Something in the working areas, crafting districts, something like that. I'd like a nice area, it doesn't have to sparkle but I'd rather not have to clutch my coin purse when I go to walk to my new home. Also, unless you can get a really good deal I'd prefer to stay out of the 'rich-only' sections.”

Boland nodded and took notes on everything. He scribbled down 'rich area' and drew a circle around it with a slash through it. “Got it. I'll put one of my men on it right after you leave.”

Jay smiled in thanks. “You're the best Boland.”

Boland grinned in agreement. “Next item. Redgrass. You are currently a minor share holder. There is however possibly an opportunity coming up.”

“Oh?” M'redith asked with a raised eyebrow.

Boland nodded, “Oh! I have a 'friend' over at the Inspections Office in K'tharkle City Hall. It seems that Redgrass failed a recent inspection due to 'structural failings' detected in a number of support beams. They need to be repaired and there is no easy way to do so. They're going to have to shut down for a week or two to cordon off the area and bring in some workers.”

Jay shrugged, “I mean I'm sorry to hear that. I suppose that means I'll make a bit less money off of Redgrass for a bit?”

M'redith smiled and shook her head.

Boland again pointed at M'redith. “She gets it again! One more try Jay. The current owners need money in order to effect repairs. Can you think of a way that they could get the money while at the same time having it benefit you?'

Jay shook his head, “Sorry, no. Should I give them a loan? Isn't that more your area of expertise?”

Boland laughed, “Jay, Goddess you're fun! It IS my area of expertise and I would advise you to avoid giving out loans entirely once you come in to money. Rich people don't give loans – they give money in exchange for a hefty share of the business in need of money. That is what you should do.”

“I'm already a minor share holder. Isn't that enough?” Jay asked.

Boland nodded, “It can be. If you want to stay a minor share holder we can do that. You will make much more money as a major share holder however – also, that will give you a vote on business related decisions. Right now you have no say in anything.”

“So I basically buy myself a major share in the business? They take my money, I get a vote in future decisions, and a share of all future profits after operating expenses?” Jay asked.

M'redith raised an eyebrow when Jay mentioned “Operating expenses,” a term that she was unaware of Jay being familiar with. Maybe he knew more than he let on.

Boland nodded and gave Jay a grin and a few claps of his hands, “Exactly! I couldn't have said it better myself. Are you sure you've never been a banker before? No, no, just kidding! You're fine as you are!”

Jay thought for a moment before realizing that he didn't have enough information to make a decision with. “How much for a major share?”

Boland replied without smiling. “48 gold.”

M'redith let out a huff of air, “Are you kidding me!” she exclaimed right as Jay swore quietly under his breath.

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“Isn't that a bit much?” Jay asked.

Boland frowned before looking up at Jay, “How much do you think Redgrass is worth? Multi levels, cutting edge tech, skilled employees, hundreds of customers every night and hundreds more that don't even make it inside.”

Jay nodded absentmindedly, “I was thinking about that actually – why aren't they selling anything to the people in line?”

“Huh?” M'redith asked distractedly, she had expected the conversation to progress a bit differently.

“The crowd waiting in line. They all have money. Why isn't Redgrass trying to get some of it? They just leave them standing outside without even making an effort to sell them anything. Seems silly.” Jay explained as he waved his hands in emphasis in front of him.

Boland opened his mouth and then shut it before saying what he had meant to say. He opened it again and tried once more, “That...is a very good point. I'd hold on to that until you were a major share holder however. You just keep surprising me, you know that? Where were we?”

“You were asking us how much we think Redgrass was worth and we were thinking that we had no idea.” M'redith explained.

Boland laughed, “Right! Redgrass is a gold mine! You've already made a gold piece just from your minor share. You could make far more however.”

Jay smiled, “I feel like I'm going to make more money than I need already just from being a Patron to Kagan's Dome, do I really need the Redgrass investment too?”

Boland nodded, “Right. You're thinking that you only need to own a business if it makes you money. Think about it though – when you go to Redgrass are you going there because it makes you money, or because you enjoy being there? Being a major share holder means that you have a say in determining what kind of business Redgrass is and will continue to be. Sometimes that can be worth more than mere money.”

Jay mulled that over for a moment and answered, “I think I get it now. In that case I agree with you, I should make a move on Redgrass. How time-sensitive is the window of opportunity on it?”

Boland nodded, pleased that Jay had hit upon the important question, “Very. They need to close as soon as possible for repairs.”

“I'll do it then. All I ask is that you keep 100 gold in my account. You can use the rest to purchase the major share once the account accrues enough extra gold.” Jay said simply.

M'redith nodded, pleased. Jay didn't decide to just blow all of his money, had talked over each investment, arranged for future investments, and set up a minimum amount to be saved.

Boland made some more notes as he mumbled to himself quietly. “Right. That should be it for now. Unless you have anything else for me I think we'll meet up next on Friday night. Dusk. Don't forget!”

Jay nodded and assured him that they would indeed be attending and would arrive on time. Dusk was a pretty wide band of time to show up during so Jay was fairly confident that they would make it with plenty of time to spare. “Thanks Boland, I really appreciate all of this.”

“Jay, you're welcome, but keep in mind, this is a business relationship. I make out too from this arrangement so don't feel as if you're doing me a charity or anything, ok?” Boland stressed with a smile. “My ship rises and falls with yours – it's in my best interest to see that you succeed.”

“Thank you again Boland,” M'redith said sweetly and Boland gave up with a mock huff and stood up to shake both of their hands.

“I'll see you two Friday!” Boland shouted at them as Jay and M'redith left his office and wound their way back outside.

The street seemed unusually packed as a stream of adventurers went past them in carts. A group of them were standing at the corner of the nearest intersection and looked lost. Jay gave M'redith's arm a tug and the two walked over to a group of ten young looking boys and girls. Normally Jay wouldn't interfere but Jay could remember being one of those lost looking kids when he had first arrived in K'tharkle looking for the Adventurer's Guild.

They weren't tall, none of the residents of Eden came even close to tall. They were all young and baby faced and Jay wondered if their parents were aware they had wandered off.

Jay whispered to M'redith as they approached the group, “Aren't they a little young?”

M'redith looked surprised, “They're all at least 16 years old, why, how old do you think they should be?”

Jay pursed his lips. “I don't know – 18? 20?”

M'redith laughed, “You talk like an old man sometimes, you know that? In my day kids didn't leave until they were 18 or 20! And we walked uphill both ways to school! Get me my walking stick child, quickly!” she said in a mock old man voice.

Jay laughed, “Ok, ok. Things work a bit differently on Eden than on Earth. I'm still adjusting.”

“Adjust quicker!” M'redith hissed as they reached the group.

Jay smiled, “Hi! You folks look like you could use some help maybe? I'm Jay, and this is M'redith, leader of Glimmerhide Group. Something we could maybe help you find?”

The children, Jay had a difficult time thinking of them as anything but children, spoke quietly with each other until they pushed forward a dark haired boy with round glasses who looked at Jay and M'redith nervously.

“I'm Pibb, I guess I'm the leader of this lot. We aren't an official group of anything. We're here to run the new dungeon but can't find it. Have you heard of Kagan's Dome? We don't have enough coin to hire carts and keep getting turned around trying to walk there!”

Jay winced. He had a bad feeling about that but tried to hide it and instead chuckled, “It's a good thing I found you lot. Kagan's Dome is closed...”

M'redith had begun to look a little worried. Just a little. She hissed at Jay, “How did they find out about it so fast?!”

Jay shook his head, he had no idea.

He was interrupted by a number of loud groans and swearing as the group muttered darkly.

“BUT – it will open tomorrow. Until then do you have somewhere to stay? No? You are all Guild graduates, right?” Jay asked.

The entire group nodded, “We didn't attend training in K'tharkle but our training was just as good!” one teen aged girl insisted.

Jay nodded, “Great! Just need to make sure before I bring you back. Let's all head to the Guild grounds and see about getting you all somewhere to stay tonight. Maybe something to eat?”

Some of the others made comments. “I told Pibb we should have stopped at the Guild first!”

Pibb snapped back, “Better to get our space in line for the dungeon first! We can always sleep and eat later!”

M'redith raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Instead she hailed a cart and then continued to do so until she had three of them stopped in front of their side of the street. She gave them the Guild's address and specified the main entrance's courtyard. A few coins later and she returned to Jay's side.

“Ok everyone, in to the carts! Let's get you all back to the Guild. Good timing, dinner is starting soon!” Jay called out loudly. A number of growling stomachs replied to his words loudly.

“Thank you so much!” a number of young adventurers called out as they all stuffed themselves in to the carts.

Pibb waited behind, “Why are you doing this? Helping us, I mean.”

Jay shrugged, “You're a Guildmate. We look out for each other. No one else is going to!”

Pibb looked at Jay strangely for a moment before he nodded wordlessly and turned to walk over to a waiting cart and hopped inside.

The carts were finally full and all three pulled in to traffic, and there was quite a bit of traffic. The ride took longer than Jay or M'redith had anticipated and when they reached the Guild's main entrance they were surprised to find that there was a line that wrapped around the corner, all waiting to enter the Guild grounds.

“What the heck?” M'redith asked as she eyed the long line. The carts had come to a stop and none of the traffic was moving.

Jay shook his head, “I've no idea. Is there a Guild event or something?”

They decided to leave the carts and walk the rest of the way. They stopped at the other two carts and retrieved the young Guild members. As a group of 12 they walked down the side of the road until they were able to enter Guild grounds through a pedestrian gate set in to the wall right next to the main gates.

Guild Guards stood watch and checked them as they entered. Jay and M'redith were registered students there but the others were visitors and were directed to the main building for processing.

“Name? Membership? Group name?” Guards asked each of them. They each replied and were sent in the appropriate direction.

“Good luck Pibb, we'll see you guys around,” Jay said as the group waved at Jay and M'redith in thanks.

The courtyard was packed, and a line of people waiting for check in wound out of the main building's doors and around the corner.

“Uh oh,” M'redith said as she took in the scene packed with guildees, most of whom appeared to have come from out of town by the looks of them.

“Yea...Pibb mentioned Kagan's Dome – you don't think...everyone here...” Jay said and trailed off as more people arrived through the pedestrian's gate. A number of people in carts had watched Jay and his group leave their carts to walk the rest of the way and had decided that was a great idea.

The prior empty pedestrian's gate now had a long line forming.

M'redith nodded, “Yup. You did this.”

Jay laughed, “Let's be fair here, WE did this!”

M'redith shook her head, “Uh uh. I'm going to let you take all the credit for this one.”

A number of Guild Guards were manning the walkways to the rest of the grounds and ensured that only authorized members of visitors proceeded past them. They weren't standing the way the other Guards stood but instead had heads that constantly swiveled back and forth. They weren't just standing Guard, they were constantly scanning the crowd while studying faces.

One of the Guards locked eyes with Jay and stepped out of formation. The two Guards to either side stepped forwards as well and followed along. They hadn't seen whatever the first Guard had but would offer support should he need it.

The other Guards manning the line became suddenly tense and alert as three of their members broke ranks and approached Jay and M'redith. Others began to notice and more and more people turned to watch what would happen.

The Guard in front stopped in front of Jay and M'redith and nodded at her first and then Jay. “Glimmerhide Group, Jay, your presence has been strongly requested. If you would please follow me?”

It wasn't a question.

Jay and M'redith assured the Guard that they would follow along willingly and the two Guards who hadn't yet spoken took up positions behind Jay and M'redith but stood so that they faced the crowd. A number of additional Guards had appeared out of the crowd and taken up positions around them.

Jay inspected them carefully. Their hands were on their weapons but they were all facing away from Jay and M'redith. The Guards around him changed their positioning until they formed a box around them. They kept that formation until they had gathered enough Guards to completely box Jay and M'redith off from the surrounding and growing crowd.

From what Jay could tell they were acting as bodyguards so far and appeared to be trying to protect them rather than capture them.

The lead Guard called out “Ready to move!” and the formation around them morphed in to a diamond as the Guards all altered their positioning and using their bodies to force the crowd away from their formation. “Moving!”

The guards on the outer points of the diamond unsheathed their swords loudly and the crowd instantly recoiled from them. Jay was swept up and had no choice but to move inside of the protective diamond as he and M'redith were herded out of the courtyard. Once out of the courtyard the crowds only got worse and it seemed as if every pathway was stuffed full of people.

No matter who you were however the sight of over a dozen highly armed and armored Guards with swords unsheathed rushing at you in a diamond formation was more than enough to encourage you to get out of the way.

And so the crowds did. People got out of the way as quickly as possible as the formation approached them. At times the lead Guard would shout to make way but that was just a warning – he and his formation forced their way through the crowd whether the crowd made way or not.

The Guards forced their way over to a number of office buildings where there wasn't much of a crowd. There was nothing of use there for anyone really unless they wanted to hold a meeting. The Guards approached the building and surrounded the entrance. The Guard in front entered first while Jay and M'redith waited outside, the formation around them changed to the shape of a box.

The head Guard returned after he cleared the interior as safe. “Follow me.” he told M'redith and Jay and walked back inside of the building. The other Guards took up posts around the building and its entrances. Additional Guards posted further out from the buildings kept any curious visitor from even approaching the buildings.

Other Guards patrolled the boundaries of the area, each of them accompanied by a wolf that reached up to their chest. The wolf Guards didn't stand still but constantly roamed the area searching for trespassers.

The lead Guard walked in to another room and swept Jay and M'redith inside before he left and closed the door behind him wordlessly.

Jay looked up to see a long table with a number of people already seated. Walter. Brother Orin. Someone wearing a very expensive suit and a necklace with a seal on it. Oh crap, was that the seal for K'tharkle City? And a priest. Or bishop. Or...something. Whatever they called their high ranking Church members, one of them was there wearing a white as snow robe with golden trim.

Jay could hear M'redith whisper something under her breath.

“Oh crap.”