4.20 Export Control

Serin sat in a private room of Jericho's Tavern with Rupert, the aquamancer who ran the fish farms, Ephraim, Bilol, and Seamus the leader of the merchant caravan that had established trade with Serin's city.

"Start from the beginning. What happened." Serin sat there intently as Rupert told the story of how Seamus was now sitting with everyone on the meeting.

It started a few months prior, in the middle of summer, with Rupert having a drink at Jericho's inn. While relaxing after spending the day dredging a second artificial lake, as his populations of moon trout had exploded in the excellent conditions of his fish farms. It was there that he overheard complaints from the merchants. Too few beds. What beds were there were uneven, underpadded, and other than being warm and dry not any better than sleeping on the ground outside.

Rupert knew the truth. Beds were always at a premium. Other than younglings, townsfolk were required for furnishing their own homes. At the beginning, Serin had created extra beds to ensure everyone had a place to lay their heads, but those stayed in the transient barracks at the government house. When people wanted to move out they had to make, or purchase, furniture for their new dwelling.

So, beds for guests, the merchants who traded with the town, were sorely lacking. Even more important, there was still no relaxation. The town overall still seemed to still only be focused on Survival. Rupert knew that most of the changelings enjoyed hunting as a pastime, but for the Demis, there was a missing sense of the idyll that Rupert remembered. He remembered back to his uncle's lakehouse on the beach, where there were small bungalows over the water. He remembered fishing as a kid and how this made him into the man he was today. He remembered the cold river that fed the lake, and how you could slide down the well worn stones and fall into the lake from the cliff. He remembered high areas to jump into the water, and a calm lake beach. And he remembered white sand. Rupert then remembered that he was solely responsible for the development of the artificial lakes. Rupert began to draw his plans.

When Serin came to him and offered to build him anything he wanted in return for farming the moon trout, Rupert smiled. With Lord Koni there with the small army of undead workers, Rupert made quick work of developing the resort of his fond childhood memories.

By the middle of winter, the resort was done. Rupert had built the walkways over the lake, with small guest houses. All built to the same standards of the other dwellings, only built out of timber and pine. Rupert had added diving platforms, and had worked with the school during a terramancy class to pull fine sand from the soil and layer it on top to create a beach. Using a water wheel, Rupert had even had time to make an artificial slide, much like the river from his memory.

As Serin listened, he didn't realize how his people were lacking in recreation. He had been spending so much time ensuring their survival that he also hadn't thought about it.

"Rupert, this all sounds great for next summer, but i don't know why this meeting has taken place."

Rupert blushed, "There is a frozen treat that is difficult to make without magic. It is a sweet cream treat that my family knew how to make. Aquamancers tend to know cryomancy as well, since water in all forms is used. But I made a device using a bit of perma-ice. It can make this sweet iced cream without magic."

Serin knew where this was going, Seamus spoke up, "I believe this is where I can answer. I only know of this perma-ice because of the incident. I have already signed a contract not to speak of it outside the valley or with anyone who is not a citizen. It came to the attention that one of the third part caravans we subcontracted to, has stolen the device that makes this sweet iced cream."

It was then Serin understood, export of state secrets. Theft of high value items. Crime.

Serin scowled, "Dispatch the wildscouts, give them whatever equipment, potions, or magical items they need to catch up. The armory is at their disposal."

This was when Bilol shook his head, "It's too late. We sent the wildscouts out already. They reported back that the lone wagon was found, the device opened, and the perma-ice removed. Whoever these people were, they were not merchants."

Serin rubbed his forehead, "Did we at least discover where they were headed?"

Seamus pipped in, "The northern kingdoms."

Serin shook his head, "Then we have no time to lose. Seamus, if you will excuse us, there are matters of state we must attend to. I understand you did not steal the items, but the merchants were part of your caravan. So starting now, all caravans will be left outside the city. All materials to be sold in the city will be hand carried. At your expense, all materials purchased will be inspected, approved, and carried out by our citizens."

Seamus, ever the merchant, scoffed, "that's a bit absurd, the additional cost will be staggering!"

Serin looked at Seamus, a cold look in his eyes, "The other options for punitive measures are death or exile. You are welcome to either of those."

Seamus turned pale. "I understand. We will implement these material changes immediately."

Serin then nodded, "I am glad we have an understanding. Also, this was your one grace period. Your caravan, at the polite request of the Golden Queen Narissa, has been given special access to trade with our nation. Should this happen again, the lives of your entire caravan will be forfeit. You may leave now."

As he left Serin shook his head. He felt bad threatening Seamus, who was only guilty of being careless.

Serin looked to Bilol, "Bilol, contact Edel. I know there are several Changelings that classed Spy and Assassin. See if there are volunteers for work abroad."

It was then that Lady Eris, the principal teacher at the schoolhouse, came in. "Serin! They are changing. The Gole are changing!"

Serin stood up, finished his drink, and rushed to the site of the commotion.

***