Setting Out for Trade

Chapter 10: Setting Out for Trade

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Harroway estate as Alden stood in the courtyard, surveying the modest caravan being prepared before him. It had taken weeks of careful planning and coordination, but the day had finally arrived. Today, he would begin the next phase of his journey—venturing out into the world to trade the surplus crops his estate had produced through his selective breeding efforts.

The past few years had been a trial of patience and persistence, with Alden pouring his knowledge into the land and its plants. The result was a surplus of hardier crops, even in the face of the ongoing drought that had ravaged the region. For the first time in years, the estate had more than it needed to sustain itself, and Alden saw this as an opportunity—a way to fund the greater ambitions he had been harbouring.

The caravan was small, just three carts loaded with sacks of wheat, barley, and root vegetables. His drought-resistant crops were a commodity now, something that even neighbouring estates had begun to take notice of. Farmers and merchants from nearby towns had expressed interest, some intrigued by the mysterious young noble who had somehow coaxed the land into producing food during a drought. But Alden had bigger plans. He wasn't just looking to trade locally. He wanted to reach further, into the bustling cities where wealth and opportunity thrived.

Standing beside the carts, Alden checked the goods meticulously. Each sack was tied tightly, the contents carefully selected and packed to ensure they survived the journey. He had even separated some of the highest-quality seeds into smaller pouches, intending to sell them as a special product for those who might want to try his selective breeding methods on their own farms. It was a calculated risk, but one he hoped would pay off.

Beside him, Bran, a middle-aged steward who had served the Harroway family for years, watched Alden's preparations with a critical eye. Though he had been sceptical of Alden's methods in the past, Bran had grown to respect the young man's quiet determination and the undeniable results he had produced. Still, he couldn't help but voice his concern.

"You're sure about this, young master?" Bran asked, his arms crossed. "It's a long way to the market towns, and not all traders are honest folk."

Alden smiled faintly, his fingers adjusting the strap on one of the seed pouches. "I'm sure. This isn't just about selling crops, Bran. It's about building something bigger. If I can secure a foothold in the cities, we can expand—invest in better tools, research facilities, and even more land."

Bran grunted, his expression unreadable. "Just be careful, lad. Trade's not like working the fields. Men out there will take advantage of you if you're not sharp."

"I'll keep that in mind," Alden replied, grateful for the warning but determined to move forward.

Behind them, the rest of the estate was beginning its morning routine. The stable hands were preparing the horses, servants moved about with their daily chores, and Alden's siblings were nowhere to be seen, likely still asleep or attending to their own affairs. He hadn't told them much about his plans, preferring to keep this venture quiet until he knew it could succeed. His mother, Lady Elara, had remained distant from his projects, and though his father had continued to provide quiet support, Alden knew that venturing out into the world of trade was his own responsibility.

As the final preparations were made, Alden took a deep breath and looked out beyond the estate walls. The road ahead was uncertain, but he had learned over the years that progress was often slow and fraught with challenges. This was no different. Yet, this time, the stakes felt higher. He wasn't just experimenting with plants or trying to secure a good harvest. He was stepping into the larger world, a place filled with both opportunity and danger.

A soft clip of hooves approached from behind. Alden turned to see his father, Lord Eamon, riding up on horseback. The older man dismounted and walked over to where Alden stood, his expression thoughtful.

"You're really going through with this, then," Lord Eamon said, his tone neither approving nor disapproving, but simply observing.

Alden nodded. "It's time. The estate has stabilised, but we need more than just survival. I want to build something that will last."

Lord Eamon studied his son for a moment, then glanced at the carts. "You've done well with the crops. Better than anyone expected, including me." He paused, as if considering his next words carefully. "I won't lie to you, Alden. Trade is a difficult path. There's more to it than just selling goods. You'll need to navigate the merchants, the competition, and even politics. But if you're set on this, I'll give you one last piece of advice."

Alden listened intently as his father spoke.

"Keep your ears open," Lord Eamon continued. "Not just for trade opportunities, but for everything. Markets are places of information. You'll learn more about the state of the world there than you ever could in the comfort of this estate. Pay attention to what people are saying, who's buying, and who's struggling. Knowledge is just as valuable as coin, and sometimes even more so."

Alden nodded, appreciating the wisdom behind the words. "Thank you, Father. I'll keep that in mind."

Lord Eamon placed a hand on Alden's shoulder, a rare gesture of warmth. "You're doing something important here, son. I don't fully understand it, but I see the results. Just don't lose sight of why you're doing this."

With that, Lord Eamon mounted his horse again and rode off, leaving Alden with a renewed sense of purpose.

As the sun climbed higher into the sky, the caravan was finally ready to depart. The horses were harnessed, the carts loaded, and a small group of trusted workers had been selected to accompany Alden on the journey. It was a modest venture, but it was just the beginning.

Standing at the head of the caravan, Alden took one last look at the estate. This place had been his world for years, a crucible for his ideas and experiments. But now it was time to step beyond its borders and bring those ideas to life in a much larger world.

With a flick of the reins and a firm nod to Bran, who stood nearby, the caravan began to move. The wheels creaked as the carts rumbled forward, and the sound of hooves clattering against the cobblestones echoed in the crisp morning air.

Alden's heart raced with anticipation. He didn't know what the coming weeks would bring—what challenges or opportunities lay ahead. But for the first time in years, he felt the thrill of stepping into the unknown, of taking a calculated risk in pursuit of something far greater than himself.

The road ahead stretched out before him, winding into the distance. And as the caravan moved further from the estate, Alden couldn't help but feel that this was only the first step on a journey that would change everything.

He was ready. The world of trade awaited, and with it, the chance to finance the dream that had been growing within him for years. The dream of a world where genetics was more than a curiosity—where it was respected, understood, and loved for its beauty and potential.

But first, he had to prove himself. And that meant making this trade venture a success.