Abrupt changes!
Esdras didn't have to think for very long to connect the dots and understand. Not everything, but he had a good idea of what was going on now.
Yes, if he thought about what Redthorn's letter and what he just heard then things started to make sense.
An unknown group was giving out loans in large amounts to the noble houses of the eastern border, one of them being house Castyia, Robert's house.
And of course, house Varthos was chief in the eastern border. Esdras's own house, which was currently hijacked by his dear uncle.
Naturally, when one asked for loans one had to put out a collateral but his uncle couldn't take out the same loans that the other lords were getting.
Because he was not the true lord of house Varthos. He was the one in charge, effectively and in truth, however, Esdras was the lord of the house in every official capacity. And it will always be like that.
Unless, Esdras were to meet an untimely death that is.