The old man narrowed his eyes and replied, “Done this afore ’ave ye? One and a ’alf gold fer each o’ ye, one fer the ’orse, and one ta make sure no one else stays wi’ ye.”

The sailor watched as the towering young man’s eyes darkened, and he straightened with a cool demeanor that was somehow all the more frightening. The old man’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he gulped.

“Twenty-five silver for each of us and the horse, and you generously make sure no one shares our berth. In return, I will not take your slight personally, I will not hurt you for your attempt at robbery, and I will not inform the River Transport Licensing Board of your attempts to rob decent travelers blind. I will not have to report how your business practices hinder travel between capital cities, effectively stymieing trade, nor how you would make it nearly impossible for a new recruit to afford passage so that he can report to the army recruitment board.” He said this last with a nod toward Tam. “How much would your business suffer if an embargo was placed on your transportation of soldiers and supplies?”

The old sailor, who was now sweating, jumped to his feet and stuttered anxiously, “M-my apologies, M-me Lord. I didn’t mean nothin’ pers’nal, ye see. Jus’ business, it be. Ah, ye offer a fair rate, ye do. I be ’appy ta book yer passage as ye ask. Please, don’ be talkin’ ta no ‘fficials, now. Ain’t no need fer that.”

Rezkin narrowed his eyes at the old man who shifted nervously and would not meet his stare. “I might feel inclined to keep an eye on the riverboat trade. It might interest me to ask around every so often to see if people are satisfied with their service.”

The old man nodded vigorously, “Aye, I understand, Me Lord. Ye won’t get no complaints from me passengers. I promise ye that.”

“I take promises very seriously,” Rezkin stated.

The anxious sailor cringed. “That be well, Me Lord.”

Rezkin nodded and then motioned Tam to step forward. Tam stood gaping after the exchange. He was not sure if he should be impressed or appalled. Watching Rezkin throw his weight around like that unnerved him, and he could not quite make himself support Rezkin’s methods. He felt guilty for his part in bullying the man into compliance.

Tam gave the old man their information and obtained a writ of passage. They handed over half the money in deposit and left the timeworn, musty office. All three took a whiff of fresh air tinged with the smell of fish.