Randal continued, “Stu Aklamar was right. I have been complaining about needing a blacksmith and metal-smith for awhile now because we are in dire need of construction material like nails, fasteners, and metal hinges for doors. With no blacksmith on site, we have to import those building materials from the larger cities out east, so it gets expensive for normally cheap material. Also being so remote location of Mizahar, some ships don't make a trip here to deliver the goods because it simply not profitable for them. Bringing up the prices of simple goods up in Syka. It just economics.”
Aladon understood his dilemma. Metal goods are normally expensive in the major cities, and if you need to import them into Syka. The price tended to go up because the supply was low. Having a blacksmith reduced the need to import metal items from the main land, and it allowed them to use their money on other things the settlement needs. The Isur nodded and said, “I understand, but ore is expensive too and not easily available. Do you have enough ore and raw materials to smelt the metal?”
Randal said with a nod, “Yes, we have stockpiling for awhile now. You should have enough if you conserve it.”
The Isur nodded, took another drink, and suggested, “I can conserve it, but if you want other items other than just building materials. You will need raw ore, so you will need to mine, or you can buy scrap metal from the major eastern cities. If you are shrewd enough in your negotiations, you might convince them give it to you for next to nothing. Another man's junk is another man's treasure. It a just a thought.”
Randal made a face about the idea and said, “Lets first focus on getting your smithy built first, so you will need a forge right.”
Aladon took another drink and nodded, “Yes, and I will need a small blast furnace to smelt metals. A smelting pot will melt softer metals, but if you want steel and stronger metals, you will need a blast furnace.”
Randal just listened to him and nodded, “Alright, we put the forge and the furnace in the same building for you. Will you need to take out a loan for tools?”
Feeling slightly embarrassed, the Isur said with a nod, “All the tools that I used as apprentice weren't my own, so yes, I will need to take out a loan for them.”
Randal nodded, took a drink, and said, “We allow you to take out up to 1500 mizas, for anything that you need in Syka. It take a lot of courage and money to pick up and leave civilization to come here. Will you be taking the full amount?”
Aladon said with a nod, "Yes, I will take the full amount, and I will pay it back in a timely manner. How much is it to buy the forge from the settlement? I would like to own it eventually."
Randal said with a smile, "Lets get it built than in the future, we can discuss ownership of the forge. It is nice to hear that you want to invest in Syka for the long term, Aladon."
The Isur never even seen the amount of money that Randal just offered him in his life. He knew that he needed to pay it back, so he would just use the loan for his smith and live off whatever is left after the loan payment was made. Aladon knew if he accepted the loan. He could never leave till he paid it back. Aladon finished his drink and asked before he made the agreement, “My family never owned the home or business while we lived in in Sultros. It was part of the reason that I came here was the parcel of land and chance to start up my own forge. Is that true or just something the recruiter said to get me here, Randal...?”
Randal looked him in the eye and said with smile, “I might be Man of Means, Aladon, but also, I am a honest man. The parcel of land comes with deal if you want, or you can buy one of the already built homes on the shoreline.”
The Isur wanted to cry at the thought of his own land. His father always talked about owning his own plot of land outside of Sultros. It was pipe dream for the old poor metal-smith, but he would be ecstatic if he knew his son owned his own plot of land even if it was in the middle of nowhere. The Isur wiped his eyes and said with smile, “Syka has themselves a blacksmith and metal-smith.”
Randal didn't say anything about the emotional Isur. He just glanced over at Stu and said with knowing smile, “Give me fifteen days to construct the forge. Your going to help right?”
Aladon said with a big smile, “Of course. Izurdin would be displeased with me if I didn't have a hand in building it; however, I am no carpenter.”
Randal stood up and patted the Isur on the back, “If you can use a measuring device, a saw, and hammer and nails, you will do fine.” Randal put some mizas on the counter and said to Aladon, “Enjoy the palm trees and salty sea air, Aladon, and I suggest you think about a plot of land with beach and jungle, so you get the best of both worlds.”
Aladon looked at him with a big smile on his face, “Thank you for the opportunity, Randal.”
Randal just smiled, “I will let the other founders know we have a blacksmith. See you at the construction site Aladon.”
Aladon watched the founder leave, and he actually had butterflies in his stomach about the prospects of owning his own forge with a blast furnace and the land. The bartender Stu walked back over to him and said, “Welcome to Skya, Aladon.”[/b] |
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