The tower guards were resolving the issues around the riots. SJ did not need to stay or get involved further in what they would do to fix the problems of the agitators. The comments from Alice and Jay sat heavily with SJ. She was only trying to help where she could, but when she considered how much she did get involved with, she had to admit that she did do more than she needed or actually should do.
'I am going to find Master Garshaw,' SJ thought as she wandered through the gate to the outer city. She had left towards District 4, knowing that the quest she had from Carlito spoke of a competitor there. After asking for directions from beings on the street, she eventually worked her way to the offices of Garshaw Construction in District 4.
The building was perfect amidst the abstract-looking buildings that surrounded it. It was obviously built by the company, and the smooth granite structure promoted its cost. It was the closest structure she had discovered in the outer city areas that was similar in material construction to the tower.
The building was only two stories tall and had a wide, flat front. Its precise engineered edges and style stood out cleanly. It reminded SJ of the new construction in areas of London, where new architecture stood out amongst the older surrounding buildings. A large sign stretched across its front, 'Garshaw's Construction.' Underneath the signage in the smaller text was the phrase, 'Build, Repair, Regenerate.'
SJ walked to the entrance, where the tall solid oak door was stained grey to match the colour of the granite that had been used on the building. The interior of the building reminded her of the barracks at Killic. There was a front desk and then a large open room with several desks positioned with beings working and a waiting area off to the side where beings sat patiently waiting to be seen.
What surprised SJ was the troll sitting behind the front desk. It was a huge troll towering over the desk. It was a strange sight to see such a large being dealing with requests. The troll's skin was pale blue, similar to several other trolls she had seen. The troll smiled broadly as SJ walked to the desk.
"How may I help you?" a female voice asked.
That also surprised SJ. Having never spoken to a female troll before, she hadn't even realised that it was a female. There was nothing to distinguish her from a male troll. Even the clothing she wore was plain and did not show any feminine touches. The only thing that SJ now noticed that could portray her as female over a male counterpart was the silver earring she wore at the top of her ear.
"I was hoping to meet Master Garshaw and wanted to know where his offices are."
"Ah. Master Garshaw doesn't work from this office. He works out of District 7. He is a very busy being, though, and unfortunately, he doesn't usually take direct appointments."
"I see. I did meet him recently, and I wish to carry on a conversation we started."
"I can take your details and have a runner go to the offices and see if he is available if you would like. It may save you the unnecessary journey."
"That would be kind. My name is SJ, the Ambassador for Killic."
The troll's eyebrows rose at the title. "Ambassador for Killic," she replied as she scribbled a note on parchment. "Cecil. Can you run this over to District 7 for me, please?" she asked a young ratkin, who had been busy sweeping the office area.
"Yes, Miss Farris," the ratkin replied, resting his broom against the wall and walking over.
"If you would like to take a seat, I am sure you will receive a reply soon," Miss Farris said.
"Thank you," SJ said as she moved to one of the empty seats in the waiting area. Behind the front desk, the activities were the usual day-to-day activities you would expect in any office. The information being discussed allowed her to overhear conversations between homeowners or residents.
SJ had been waiting for about twenty minutes when a face she recognised walked down the stairs off to the side of the offices. It was the being Jackson who, in his drunken stupor, had hit on her at the Black Griffin. He caught SJ's eye and frowned. SJ knew the look. She had pulled the same face often enough, recognising someone but not exactly sure where from. She wasn't surprised after the state he had been in when they last met. The man had been talking to another being as he had come down the stairs and finished his conversation before heading toward the front desk. SJ watched him approach. Leaning on the desk, he looked over, "Do I know you, miss?" he asked, directing his comment at SJ.
SJ had been looking away, watching him through her vision and turned in response to his question. She was the only female sitting in the waiting area, making it obvious it was directed at her.
"Me?" SJ replied, raising her hand to her chest as she did.
"Yes, Miss."
"We have met," SJ replied, smiling. Her face was radiant when she did.
"I am sorry. I don't remember your name or the details of our meeting," Jackson said.
"If I said at the Griffin, may that freshen your memory?"
Jackson's cheeks began to colour as realisation and recognition kicked in. Coughing slightly, he replied, "Ah, yes. I remember now. What brings you here today?"
"I was hoping to meet with Edward to finish our conversation."
The troll attendant looked surprised at SJ using Master Garshaw's first name.
"I see. Edward doesn't work from these offices. I run the District 4 offices on his behalf. Is there anything that I may help with?"
"No, it's fine. Your employee has kindly sent a runner to District 7 to see if Edward is free."
"Very well. Would you like a drink while you are waiting?"
"That would be very kind. Do you have coffee?"
"Of course. Kirstin, would you mind getting our guest a coffee?"
The large troll looked at Jackson. "Of course, sir," she said, standing and crossing the offices to another room.
SJ could feel the looks she was now getting from the four other beings sitting waiting to see others in the offices. She could sense their malcontent as they silently questioned why she was receiving preferential treatment.
"Please, follow me, and we can find a comfier area for you to wait," Jackson said.
"Thank you," SJ said, standing and following Jackson, who led her across the open office to another office to the side.
"Please wait here. I will ask Kirstin to bring you your coffee," Jackson said. He was just about to turn and leave when he coughed again, looking back at her. "And I must apologise for my behaviour last night; I had over-celebrated."
SJ smiled at him. "As long as Izzy is happy, that is all that matters," SJ said, remembering his wife's name.
His previous coloured cheeks went even brighter as he turned and hurriedly left the room. The door was open, and not long after, Kirstin entered with her drink, placing it on a table for her before leaving again. As SJ waited, she looked around the office. It had several large parchments on the walls, with various buildings drawn and several architectural designs. It was interesting to see such similarities to Earth. The more time she had been on Amathera, the more similarity and normality of her circumstances were apparent.
SJ was sitting and drinking her coffee when she heard Edward's voice outside the office area.
"Good day, everyone. I hope you are all doing well," he announced. "Kirstin, I believe I have a visitor."
The troll stammered in response, obviously not expecting Edward to visit the office. "She is waiting in the ground floor office, sir."
"Thank you," Edward said.
"Edward, nice to see you again so soon," SJ said as Edward entered the office.
"The same. I must say I was surprised when a runner came to the District 7 offices saying you were looking for a meeting. You are lucky I had a cancellation with one of the guilds and have space, so I thought I would come over to save you the effort," Edward smiled.
"That's kind of you. I wouldn't have minded travelling to see you."
"It's no problem. I actually wanted to speak to you again about the discussion we had. I had a conversation with one of the architects, and he wanted to understand your comments about the use of steel in construction."
"I see. I can share what I know."
"That would be perfect if you could. There may be legs in what you have stated. We believe the cost of the steel will be offset by there not being a requirement for mage involvement and reduced lumber costs," Edward said as he took a seat opposite SJ. "Anyway, what did you wish to see me about?"
"Two things, actually. The first is about some work I am planning for my home," SJ said.
"Here in Asterfal?" Edward asked.
"Yes. I own a home in District 11 by the inner wall."
Edward raised his eyebrows and nodded appreciatively. "A very nice area."
"It is lovely, but I wish to discuss some structural amendments to the building."
"I see. I am sure one of my clerks is more than qualified to go over the details with you. You really didn't need to see me about our normal business."
SJ smiled sweetly at Edward. "It was a good excuse to see you again, though."
Edward smiled in response. "And the second reason?"
"I had heard a rumour that you may have had problems here in District 4 and wondered if you required any help?"
This time, surprise etched Edward's face. "We have. I am surprised you have heard about it."
"A was speaking to a friend after we met, and they mentioned they heard you had been having problems."
"Kirstin. Could I get a tea, please?" Edward called. "Would you like another coffee?" he asked, looking at her mug.
"Please."
"And another coffee, please."
"Certainly, sir," Kirstin replied.
Edward stood and walked to the office door, closing it before sitting again. "Recently, there have been significant issues in the district. There is a competitor who has been undercutting our guild-confirmed prices and recently took a considerable build from us. She used to work for the company but was released several months ago. We found her cutting from the profits. Her father is a rather wealthy being who owns a considerable share in one of the local mines as well as one of the main lumber providers. Since then, she has started up a new business and, due to her father's connections, is able to reduce labour costs significantly."
"Not wishing to sound negative, but isn't that just good business sense?"
"Normally, I wouldn't be offended by competition. My name holds strength within the construction market. The problem I have is how they operate at her father's business. He is a well-known slave user. Most of the labour force they use in the mines and the lumber business are convicted criminals from here in Asterfal. There are also rumours that he has taken slaves directly. Although there is nothing official to show this from my investigations."
The thought of a slave market or slave labour was not new to SJ. She was aware that the laws and rules of cities varied and that even in Killic, hard labour could be a sentence given. "He is not breaking the law, though, is he?"
"No. Not directly that I can tell. It is the treatment of the labour force that concerns me. All my employees are registered with guilds, and they all get fair and agreed rates depending upon their profession and levels. I recently visited the new building where they won the contract, and the labour force being used there is treated abhorrently. Many of them are in rags and dishevelled. I doubt any are being paid for their time."
"But as criminals, is that not the purpose that they give back for their crimes?"
"Yes. However, all beings, even those who are assigned to hard labour, are entitled to agreed rights. This is not happening. Even a criminal working in a mine should still be paid for the labour time spent there. It may be a minimal wage they earn, but still a wage."
SJ wasn't sure if those in Killic who got hard labour were paid for their time. She wondered if Jay was paid for the training he had been performing if that was the case.
There was a knock on the door, and Kirstin entered carrying a tray, placing it on the table before she turned and left again, closing the door behind her.
SJ picked up her fresh coffee and sipped it while Edward poured himself tea.
"So what are you going to do about it?" SJ asked, knowing full well the contract for his competitor's assassination was live at the guild.
"I have asked one of my team to look into it further. He is rather good at getting to the root of problems. I am not sure how we can resolve it unless we can find information that shows they are indeed breaking city laws."
This was not what SJ had been expecting to hear. She now questioned whether or not Edward even knew that there was an assassination quest to dispose of his competitor or whether his employee had done this under his own steam to alleviate the problem by other means. Also, from what Edward had said, she didn't know now if the target was actually the daughter or the father.
'Well, that quest has just become a little more confusing,' SJ thought.
"Indeed. It appears that it may not be as simple a task as even Carlito may have considered when he assigned it," Dave said.
"Is there any way that I may be able to help?" SJ offered.
Edward mulled over her question. "I suppose if you know anyone in the tower who could look into the labour they are using, that could benefit. I unfortunately don't have any direct contacts with the tower."
"I would have thought with your prominence that you would have?"
"I keep my distance from city politics. I don't trust many beings who work there. Since I came to Asterfal, there have been considerable changes. This most recent chancellor appears to be a much fairer being than the previous one, but I have reservations about how much he can achieve and how, having experienced what happens in the city. If the recent problems just over the improvement of District 3 are anything to go by, it proves to me that they may mean good but have little influence to achieve their goals."
"I am still learning my way around the city politics as I was only recently appointed as an ambassador, but from what I have witnessed, the tower or the chancellor and his team are trying their hardest to bring change."
"I am sure they are. I am aware of the level of corruption that also runs the streets and know that many will not be accommodating to change, as we are seeing with the cost increases. I wish I knew what or who was causing it."
'So do I,' SJ thought in response.
"Do you not have any suspicions?" SJ asked.
"There are several who would benefit from it. I also benefit from the price increases. The problem is that it isn't sustainable. I started my company, allowing access to all, from the poorest in the city to the wealthiest. No job is ever too small, and that is how I built my reputation and was able to grow. The issue is that with the cost increases, many of those less well-off are now unable to afford even the most straightforward work that we would have been able to do for them at a reasonable price previously. Every week, new prices are being released by the guilds in relation to labour costs, never mind the ridiculous price of materials. A tonne of standard construction stone used to cost seven silver. It is now forty-seven silver per tonne."
"Wow. That is a huge increase."
"Lumber cost increases are similar as well. Everything is being overpriced."
"It has to be someone trying to bring the collapse of the tower."
"If things keep going the way they have, I can see the discourse on the streets only getting worse. I am also dubious about the guild increases. I spoke to one of my foremen at the new build about his wages, and although they have increased, it still doesn't equate to the money the guilds are placing on his labour rates."
"So the guilds get paid directly?"
"Yes. The majority of the labour force in the city is directly through the guilds. Professions have to be registered in the city, and then I will go to the guild and request the resources I need. It is similar to raising a quest. They will provide the workforce; I pay the guild, and the guild pays their wages."
"Do all businesses work like that in the city?"
"Not all. Many will hire directly. The problem with my business is that labour needs vary so much depending on the workload that employing professions directly doesn't make sense. I have a few specialists that I keep on the books, but most of my labour is temporary. This is again where the problem with the labour being used here in District 4 by my competitors comes to note."
"This is a lot more complex than I ever expected it to be."
"Everything in the city is complex. Nothing is straightforward. Also, depending upon the district the work is in, the requirements can change."
"So there isn't even a standard approach?"
"No. Different districts, different lieutenants, different rules."
"I thought all guilds came under the watch of the auditors?"
"They do. But that doesn't stop the different approaches. District 9 has a strict rule where only professions that are skilled or above are allowed to work."
The amount of information that SJ had discovered from a single conversation with Edward started to highlight some of the issues that the chancellor may be facing in much more detail. There was so much to consider. Killic was so straightforward. A job was required, and a quest was posted; quests were distributed as needed around those who had the professions. There were no limits to profession levels, and payments were confirmed between the quest raiser and the ones completing them. SJ started to appreciate the concerns Zigferd had raised when she had discussed a guild with him previously.
SJ finished her coffee and placed the mug down. "Who do I need to see about the work I am after?"
Edward smiled, the frown he had been wearing while discussing the issues disappearing. "I will ask Redford from the District 11 office to contact you. Are you available later today?"
"Yes, I can be."
SJ discussed the details with Edward and gave him her address. He said he would get Redford to call later that day. She also agreed to meet at the District 7 office to discuss her understanding of using steel in building construction.
"I will see who I can speak to in the tower and try to find out some details for you," SJ said, standing to leave.
"That would be most kind. It was lovely to see you again," Edward said.
"Not at all, and I may see you at the Griffin later," SJ smiled as she left the office.
