Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

62 2. THE ELDER SCROLLS CHAPTER 2: DAGGERFALL
thrown out? That the Royal tax exemption for the Chantry has been revoked? That the
Akatosh Chantry has just received a 'past due taxes' bill? Oh My!
ADVENTURER: Well ... I suppose that we could help somewhat, maybe? Maybe a small
loan from Julianos for that tax bill? With, say, a Temple as security? Oh -- are not the taxes
based on the number of the Priests of Akatosh? So, maybe ... the School of Julianos could
take over a ... significant number? Reduce your tax bill? You realize that this is not the best
time for this -- just as we need a lot of funds for that expedition that I am arranging for you.
LHEBAN: Oh, I am so sorry about Komon! But, yes, maybe if good brother Raic could -- I
hate to say this -- take over a greater share of the financial burden ..? In return, of course, for
... er ... considerations ..?
RAIC: Hmm. Like a good number of 'permanently' loaned priests? A long look at your
books? At your cellar? Your name-lists? A Temple as security on our loan? And, of course, a
bigger cut in the proceeds of this ... expedition? Names of your ... er ... suppliers ..?
LHEBAN: Oh. I foresaw something like this, talked a bit about it with old Mucky-Muck -
livid, he was. But, as I am a Senior Brother, he finally authorized me to 'take care of it.' Those
weren't his exact words, mind you, which were quite a bit ...longer, more explicit ... but the
gist, at least.
ADVENTURER: Of course, Lheban. If -- and note I say 'if' -- if we are successful, why then
you can easily get back into good graces at the Palace. Merely sell them the goods, as a good
low rate! With first refusal on any shipment you have? What's one Contessa to them, anyway?
LHEBAN: Yes, yes! That could work! Worth a try. But how? Royals will not talk to anyone
from the Akatosh Chantry now.
ADVENTURER: Leave that to me, I can make ... approaches to certain ones. Yes, I can
probably persuade them to let up on the Chantry, in return for... future favors ...
LHEBAN: Oh, Oh how can I thank you?
ADVENTURER: Well, I need a fair amount of gold to finish setting up my little trip. Maybe
10,000? Special horses, reinforced carts, cartiers, guards ... the list goes on and on. And the
cost of keeping our little trip quiet is really quite high.
LHEBAN: Well, yes, we can afford it, I guess -- you do have the map now, don't you? I know
we can afford 8,000 gold. Given the potential profits ...
ADVENTURER: Rest easy! - it's all here in my cloak -- show you in a bit. I've also managed
to ... hire some good young hefty fellows, like old Ortho here, to manage the carts, dig and
load, act as guards, and so on ...
LHEBAN: Good, good - I can relax a bit. Oh my, the fellows back at the Chantry will be so
relieved. We really owe you, the Brotherhood does -- Oh, I mean the Akatosh Chantry, of
course!
STETE: Brotherhood ..? What about our sisterhood, eh?