Negotiating over a Centaur

"Oh, really?" replied Astra. "I thought that you said that they did not exist!"

"They don't exist, natively, miss. But the one I am talking about is a stranger to this area."

"Well, he isn't being held against his will, is he? I would hate to have him run away."

The little group laughed. Rob continued, "Miss, miss, I might be able to supply the centaur, but you would have to make arrangements to tame him. We have another customer that wants the centaur, but that customer has had a little bit of trouble coming up with hard cash. So if you act fast, you might be able to get him."

"And how much would you say that he is worth?"

"The other party has bid one hundred gold bezants."

"Well you understand that I do not have one hundred gold bezants on me, one hundred bezants being heavy, and the roads being infested with highwaymen." said Astra. She gave Rob a sweet smile and a gentle touch on the arm, as if to say, "Not that I would ever think that of you." She continued, "But I should be able to draw on the Baroness's letter of credit at Baxen's Bank and Pawn, if he is of racing quality." "I hope that there is a branch of that bank in this city! If there is not, they are going to start asking questions," she thought.

"The Baroness really wants to enter a centaur in the Istrian Derby - it is a prestige item. And I have dealt with centaurs before. It would be easier on me if he went willingly, but if his quality is high, I can work with him. I should be able to finish the transaction and transport him out of the country very quickly, if that matters." Astra thought that perhaps these men had stolen the centaur, and that this is why they were being careful about disclosing what they had. If this was Horace, then price would not matter, as she could slip the bracelet on him and transport him back a week. She wanted to strike while the iron was hot, and get her freedom back. There was a little voice in her head, warning her that she just might be pushing her luck with these men.

Rob offered, "We would like to wrap up the transaction quickly, miss. Do you wish to view the prospect tonight?"

1. "Yes."
2. "Perhaps we can make arrangements for tomorrow morning?"

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