The dwarf's eyes glittered in the firelight as he took another sip from the goblet of wine in his hand. "Your father's business isn't what it once was..."
Heathbrand narrowed his eyes, listening to what this dwarf from the Iron Hills had to say.
Unwin Inkfist continued, "I have merchandise that I wish to sell in this place, there's good trade to be had and opportunities so far have been wasted. Unfortunately I have no connections." He took another sip of wine. "You have the connections, thanks to your father, but not the merchandise. Perhaps we can strike an accord?"
Heathbrand leaned back in his chair, shifting to find some comfort from the pain of his old wounds. "I am listening" he said.
"I do not wish to start with Bree. There are too many established sellers there. Find one of the smaller villages, I will purchase land and buildings large enough to house the goods that will be brought in then, using your name you will find the way to distribute them...somewhat under market price, if you take my meaning."
"Undersell the merchants of Bree...?"
"Undersell the foreigners and strangers that have flooded the market...or does this not appeal to you? I was told otherwise."
Heathbrand looked at the dwarf. "Are you no less a foreigner?"
"Hah!" Unwin placed the goblet down on the table that stood at the side of his chair. "But I do not wish to live in this place, only to profit by it. Oh yes...I see that look in your eyes....there is no reason you cannot profit by it, as well. And if you wish to rebuild Bree as it once was with the coin that is gained...that is your business."
"The goods of Bree..." began Heathbrand.
"Have no value in a market where the buyers wish goods from far lands...their lands, if you will. Bree will crumble to nothing, and it's tradesmen will starve." Unwin picked up his goblet once again. "Unless you wish to do something about it..."
Heathbrand regarded the dwarf grimly "You know I do..."
"Then control the market. Take the dragon by the snout and bend it to your will. You will need help."
"Undoubtedly."
"There is a man from the south, a horselord and his daughter who have lent their protection to my endeavors...at least until they are able to return south again....Hrothric will serve you well as a start, but you will need to gather others as well. Goods must be obtained and protected until they can be sold, or we will have only dust in our purses."
Heathbrand took a breath, "Alright then...I will do this thing, though somehow it feels wrong...like the creatures that wander the barrows at night. We call the ones that hunt them "Nemesis' of the Wicked"; will we end by being hunted, I wonder?"
Unwin finished his wine and gave Heathbrand a cunning look. "We are no less a Nemesis, lad...just of a different sort." He continued, " If you have such an army, you will need to feed them. Send Hrothric, if you will. He can find someone who can cook and keep mum." What village shall I buy this property in then, eh?"
Heathbrand hesitated for only a moment.
"Arrowhaven" he said.
