Chapter 23 - Testing Taxation and Patience
The chamber wasn't full this morning; only a select few were in attendance. The last thing they needed would be the wider council interjecting while they discussed the finances. SJ sat next to Zigferd and Alice near the head of the table, while the chancellor and his entourage sat at the other end. Kibble hadn't been interested in joining her, so had gone to the riding school to visit the wyverns.
"Master Rafye, would you be so kind as to explain the new levies and taxation considerations?" the Chancellor asked.
"Of course, sir," Rayfe responded. SJ had seen him around the tower on previous visits to Asterfal but had never had any interactions with him directly. He was the Chancellor's chief financial officer and oversaw not only the tower but also all taxation for the surrounding territories. If there was one being in Asterfal who held power almost equal to the Chancellor, it was this being. Rayfe was an elderly goblin. His skin was wrinkled with age, the usual pointy ears that goblins had drooped at their tips. His voice, although strong, showed his age.
"I would like to start with the discussions around the additional expenses of the garrison positioning of Killic and its financial responsibilities for ensuring they maintain the standards expected of Asterfal, and not a small town."
SJ felt Zigferd shift in his chair, and Alice placed her hand on his arm, preventing him from commenting. It had become blatantly apparent that Zigferd didn't like Rayfe. Alice had explained that in previous meetings, the goblin had worked him around his spindly fingers, spinning financial details at him. "This is SJ's meeting," Alice whispered.
Zigferd shifted again and leaned back in his chair, trying to remain casual.
SJ tried not to roll her eyes; her background and financial acumen meant she was well aware of the initial discussions for anything to do with coin and knew this would be a long discussion as the details were worked out.
"Would you be so kind as to explain your details?" SJ smiled warmly.
Rayfe began his findings, and after almost an hour of back-and-forth between SJ and himself, they eventually reached some modicum of agreement. SJ hadn't played nicely and had been as belittling in her own comments towards him as he had been towards her and Killic, and towards the position of such a small town. The maintenance budget for the buildings was eventually confirmed. It had also been agreed that Asterfal would provide additional funding to expand the current garrison buildings, and the Chancellor had committed to financing the flight school. Rayfe had argued bitterly with him about this point.
"Why are we funding a flight school?" he had asked, concerned and scribbling down the extra costs.
"We would be foolish if we didn't make sure that we invest in the flight school, considering the ability that has been demonstrated?"
Rayfe had grumbled bitterly at frivolous expense on beasts, but had to succumb to the chancellor's wishes.
"Moving on, I also wish to ensure that the town continues to maintain its militia outside of any permit of Asterfal. As we have stated, we are happy to be the regional representatives but will not give up our rights," SJ said.
"That's understandable," the Chancellor agreed. "We will, as agreed, increase our presence at the garrison area."
"Thank you. Okay, the next order of business is the trade and taxation," Rayfe said.
SJ noticed Zigferd shift uncomfortably in his chair again. He had recently been getting his ear chewed off by the surrounding elders, and SJ still hadn't passed on the increased costs expected of them as yet.
"Before we get into the details, would you be able to confirm the exact amount we have paid over the past thirteen seasons?" SJ asked.
"Why thirteen?" Rayfe asked, confused.
"Please just humour my request." While SJ was looking through the town's finances, she discovered the 31 platinum overtaxation and knew the exact amount that should have been paid, compared to what had been paid. If she were correct, they should have spent a total of 315 platinum; their monthly taxes should be just over four platinum, when averaged out over the thirteen seasons, taking into consideration all changes that had occurred, and not the 346 figure she had, which equated to nearer four and a half platinum per month instead on average.
Monthly, the difference was under forty gold, or just over a gold per day. A gold per day against a daily total dispersed across so many different financial strands could easily be lost in the calculations. The total owed was never paid in a single amount, though, as payments were calculated across all the varying trading aspects and confirmed individually. This was one specific area that SJ wished to simplify. Asterfal could claim what they liked, but she was only going to be willing to go forward, paying a standard monthly figure and not against each area. It would dramatically simplify the whole process on her end.
Rayfe turned to one of his subordinates, a stout-looking dwarf. The dwarf didn't speak but started flicking through a thick leatherbound ledger. It took him several minutes to collate all the details, and he passed the parchment to Rayfe. "Killic have paid a total of 346 platinum, 79 gold, 24 silver, and seven copper to be precise."
SJ smiled; it confirmed her calculations had been accurate, not that she was questioning her ability with finances, but it made the following statement have more strength. "And what should Killic have paid during the same period?" If Asterfal had been overcharging, even by mistake, there should be a hole in the system where the difference in payments was noticeable, even if minor, for each transaction. That is what she had managed to dictate had happened anyway. At least, with the monies registered in Asterfal, it meant the problem wasn't Killic's end, apart from a genuine error or a lack of checking by the previous town finance officer, which SJ had been cautious about commenting on due to Zigferd's close ties.
Rayfe frowned deeply. "What do you mean? That is what you should have paid. Our ledgers don't contain mistakes."
"I'm not saying that the figures in the ledgers aren't accurate for what was submitted. I'm questioning the validity of the submissions and the totals in comparison to what the calculated taxes should have been."
"Preposterous," Rayfe blurted. "Are you commenting on my position in Asterfal?"
"No, no, not on your position. I have identified through my calculations that Killic may have overpaid almost 32 platinum over the past thirteen seasons, and would like confirmation to put my mind at ease. I may have miscalculated myself," she smiled warmly.
The Chancellor wore an almost amused expression on his face at the back-and-forth, while Zigferd's brow was creased with confusion. "What do you mean by ' overpaid?" Zigferd stated.
"Exactly that. Based on my calculations, I believe we have been charged an extra gold per day. Over thirteen seasons, this has equated to over thirty-one platinum. To the tower and Asterfal, this may seem a tiny sum, but to our town, such a sum would fund our barracks for three months," SJ said, adding emphasis to the value of the discrepancy.
Rayfe had his fist so tightly clenched that she thought the quill it held might snap, furious at the assumption.
"Master Rayfe, how long would it take for these checks to be performed?" the Chancellor asked.
"To confirm all the entries will take at least a couple of hours," he fumed, turning to him.
"Then I suggest we take a break and return when we can provide the requested figures," he said, pushing his chair back and standing, letting out a groan as he stretched. "Ambassador, I believe we have someone to meet?"
SJ checked her display; it was earlier than initially expected, but the chancellor was due to meet Aletheia next after the formal meeting. "Yes. If you would like to head back to the Wanderer's Rest gardens, I will bring Aletheia to meet you."
"That sounds fantastic. Thank you Zigferd. We will reconvene this afternoon," he said as he turned and left the chamber.
Zigferd's face was a picture of confusion and fury as he stalked back out of the chamber to his office. SJ hurriedly followed after the look he had given her. Alice had remained in the chamber as the accompanying entourage with Rayfe began removing a significant number of ledgers from their inventory and placing them on the council table.
He turned on as he entered his office. "Prior warning would have been nice," he snapped.
SJ rolled her eyes. "And what good would that have done us? You almost bit when he made his opening remarks. You're great at some things, but leave the money side to me," SJ said emphatically.
His face froze in shock at her comment. Then softened slightly. "When did you become so politically astute?"
SJ scoffed. "I learned from the best," she smiled sweetly at him.
"Don't give me that look," he said, rolling his own eyes.
"But Zigferd..."
"I said don't," he said, attempting to stiffle a smile. "You're as bad as Alice."
"And you've never changed," SJ said happily. "Right, I'd better go and get Aletheia... I hope this goes well. I haven't felt as nervous about anything else."
"I'm sure it will be fine," Zigferd said, placing his massive hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "And at least I can relax for a bit; these past few days have been draining."
He removed his hand again, and SJ felt a sense of pride in him as she turned and saw him watching her go, shaking his head and smiling.
The fresh air after being in the council chamber was pleasant, as SJ made her way to the church. The thrill from the financial discussion was still present; it had reminded her of her past life, confronting fraudsters. Not that she believed Rayfe was a fraudster; he was in the unfortunate position of being the overeer, and considering the size of Asterfal and the complexity of its dealings, there was no way he could ever have sight of everything. He would rely on his audit team's work.
Dave, she thought as she neared the church. He still hadn't spoken since the auditors had called him away, and she was getting concerned.
As SJ arrived, she spotted Aletheia and Lythonian sitting on one of the churchyard benches, but they weren't alone; Petunia was there as well.
"Petunia, I didn't realise you were visiting?" SJ asked.
"How could I not?" she smiled broadly. "Aletheia has been a charm to talk to, although I can't fathom some of her basis for her explanations." She shook her head.
"I need to steal her. We must go meet with the chancellor."
Aletheia hadn't spoken, her beautifully crisp dress and large, vibrant eyes focused on Petunia. They had met briefly after the battle for Killic, but this was the first time they had met since, and Petunia had often mentioned having questions for her.
"Aletheia, would you join me, please?"
"Of course," she said as she stood, almost gliding, as she followed SJ towards the Wanderer's Rest.
"I'll join you, if that's okay?" Lythonian asked.
"Of course," SJ smiled. "Petunia?"
"No, no, I'm going to go and annoy that son of mine," she said, grinning with mischief. "We still have plans to make for the twins."
Pour Zigferd, SJ thought as they moved off.
SJ's nerves were getting worse as she approached. Out of everything planned for the chancellor's visit, this meeting was the one she had absolutely no idea how it would go. There was little you could do to preempt a being like Aletheia; she didn't communicate on a level most Amathereans could comprehend. That was obvious from her discussions with Lythonian; he was fascinated but also perplexed. Her registration as a Primordial in the system and her knowledge of it had prevented SJ from progressing any further. She wouldn't even entertain a conversation about her actual understanding, and SJ had given up attempting to question her.
Fhyliss was in the rear garden chatting to the chancellor when they arrived. He was sitting under one of the large gazebos. Fhyliss had placed a fresh jug of juice and glasses on the table and was pouring him one. The gardens were beautiful. Blossom had turned her hand to designing them and providing the various plants and flowers that dotted the scene. Aletheia had also turned her hand to the gardens, purifying most of the plants. It reminded SJ of Farleck cottage, without the lakeside jetty.
The chancellor noticed SJ approaching and stood, brushing his robes down.
"I believe you are Aletheia," he said, holding his hand out towards her as she neared. Lythonian stopped closeby, not wishing ot intrude on the meeting.
Aletheia tilted her head to one side and looked at his hand, ignoring it. "I am, and I believe you are the chancellor of Asterfal from what I have been told."
The chancellor dropped his hand down, brushing it against his robe again. "I am indeed. I have been looking forward to meeting you," he smiled.
"I can't say the feeling is mutual," Aletheia stated. "I have had to postpone my work because of SJ's request to meet you."
If the chancellor was shocked by Aletheia's comment, he didn't show it. "I apologise for the inconvenience, and I don't wish to take up too much of your time. I wish to meet this amazing being that I have heard so much about." He said, casting his arm around at the beautiful gardens and several plants which looked unnaturally bright. "My first evening here, when I looked out of my window in this very garden, the scene was amazing, the glow many of these plants gave is something I have never seen."
"All plants should look like that, if they were pure and aligned," Aletheia said, her eyes not once leaving the chancellor's.
"I see, we obviously have much to learn still."
"Unfortunately, I doubt any of the beings I have met will ever learn the basis of purification. Even Lythonian, with his astute attention, can't grasp the basic concept, and he is as purely aligned as you can get for the task."
SJ spotted Lythonian shift uncomfortably where he stood.
"Maybe there is someone in Asterfal who could provide you with support?"
SJ's eyes shot open at the comment. This is what she had feared, that the chancellor might suggest she visit Asterfal.
"Unlikely," Aletheia replied, not even entertaining the thought. "I have enough work here for the next few years as it is, before I even consider moving anywhere else, and wherever that is, SJ will be close by."
SJ squirmed uncomfortably at the comment. The chancellor looked at SJ. His eyes gave way to his thoughts as he was obviously attempting to scheme something. That was when SJ spotted the being standing off to the side behind the chancellor. She hadn't even given them a second glance since she had arrived, but standing some thirty feet away, casually leaning against one of the trees was Brother Liam.
Has he just arrived, SJ thought.
"You know, you are the first being I have been unable to read," the chancellor said.
This was another comment that surprised SJ. What did he mean by read?
Aletheia's blank expression didn't change. SJ could feel the annoyance she felt at being questioned by him; she had stated from the start that meeting him was a waste of her time. "No, you will not read me, not unless I wish to allow you to, which I don't," she replied bluntly.
The chancellor laughed; it was genuine and surprised SJ. "I wish many I spoke to were as forthright as you. The closest I have ever met is Petunia, and perhaps now SJ."
SJ blushed from the comment. "I'm sorry if I ever have been," she blurted.
"No need to apologise, it's refreshing. I never know which direction a conversation will go when we talk. As proven once again this morning in the chamber, I can't remember the last time Rayfe got as flustered as he did today," the chancellor chuckled.
"You appear to take pleasure in others' discomfort," Aletheia stated.
"No, please don't misinterpret my comment. I believe it does beings well to be challenged, we all still have so much to learn, and without being challenged and questioned, we would stagnate."
Aletheia didn't reply, but nodded in understanding.
"Anyway, getting back to the reason for my wish to meet you. I understand that you have much to do here, but I would like to get your thoughts on a proposal."
Here it comes, SJ thought.
"What did you wish to discuss?"
"I have seen the unbelievable accomplishment with the desert lizards that reside in the pen over there," the chancellor pointed out. "If we provided the beasts, would you be willing to purify them?"
It was the first time Aletheia's expression had changed, her eyes blinking several times, and almost a frown appearing on her brow. "What beasts?"
"After seeing what has been achieved here in Killic, there are various beasts across Neturian that, if they were tamed. Sorry, purified, could make a substantial difference to our city and region."
This was the first SJ had heard about any beasts, and it raised concern.
"I am not a tamer," Aletheia stated, fixating on the mistaken word the chancellor used. "And it is unlikely that the lizards are associated with my original kin, which allows me to influence them the way I did."
"That's a shame. The great bears of Neturian would have made a fantastic addition to the tower. Would you be able to show me your ability in person, if that's not too much of an imposition?"
"And what would you wish me to do?"
"Whatever you wish," the chancellor said with open arms.
"Then please give me your hand."
After Aletheia initially refused to take his hand, he frowned slightly, but Aletheia rarely touched anyone. If she did it, it was with a purpose. "Of course," the chancellor replied, holding his hand out.
Aletheia didn't take hold of it as though shaking it, but instead cupped it in her own.
The chancellor's eyes shot wide as she did. SJ spotted a slight movement, and Brother Liam shifted suddenly, standing upright, his eyes locked on Aletheia's hand. His temperament suddenly shifted to that of a cobra ready to strike.
"What a strange sensation?" the chancellor said, as his frown vanished, and an almost pleasurable smile appeared. "It's like being wrapped in a blanket on a cold winter's day."
SJ now knew what Aletheia was doing, as she unknotted or aligned or did whatever she needed to do to his strands.
Aletheia suddenly let go again. "There, I have demonstrated my ability. Now, if you have nothing else for me, I would like to get back to the waterfall."
The chancellor's mouth was open, flabbergasted. "I can't remember the last time I felt so good," he stammered.
"You were very knotted," Aletheia responded.
"Thank you for your time," the chancellor said as he rolled his shoulders.
"Pleasure," Aletheia said as she turned and walked back towards where Lythonian stood. As she walked past Lythonian, he shrugged towards SJ before turning and following her.
"What a fascinating being," the chancellor said, watching her depart, shaking his head.
Brother Liam walked over and approached as the Chancellor continued to gaze after Aletheia, a look of profound contemplation on his face.
"Just fascinating," he repeated, more to himself. He finally turned to SJ, finding her eyes. "A weapon as powerful as that, yet wielded with such innocence. Truly breathtaking." He nodded to Liam and turned, heading back inside the Wanderer's Rest.
SJ stood frozen. What sort of statement was that, about a weapon? He couldn't read her, but can read others. The implications swirled in her mind; they wouldn't form constructively. There was still so much she didn't know about the chancellor, never mind Aletheia, as she tried to contemplate their meaning when a familiar voice returned.
"Well, that was bloody unpleasant," Dave huffed.
