Counter offer

-The Orchard; Morning of 2 DSTR-

The blonde knight turns to the moneylender and looks squarely at him in the eyes and offers him, "750 gold now, and 20% of future profits, paid quarterly."

Randle leaned back and seemed to think a moment. “That may work, but you do realize this would take the better part of two decades to pay off, and this is if all of your projections are correct. If you have some bad years, then your plan is in peril.” He picked up his things and shook his head.

“Do you know anything of running the orchard?” he asked the knight, not looking to his slaves. “I have also heard you have been hemorrhaging slaves as well, you continue to lose work force and my 20% will be just coppers. You are offering a deal that many would think sounds lovely, but I know the dangers of the market. I normally never invest in a business, it is too risky, this is why usury is better, it is constant and reliable, it cares not for weather or turn of event, war or famine, it is like time, constant and without change.” Randle spoke fluidly, as if giving a speech on a stage.

He put the papers in the box and closed it. “I am not without heart though. I will agree to 15% of the profits, but this will have to be for the sum total of 25 years. Also with the provision you give me some measure of control. I wish to bring in some mages I know. They will use magic to protect this investment.”

He leaned forward. “It is costly, and I will ask for this payment back on top of my 15%. They will shield the lands from pests, foul weather, and keep the place in the perfect clime for the trees and the fruits. I suspect we may even get two harvests a year. This would mean we could sell on the off season at a higher rate.”

He looked Tyreth in the eye in return. “Do we have a deal?”