Kurt had finally been able to get some time with Layla to talk about what Carl wanted.
"That is interesting," said Layla, "not exactly what we had planned for the long term is it."
"No but it's a much safer version of what we'd be doing if not for him when you think about it."
"So a seasonal arrangement, we make a round every few months seems doable."
"A round?"
"Isn't that the idea, we spend a few weeks traveling around moving the product."
"I was thinking more about moving to one location every few months, not say a round."
"Ohh, I misunderstood."
"Well, actually that would be Carl's department. I'll make sure we have a map."
"That would be good, I'm not opposed to something like that, we would also have to benefit from moving, there will be many more goblins soon, most of the broods I hear are born, they have a very short childhood compared to humans, by the end of the year they will all be full grown. I also wouldn't be surprised if more attention from things on this side will start appearing."
"More attention."
"We have not been here very long, there may be migrations we are unaware of."
"Migrations."
"Yes, we won't know for sure until we have been here a while, but I would expect there to be something eventually. Hopefully not too dangerous. Also, the river has started, so there will be wildlife that will start settling. And since both of us have to be making the trip."
"Both?"
"Yes you have to escort me outside of my well's domain remember, that's still true on that side."
"A thing else?"
"Weapons, armor, lumber and processed metals are valuable to us as well. It might not seem like it but goblins can have many types of clothing as well, they just haven't had much to work with yet. I'm sure there is cloth and various items we would be interested in as well."
"I'm sure we can have beneficial pricing, we have a line of credit if you need anything."
"I will also instruct the gnomes to begin construction on some warehouses on this side. As long as I'm not expected to be traveling all the time, I have no issue with a few carriage rides a year."
The day came along for their next meeting with Carl, and they had seemed to set some agreeable terms. Carl explained there was flexibility, but he really wanted them to get from one side of the country, once a year. The options to consider is how long of a ride, they could speed out the trips where they stopped longer on the way, as there were going to be one to two day stops at certain locations along the way.
In other words they could spend half the year at one location making a long single trip, or they could make several smaller trips that amounted to the same thing. It was also a different way to and from, hiring a northern route and southern route, which made it a big circle.
"As long as we are here in the winter, and here in the summer, we should be fine. I just really need to know your preference, your majesty. We also won't need to leave here for a while, it will take time to set up everywhere."
"And how are we planning to transport them between the gates? The goblins can't jump to your side."
"Yeah we will have to figure out something."
"There is a ritual that may be performed, it would ensure their silence. It would have to be voluntary. It only makes one unable to tell some secret, it won't affect what they do in any way with the knowledge. I would also like to keep it to a minimum."
"I was thinking about eight people per location should work, what kind of ritual?"
"It's rather like the translation spell I'm told, sworn to secrecy, it does require a blood oath."
"Blood?"
"Just a drop. I assure you that it will not allow them to speak or write words about it. Simply speaking, they swear to never speak of the gate or its location, or my domain to people outside of my domain. And it's binding, the words simply won't come out." said Layla, Carl gave her a strange look, "this is not uncommon in our world, but it seems to your people that you think things like this are — distasteful. Is that right? I would call it a matter of trust."
"I'm sure I can find some people that would do it for a price, I will be paying them all well. But yes distasteful is one way to put it," said Carl, "but who am I to judge other cultures."
"It would make me much happier if the people that came would swear to at least that, it really does not take long at all as well, a goblin will be performing the ritual. We also would be wanting some good pricing on things you may be moving to as well, we don't need much but I'm sure we will find something to our liking."
"i can give you a preferred pricing, but something I will have obligations to move, so I wouldn't be able to take too big of orders on a moments notice, but I'm sure we can get there when get there. Any idea on how you want to move? That will change my plans accordingly, to me it's the most pressing issue on arrangements. Two long trips or several shorter ones? I can make either work."
"Well, I would think shorter trips would be preferable, you said you will also need time. And it will give me an opportunity to see this world," said Layla.
"Yes, I will also have to move stuff around, we can tentatively set a two month schedule. Some of the stops are closer to each other than we can make into slightly longer trips with a stop," pointing at a couple of spots on the map, "so I think I can make a schedule that will be to your liking. I will need at least a month before we can move at all, time will be on our side."
"And should I expect payment on arrival, or departure?"
"Departure, I'll sell the stuff we bring, have money for that, you'll see once we do it for a few years we will learn better methods and opportunities. Including from here of course, that will be the first payment, and so on per trip."
"And the guards?" said Layla.
"Yes, I will provide guards for trip that's fine," said Carl
"I wouldn't be opposed to providing them lodging here. I would think these people would be more permanent companions. I would also like to have the option for them to work directly for me."
"Directly?"
"Yes, should I not pay the guards who are protecting myself, this seems like the smartest option for me."
"Ohh, umm," said Carl.
"I'm even willing to provide a finders fee to you, I don't think we need to be fighting on this issue. I don't currently have anyone I would trust. But they would be like how Jerry is."
"So you want the option to buy out their contract."
"Yes, I won't force them of course just give them an offer if I think they deserve it, but also I would like you to provide the guards for the first year, I think we should be able to find our own in that time. And we want to keep to a schedule of your making, I think that's fair."
"That all seems doable, and wise, we can find people from across the continent. I can keep an eye out for talent. There are several people that would see how Jerry is living as a vast improvement on their lives. And the less people I have to pay the better. And I will be traveling behind you in the first year to ensure all the proper introductions are made. I will be traveling more often though I may be ahead of you at some points, waiting for your arrival. I have a lot to do."
"Then I think we have a deal Mr. Montgomery. When you have a full schedule let me have it, but it sounds like we are in agreement on everything," said Layla.
"Yes, you majesty. This will be a very profitable business arrangement for the both of us. I will return with the first people to take the oath in a few days, we have much to do on this side as well."
And just like that Kurt, Sara, and Layla had become seriously wealthy. Or would be, soon, they had a line of credit, and that would all be paid for by the fee for the first move to the first next town. As they would be paid as they departed a town, including this one.