An Embarrassment of Riches Read Online Free PDF Page A

pointing to the red-lacquer one that stood at the other end of the room, its detached legs lying in front of it. “A handsome piece.”
    “I agree,” said Rakoczy. “I have had it for many years.” That those years were reckoned in centuries he did not mention.
    “Excellently made.” He rubbed his gloved hands together. “It occurred to me that you would need some help in making this house habitable. I felt I should give you what advice I may.”
    “Thank you. I would appreciate it.” He managed to keep the irony he felt from his voice,
    The Counselor cleared his throat. “You see, the previous owner, Pan Belcrady Jaromir, had many mines, mostly silver mines, and he drove a hard bargain for his silver with Przemysl Vaclav, and then was exiled, two years ago. His estates now are the fiefs of Konig Otakar, and the revenues they produce are owned outright by the Crown.” He coughed. “The manse was cleared out by order of the Konig, and Belcrady’s kin have been ordered not to leave their country estates, or face imprisonment for rebellion. There is some hard blood between the Konig and the Belcradys. I thought you should know this, since this mansion is regarded with misgiving by many, and not without good cause. In order to avoid problems, I will tell you what Guilds to deal with, and whom to approach for servants. That is, if my offer is welcome to you.”
    “An exile’s manse for an exile,” Rakoczy mused aloud, a trace of amusement in his midnight eyes. He nodded to Counselor Smiricti. “Thank you for this information. It will help me to make my arrangements to set it in order. In that regard, your advice would be very much appreciated; I am grateful for your offer.”
    “I feel it is fitting that I do what I can to make up for this unpromising beginning. Let me know what you require and I will tell you where to obtain it, and at what cost,” said Counselor Smiricti, and gave Rakoczy his full attention as the Comes began to list all he would need to put the manse and the mansion in order.
    *   *   *
     
    Text of an order from the Carters’ Guild of Praha confirming the transportation of deliveries to be made to Mansion Belcrady.
     
    To the Comes Santu-Germaniu, Rakoczy Feransci, the following items are to be brought to Mansion Belcrady:
    Delivered today, April 29 th , 1269 th Year of Grace:
Three wagon-loads of cut stone from the Italian quarry, as presented by the Masons’ Guild
Six wagon-loads of lumber from Styria, as cut by the Woodsmen’s Guild
Two wagon-loads of straw and two of hay from the farm-market of Roztoky
    Delivered tomorrow, April 30 th
On a flat-bedded cart, three sheets of iron, from the Blacksmiths’ Guild
On a flat-bedded cart, four completed new doors from the Carpenters’ Guild
Three wagon-loads of household furnishing as ordered from the Furniture-Makers’ Guild
    Delivered on May 4 th
Fourteen beds and eleven chests, also from the Furniture-Makers’ Guild
Two wagon-loads of fencing lumber, as cut by the Woodsmens’ Guild
Two large bathing tubs of caulked wood
    I have been paid thirty-five gold Vaclavs and ten silver Episcopuses for these deliveries, which is a full and complete payment for the services required. Payments to all other Guilds must be arranged with them, and no claim for undischarged debt to them may be applied to the monies paid to the Carters’ Guild.
     
    Jaroslav of Praha, Guildmaster (his mark)
    by the hand of Josko, clerk and Premonstratensian monk

2
     
    Four youngsters in the Konige’s colors stood on the threshold to Rakoczy’s manse, at once pugnacious and shy. They ranged from about nine to no more than twelve; their stiffly embroidered cotehardies did not fit particularly well, and they all four were uncomfortable in their grandeur, for though it was early, the day was warm. Two of the younger pages fretted at their posts while the oldest—a gangly lad with wary eyes and the first hint of a mustache on his upper lip—announced in a high