The paper work was done and the changes had already started on the Brewery. We had spent more than I wanted to but it had been worth it. Dremnin and I had discussed the Idea of buying the river boat. We wanted it to go south and buy grains for us from the richer farms to the south. Being that we were spending more than I thought we would have to I did not think that we would be able to afford the river boat. Dremnin was not as easily put off as I was. He had the Idea that we should go to the Muckers Guild to get a loan to pay for the boat.

On the way over to the guild house Dremnin told me that according to Fafnir the Muckers Guild was the richest guild in Throal. There was no sewer system in the great under mountain kingdom and so waste removal was always an issue.

We arrived at a lavish guild house. Not the house you expected for a group of men covered in human waste. Everything was perfumed and gilded in gold and silver. We were greeted by a young dwarf in a fine white robe with a heavy gold chain around his neck. After hearing why we were there he took us to meet a much older dwarf with crooked fingers. He offered us some very soft chairs. We discussed the terms of the loan for an amount of approximately 16,000 silver. The dwarf was not surprised by our request for what I thought was a huge amount of money. We came to terms of paying back 18,000 silver over the next two years. They gave us a note of credit and we headed out, I could not believe that it was that easy to get that much money.

One night a week or so later we were on the stag meeting with the rest of The Unchained. Dremnin announced that we had purchased a brewery. Urgral nearly choked to death on the ale he was drinking, but smiled from ear to ear when he recovered. Stilicho and Vridich congratulated us and wanted to hear all about it. As we were talking about it we asked Suulin if she wanted to sell our new beers in her inn, as we were going to name a beer after her and everyone else. She as well as everyone eles seemed to love the idea. We celebrated our first sale.

We asked Dagmar if he would help us buy a river trade boat. Everyone started asking us where we were getting 40 grand to buy a river boat. We told them that we had gotten a loan from the Muckers Guild for 16,000 silver plus the 16 grand we had would cover it. Dagmar told us that he would help us but we would not have to pay 40 grand when he got done. He also said that he would like to buy in on the boat with us. Suulin and Vridich also said that they would like to join us in the venture. That got us up to 28 thousand. That would make it so that we would have to pay back a smaller loan amount.

Later that week I called Kor and Thom to meet me at the Nial Zomay. I had a table waiting for us in the Fish Pond. We sat at private table outside on the balcony. When they arrived I ordered a very expensive bottle of elven wine. I could see that the two T’skrang wanted to ask what was going on. I poured each of us a glass of the fruity wine. I lifted my glass to the two of them. “You told me that you wished to return to the rivers of Barsave. You are good T’skrang, and like The Unchained you have risen from the bonds of slavery to become respected amongst your peers. I and the Unchained wish to help make your dreams come true. As you may have heard Dremnin and I have purchased a brewery. We wish to cut costs by having some name givers that we trust to go south to the richer farming fields and buy grains for us.”

I could see that the two of them were starting to put together what I was going to tell them. So I continued, “We, The Unchained, are buying a river boat. I want you two to buy in with us.” The face of the two T’skrang burst in to smiles. “I know that the two of you have four thousand silver each. With The Unchained members that are going to buy in that will give us 28 thousand silver. Dremnin and I will be taking out a loan for the rest of the boat. I still wish for you two to serve me. I am now a Throalic Thane, your allegiance to me puts you under the protection of Throal. You two will be in charge of the boat and making purchases of grain for the brewery. You will need to speak with the master brewer and be sure to get what it is he wants. Owners of the boat will also get their share of any other side business you conduct. If you can accept these terms I will promote the two of you to Captain. ”

Kor and Thom talked quickly and quietly. “We would make decisions on the daily operations of the ship?” Thom asked. “Yes”, I said, “As much as a normal captain has. You would also have a share voice in the ownership decisions.” There was more whispering. They looked at me and at the same time said “Agreed”.

Thom and Kor we excited and happy. They had missed the water, I as a T’skrang could understand that. Now for the bad news I thought, “The only problem”, I started again, “is that I cannot afford to release both of you at this time. As long as the dragon is with us I will need the help of one of you to help look after it. I have a feeling that will not be much longer. We may need to give the dragon to someone that may have better skills to protect it.”

This last bit of information took a bit of the luster off their smiles. “I will let you chose who will stay with me and who will prep the new river boat and start getting a crew together. “ I was pretty sure who would stay and who would go. Thom was the thinker and Kor was the muscle between the two brothers. Kor spoke first and told his brother to get the boat ready that he would stay and guard the dragon.
“Good!” I said. “It is settled.” I bowed the the two of them and said “My Captains. We will leave tomorrow to go look at some boats.” I left them with the table of food and drink to celebrate.

We took the Stag south on a two day flight. We shot down to Lake Ban first. I used my new up graded questor power to speed up the ship. This time everyone on the ship could tell when the stag leaped forward in to a sprint. The world zoomed past below us at a new faster pace.

A little after noon we were looking at the La’hala’s Purse. It was a nice looking river boat for sale by an old retiring T’skrang captain. His price was a little high at 45 thousand silver. Dremnin had looked the boat over closely and told Dagmar that it was really only worth about 40 thousand. Dagmar laughed and said that he could do better than that.
The troll walked off to the front of the bow and stated talking to the captain. He started talking about the Captain’s first days as the captain of this ship and how he felt when he gained his new rank. How it would feel good for him to pass that feeling on to the new captains of the boat, who would be starting their run as captain. How they would treat the boat like the fine woman that she was. He continued to reminisce about his days on the river. After about a half hour the two shook hands. Dagmar came back and told us that he had talked the old captain down to 28 thousand. We burst out in cheers. We would not have to take out the loan between us we could buy the boat outright. The money was brought from the stag and given to the old captain who signed a writ of sale. He took a moment after to say good bye to his ship.

Thom and Kor took a moment to talk to him about any problem they may have with the ship and how she handled. The Old Captain gave advice to the new Captains about his old boat. When they were done they shook hands and walked the old T’skrang to shore.

The two brothers moved Thom’s gear in to the Captains quarters and talked a bit about the ship and the crew they needed. I told Kor that we need to go so that we could make it to Diamead before night fall. He said good bye to his brother and we left Thom to get his new boat ready to sail.