They had settled on three options, Yorkshire, Hazelton, and Brady Shore. They represented the three main approaches they could take.
Yorkshire was the closest option, this was its main benefit, finding a solid location as soon as it was a factory town as well, so metals should be easy to sell there. It represented the option to set up quick, and lay low. Hazleton represented the opposite; it was the furthest away they thought they would make. This meant it was also the furthest away from clans, it was near a border, and crossing the border would be its own problem if they ever decided to do that. But also was known for their bazaar, and as a general trading post. This represented the option of getting the furthest away the fastest as possible. And finally Brady Shores represented the option of finding a boat and leaving for another continent, this would also not be easy to set up, but realistically would get them in the safest place they could get to. If they choose that option they would also then have to choose which continent, which was an argument they agreed to have later, if they choose it..
It seemed like you'd want to get out of the country but clan members were also diplomats so crossing borders would be far easier for them to do. This of course assumes they were even looking for them on this side of the gate.
There were other towns, but for this reason or that they were at least able to limit it to the three choices for the three main ideas. Fast, Far, or sail away?
They had talked with Jerry about it, his suggestion was the furthest one, as expected because it would be the most money for him. But he also said the trade in the town was much more lucrative, and much more varied. Yorkshire wouldn't have the same markets for oddities. After talking to Layla, she agreed it was the best location but said she'd like to have a stop in the middle somewhere. That the trip would take too long.
"So do you think we should just let Jerry in on this?" said Sara.
"It would be much more convenient for us I would think," said Kurt.
"Well, I think it would be easier on me as well."
"And why is that?"
"Well the gate is actually kind of small, if he knows the area he might know a place we could just drive the carriage into the other side. A gate that size is actually easier to make, as it takes a lot less precision simply because it's bigger. I don't have to fit things so closely, so it's easier to handle and less fragile. This is about as small as I can make it right now.."
"So faster set up."
"I would think it would take half the time, give or take. The only problem is, I would have to take down the gate from this side, at least partially, so being more visible is a problem. But if Jerry knows a few off the path locations, I think we can basically leave with everything. Plus it means I can fly to places that might be hard for a carriage to get past, then set up the gate on that side of it. As long as you can stay close enough Kurt."
"We barely know him though, but it does give us a lot of options," said Kurt.
"He's going to think stuff is up though eventually. And he seems like a man that is easily bought. And smart enough to see the value he can provide. A little dangerous combination, but I think he won't have any trouble. He can have restricted access to the gate, I'm sure a few goblins can make sure he knows his place in the arrangement," said Sara, "and he could just show him our powers as well."
"So you think we can really trust him."
"I think we can trust he knows it will be very lucrative for him. And he seems like a good enough guy, the type of guy that keeps his word. And that we can be dangerous as well."
"Well no time like the present right?" Said Kurt.
All three of them walked up to Jerry who was waiting mostly on them, he had a camp set up. Looked worn in and practiced.
"So Jerry, how would you like to become fabulously wealthy?" said Sara.
"Ha ha ha, listen I get it, you think you have something whatever it is. I've seen them all, I'm not interested in some get rich quick scheme."
"I don't think you've heard of this one."
"Wanna bet?"
"Sure." Said Sara, "but one condition."
"Let me guess, sworn to secrecy even if I don't take you up on the offer."
"Are we that predictable?"
"Hey I love hearing them, you're doing better than most. I won't tell anyone, I'm am a little curious about all of you. You don't seem the type that can really afford this cart."
"Wait. What are we betting?"
"Betting?"
"That you've never heard this one before, I guarantee it."
"What do you want?"
"One carriage driving lesson."
"And what do I get?"
"It doesn't matter, whatever you want."
"You should be careful with words like that little lady, if I wasn't married. But how about, an extra ten percent tip on the next ride, plus the regular tip."
"Deal." said Sara, "So if you will follow me you will be owing me that carriage lesson momentarily."
"Sure kid."
So they lead Jerry into the carriage and on to the other side of the gate.
"So about that carriage driving lesson?" said Sara.
Jerry looked back at her, "yeah, I…I. Why tell me? This is big."
"So you haven't heard of this one?"
"I don't think there is anything you could tell me now that I've heard before."
The crew explained that their idea was to use Jerry as a full time driver, and his various connections from driving to give introductions to the proper people, people that wouldn't try anything. And in return he would get a cut of it, and showed him a few piles of resources.
"Hmmm," said Jerry, "this is very tempting, and I can see why you would want my help here. Or someone like me, finding connections can be hard, it's actually harder when you have something everyone wants sometimes, It draws the wrong kind of attention."
"So do we have a deal?"
"So let me get this straight you all just plan for the time being to drive around, sell you stuff, and live here the whole time in between. Until you figure out a good place to stay."
"Basically, and I can't imagine we can't make a lot of money together."
"Ohh no we will, I already have people swirling in my head that would take a lot of it." He looked at Kurt,
Kurt nodded back.
Jerry continued, "then I have a condition."
"A condition?" said Layla.
"I want to bring my wife and kid here to this side, it's actually perfect we would be together all the time, she's going to love it. I could be home for dinner every day."
"That shouldn't be much of a problem, we have many rooms available. They would have to swear secrecy as well of course."
"Then I know where we are going next, back to get them, it's not exactly on the way to Hazelton, but not completely out of the way either. You wanted to stop so it works out. After that, I think you can call me your full time driver, if we get horses I can manage a small stable on this side. And I do maintenance on carriages."
"I thought you said you wouldn't buy horses though."
"You didn't tell me about the moveable stable though, that changes everything. And you have so much land they can eat for free mostly."
"And you're fine with your neighbors?"
"Ohh they don't seem too bad, a little weird looking, I imagine they have a bit of temper. You shouldn't judge things by how they look, son. Sometimes breaking in a horse is more sugar than spurs. It's really about what the wife thinks on that level. I know I can convince her of this though."