Chapter 103: Factional Strife in Pentos
"Because of factional strife," Taroban said helplessly.
Factional strife? Ian blinked. This was an unexpected answer.
Because the original books only gave a brief glimpse of Pentos through the POV chapters of Daenerys and Tyrion, Ian knew nothing about the current political situation in Pentos.
But Ian reconsidered—it would be strange for a city ruled by several magisters and forty noble families to have no factional conflicts.
But do you really dare to speak of this? "When it comes to factional disputes, do you think I can get involved?" Ian couldn't help but laugh.
"It involves a factional dispute, but it's not directed at me," Taroban explained hastily. "In fact, it's a power struggle between the Braavosi and Volantene factions on the Conclave of Magisters.
Magister Nestor Morano, who took office only two years ago, is recognized as the representative of Volantene interests. Most of the slave trade in Pentos is conducted by him and his ally, Magister Tettoro.
And just two weeks ago, Magister Harlocke, long funded by the Iron Bank of Braavos, suddenly moved against the slave trade. With the support of His Magnificence the Prince and the Braavosi envoy, he launched a thorough investigation of slave trading throughout Pentos."
"Perhaps you could explain in more detail." Ian became interested. Regardless of whether he accepted the job, it would be helpful to learn more about the situation in Pentos.
"More details are beyond the reach of someone like me," Taroban shook his head. "Perhaps you can ask Magister Illyrio himself later. In short, for us small-time traders, this is a complete and unprovoked disaster."
It's like when Coca-Cola and Pepsi fight and RC Cola gets crushed, Ian suddenly thought.
"The dock thug 'Spearbreaker' is one of the Harlocke family's hired muscle. He's an enforcer for the local power brokers in Pentos, and he knows all about us small-time traders who dabble in the slave trade.
I told you, my problem doesn't really involve the major players, because Spearbreaker is simply using this opportunity while working for Magister Harlocke to extort us."
"Then pay him off. You're a member of Illyrio's guild—how dare he demand so much?"
"It's precisely because we're Magister Illyrio's men that he dares to demand so much. Everyone in Pentos knows that the Magister remains neutral in the factional struggles of the Conclave. Magister Illyrio shows no mercy to troublemakers if we cause him problems with our illegal slave trading."
Ian's eyes lit up, and his first instinct was to use this to threaten Taroban, forcing him to surrender his invitation to the feast.
But he quickly abandoned the idea, because he had no evidence and the likelihood of such a threat succeeding was too low.
"And the reason I can't hire other Pentoshi sellswords to handle this isn't because the Spearbreakers are so formidable or because the sellswords fear Magister Harlocke.
The truth is, I simply can't find any trustworthy sellswords. Most of the sellsword companies in Pentos have various connections to the major families, and I'm worried they'll leak information and cause trouble for Magister Illyrio."
"Aren't you afraid I'll leak information?" Ian asked with a smile.
"Oh, I suppose we share common interests, like—don't cause trouble for Magister Illyrio. After all, you still need him for many things, don't you?" Taroban said confidently, his eyes half-lidded.
"You're a merchant—such a waste of your talents. Someone like you should be sitting on that Conclave you mentioned."
"Don't be absurd," Taroban rejected the compliment, then added, "As long as you keep this secret, no one will suspect us. They'll simply think it's part of the Volantene faction's retaliation. So what's your final decision?"
"When will your ship arrive?" Ian asked instead of answering directly.
"This weekend, if the winds are favorable."
"So well after Illyrio's feast?"
"That's correct."
"I can tell you plainly, we can't defeat Spearbreaker in a day and a half, but we can easily deal with him before the weekend."
"So what are you suggesting?" Taroban began to understand.
"Give us the invitation first. Once we meet the Magister, we'll naturally help you resolve your problem. Don't rush to answer," Ian stopped Taroban as he was about to speak. "You know I'm telling the truth. If we act rashly before the Magister's feast without adequate preparation, we might not only fail to resolve your problem, but cause even greater trouble."
Taroban didn't answer immediately, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
"Let's consider it the foundation of friendship. This can be the beginning of building trust," Ian continued.
"Friends? After what just happened," Taroban glanced at Daeron Grafton, who had returned to Ian's side, now relegated to a supporting role, "would you still trust a friend like me?"
"Your actions will only strengthen our friendship. Being friends with me is always profitable."
Taroban looked up and met the young man's gaze.
After a long pause, he finally uttered the two words Ian had been waiting for: "Agreed."
Only after Ian and his companions had collected their belongings and departed did Taroban slowly pull a handkerchief from his pocket and wipe the sweat from his forehead.
He vaguely recalled that the last young man with such a commanding presence he'd encountered was Prince Aegon Targaryen.
Since leaving Taroban's house, Ian had been pondering a question.
Now that he had the invitation, should he still help Taroban?
According to Ian's usual approach, taking payment and then not delivering was never an option.
But back then, he'd been wearing the 'Lucien Lannister' identity, and knowing it could be discarded at any moment, he'd acted with certain recklessness.
Now, however, he planned to use the Ian Rivers/Darry identity for the long term. A tarnished reputation could bring a cascade of negative consequences.
Standing up Taroban would surely ruin his reputation. After all, the Spearbreaker's threat would only cause Taroban to lose coin, not his life.
If he reneged, not only would he make an enemy, but his current identity would be completely ruined within Illyrio's guild.
This was an outcome Ian couldn't accept.
He decided to investigate first and reach a compromise: he sent his clever squire, the Dornishman Denzel, to the port of Pentos to gather more information about the Spearbreaker before making a final decision.
(End of Chapter)
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