"How extensive is the damage?" Ilrune Volus asked.
He looked out over the harbour city of Myith from the surrounding cliff. The southern side of the city was made up of warehouses and businesses. Half of these buildings were charred piles of rubble. All his warehouses. Smoke drifted up from the smoldering piles of ash.
The city was sheltered by tall white cliffs that rose one hundred and fifty feet into the air. The stone was harvested and sold across the country. Myith was said to have once been nothing but a beach with tall cliffs. Over centuries men had carved away the stone, leaving a long basin, sheltered on all sides from ocean storms that battered the rest of the east coast.
Volus sat upon his favourite stead, a pristine black Norleti war horse, surveying the damage below. The city was considered free from the rule of any lord. It had sprung up centres ago when groups of drifters had decided to call the coast home. It grew into a thriving city with a sheltered port favoured by smaller trading ships. The land around the city was owned by Duke Volus. Any trade that came and went by land was under his control. He invested great sums of money into the city over the last twenty years.
"Most of the warehouses were set ablaze. Warehouse seven is still standing. Warehouse three is nothing more than ash. The surviving merchandise is worthless." Replied Levo, Ilrune's assistant.
Ilrune pushed down his rising anger. He never should have trusted that damned fairy. Not only had he lost considerable amounts of money but the King was losing faith in him. With Saria in isolation till she gives birth, Ilrune needed to rebuild the King's confidence in him. Silnan would be the best way to go. Once Cilian makes progress with the skrith, Ilrune will be back in the King's good graces.
"What of the rest of the town?" Ilrune asked.
"Mein street burned."
Ilrune signed and shook his head. He leaned forward in the saddle and kicked his horse into a canter along the cliff's edge. His back protested as he rode; he felt old. In recent years he had begun to notice the grey streaks that cut through his ginger hair. He was close to his goal, close enough to dream of retirement.
He slowed as he approached the winding road that traversed the cliff. The smell of burnt wood filled his nostrils as he descended. The left side of the main road was nothing but burnt rubble. People climbed over the debris searching for bodies and belongings. Many people stopped and bowed their heads as he passed. The central market was filled with mourners. Bodies lay in rows with sheets covering them, where stalls used to be. Priests walked among the people offering solace in scripture and burning incense to guide the souls to the gate of Ibris and the life beyond.
As Myith was a free city the population and the deaths of its people wouldn't be recorded. According to the royal records only a few houses burnt down.
Ilrune headed towards the southern side of the city. All but one of his warehouses were a pile of rubble. The rest of the district stood unaffected.
"Levo, salvage any materials from the buildings that can be used to rebuild. Sort and collect any charcoal from the remainder that can be sold and have everything moved to warehouse seven."
"Yes, my lord."
"Have a group of ten men help rebuild the town. Make sure people know who sent them." Said Ilrune.
"Excuse me, Lord Volus. May I have a word?" Said a voice behind him.
Ilrune turned his horse around. A young sailor stood before him. The man had long brown hair and southern caramel skin.
"A quick one." Ilrune said.
"I am Basen, captain of the My Fair lady and request permission to sail on to my next location. You see, I trade in perishable goods and can not afford to be stuck in port any longer."
"I understand your plight. However, catching the criminals that have set fire to this city is the top priority. We can't allow any ship to leave the harbour in case they are on board." Ilrune rubbed his beard, thinking. "I could help you out and buy your goods from you."
"Will you pay market price?" Basen asked.
Ilrune shook his head. "As you know, perishable goods are risky and it will cost me far more to help you out. I will offer half the going price."
"How about your men search my ship? You can detain anyone who is unaccounted for."
"I can't be seen giving special treatment to a single ship. If you change your mind about my offer you can talk to Levo." Ilrune gestured to his assistant.
Ilrune kicked his steed into a canter and rode off.