Creating a Lucky Happenstance

Writers: Eimi, Vix
Date Posted: 23rd April 2007

Characters: Benaroy, Benaran
Description: Benaroy gives Benaran the task of trying to revive the Hold's tavern.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 3, day 1 of Turn 4

"Good morning, Father." Benaran's mouth curled into a smile, though his blue eyes retained a coldness. "How are you feeling today?"

"Just fine, Benaran." The Lord Holder didn't take his eyes off the hide in front of him as he waved his son to take a seat.

The son dropped heavily to a chair, crossing his arms and waiting for his father to finish his reading. As he waited, he leaned forward slightly, sneaking a glance to find out what held the older man's attention this day.

"Taking a sudden interest in Amber Hills's projected manure production this turn?" Benaroy asked, lifting his eyes to see what sparked his son's curiosity. It certainly wasn't one of the more glamorous exports Amber Hills produced, but it did bring in a few extra marks and bushels of grain.

Though the topic repulsed him, Benaran schooled his expression to accompany his noncommittal shrug. "Haven't I always been interested in all aspects of Hold management?"

Benaroy nodded with an approving light in his eye. "As you should, son."

The younger man bowed his head slightly toward his father. "My duty to the Hold is my first concern, Father. Nothing would please me more than to help you with any tasks to strengthen our holding."

"Hmm. Yes." Benaroy set his hide aside and gave his son his full attention. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"The question is what can I do for _you_?"

**A tad eager, are we?** Benaroy was never quite sure where Benaran's ambition stopped and his sincerity began. Perhaps it was not important. No matter his motivation, his son had proved a valuable asset. And besides, ambition in a man was rarely a bad thing. "I do have something which you just might be able to help me with. It is a sensitive issue which I'm sure your people skills would be well suited to handling."

**At least I won't be dealing with manure.** The son smiled broadly at his father. "Whatever you need of me, I am at your disposal."

"There is some worry that with the new tavern at the Vintner Hall that we will no longer have need for one here at our Hold. Our tavern and runner station have been the heart of this Hold for more generations than anyone can remember. Some are seeing the Vintner Hall's new establishment as one more attempt by the refugees to ruin Amber Hill's traditional way of life." Benaroy sighed. His successor was going to inherit a Hold divided. There was no avoiding that. Whoever he chose would have to be a strong enough leader to unite them. Or at the very least hold them together...

"Yes, I've heard some rumblings about that," admitted his son. "As well as a few who feel that even one tavern is too much." Benaran definitely could not agree with the latter sentiment, but could sway whichever way his father wanted on the presence of the new tavern.

Benaroy snorted. There were always those types who thought fun of any kind was a waste of energy. Even at their darkest times the Lord Holder had realized the importance of something _enjoyable_ for his people to look forward to. What else were they surviving for? "Well, here's the crux of the matter. We cannot come out _against_ the new Tavern. It will bring marks into the Vintner Hall, which will eventually flow down to us. But even more of our taverns marks benefit our Hold directly. I don't mind if the Vintner Hall brings in dragonriders and travelers from all over Pern. But lets see what we can do to encourage our people to stay a little closer to home most of the week. Any ideas?"

"I've heard that the Tavern has a variety of games and entertainment. Ours has grown a bit. . . stagnant." The younger man shrugged slightly. "We need to find out what they offer there and give something they don't have. Perhaps a Hold tournament of some sort?"

"Hmmm," Benaroy nodded. He liked the way his son was thinking. "A kind of game the Vintner Hall tavern doesn't have... What do our men live for in every Gather we ever have?"

"At Gathers? Runner racing or any other type of racing imaginable and betting on the results. But that's not easily transferred to a tavern."

"No, races are not," his father agreed. "But as much as watching a runner in motion is a beautiful thing, its the marks on the line that bring that edge of excitement. Gambling, son. Gambling brings a man to the races every time."

"Very true, Father." Benaran could not argue that point, enjoying betting - and winning - himself. "Many already make small wagers on card games, but we could devise some type of competition, perhaps one lasting over a month or so. Would you suggest that we simply allow private betting or that we organize odds as well as the entertainment?"

"Will _we_ set the odds? Oh no no no, son. _We_ are not involved. Gambling is hardly the business those of the Blood become associated with. Now, if the tavern keeper just _happens_ to come up with this brilliant idea for his tavern, and he happens to find a game which can keep men coming back on a regular basis with odds that allow him to make enough marks off of it that some of it just happens to ends up in our coffers as part of his tithe, well, that would just be a lucky happenstance."

"I think that could be arranged," nodded his son. "Especially if I were to first pay a courtesy call to the new tavern and be able to lament the success of that place to our own tavern keeper."

Benaroy shook his head. "Not their success. That would be too much of a blow to his pride. Complain of the number of strangers, how it doesn't feel like Amber Hills. Remind him of the faces and the fellowship we have shared through the turns. Make him feel as though he is doing _us_ a service by preserving Amber Hills. Meanwhile, lament its success to our holders. That will fuel their Amber Hills pride. Then all we have to do is let the games pull in the Amethyst Cliff holders."

Benaran had to admit that regardless of age or health problems, his father knew what he was doing. The younger man considered the Lord Holder's approach to the situation and found no flaws in it. "I'll start on this immediately."

"I will leave it your capable hands," Benaroy smiled, glad that he could now devote his attention to other Hold concerns. Like manure.

Last updated on the April 26th 2007

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Creating a Lucky Happenstance