A Scouting Mission

Writers: Emma, Vix
Date Posted: 29th May 2007

Characters: Benaran, Royah
Description: Benaran invites Royah to accompany him to The Tavern to get ideas for improvements for the Hold's tavern.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 4, day 2 of Turn 4

"You wanted to see me?" asked Royah of his brother. "Something about the
Tavern, wasn't it?"

Benaran took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I did. Father gave me an
assignment and I'd like you to help me with it." The smile quivered a bit
with the strain of asking one of his siblings for aid. Benaran viewed his
brothers - all of them - as less qualified than himself, but sometimes they
served useful purposes.

"If I can," Royah slipped into a seat opposite his brother. "What does he
want doing?"

"He has asked me to try to revive the Hold tavern's business. I want to go
to the Vintner Hall's tavern to see what they are doing to draw in so many
customers. I thought that you could go along and offer your insights."

"Of course brother," Royah grinned. "When do we go?"

"Tonight is as good a time as any." Benaran relaxed, relieved that his
brother had given no argument - though it would have been easier had he had
the authority simply to command the man's participation in this mission.
"We'll need to be friendly, yet to take as many mental notes as possible."

"I've met the Tavernmaster before," stated Royah.

"Oh?" his brother asked coldly. "When? Where?"

"They've had a problem with petty thefts, he came here a little while back
to report it," explained Royah. "I passed the matter onto Father."

Benaran made a noncommittal sound. "I had hoped to go without knots and just
look around. Do you think he'd recognize you?"

"He likely would."

"Then we may as well go openly and enjoy ourselves. However, they need not
know that we're scouting to offer them some competition."

"Of course not." That would be bad, supposed Royah.

"We'll need to note what is offered there - entertainments as well as food
and drink," continued Benaran. "Pay special attention to what holds the
interest of Holdfolk and crafters, ours as well as any who might be
visiting. We look not to attract the Weyrfolk to our own tavern but to
recapture the patronage of those who live here."

"What about services such as accommodation?"

The older brother considered that for a moment. "Most of our tavern's
patrons are locals who stop by for a drink. However, it wouldn't hurt to
offer lodging for those passing through or visiting relatives, and those
quarters should be fairly close to the tavern. We'll take a look at what
they have at the Vintner Hall if we can do so unobtrusively and consider
whether we need to include that type of service."

Royah nodded. "Perhaps we can find one or two of our people to go there and
try the tavern themselves, get some more opinions."

"Or note who is there from the Hold and ask them if they prefer that place
and why."

"That's an idea," remarked Royah. "Anything else you need me for?"

"Nothing at the moment." Benaran cleared his throat, anxious to be rid of
his brother now that he had established what he wanted. "I'll meet you
tonight outside the Tavern. Half past the nineteenth candlemark?"

"I'll see you there."

"Of course." The older brother picked up a pencil and started to make
notations on a sheet of paper, the meeting with his brother finished in his
mind.

Last updated on the May 29th 2007

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A Scouting Mission