Zigferd and Alice turned to look at SJ as she cleaned herself up after spitting water across the table. SJ blushed under their gaze. "I am sorry. I had no idea that he knew the magistrate of the auction houses."
"It is not normally something I talk about," Nexis smiled broadly, turning and winking at SJ. From the angle he sat, he knew that Alice and Zigferd couldn't see.
"If you know the Magistrate at the Capital, then we are in the presence of someone with influence," Zigferd stammered, slightly in awe of the statement.
SJ had no idea who they were when Dave started to speak.
"The Magistrate of the Auction Houses is one of the highest positions in the land. They are responsible for all Auction House transactions and have an accuracy rating of 99.99999998% for successful transaction completion. It is one of the most efficient services provided across all continents. Only Justilianym has a higher success rate, only by 0.000000001%. I still can't believe that Nexis said he was the child's Godfather," Dave chuckled.
"We go back a long time, as I say," Nexis said.
"If you have such influence, why would you wish to set up an auction house here in Killic? We are a small town compared to the towns and cities you could establish yourself in." Zigferd asked.
"Why not? The changes happening and the expansion of the boundaries between the territories will eventually happen anyway. So, it makes perfect business sense to start at the earliest opportunity and confirm the function and standings necessary. There is no point in waiting until some of the rather less reputable auctioneers start clawing at your town for rights to trade. As soon as the territory boundaries expand further, the wyvern will soon circle."
"What fees would you be taking if and when this is confirmed?"
"The usual auction house fees for all transactions are 3% of the value of items. Unless security is required against certain items, security bonds can result in an 8% handling fee. You know that anything non-living can be sold through the auction houses; therefore, there are always those who wish to sell more illicit goods."
"Aren't there rules preventing such items from being sold?" SJ asked, curious.
"It comes down to racial considerations. What one race may find abhorrent, another doesn't. Auction Houses can be accessed by all sentient beings from level 20. Some of the items I have seen transferred over my years of dealings are quite concerning, to say the least."
"Can you not decide what you wish to Auction or not?" Zigferd asked.
"I could do, but why would I? Unless something is of Chaotic Evil alignment, then who am I to judge their cultural and race beliefs."
"You do have a limit on what you would agree to auction then," SJ stated.
"Only related to the alignment of items, yes. Remember that nothing living can be auctioned, so very few items would fall outside of the remit of an Auction House. The last item I can remember that wasn't accepted was the cross of Edwardo."
Alice gasped at the statement. "Someone tried to auction his cross?"
"Yes. It was over a century ago now. It is one of the evillest charms I have ever witnessed. You are all aware of the fear and terror that Edwardo brought with his involvement during the scrug wars."
Zigferd and Alice both nodded. SJ had no idea who he was.
"Edwardo was the evillest of the Paladins who terrorised the continent some four centuries ago. He had a fanatical following and was known to sacrifice his followers for the God of Death," Dave said.
Considering its chaotic evil alignment, SJ was not sure she wanted to know what the charm could do or its use.
"Who was trying to sell such an item?" Alice enquired.
"Ah, my dear. That would be divulging privileged information, which I am sure you can understand I can't do," Nexis replied, smiling at her.
Alice flushed from his gaze. "Of course," she replied.
"Considering that you would be asking for 3% of the item fee, how do we know that we will attain the best rates from an auction?" Zigferd asked.
"I am sure you have used Auctions before, being your level?" Nexis asked, raising an eyebrow at Zigferd.
Even Zigferd's rustic cheeks coloured slightly. "Unfortunately, no, I have never used an auction house, and how do you know my level? That should be impossible." He frowned, subconsciously twisting a ring he wore on his finger. SJ noticed the movement and wondered if it was a ward of some kind.
"There is very little that I can't overcome at my level and profession," Nexis replied, smiling.
"As you know my level, may I ask yours?" Zigferd asked.
"You may indeed. I am level 47." Nexis replied, smiling.
"What?" Zigferd and Alice said in unison.
Spluttering, Zigferd replied first, "Why are you in this area if you are at such a high level? There is no benefit for you?"
"I could ask you the same question. Even with this latest update, you get no benefits, either of you."
Alice flushed again, knowing that he also knew her level, and she also fiddled with a ring on her finger. Alice and Zigferd looked a little taken aback by the turn in the conversation and had been completely disarmed by Nexis's comments. "Do not worry. I do not divulge information about others," Nexis said.
"Alice is 21, Zigferd is 24," Dave said, filling in the blanks for SJ, who had never identified them.
"Anyway, moving on. The rules are quite simple if you have never used an Auction House. Any item placed for auction starts with a minimum bid, and the mountain top is the limit, as they say. You can also set items for sale at a buyout price where someone can immediately purchase them outright. Finally, if you wish to cancel an item from the auction, that is fine, as the held funds are immediately released back to the would-be buyer's account. Any bid retains funds from an auction account until such a time as the auction ends, so the funds are always held and kept. Those placing bids really need to make sure what they are purchasing is what they want, as they are not returned while still holding the highest bid position. Only in very extreme circumstances would an auctioneer allow a bidder to withdraw after a set bid. The last time this happened was during the Goblinpox epidemic when the transference of all items was banned for containment reasons."
"How is everything transferred when an auction ends," SJ asked.
"Through the transference network. On closure of an auction, the successful bidder is contacted via the System and given a time period to claim the item. Usually, this is 72 hours. Once an item is claimed, it will be transferred to the winning bidder's chosen auction house for collection. If items are unclaimed from the System for delivery, the winning bidder will accrue holding charges. Individual auction houses do not control these holding charges. Instead they are directed through the magistrate's office. It is a dragon's task to resolve and sort out that side of it."
"So what does the 3% cover?" Alice asked.
"Administration fees, matter transference costs, and storage costs."
Zigferd turned to look at Alice, and without saying anything, Alice nodded. "OK then, Nexis. If you can establish an auction house, we would happily do business with you," Zigferd said.
"Excellent news. I will just have to establish a suitable location. I require little room for the setup, but storing items requires significant space. I had seen a plot of land on the eastern edge of town heading towards the forest that may be suitable. It may require me to consider expanding into the field there. I would need to find out who owns the land. I can look into starting construction if we can visit the location and confirm its availability and cost."
"Do you not wish to wait for approval before purchasing land?" Alice asked.
"I can guarantee approval. Give me a moment." Nexis placed his hand in his jacket pocket and removed a small, jewelled object. It looked like a small clock face with several coloured gems around the edge.
"Is that what I think it is?" Zigferd asked in amazement.
"If you think it's a messenger dial, then you are right," Nexis replied.
"I have only ever heard of them. I have never seen one before."
"One minute," Nexis said as he touched one of the coloured gems, then several more. Suddenly, a hum was in the air before a sharp, ticking sound began. After several moments, the ticking stopped.
"Nexis. It has been too long, my old friend," a disembodied voice suddenly emitted from the dial.
"Hershy. You old dog, you. How is Saffy and my little girl doing?"
"They are both well. Only the other day, Lily asked when Uncle Nexis would return to visit. I think she enjoys being spoiled when you're around."
"She deserves to be spoiled. She is my Goddaughter."
"When will you next be back in the capital? I know Saffy will be excited to know as well."
"Unfortunately, not for a while yet. I am currently far south."
"That's a shame. What do you need? I assume you need something if you are contacting me from the South."
"I do. I assume the news about the changes taking place has reached the capital?"
"It has, yes. We have sent out parties to several territories to investigate. Do you have news?"
"I do. I am currently in a small starter town called Killic, where the boundaries have just been amended."
"I see. Do you know what triggered them?"
"I have an idea, but that is for another time," Nexis replied, smiling at Zigferd, Alice and then SJ. "I called to ask a favour."
"Of course, what do you need?" Hershy asked.
"I am going to establish a new auction house here in Killic and was hoping for an expedited license agreement if possible?"
"Anything for you, my friend. I assume the usual setup?"
"Yes. Everything as standard would be excellent."
"I can get that written up now. I guess this Killic is an investment opportunity?" Hershy asked wryly.
"You know me to well. I don't set up auction houses without a good reason."
"What is the name of their leader who requires the notary?"
"Zigferd Maxwell is the presiding mayor of Killic."
"Excellent. I will have it sent over very soon. I will let Saffy and Lily know we spoke. They both won't be happy missing you. "
"I will call again soon to catch up. Thank you, Hershy."
"Anytime."
The magical hum suddenly stopped like a blanket of silence had just swallowed the room. The three faces stared at Nexis in awe.
"Well then. Shall we go and visit this plot of land?" Nexis asked.
"Wait a second. Auction houses? How many do you own?" SJ asked.
"This will be my sixth," Nexis smiled.
"Six!" Zigferd exclaimed. "You own and operate six auction houses already."
"Yes. Only the six. I could have set up many more, but it is more of a sideline than my main profession."
"What is your main profession then?" Alice asked, intrigued.
"I am a tailor by trade."
"That is a little different."
"Very. I am looking to purchase the tailor shop here in Killic while I am here as I know the Master wishes to retire."
"He is?" Alice asked, shocked. "I had no idea."
"Yes. He has been talking about it for a while. The last time we met, he discussed it and said I would come and see what it is like here in Killic. So, I will be trying to complete both transactions while here."
"Are you not staying?" Zigferd asked.
"I will be for the foreseeable. Yes, but never know what the future holds."
A similar ticking sound began again, and Nexis removed the messenger dial from his pocket. Pressing a few gems, he answered. "Hershy. So soon?"
"I forgot to ask for the transference position for the notary."
"I am sitting with the mayor now. Just send it to me, and I will hand it over."
"Excellent. It will be with you momentarily."
The dial dimmed again, and suddenly, a small ball of orange light appeared in front of Nexis. Nexis reached out into the light, and a cream-coloured envelope appeared as he did. He took it, removing it from the sphere, which instantly disappeared. Nexis handed the envelope over to Zigferd.
The cream envelope was sealed with a bright red wax seal. Zigferd snapped the seal and removed the parchment inside, reading the content. He then handed it to Alice. Alice read the notary.
"It looks like we have permission to establish an auction house," Zigferd beamed.
"Excellent. Then, we have the formalities over. Shall we go and visit the location?" Nexis asked.
"Alice, would you be willing to go with Nexis? I have Nevik coming to see me soon."
"Of course, Mayor," Alice replied, standing. "Shall we?"
Leaving the barracks, Nexis led them down to the Tailor's shop on the eastern end of town, a few buildings from the edge. SJ spotted Fizzlewick inside speaking to a customer while Nexis walked by their side. It was a bizarre experience knowing that they were the same person.
The final building leading out of town before the fields began heading to the forest was a single-story affair. It had once been a home but looked as though it was no longer lived in. Considering that the Hobs raids had used to come across the fields, it made sense that several of the extreme homes were empty. The buildings had previously been used mainly as a barrier, which SJ had never considered before.
"This plot here would be perfect, considering its proximity to the tailor shop. I would also be looking to purchase the other one that backs onto it and then expanding a warehouse area into the field here," Nexis indicated what he had planned.
"Are you sure you wish to build on the edge of the town? We can't guarantee security to the same degree, and we have only recently recovered from a spate of raids and we are not sure what the future may bring yet," Alice asked.
"Security won't be an issue. I will draw up plans for you. I just need to understand the cost for the buildings and land."
Alice took a small notebook and quill with an inkpot from her inventory and made a few notes. "Due to the condition of these buildings, we can let them sell for a reduced price." Alice began pacing out the distances of the width and length of the plots. They were similar buildings, single-storey cottages separated at their rears by small gardens and a wall running along the side facing the field.
"What do you plan to do?" SJ asked Nexis.
"I will have them torn down and replaced with an auction house, then build the adjoining warehouse for storage. I am guessing from your information that the mine is on this side of town, making the movement of ore or ingots easier," Nexis replied, winking at SJ, knowing full well where everything was.
It didn't take long for Alice to make the notes, and they headed back to the barracks. "I will get the paperwork drawn up for the transfer of the buildings, and then you can proceed with what changes you need to make," Alice said, leaving them to continue back to the Inn.
Zigferd and Alice turned to look at SJ as she cleaned herself up after spitting water across the table. SJ blushed under their gaze. "I am sorry. I had no idea that he knew the magistrate of the auction houses."
"It is not normally something I talk about," Nexis smiled broadly, turning and winking at SJ. From the angle he sat, he knew that Alice and Zigferd couldn't see.
"If you know the Magistrate at the Capital, then we are in the presence of someone with influence," Zigferd stammered, slightly in awe of the statement.
SJ had no idea who they were when Dave started to speak.
"The Magistrate of the Auction Houses is one of the highest positions in the land. They are responsible for all Auction House transactions and have an accuracy rating of 99.99999998% for successful transaction completion. It is one of the most efficient services provided across all continents. Only Justilianym has a higher success rate, only by 0.000000001%. I still can't believe that Nexis said he was the child's Godfather," Dave chuckled.
"We go back a long time, as I say," Nexis said.
"If you have such influence, why would you wish to set up an auction house here in Killic? We are a small town compared to the towns and cities you could establish yourself in." Zigferd asked.
"Why not? The changes happening and the expansion of the boundaries between the territories will eventually happen anyway. So, it makes perfect business sense to start at the earliest opportunity and confirm the function and standings necessary. There is no point in waiting until some of the rather less reputable auctioneers start clawing at your town for rights to trade. As soon as the territory boundaries expand further, the wyvern will soon circle."
"What fees would you be taking if and when this is confirmed?"
"The usual auction house fees for all transactions are 3% of the value of items. Unless security is required against certain items, security bonds can result in an 8% handling fee. You know that anything non-living can be sold through the auction houses; therefore, there are always those who wish to sell more illicit goods."
"Aren't there rules preventing such items from being sold?" SJ asked, curious.
"It comes down to racial considerations. What one race may find abhorrent, another doesn't. Auction Houses can be accessed by all sentient beings from level 20. Some of the items I have seen transferred over my years of dealings are quite concerning, to say the least."
"Can you not decide what you wish to Auction or not?" Zigferd asked.
"I could do, but why would I? Unless something is of Chaotic Evil alignment, then who am I to judge their cultural and race beliefs."
"You do have a limit on what you would agree to auction then," SJ stated.
"Only related to the alignment of items, yes. Remember that nothing living can be auctioned, so very few items would fall outside of the remit of an Auction House. The last item I can remember that wasn't accepted was the cross of Edwardo."
Alice gasped at the statement. "Someone tried to auction his cross?"
"Yes. It was over a century ago now. It is one of the evillest charms I have ever witnessed. You are all aware of the fear and terror that Edwardo brought with his involvement during the scrug wars."
Zigferd and Alice both nodded. SJ had no idea who he was.
"Edwardo was the evillest of the Paladins who terrorised the continent some four centuries ago. He had a fanatical following and was known to sacrifice his followers for the God of Death," Dave said.
Considering its chaotic evil alignment, SJ was not sure she wanted to know what the charm could do or its use.
"Who was trying to sell such an item?" Alice enquired.
"Ah, my dear. That would be divulging privileged information, which I am sure you can understand I can't do," Nexis replied, smiling at her.
Alice flushed from his gaze. "Of course," she replied.
"Considering that you would be asking for 3% of the item fee, how do we know that we will attain the best rates from an auction?" Zigferd asked.
"I am sure you have used Auctions before, being your level?" Nexis asked, raising an eyebrow at Zigferd.
Even Zigferd's rustic cheeks coloured slightly. "Unfortunately, no, I have never used an auction house, and how do you know my level? That should be impossible." He frowned, subconsciously twisting a ring he wore on his finger. SJ noticed the movement and wondered if it was a ward of some kind.
"There is very little that I can't overcome at my level and profession," Nexis replied, smiling.
"As you know my level, may I ask yours?" Zigferd asked.
"You may indeed. I am level 47." Nexis replied, smiling.
"What?" Zigferd and Alice said in unison.
Spluttering, Zigferd replied first, "Why are you in this area if you are at such a high level? There is no benefit for you?"
"I could ask you the same question. Even with this latest update, you get no benefits, either of you."
Alice flushed again, knowing that he also knew her level, and she also fiddled with a ring on her finger. Alice and Zigferd looked a little taken aback by the turn in the conversation and had been completely disarmed by Nexis's comments. "Do not worry. I do not divulge information about others," Nexis said.
"Alice is 21, Zigferd is 24," Dave said, filling in the blanks for SJ, who had never identified them.
"Anyway, moving on. The rules are quite simple if you have never used an Auction House. Any item placed for auction starts with a minimum bid, and the mountain top is the limit, as they say. You can also set items for sale at a buyout price where someone can immediately purchase them outright. Finally, if you wish to cancel an item from the auction, that is fine, as the held funds are immediately released back to the would-be buyer's account. Any bid retains funds from an auction account until such a time as the auction ends, so the funds are always held and kept. Those placing bids really need to make sure what they are purchasing is what they want, as they are not returned while still holding the highest bid position. Only in very extreme circumstances would an auctioneer allow a bidder to withdraw after a set bid. The last time this happened was during the Goblinpox epidemic when the transference of all items was banned for containment reasons."
"How is everything transferred when an auction ends," SJ asked.
"Through the transference network. On closure of an auction, the successful bidder is contacted via the System and given a time period to claim the item. Usually, this is 72 hours. Once an item is claimed, it will be transferred to the winning bidder's chosen auction house for collection. If items are unclaimed from the System for delivery, the winning bidder will accrue holding charges. Individual auction houses do not control these holding charges. Instead they are directed through the magistrate's office. It is a dragon's task to resolve and sort out that side of it."
"So what does the 3% cover?" Alice asked.
"Administration fees, matter transference costs, and storage costs."
Zigferd turned to look at Alice, and without saying anything, Alice nodded. "OK then, Nexis. If you can establish an auction house, we would happily do business with you," Zigferd said.
"Excellent news. I will just have to establish a suitable location. I require little room for the setup, but storing items requires significant space. I had seen a plot of land on the eastern edge of town heading towards the forest that may be suitable. It may require me to consider expanding into the field there. I would need to find out who owns the land. I can look into starting construction if we can visit the location and confirm its availability and cost."
"Do you not wish to wait for approval before purchasing land?" Alice asked.
"I can guarantee approval. Give me a moment." Nexis placed his hand in his jacket pocket and removed a small, jewelled object. It looked like a small clock face with several coloured gems around the edge.
"Is that what I think it is?" Zigferd asked in amazement.
"If you think it's a messenger dial, then you are right," Nexis replied.
"I have only ever heard of them. I have never seen one before."
"One minute," Nexis said as he touched one of the coloured gems, then several more. Suddenly, a hum was in the air before a sharp, ticking sound began. After several moments, the ticking stopped.
"Nexis. It has been too long, my old friend," a disembodied voice suddenly emitted from the dial.
"Hershy. You old dog, you. How is Saffy and my little girl doing?"
"They are both well. Only the other day, Lily asked when Uncle Nexis would return to visit. I think she enjoys being spoiled when you're around."
"She deserves to be spoiled. She is my Goddaughter."
"When will you next be back in the capital? I know Saffy will be excited to know as well."
"Unfortunately, not for a while yet. I am currently far south."
"That's a shame. What do you need? I assume you need something if you are contacting me from the South."
"I do. I assume the news about the changes taking place has reached the capital?"
"It has, yes. We have sent out parties to several territories to investigate. Do you have news?"
"I do. I am currently in a small starter town called Killic, where the boundaries have just been amended."
"I see. Do you know what triggered them?"
"I have an idea, but that is for another time," Nexis replied, smiling at Zigferd, Alice and then SJ. "I called to ask a favour."
"Of course, what do you need?" Hershy asked.
"I am going to establish a new auction house here in Killic and was hoping for an expedited license agreement if possible?"
"Anything for you, my friend. I assume the usual setup?"
"Yes. Everything as standard would be excellent."
"I can get that written up now. I guess this Killic is an investment opportunity?" Hershy asked wryly.
"You know me to well. I don't set up auction houses without a good reason."
"What is the name of their leader who requires the notary?"
"Zigferd Maxwell is the presiding mayor of Killic."
"Excellent. I will have it sent over very soon. I will let Saffy and Lily know we spoke. They both won't be happy missing you. "
"I will call again soon to catch up. Thank you, Hershy."
"Anytime."
The magical hum suddenly stopped like a blanket of silence had just swallowed the room. The three faces stared at Nexis in awe.
"Well then. Shall we go and visit this plot of land?" Nexis asked.
"Wait a second. Auction houses? How many do you own?" SJ asked.
"This will be my sixth," Nexis smiled.
"Six!" Zigferd exclaimed. "You own and operate six auction houses already."
"Yes. Only the six. I could have set up many more, but it is more of a sideline than my main profession."
"What is your main profession then?" Alice asked, intrigued.
"I am a tailor by trade."
"That is a little different."
"Very. I am looking to purchase the tailor shop here in Killic while I am here as I know the Master wishes to retire."
"He is?" Alice asked, shocked. "I had no idea."
"Yes. He has been talking about it for a while. The last time we met, he discussed it and said I would come and see what it is like here in Killic. So, I will be trying to complete both transactions while here."
"Are you not staying?" Zigferd asked.
"I will be for the foreseeable. Yes, but never know what the future holds."
A similar ticking sound began again, and Nexis removed the messenger dial from his pocket. Pressing a few gems, he answered. "Hershy. So soon?"
"I forgot to ask for the transference position for the notary."
"I am sitting with the mayor now. Just send it to me, and I will hand it over."
"Excellent. It will be with you momentarily."
The dial dimmed again, and suddenly, a small ball of orange light appeared in front of Nexis. Nexis reached out into the light, and a cream-coloured envelope appeared as he did. He took it, removing it from the sphere, which instantly disappeared. Nexis handed the envelope over to Zigferd.
The cream envelope was sealed with a bright red wax seal. Zigferd snapped the seal and removed the parchment inside, reading the content. He then handed it to Alice. Alice read the notary.
"It looks like we have permission to establish an auction house," Zigferd beamed.
"Excellent. Then, we have the formalities over. Shall we go and visit the location?" Nexis asked.
"Alice, would you be willing to go with Nexis? I have Nevik coming to see me soon."
"Of course, Mayor," Alice replied, standing. "Shall we?"
Leaving the barracks, Nexis led them down to the Tailor's shop on the eastern end of town, a few buildings from the edge. SJ spotted Fizzlewick inside speaking to a customer while Nexis walked by their side. It was a bizarre experience knowing that they were the same person.
The final building leading out of town before the fields began heading to the forest was a single-story affair. It had once been a home but looked as though it was no longer lived in. Considering that the Hobs raids had used to come across the fields, it made sense that several of the extreme homes were empty. The buildings had previously been used mainly as a barrier, which SJ had never considered before.
"This plot here would be perfect, considering its proximity to the tailor shop. I would also be looking to purchase the other one that backs onto it and then expanding a warehouse area into the field here," Nexis indicated what he had planned.
"Are you sure you wish to build on the edge of the town? We can't guarantee security to the same degree, and we have only recently recovered from a spate of raids and we are not sure what the future may bring yet," Alice asked.
"Security won't be an issue. I will draw up plans for you. I just need to understand the cost for the buildings and land."
Alice took a small notebook and quill with an inkpot from her inventory and made a few notes. "Due to the condition of these buildings, we can let them sell for a reduced price." Alice began pacing out the distances of the width and length of the plots. They were similar buildings, single-storey cottages separated at their rears by small gardens and a wall running along the side facing the field.
"What do you plan to do?" SJ asked Nexis.
"I will have them torn down and replaced with an auction house, then build the adjoining warehouse for storage. I am guessing from your information that the mine is on this side of town, making the movement of ore or ingots easier," Nexis replied, winking at SJ, knowing full well where everything was.
It didn't take long for Alice to make the notes, and they headed back to the barracks. "I will get the paperwork drawn up for the transfer of the buildings, and then you can proceed with what changes you need to make," Alice said, leaving them to continue back to the Inn.
