Necromancer: Kingdom Building with My Legion of Undead Knights

Chapter 222: Livestock Purchase

6 cows × 20 silver = 120 silver

Next were the goats.

Tormund led them to a separate pen where six goats stood clustered together, three males and three females.

They were healthy and alert, their coats clean, their eyes bright.

They moved with the kind of nervous energy that goats always had, their heads turning to watch the approaching strangers.

They were good for meat, and breeding, the kind of animals that would multiply quickly and provide a steady supply of food and income.

"How much?" Darion asked.

"Twelve silver each," Tormund said. "They’re good breeders. Healthy stock, from a reliable line."

Darion studied them for a moment. They were smaller than the cattle, but they were also more efficient. Goats could survive on rougher terrain, could produce milk and meat with less feed, and they bred faster than cattle. They were a smart investment.

"Fine," Darion said. "I’ll take them."

6 goats × 12 silver = 72 silver

The chickens were kept in large cages near the edge of the market. They were lively, clucking and pecking at the ground, their feathers ruffled by the constant movement around them.

Tormund had twelve healthy hens, their combs bright red, their bodies plump. They would provide eggs for years, and when they stopped laying, they would provide meat.

"How much?" Darion asked.

"Six silver each," Tormund said. "They’ll give you eggs and meat for years. Good layers, too. You’ll have more eggs than you know what to do with."

Darion smiled.

12 chickens × 6 silver = 72 silver

Then Tormund led them to a separate pen at the back of his section.

The animal inside was huge, larger than a cow, with thick, fatty flesh and a calm, docile demeanor.

It stood in the center of the pen, its massive body taking up most of the space. Tormund called it a Moatt. It was bred for its meat, which was tender and flavorful, prized by nobles and commoners alike.

Darion eyed the creature. It was massive. It looked like two cows put together, its body wide and heavy, its legs short but sturdy. It would feed a lot of people. A single Moatt could feed the castle for a week, maybe more.

"How much?" he asked.

Tormund looked at the Moatt and back at Darion. "That one is special," he said. "Forty silver. It’s the largest I have. I was going to sell it to a noble from the south, but he hasn’t come to collect it yet. You want it, it’s yours."

Darion thought for a moment. Forty was a lot, but c’mon, look at the creature. It looked like two cows put together. The meat alone would be worth the cost. And with four of them, Percvale would have enough meat to last through the winter.

"I’ll take four," Darion said.

4 Moatts × 40 silver = 160 silver

The Total

Tormund did the math out loud, his voice carrying over the noise of the market.

· Cattle: 120 silver

· Goats: 72 silver

· Chickens: 72 silver

· Moatts: 160 silver

"Total is 424 silver," Tormund said, his voice carrying over the noise of the market. He looked at Darion with a satisfied grin. "A good purchase, if I do say so myself. You’ve got the foundation of a fine herd here."

Darion nodded. It was a significant amount, but it was well within their budget. He turned to Garren. "Pay him."

Garren stepped forward, counting out the coins from the pouch he carried. Silver clinked against silver as he placed them in Tormund’s outstretched hand.

The merchant’s fingers closed around the coin, and he tucked them into a heavy leather purse at his belt.

"Hope you’ll be a revisiting customer," Tormund said, his grin widening. "I always appreciate a buyer who knows quality when he sees it."

Darion smiled. "Of course... of course. If the animals do well, I’ll be back for more."

Tormund nodded. "I’ll hold you to that. Safe travels."

Now they faced a new problem. How do they get all of these animals back to Percvale? They had come on horses, not wagons.

How would they get all the animals back?

The cows and Moatts could walk, but the goats and chickens needed transport. Goats were restless; they would wander off if given the chance. Chickens were fragile; they would be crushed in a crowd.

Darion looked around the market, trying to find a solution. He saw wagons carrying goods and people. He saw men leading animals. He made a decision.

He approached a group of wagons parked near the edge of the market. The drivers were lounging in the shade, their faces weathered by years of sun and travel. Darion explained his situation. He needed two wagons: one for the goats, one for the chickens. He also needed men who were experienced in leading livestock on long journeys.

The lead driver looked him up and down. "You got animals to move?"

"Six goats, twelve chickens, six cows, and four Moatts. The cows and Moatts will walk. The goats and chickens need wagons."

The man rubbed his chin. "That’s a lot of animals. And the goats, they’ll be restless. Going to need a sturdy wagon for them."

"I’m prepared to pay fairly," Darion said. "What’s your price?"

The man named his price: twenty-five silver per wagon, plus the men’s wages. Darion bargained, but the merchant was firm. The journey would be slow, the animals would need rest, and the men would need payment.

It would not be an easy journey for them.

Darion sighed. "Fifty silver for the whole arrangement?"

The merchant considered it. "Done."

Darion pulled out another fifty silver and handed it over. He muttered under his breath: "Damn. Transportation is sure expensive."

The wagons were loaded. The goats were led into the first wagon, their hooves clattering against the wooden floor.

They bleated nervously, but they settled down once the wagon began to move. The chickens were loaded into the second wagon, their cages stacked carefully to prevent them from shifting during the journey.

The cows and Moatts were led out of their pens, their ropes held by the hired men. The men were experienced, moving among the animals with calm confidence, keeping them calm and moving steadily.

Darion, Garren, and Seren remounted their horses, their eyes scanning the scene to make sure everything was in order.

Tormund watched them go, a satisfied smile on his face. "Pleasure doing business with you. Safe travels."

Darion nodded. "Thank you, Tormund."

The caravan began to move. The wagons creaked and groaned, their wheels grinding against the packed earth.

The animals lowed and bleated, their voices mixing with the shouts of the hired men. They moved through the bustling market, past the shouting merchants, past the children and the dogs and the chaos.

They were on their way back to Percvale.

Now the Journey Ahead.

Darion looked at the line of animals trailing behind them. It was a small herd now, but it would grow in time. It would multiply before they knew it.

The journey back would take longer, maybe two days, maybe more. But they would get home. And when they did, Percvale’s first livestock would be in place.

Darion smiled. One step at a time.