The music set the tone for the night and the planned festivities like any soundtrack should. It sent people to the dance floor and commanded their movements in wondrous fashion. Music could lighten the feet of even the most dubious of dancers and it was that power that always captured Arn’s attention. Unfortunately the soundtrack of his life was different and it was, at the moment, overpowering the work of the orchestra.

“What I mean is that a lowering of the merchant licence could allow for a larger growth in trade. The benefits could be incalculable.” Montague said. His wine soaked teeth destroyed the sober front he was trying to carry. He was challenged by another as quickly as the wine glass reached Montagu’s lips.

“And I am telling you that it should be a decrease in the toll tax. Lowering the cost of the licence will only make every boy with a wagon think they can become a trader. Lower the road tolls will let us carry product further and make the profits increase. That is how you make a bridge to Asia.” Capulet was just as far down the wine barrel as the two continued to bicker.

The debate raged on as Arn strained his ears to try and hear the music more than the two old merchants cross words. The position was normal for him. Being an ambassador to what felt like all of Western Europe meant everyone who did business beyond the western walls of Vienna had to go through Arn and his country. It was a great honor of course; however, it also meant that his job was never off. Even when wine, food, and music were in the room.

With the party being a masked event he thought he could be saved from the torment of politics and greed. Even the mask didn’t hide how foolish a thought this was. Arn figured the merchants had paid off someone to describe his mask so as to find him at the party. This was normally a trick saved for a man to find a woman he fancies, but in the world of business Arn could see the merchants seeing him as a mistress of trade. The thought humored and revolted him.

Arn had finally used up the last bit of patience he had for the two and decided to put an end to the discussion. “Gentleman I beg you to hear me. The tolls pay for the roads that you use to carry goods to England. They also bring food to my countries markets. Places that see none of your goods. The merchant licence allows our own merchants a fighting chance against titans of trade such as you both. Your bellies are full and your families happy. Let that thought carry you to continue to do business with my grateful country.”

Before a word of protest came from the two Arn excused himself under the pretext that he needed another drink. The reality being he rarely touched the stuff. It was something that he had taken on during his time in the Holy Land. He was not practicing his avoidance out of a religious rule, but found the liquid lead to a dark path showcased by Montague. He wandered through the crowd until he came to the large table with food and drink. He began to decorate a plate with some food.

“You speak armed with the power of wisdom and forethought. Very befitting of the son of Nikola Von Leitner.” A man’s voice said from behind Arn. It was familiar to him and after turning around there was no surprise in finding his good family friend Alexis standing before him. The mask did a fine job of hiding his face, but nothing could hide the large belly under his coat. “Every time we see each other it seems you are spitting wit and silencing problems.” He reached out and gave Arn a hug.

“Were I truly capable of spitting wit I would never lose to you in our debates.” Arn said with a smile. He had known Alexis for many years and had been ecstatic when he had learned he was to be selected as one of his aids and fellow representatives for England. “What you witnessed was a man tired of trial and dreaming of paradise.” Arn and Alexis both laughed and walked towards the center of the crowd that had formed next to the dance hall. 

“Paradise my good man, is clearly right before you.” Alexis said while motioning towards a small gathering of woman. They were standing, in obvious fashion, with a desire to be asked to dance. Their gowns, each a masterpiece of fabric and fashion caught the eyes of many and to their credit held many.

“I would rather scale the walls of Jericho.” Arn said flatly. His tone only matched by his somewhat obvious uncomfortable shift in his stance. The reaction brought on a boisterous laugh from Alexis that gathered the attention of many around them.

“My friend the crusader! He not only fights to keep the Holy Land pure, but continues the fight within himself. My goodness even a man of the cloth can approach a woman with thoughts of sin and virtue. It is only his tools that that make us different.” Alexis laughed once again and patted Arn on the back. Thankfully he had finished the food on his plate; otherwise, everything would have likely flown through the air. “Well perhaps we have approached this battlefield wrong. You normally lead the charge, but this does not require the clash of swords and will. What we need is one who is skilled in the ways of woman, a spy as it were.”

“Alexis I was not prompting you to…” But it was already do late. An unseen wink behind his mask was all Alexis gave as he walked over to the woman and began to talk with them. He could then be seen looking back and pointing to Arn. This prompted another awkward shift in the mans stance. Shortly after the group of women laughed at something Alexis said. A half step later he walked back towards Arn with the company of two women.

“My good sir. Your chivalry and status as a gentleman is known through the world out. I come here with these two beautiful flowers in hopes that you can help them with a distressing problem. It would seem that their beauty is so far beyond the understanding of man that they have yet to be courted. I humbly request that you, with your courage and nobility, might hold the key to assisting me in this dire situation.” 

Alexis was a jerk of a friend at times, but when a man can use his tongue like that it never surprised Arn that he was good with woman. The woman laughed together and then the one wearing a passionate crimson red dress stepped forward and held her hand out for Arn to take. “I have been told to assure you that I do not bite.” She added as Arn respectfully took her hand. He then followed Alexis who was leading his partner to the dance floor.