Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 40

 

40. 

 

The whereabouts of the ship was what Bassanio was doing since his disappearance. He was hiding at the docks, looking at the arrival log of ships.

“Do you know what happened to the Argus?” Bassanio asked. It was the ship he had consigned to carry his wares after it was land delivered from Wallachia to the Port of Vadar, an obscure port on the coast of Croatia and Dalmatia. It was done by the Vlachs, the locals from the state of Bosnia. He could have delivered via Venice, but the port there was filled with other traders and shippers where the taverns may loosen their tongues.

“We hold many obstacles with the ships here. We will move to Makarska, further down the coast, to ship from there.” Commander Hasan Pilsic told the trader. It was unnegotiated terms, for the trader needed the Vlach to move the wares; the trade routes were in their control. It also incurred additional cost to the trader, who then reluctantly agreed to the new costs. Bassanio knew that he could pass on the costs to the owners who commissioned him.

The Chorbaji Tarmuk, who commissioned the delivery, had stated no costs to be avoided, for these are the personal possessions of Radu to Genoa. He was told to be extra careful of the moving, as there were valuables in there. He had never explained to Bassanio in detail about the wares, except that they were from Wallachia. Speculation was rife that it was holding many valuables of the ex-Voivode and several cases of jewels. It was obvious with the ongoing war there that the Voivode may be shipping his wealth to Genoa.

“Perhaps, you were never told of the Empress’s jewels.” Bassanio had met Antonio, whom he was told needed to raise money because the cost of the shipping was higher during the wars. The latter had approached Antonio on the loan and added in the rumours of the above.

“Empress Jewels? You taunt me here to get my assistance.” Antonio looked at the other. “Wars are fought over it.”

“And whom have it? The Turks were the last to hold it.” Bassanio smiled. “And word had reached me that the King of Hungary had laid claim to it and got the release of one named Vlad Tepes.”

“Vlad Tepes is a beast.” Antonio said. “He rots in the dungeon in Hungary. You are misinformed.”

“Yet, he was released from it.” Bassanio corrected the other. “He was given the task to claim back Wallachia. He was to fight his own brother if need be and claim all the wealth. Do you know why?”

“Radu has the Empress Jewels, as I was told.” Bassanio continued. “And by chance, I am shipping the merchandise of Radu from Wallachia to Genoa. You can only ……”

“Are you telling me the Empress Jewels is there in the shipment?” Antonio was intrigued.

“Do not whisper this too loud, Antonio. I will let you know more if you assist me.” Bassanio hooked on the other, who had greed displayed on his expression. Antonio asked around for loans, and finally, upon desperation, the reckless obligation towards Shylock.

The delay in the shipment with the re-routing due to the war there and the pressing demand to return the loan to Shylock, Antonio rode off to Moldavia to see Lord Gencio Capulet while Bassanio had again approached Portia, but she denied him the loan to repay Shylock.

Bassanio was getting desperate then. Maybe he was wrong on the wares or the shipment was missing.“We just got news that the ship was delayed when it sprang a leak circumventing the peninsula near Catania. Another ship reported back in. The Argus docked there for repairs, and the wares were transferred to the Demetus after two weeks of waiting.”

“When will the Demeter arrive?”

“Soon, as I am looking at the logs.” The Port Master replied to Bassanio. “Unless it sprung a leak.”

Bassanio sighed in relief then.

“Trader, I am to let you know that all wares from Wallachia or Moldavia are to be checked by the magistrate before they can be released. Those are the latest orders from them.” The Port Master looked at Bassanio. “Are your wares from there?”

“Nay, mine are from Bosnia.” Bassanio lied. “Fabrics, and of course silver. If not for the latter, I would have taken the land route, but Silver needed more secure means.”

It was a slip of the tongue on Bassanio's part then. He bit his lips for the careless mention. Valuable minerals are ripe for pillage at the warehouses.

“And they weigh more.” The port master laughed. “The ship is arriving soon. Just get your warehouse ready. Do you have any?”

Bassanio nodded and then went back to his warehouse. His instinct told him that he was being followed, but he was unsure. He turned to the nearby tavern and took a table at the far corner. He saw Gratiano then, his good friend, who was the one who introduced him to Portia.

“You were not heard of in the last few days.” Gratiano raised the issue on his mind. “Antonio is not in Genoa.”

“I was busy. How did you know I was here? Why are you here?” Bassanio asked. He looked to the rear of the trader and saw no one noticeable.

“The loan with Shylock is due. He has been asking for it. The words are out.” Gratiano said. “He wants his repatriation now.”

“Well, I do not have it. My ship was to arrive, but it was delayed, and the new ship is due soon.” Bassanio looked at the trader. “Can we defer the repayment?”

“Tell me the truth, Bassanio. Are your wares valuable items? Like the ……”

“Valuables? Of course there are valuable items. Why then would I trade in useless wares?” Bassanio laughed.

“There are rumours that yours may include some valuable items… priceless items….”

“You taunt me there. How would I know of the other wares? Mine are noted, but others could have shipped their wares on the same ship.” Bassanio smiled. “What priceless item? Perhaps the Empress Jewels? I heard of that, but I do not have it.”

It was a slip of the tongue by Bassanio.

“Do not taunt me, Bassanio. The jewels are worth more than all my wares sold to date, and the reward to recover them is weighed in gold.” Gratiano glared at the other. “I am your friend, but all is fair in trading.”

“Are you threatening me, Gratiano? You do not want Nerissa to be a widow so soon.”

“We are not wedded, but neither do you want to forego Portia Belmont’s inheritance. We both need each other.” Gratiano looked at the other.

“Take it which way you want, Gratiano. I am tired and will leave now.” Bassanio got up to leave.

“Watch your back, Bassanio. It may be others who are not your friend.” Gratiano cautioned the other. He then took leave of Bassanio, who was still standing there. The latter looked around at those seated there, and he felt eyes were on him. He left in a hurry back to his warehouse.

Bassanio did not make it back.