Bartholomew calculates something pensively, then smiles lightly. "That might be even better. The merchants wil

Bartholomew calculates something pensively, then smiles lightly. "That might be even better. The merchants will pass through our territory just to avoid our neighbors. We'll collect less gold, it's true. But our neighbors won't get a penny! That is the essence of being wealthy! – If you have more than your neighbors, you are feared and respected. This is a very sensible decision."