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The fishmonger seems entirely indifferent to the roe, but you know that it is worth a small fortune to him, for the lord has refined tastes and will handsomely for good roe. You do not doubt, however, that the fishmonger would not take any offense if you chose to take your business elsewhere. He is that sort of man. But you do not take your business elsewhere, you oblige the time he needs and what's more you give him additional gratuity on top of that for his fair dealing.
He gives you thirty silver pieces and a carved wooden token representing the remainder of his debt, and tells you he will have the money ready in a few days time. As the reeve is the only one in the village who could possibly have so much silver in ready money (besides the lord, of course), you know that the tale will reach his ears soon enough. Perhaps it will assuage his doubts in regards to your uncle.
With the silver from the reeve, you have a total of 82 pieces in hand and 142 pieces still owed (not counting the 60 pieces you lent your cousin). You are nearly half-way to paying off the boat and otherwise have more than enough to pay your rents and taxes this season. And the lagoon you discovered is nowhere close to being exhausted. Doubtless some of the bolder fishermen will wake early and attempt to follow you tomorrow to wet their own beaks, but few are skilled enough to navigate the rocks and fewer still have the courage to attempt it. Still, eventually, one or two will make it through.
Now, as for your uncle:
>It is customary to pay workers on a boat a flat wage, but as your uncle is working off a debt, that wage is void. He should get nothing, especially because money in hand may tempt him to his vices.
>You split the take with him in half but count it against his debts, thereby absolving him of his obligation. Should he choose to stay on, he'll be paid a fair wage.
>You give him a share of the take, not half, but not insignificant either and surely more than he should expect as a bondsman. Let it signify your trust in him to use the money responsibly.
>Write-in