The following morning, Tobias Merrow arrived at his office earlier than usual, carrying the transportation contract that had occupied his thoughts throughout the previous evening.
The unexpected delay involving the Guild's construction materials had already disrupted his carefully prepared schedule, and the merchant responsible for the shipment had yet to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Alden Fischer had promised to investigate the matter, but Tobias had no intention of waiting while the construction project remained uncertain.
He summoned two assistants and instructed them to contact the transportation companies operating between Kingsford and the western commercial regions.
Within an hour, letters requesting quotations and available delivery schedules had been dispatched to several established carriers.
Tobias hoped the problem could be resolved by hiring another company.
Unfortunately, the responses proved considerably less encouraging than expected.
