Huge Ajax's Arc

Chapter 324 of 619

Tarron worked two days on the clothes. On the third morning, Tucker brought him and the four workers to the bar. Tarron was the woolwright who had joined Ajax's house last season. He wove the cloth and cut the coats. He was no fighter, but Ajax had marked him a sworn brother like the rest. Now he carried a bundle over his arm and looked pleased with himself. "Wait until you see," Tarron said. He set the bundle down and unfolded the first piece. "I cut them different from a plain shirt." The garment had no chest covering to speak of. It was two panels of fine cloth joined at the waist, open down the front, with short tight sleeves that would grip the arm. Tarron held it up. "The front stays open. The sleeves show the arms. A patron climbs the stairs and sees what he's paying for." Tucker laughed low. "He's not shy about it." "Put them on," Ajax said. The four workers took the clothes and dressed. Each pulled the tight sleeves down over his biceps. The cloth held the arm hard and left the front open from throat to belt. The men stood in a row for Ajax to see. Their arms looked bigger under the fitted cloth. Their chests caught the lamplight. Ajax walked the line again. He pressed the first man's arm through the sleeve. The bicep filled the cloth. "Flex," he said. The man raised his arm and the sleeve strained tight. Ajax moved down the row. Each man flexed in turn. The clothes did the work Tarron promised. A patron would not forget these men. Aldric came from the corner with his ledger. He looked the four over and gave a slow nod. "Fine work," he said. "They look like they belong in a lord's hall, not carrying water." "They'll do both," Ajax said. Tucker thumbed his gold chain and studied the men. "Rich men pay for a warm bath. They pay more for the sight of the one who draws it." He grinned at Tarron. "You've earned your silk." Tarron flushed at the praise. "I can make four more if you want them for the summer." Ajax turned to the four workers. They stood easy now, arms bare, front open, comfortable in the cut cloth. He had wanted men a patron would remember, and here they were. The rooms had silver. The staff had strength. Now they had the look. "Wear these when you serve," Ajax said. "Keep them clean. A patron sees you first and the room second." The men agreed. “…and one more thing.” He reached his pocket and drew out something for each of them.