The greater part of these goods were purchased by the rich, but many were purchased by property owners for the running of their own farms. As well, there were many specialty shops, or sections in many or most of the most expensive shops, where even the poorest soul could find some item within modest monetary means. Discount stores and clearance centers were by no means an unknown or new idea.
As they rode deeper into the city, Birin, in a formal tone, and as a courtesy, explained all of this to the newcomers, eventually prompting Doc to ask a question.
‘How is it that the Merchants have been kept from buying up or controlling Narvi?’ Thinking of the way that major chains of stores back home would move into quaint areas, set up shop, and drive all the small businesses out, wrecking such quaint areas for all, while other such businesses would worm their way in as well, and like taxidermists, keep the façade of the original quaintness, while underneath lurked the soulless juggernaut of large corporations.
Birin smiled as though he relished the answer.
‘The Thane,’ he said, ‘when he came into his Stewardship, continued the policy of the former Steward (also a Thane), which declared that no Merchant could traffic in home crafts, unless they were made wholly of materials which could not be got anywhere in the Elf Kingdom. Also, Narvi is designated solely for the commerce of the common Elven people. Those Dwarves and Men living in Narvi are bound by that same rule of commerce. You will find Dwarvish and Human Merchants only within the walls of Mirrindale.’