Claudia took her time. She knew how to bargain.
As she roamed the booths of foodstuffs at the market, she saw a fat merchant (is there any other kind?) standing next to a corral filled with donkeys. The fact that the animals looked rather mean and mangy hadn't escaped his notice.
"You'd expect me to pay that for a week's service?" The man bellowed at an unkempt stable master. In fact, the man looked worse than his beasts. "Do you think I am blind?"
"They'll haul your goods to the port," the stable master said.
Claudia walked over to the fence, getting an idea.
"Good sir," she said and produced a winsome smile in the bargain. "I have a well-kept donkey at home," she lied, although she knew that her words would be true by the morning. She mentioned her location, emphasizing the proximity to the palace to make her abode seem more presentable. "I am sure I could work out a bargain. How long would you be needing the animal?"
The man frowned being one that didn't normally like to do business with a woman. But a second glance at the careworn old mules and donkeys persuaded him to give her a listen.
"Four days, perhaps five," he said. "I have some illuminated manuscripts that I need transported to the port."
"Come see me in the morning," she said.
"I'd hoped to get underway this day..."
She thought fast. "I have him out plowing a farmer's fields today, but tomorrow he will be rested and ready. I promise, sir, that I will do you better than that swindler."
The stable master glared at Claudia, but she ignored him.
"The animal better be in good shape," the merchant said.
"Of course," Claudia said and walked off with a bit of a flounce. On her way back through the market, she bought all of Laurent's favorites. She would need him in a cooperative mood when she broached the possibility of this job.