Preservation

In recent days, there have been reports of mild violence; heated tempers and some instances of fisticuffs, in the various markets around the city. It turned out to have something to do with shortages of salt. What little is available for purchase has been priced out of the reach of most consumers and small business owners. I first became aware of it through the girl, Elise. She shops for dry goods several times a week, keeping the pantry of the Boarding House stocked. A fellow made mention to her that he wished to speak to me. I assume he wishes to voice his concerns and I am all too available to hear them, but I am not certain what I can do about the problem. Portia, too, has relayed tales of brawls in the street over perceived favoritism about some receiving more than their fair share and at what price.
It seemed, at first, an issue for the Caste of Merchants to handle directly. They oversee trade; the imports and exports of the City. If there is a shortage of salt, they should be brokering deals to obtain what the City needs to sate itself. However, after tiring extra-curricular research, I find that a shortage of salt can have a rippling effect on more than household consumers and purveyors of food. Most people understand that salt is used to season or preserve food. However, there are several salt-related by-products that do much more. There are medicinal and antiseptic products derived from salt, as well as tanning chemicals, cleansers and bleaches. The manufacture of bottle glass, too, requires salt. Just off the top of my head, the shortage of salt, then, would directly affect the Caste of Physicians, the Caste of Leather Workers and the Caste of Brewers, in addition to the Merchants and a myriad of sub-castes. Of course, any and all castes and vocations having to do with food and/or the preparation of food will be affected. Nearly one fourth of the world's salt comes from the region of the Tahari and, due to it's relative proximity, I assume my City relies upon that region for an even greater percent for its own share. I do not know if the shortage is due to our dealings with the desert or elsewhere, but it seems a logical conclusion. I know of two Merchants from that area; Hadj and Habib, both of Tor. Hadj is an acquaintance, he brings his rugs to my City once or twice per year. Habib is a friend, a man I have known for some time. I have traveled in his caravan on two or three occasions. He may know more. It is just a matter of finding him.