with the Gallic tribes to the north for a number of years, therefore we already have our trades routes laid out. To include your new towns would be but a simple matter. I am meeting this afternoon with some colleagues to work out details in regards to this. As in any business, it's a matter of supply and demand, which affects the costs. To that, we would have to, of course, weigh in the effect of loss due to bandit raids. I do not, though, really expect that to be a major factor, given the presence of your legions in the area, Caesar." Leander nodded to the Roman.

"As for the type of trade goods, that would be decided by those receiving them, would it not? Whatever your towns would need, we can supply. As for the overall cost, that would be determined by the purchase cost of the items, plus a small markup to cover the risk and costs of shipping the items and a profit for the merchants. That markup would be, say, 40% of the original value."

Leander paused to take a sip of his wine before continuing.

"I also hear that you are planning a city on the Rheinus? We can include that in our trade route, if you like. It'd be a bit more out of the way and the likelihood of loss is increased. The Gauls there are less influenced by the civilizing effect of Rome." Leander smiled disarmingly."Costs of goods there would, naturally, be higher, say 60% of the original purchase value."

Leander stopped, eating some fruit and waited for Caesar's response.