by Terry Schott
"I don’t understand what you mean."
"You have changed everything with your meddling ways."
"I don’t know what you mean."
"People used to come to the alleys because they had nowhere else to go."
"That is still the case."
"Yes, but they no longer remain here." Argon picked a stray hair from the bearskin on which he sat. "You loan them money and they use it to better themselves."
"That is true."
"They prosper and then leave the alleys, returning to a normal life."
"That is not always the case. Many remain, choosing to run operations from the safety provided by the alleys."
"Most leave."
"To be replaced by new souls."
Lord Argon glowered at Leo.
"I also understand that the ones who do leave continue to pay you tribute for the term that they originally agree upon, is that not the case?"
"Yes."
"Allow me to repeat what you are saying so that I might better understand your anger."
"Don’t get fancy to me, lad. I can drip that honey as well."
"All right." Leo approached a side table and, after a nod from Argon, poured two glasses of water. He handed one to his lord, and then sat down at the table. "You are upset that people come to the alley and, rather than lying in the dirt as poor wretches for the remainder of their lives, they do well. When they leave, if they leave, you continue to receive tribute. Then more arrive and the process repeats itself. This earns more than you ever collected with the old system, but you are upset." Leo took a drink from his glass and shook his head. "I am definitely confused by your anger at me."
Argon opened his mouth and then closed it. He glared at Leo as he drank from his own glass then, after a moment, laughed. "When you put it that way, I do sound ridiculous, don’t I?"
"You are far from that, Lord. I must have described the situation wrong."
"No, you said it true." Argon ran one hand through his long black hair and stroked his beard. "It’s just that your method is new. The way of things was set for so long and now it has changed."
"Has it changed for the better?"
Argon thought for a moment and then nodded. "Of course. Six years ago, when you first stood before me, I was already very wealthy. Since then, my fortune has increased more than a hundredfold."
"Much of that is a result of your efforts, Lord."
"And much of it is also a result of yours. I give credit where it is due, and you deserve the recognition."
"That pleases me."
"Why have you not asked for release from your bond to me?"
"My lord?"
"You are wealthy and clever, Leo. The average man would have demanded to be released from their lord’s bond so they could go out and build their own territory."
"We spoke of this years ago and nothing has changed. I do not wish to be an alley lord."
"All people crave power."
"I agree."
"That power is displayed by their position in the world."
"Yes."
"Titles command respect."
"To some degree. They also invite attack."
"You are not craven, Leo. I know as well as everyone else the price you extract on those who threaten you or yours. I doubt you fear being attacked by anyone."
"That is true, but titles are rare. In order for someone to gain a title, they must eliminate the person holding it. There can be only one lord over the alleys you control. In order for someone to take that position, you must be overthrown. It is that way with all titles and, in my opinion, a terrible waste of energy and resources are required to defend an extra word before one’s name."
"Damn it, but you are clever, boy."
"I try."
"I can’t imagine being a common person with no title."
"I am far from a common person. Because there is no real advantage in attacking me, I can walk alone and feel relatively safe. You must always have bodyguards with you in case an aggressive underling tries to kill you and claim your position."
"The extra attention doesn’t bother me. I rather enjoy it."
"We are different in many ways, Lord."
"That is true." Argon drained his glass and refilled it, bringing the flask to top up Leo’s glass as well. "Perhaps you are not ruining my alleys, as I had thought."
"I’m glad that you agree. It is also important to note that many of the other lords are suffering during these times while you are not. Your alleys are the destination for the poor and destitute. Did you know there is a waiting list to live in them?"
Lord Argon threw his head back and laughed. "I know you are right, but I find it hard to believe."
Leo smiled. "The alleys have changed, Lord. They were once a place for the discarded."
"And now they are a destination for those who wish for something better. Your subtle influence has changed the way of things, Leo. I am surprised other lords are not doing the same."
"They resist change." Leo nodded. "You can understand that."
"Yes, I can."
"Maybe it is time to expand and take control of a fourth alley, Lord."
"Yes, young lion. Maybe it is."
32
Oak entered the coffeehouse and walked straight towards Leo’s booth in the back.
Leo finished chewing his mouthful of food and smiled at his friend. "Want something to drink?"
Oak shook his head. "I have anÉlu candidate ready to speak with you."
Leo placed the sandwich on its plate and used a napkin to wipe his hands. "Which one?"
"Guy named Christoph. He borrowed some money and now says he can’t pay it back."
"You hurt him yet?"
Oak shrugged. "A bit, but I don’t want to go too hard and lose him. He’s a good fellow and shows promise."
"Is this the same Christoph we talked about a few weeks ago?"
"Yeah."
Leo shook his head and picked up his mug. "It doesn’t speak well of a candidate if they don’t pay their debts on time."
"Like I said, I have increased his load to past the breaking point. He was a regular payer on the small amounts, but I extended more than he can ever pay back. He came to me before the loan is due to let me know it was gonna be a concern."
"I like that."
"Yeah. He’s done well at each step of the process and now it’s time for you to meet him. He’s drowning and we either pull him onto our boat or let him sink."
Leo sighed. "Clever term to use, considering his job."
"Thanks." Oak smiled as he stood. "He’s outside, waiting. Want me to send him in or come out?"
"What do you think?"
"I’ll send him in."
Leo pushed his plate to the side and a server appeared to take it away. A few moments later, the door opened and a young man shuffled in, clearly out of place with his sailor garb. Leo caught the young man’s eye and waved him over. When he got close to the table, Leo smiled and indicated the seat across from him.
"Grab a seat. It’s Christoph, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Please, call me Leo."
"Don’t sound correct to do so, sir."
"I insist."
"All right."
Christoph sat down and looked around, his shoulders stooped and his eyes darting from the floor to other tables around them.
"Oak tells me that you might not be able to pay what you owe."
The young man shook his head. "There’s no way I’ll be able to pay it all back in time."
"That’s not good."
"I know, sir." Leo opened his mouth to correct him and Christoph nodded. "I mean Leo. I want to tell you why."
"Why doesn’t matter."
"It doesn’t?"
"Of course not." Leo crossed his arms and leaned back.
"How come?"
"A loan was given with clear terms of repayment. Is there anything you can say which will change that?"
"No."
"If you tell me a wondrous story, do you expect me to declare that the loan can be forgotten?"
Christoph bowed his head. "I don’t suppose so."
"Will an extension of time allow you to earn enough to pay it back?"
"It would need to be a long extension."
"Is that a yes?"
Christoph hesitated before answering. "Yes."
"You say the word, but the tone in your voice indicates the opposite." Leo tapped the desk. "Have you seen what happens when Oak doesn’t get his money back?"
"I thought it was your money."
"Did I hand it to you?"
"No. Oak did."
Leo spread his hands and shrugged. "There you have it, then."
"I have heard stories about Oak."
"I can assure you that they are all true." Leo shook his head. "You are in serious danger, Christoph."
"There must be something I can do to clear the debt."
"What do you mean?"
"Perhaps you will loan me enough to pay Oak."
"Why would I do something like that? You have just admitted that you cannot pay the money back."
"With coin." Christoph paused, then leaned forward. "I hear that sometimes you accept other forms of payment. Information or service."
Leo nodded and tilted up his chin to scratch his beard. "I do that occasionally."
Christoph nodded and smiled. "I work on a trade ship. There must be some way I can help you."
"Your father captains the ship, if I recall."
"He is captain and owner of the ship, Fury’s Pride."
"Right. It brings exotic spices and metals from across the ocean."
"Yes."
"How could that benefit me?"
"There must be some way."
Leo tapped his fingers against the table and nodded. After a moment, he stopped tapping and squinted at Christoph. "Perhaps there is a way, but I must ask a very important question of you first."
"Of course."
"You are nineteen, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"Shouldn’t you have a ship of your own by now? I understand that your father is very wealthy amongst the traders. He owns a fleet of more than a dozen ships, and he rarely loses one during voyages abroad, which speaks well of his abilities."
"I am the fourth son. My eldest two brothers help my father run the fleet since one of them will inherit it. I will not build a fortune simply to have it taken by my brothers upon the death of my father."
"I see. And he will not fund you to start another fleet?"
"To compete with his own?" Christoph shook his head. "That would be a foolish business decision, Leo."
Leo shrugged. "With a narrow vision, perhaps. I sense that you have little reason to be loyal to your family."
"I am loyal, even though it will not benefit me during my lifetime."
"If I were to buy the debt from Oak and offer you an opportunity to repay me through service, it would involve being loyal to me over your family."
"I must first be loyal to myself, Leo. If a deal with you will lift the debt hanging over me, then I am open to considering it."
Leo smiled. "Then let me make you an offer."
***
Oak waited until Christoph had left before entering the coffeehouse and sitting down at Leo’s booth.
"Did he go for it?"
"He did."
"Excellent. Did you bring up the concept ofÉlu with him?"
"No, it is much too early for that. We will give him a series of tasks to measure his loyalty, intelligence, and potential. If he does well over the next few years, then I will broach the subject of entry into theÉlu."
"I have a few other candidates that match the profile."
"From what aspects of life?"
"A farmer, alchemist, baker, cobbler, and soldier. None of them stand in line to inherit their family business."
"Perfect. Bring them to me when you are able."
"It will take some time to get them ready."
Leo smiled. "This is a long game, Oak. I am prepared to wait an adequate amount of time."
"Do you want any more sailors?"
"Of course."
Oak stood up. "I’ll get back to work."
33
Leo knocked on Doc Johnston’s front door and smiled when the elder man opened it.
"Hello, Doc. You’re dressed fancy today."
"Hi, Leo. I am leaving for the Pits in a few minutes."
"I didn’t know you went there."
"Are you keeping track of where I spend my time?"
Leo shrugged. "Not really, but my network does like to mention when they see you out and about."
"No harm in that. My little spiders do the same with regards to you." He opened the door and stood to one side. "Come in. I have a treat for you to sample."
"If you are about to leave, I can come back later. I don’t want to interrupt your day."
"Nonsense. I have time and have been excited to share this with you."
Doc Johnston led them into his sitting room. "Let me go prepare it. I had water boiling for another purpose, so it won’t take long."
Leo removed his jacket and walked to the bookshelf, retrieving a volume that he had been reading bit by bit during his visits. "Take your time. I’m at a very interesting part in this book."
The doctor returned five minutes later with a tray holding a pot and two cups. Leo looked up and closed the book as the older man placed the tray on the small table between them.
"What have you got there?"
"It’s called xai." He tipped the pot and poured a light purple liquid into both cups and handed one to Leo.
"Xai? Never heard of it." He leaned close to the cup and sniffed the steam. "It smells wonderful?"
"A faraway land across the ocean."
"Which one?"
"Krandar."
Leo frowned. "Our ships trade with Krandar. Why have I not heard of xai before now?"
The doc chuckled. "It is a very sacred drink. The penalty for sharing it with foreigners is death."
Leo blew across the surface of his cup and then took a sip. His eyes widened and he smiled before taking another. "This is delicious."
"I thought you would enjoy it."
"Imagine if I could get this into my coffeehouses."
"I have." The doctor took a sip from his cup and smiled. "That is exactly why I am giving you a taste."
Leo set the cup down. "You’ve found a way to get some?"
"Maybe. That’s why I am off to the Pits today."
"Ah."
"I always keep my eye out for people from Krandar. It is rare for them to journey abroad, but every once in a while one will strike out and seek the Pits."
"It is said that they produce the world’s fiercest warriors."
"Based on those who come to the Pits, I would have to agree with that reputation. Over a year ago, a Krandarian appeared and my network informed me. I have been building a relationship with him ever since. Even the best fighters are injured and require medical attention."
Leo took another drink of xaiand closed his eyes. "I’ve never tasted anything like it."
The doctor laughed. "I think that my relationship with the warrior has grown to where I can bring up this topic with him." He shrugged. "The odds are strong that he will not help me, but I must ask."
"If he does agree to help, you could profit an incredible amount."
The doctor nodded. "I feel very optimistic that Ricin will be agreeable to my proposal."
Leo froze, the cup halfway to his lips. "His name is Ricin?"
"That’s right. What’s wrong, lad? You look troubled all of a sudden."
Leo placed his cup on the table, the porcelain tinkling from the shaking of his hand. "Doc, this is going to sound very strange, but I need to go with you and meet this man."
"Don’t worry, Leo, I will be certain to cut you in on the profits, should Ricin be willing."
"It’s not that." The boy to
ok a breath and exhaled.
"What is it?"
"I remember names from my early childhood. Only a handful, but for some reason they are burned into my brain. When I hear of people with these names, I feel an overwhelming compulsion to meet them. It is almost as if some part of me is searching for these people. When I find the correct person, I know it right away."
The doctor frowned. "And Ricin is one of those names?"
Leo nodded.
"Hmm." The doctor’s frown deepened as he drank the remainder of his xai. "You become a deeper mystery as time passes."
Leo blinked and remained silent.
"I intended to bring you in on the xai opportunity, so I see no reason for you not to accompany me."
"You don’t need to include me in the xai business, Doc."
"Oh, please." He held one hand up. "Our lives and destinies have been intertwined since the day we met. For better or worse, our stars rise or fall together."
"I feel the same way."
"Wait a minute." The doctor’s smile faded. "Is my name one of those implanted into your psyche?"
Leo looked at the doctor and nodded.
"Fascinating." The doctor stood and retrieved an overcoat from a nearby sofa. "Well then, I guess we had better go meet Ricin."
34
The tradition of the fighting pits, or the Pits as they had come to be called, was centuries old. One could not travel through a town or village without finding at least one circular pit dug into the ground where local folk could gather and watch violent combat.
Doctor Johnston and Leo approached the gates. A long line had formed but the doctor led them to a side door where they were given immediate access.
"You get special treatment, I see."
The doctor nodded. "The Pits and I go way back. It is an excellent place for a physician to work his or her trade. Healing fighters so that they may retain their strength and fight again is a skill that the Pit Masters pay well for, and I have always been skilled at my trade."
Originally, Pit fighters had been free men and women who used the venue to display their skills or challenge each other to resolve arguments, but growing demand for entertainment had resulted in the Pits becoming its own industry. Now, less than ten percent of the Pit fighters were free citizens. The majority of fighters were slaves owned by investors called Pit Masters, wealthy men who spent incredible sums of money to purchase and train fighters in hopes of earning large profits.
