by Brian Keller
An hour later the class had, under Master Worthan’s guidance, defined and classified all known aspects of the slaver’s operation in the Waterfront. Master Worthan included several items that had been disclosed to him by Master Brais; aspects of which the boys had been previously ignorant. Cooper and Kolrem left the room feeling much more enlightened. As they walked to the Scenarios classroom they occupied their time discussing how their knowledge of the business aspects might be translated into exploitable vulnerabilities of Jarell’s organization.
As they were seated around the dinner table that evening Cooper asked Birt, “Where’s Rukle? I haven’t seen him since this morning.” Birt managed, between bites, “He Manifested… sometime this morning… From what I hear, it was dramatic… every bit as intense as Kolrem’s…” He set down his utensils; a sure sign that he had more to say, “I didn’t see it myself, but I’ll wager a silver that he’s got Fire somewhere in the mix. Just look at him. Yep, he’s almost sure to have a Fire element at the very least.” No one appeared to be willing to bet against him.
Later that night Master Brais led his reconnaissance team back to the Waterfront. Before they’d boarded the longboat tonight, Master Brais informed the boys, “I have a task to perform inside the warehouse tonight. I expect things to transpire much as they did last night, but simply be aware that tonight the risks have increased.” Once they’d arrived, each of them took their previous vantage points and Master Brais wasted no time in entering the warehouse.
He’d been inside for a little over an hour when Cooper heard a ruckus from inside the warehouse. These noises were very different than those from the night before. This sounded like men shouting orders at each other and knocking stacks of crates to the ground. Shortly afterward a man with a crossbow came running outside and began circling the building with his weapon pointed towards the warehouse roof. Obviously Master Brais had been discovered. Cooper tried to signal to one of the boys nearby so they could coordinate an attack on the man in the street, but the other boy never took his eyes off the man. Cooper waited until the man rounded the corner on the other side of the building before he stood to let his classmates see him and then he dropped to the ground. He rapidly crossed the space between his location and the warehouse and he scaled the wall with ease. He gauged where he thought the armed man might be and he proceeded to the skylight and pulled it open violently. This caught the attention of most of the men inside and they began yelling to warn the man outside. Cooper, staying crouched, quickly padded across the roof back towards the doors that faced the docks. He then pointed to the boys positioned there and then pointed to where the man with the crossbow would likely be coming around. One of the boys gave him an abbreviated wave and Cooper half crept-half crawled up to the peak of the roof and side stepped down the other side, watching for the armed man while moving carefully as to not lose his footing and slide. As the man rounded the corner and his line of sight cleared the eaves. He saw Cooper’s shadowed figure crouching at the edge of the roof and he took aim. One of the boys on the pier stood and made a noise, causing the man to turn to identify this new potential threat. Cooper dropped to the ground, rolling to disperse his impact. As the crossbowman turned back to take aim on Cooper again, his actions were interrupted by a chain knife striking his forearm and the resulting sensation of flesh being torn as Cooper yanked on the chain. Before the man could attempt to position himself or cry out, two figures emerged from the shadows. One from the pier, and one from the west. A second later, as the crossbowman lay still, gurgling on his own blood, Cooper rose to see Kolrem lean down and pull the chain knife free and toss it in his direction. Cooper turned to face the doors of the warehouse, then spoke to the boys behind him, “Drag him to the doors, quickly.” Cooper assumed that the shift change hadn’t happened yet so most likely there were only two men still inside, but there could be as many as eight, or even more if preparations were being made to move the slaves. As Kolrem and the other boys dropped the corpse, Cooper waved them all back to their positions and forcefully pulled the doors open, then sprinted around the side of the building. Once he heard the shouts in response to the doors being opened and the resultant discovery of their dead colleague, he again scaled the side of the building and returned to the skylight. As he peered through the opening, he was able to discern one fact immediately; there were more than two men inside. He could see that Master Brais had taken cover behind a stack of crates in order to protect himself from two men with crossbows. Meanwhile, he was attempting to hold off three men that were armed with swords or axes. Two men were fighting on one side, attempting to press him out into the open, where he could be shot, and the other remained where the crossbowmen could see him and he would dart in and try to attack Master Brais while he was facing the other two. The two crossbowmen were separating themselves further apart as they tried to find a position from which they could take a shot without hitting one of their own men. Cooper took a deep breath and embraced the shadows. As he Flowed inside he could almost sense the route he needed to take. He dropped from the rafters and slipped up behind the nearest of the crossbowmen, he could smell the man’s sweat and heard his clothing whisper as he shifted to take aim every time some part of Master Brais flashed into view. He died without making a sound. Without pausing in his movement, Cooper closed the distance to the second crossbowman. This man must have seen something from the edge of his view, perhaps the collapsing body of his fellow. He was turning to get a clear view of what had happened and had only enough time to pull in a lungful of air before Cooper slipped a blade under the man’s right arm and into one of those recently inflated lungs. What had started as a yell turned into a forceful wheeze and Cooper brought his left hand around, pommel-first, to the base of the man’s skull. Whatever air remained in the man’s lungs exited as a high-pitched groan. Cooper heard the sounds of at least two other men over near the doors. One was issuing orders to get the corpse out of the street and into the warehouse. The view was blocked by stacks of wooden crates but Cooper knew that they had very little time before all these men became involved in the fight. He drew energy from all around him and sprinted to the man that was attacking Master Brais from behind. Cooper came up behind the man and thrust his left blade into the man’s left side. At the same time, he brought his right hand up to cut into the man’s right shoulder and into the tendons underneath. The man cried out and tried to turn to face his attacker but Cooper brought his knee up hard into the man’s lower back, causing him to pitch forward and drop his axe. Cooper released his hold with his left hand, transferred the blade from his right to his left and snatched up the axe. He then stood and hurled it past Master Brais at one of the two remaining fighters. The two men had seen Cooper dispatch the axeman, so they saw the axe coming and were able to dodge it. Their distraction, however, gave Master Brais the opening he needed and he quickly dispatched one, and then the next. Cooper retrieved his dagger and spoke in a forced whisper, “Sir! We’ve got to go! Follow me, out the roof!” Cooper was halfway up a stack of crates and was reaching for a rafter when he heard Master Brais’ reply, “No. They know that we know. We kill them all.” Cooper pulled himself up amongst the rafters, turned to face his teacher and gave him a silent nod. He then embraced the shadows again and surged towards the doors.
*****
Iona wasn’t entirely sure what she was feeling, but it was akin to the tickle you feel at the end of your nose just before you either sneeze or feel compelled to rub your nose to rid yourself of the sensation. She had the distinct impression that it was far away, which meant it was powerful. The tickle stayed with her for a few minutes, but it was difficult to tell which direction. Considering the distance it would likely be either north or east. She based this conclusion solely on the fact that there were very few people living to the south or west. She needed to inform the professor. She still had to pause mentally to avoid thinking of him as her ‘master’. She ‘cast her net’ in several directions but mostly felt only vague returns of her c
lassmates and nearby University staff using their Talents. It took her only ten minutes to find her teacher but by then she’d not felt any more indications for a few minutes, not since that initial sensation. At first, the professor seemed to resent her intrusion on his privacy, but his demeanor changed once he’d heard her describe what she’d felt. The professor asked her whether she still felt anything but she assured him that no other sensations had come to her after that first occurrence.
The professor sent her back to her quarters but not before telling her that he would be assembling a small group of mages that would be able to join them quickly and provide some security for them the next time she had these sensations. They would form a hunting party.
Chapter 11
By the time Cooper returned to the rear of the warehouse, Master Brais had released almost all of the slaves. Many of them voiced their gratitude, which Master Brais acknowledged with a silent nod. As for any that wished to shake his hand or place a hand on him, he adroitly shifted his position to avoid the contact and continued releasing the captives. Master Brais turned to Cooper, “Ensure that we have a clear path along the docks, if you please, young sir. And send in one or two of those outside to assist me here.” Cooper paused. It was unusual for Master Brais to refer to him except by his name, but obviously now they were outside and accompanied by many people that were unfamiliar to them. Names must be protected. Cooper nodded in obedience, “Yes, sir.”
Once outside, Cooper pointed at two of his classmates, “I’ve been sent to ask two of you to go assist inside. The threat is gone but now people inside may need help to get themselves out. The rest of us provide security out here.” Kolrem came to stand next to him, “Slaves?” Cooper nodded as he scanned the surroundings for potential threats. A few people had stopped to see what had happened but once they’d formed an opinion all of them immediately found somewhere else to go. Kolrem asked, “What’re we doing with them?” Cooper shrugged, his eyes never stopping their search, “No idea. Whatever we’re told, I suppose.” He paused then added, “Don’t use names until we’ve done whatever we’re going to with these people. The fact that our instructor made a point of not using my name implies that we’re taking these people someplace where they’ll be safe. They might remember a name.” Kolrem grunted his affirmation as he turned to resume his earlier lookout post. Cooper waited until he heard sounds of people nearing the doors to the building and then he hurried to his previous vantage.
Master Brais exited first. He looked around to verify that he had his own people in position and then he pointed back the way they’d come; towards the end of the wharf. The fog was coming in a little thicker now than it had when they’d arrived, but Cooper knew that all it would take was a gust of wind or a quick spatter of rain to change that. As the ragtag party of people were led out of the building, Cooper took a quick count and resumed his duties as lookout. He hadn’t taken the time for a precise count, but thought there were about fourteen people being led back down the dock. They didn’t appear malnourished, so they hadn’t likely been shackled for very long. Their relief of being freed was obvious; they were almost jogging. Once all had reached the boardwalk, Master Brais gave a hand signal indicating that they all should follow. Even though this wharf was one of the longer wooden roadways over the water, by the time Cooper had caught up, Master Brais was having a tense discussion with one of the elders of the Wharf City. The man was asking, “An’ what’re we to do wit’ ‘em?” Master Brais replied, “Hide them until tomorrow, mid-day, then release them. Release them in one’s and two’s or by families. Just not all at once.” He tossed the man a hefty pouch, “This is my own money. Feed them tonight and tomorrow morning. Put some clothes on them. –I don’t care if they’re rags.” Master Brais turned to face the people before the elder could say more, “You’re free. I cannot offer you sanctuary beyond what I have just arranged. You might not be well off, but you’re better-” The elder had tugged on Master Brais’ sleeve causing him to pull his arm away and whirl to face the man, drawing his blade as he turned. The elder stepped back swiftly, holding his palms forward, “No offense, sir! I just wanted to let ye know, these folks ‘r welcome to stay longer as long as they can work to pay their keep. An’ ye can keep yer money, much as we here c’n use it. These folks were slaves a minnit ago unless I miss my guess, an’ that’s against our laws here, same as in the city there. No man should own another.” He held out the pouch that Master Brais had given him, “Take it. These folks are free. They’ll come freely, or not at all.” Several of the people murmured their willingness to work. A couple of them, more vocal than the others stated, “That’s why we came to the city in the first place… for work.” Master Brais turned to look at the men that were speaking, then back to the elder as swept his hand to indicate the group, “Then divide it amongst them. The man that took them prisoner used to be one of ours. We do not take responsibility for their plight, but don’t let it be said that we don’t make amends for our oversights.” He offered his hand to the elder, who grasped it gratefully and pumped it vigorously, “When I hear’d there might be slaves in one a’ yer warehouses, I knew somethin’ was awry. Glad to hear ye confirm it. I’ll pass that along, but quiet-like.” Master Brais might’ve smiled under his mask, but then again it was difficult to tell. He turned to the boys, “All of you return to the Guild. Take whatever routes and groups you see fit… as long as you don’t go in a single group. Stay concealed. I shouldn’t have to tell you that at this point, but my sense of responsibility compels me to. I will remain here until I have had some time to ask these free citizens some questions.” He gave the boys a dismissive wave as he turned to face the elder, “Permission to come aboard?” The elder chuckled, “With all my heart, good sir. With all my heart. Follow me.”
Cooper and Kolrem made a pair, and two others joined them. They cut across the Waterfront and entered Batter’s Field. Kolrem whispered, “Tell me you’re not leading us to the house where the rest of the mercenaries are staying!” Cooper shrugged and moved across a walkway and into a deep shadow. Cooper’s thoughts were his own but he was, indeed, working his way towards that house. He’d been remembering what had happened in the warehouse; thinking how natural it had felt to open himself up and let the magic flow through him. He remembered how many days it had taken Kolrem to adjust to his new Manifested speed, but tonight he’d Channeled in order to move amongst his adversaries and it was almost effortless. Just that simple fact, all by itself, raised some significant questions.
His musings were interrupted as the house came into view. The door had been pulled open and looked like it was hanging on by only the bottom hinge. As they stepped closer, it became apparent that their failed reconnaissance mission tonight had been coordinated with a raid on the house where the mercenaries had been staying. Cooper looked around furtively for any signs of movement or opposition as Kolrem spoke quietly, “Satisfied?! We need to get away from here!” Cooper nodded as he withdrew, “I couldn’t agree more. Keep a lookout as we go. This neighborhood used to be ours. We can’t be certain of that anymore.”
Once they’d returned, they hadn’t quite reached their bunks before three lanterns cast light across the room. Evan, Trea and Aden had been waiting for them. Evan spoke first, “Of course I’m interested in what went on tonight, but Master Worthan has left word that you’re both to go and see him the moment you return. His tone left little doubt that it didn’t matter to him what time that might be.” Wordlessly the boys turned and left the room.
Master Worthan was seated at his desk, as was his habit when class was not in session. Cooper and Kolrem entered without knocking. Kolrem spoke first, “You sent for us, sir?” The old man sat erect, marked his page with a scrap of paper and closed the book he was reading, “Yes. Please, come sit.” He gestured toward several chairs near his desk. Once the boys were seated he said, “I am told that Master Brais remained behind in the Waterfront. I’d like you to tell me about how things went tonight. What did we learn?�
�� Kolrem shifted in his seat, “That not all things go according to plan… Not exactly a new lesson, sir.” The old man chuckled, “That’s a lesson that is often reinforced all throughout our lives, I’m sorry to say.” He turned to Cooper, “Any insights?” Cooper usually felt comfortable in Master Worthan’s presence, but now that he knew that this old man was actually the Guildmaster, he suddenly felt much less comfortable. Cooper cleared his throat, then spoke, “The people that had been imprisoned were people that had come to the city looking for work. Probably some of the same people that form the tent cities to the west of town every night. Master Brais stayed behind to ask questions, so he will likely be a better source of information than we will be.” Master Worthan pursed his lips as he considered his reply, then spoke, “I know that tonight’s information gathering task turned into a slaughter-and-rescue. Master Brais will be the one to answer for that, I’m certain. I simply wish you to tell me the roles you played and what you may have learned from your experience. Think of this as a practical application of our Analysis and Sabotage class.” Kolrem quickly summed up his role as lookout and his activity when he reinforced Cooper’s actions. He then related a few of his observations as Master Brais led the people out of the building and into the Wharf City. His description ended with Master Brais’ instructions for them to return to the Guild. Master Worthan raised an eyebrow, “And here you are… is that about right?” Kolrem let his head drop as he took in a breath. Cooper saved him the awkwardness of the confession, “Sir, we went to observe the house where the men were staying when they weren’t watching the slaves. I led us there. I just wanted to see if anyone was there and planned on reporting whatever we saw. I truly had no intentions of entering the building or attacking anyone.” Kolrem breathed a sigh of relief as the old man nodded, “I expected as much. And since I’ve heard no report from you, should I assume that no one was there?” Master Worthan had a playful glint in his eye. Kolrem’s jaw dropped, uncertain how to answer. Again, Cooper spoke, “Sir, you know no one was there. The house had been raided. I assume Rayna, Lash, and perhaps Felis wiped out everyone in the place.” The old man pressed his fingertips together in front of his mouth as he replied, “Rayna and Lash, yes. Felis, no. In fact, Felis just stopped by this evening before returning to his duties. No, a few enforcers accompanied Rayna and Lash tonight. We didn’t know how many they should expect, and with the dangers that Jarell’s poison poses… they entered with stealth, but also with considerable violence. Oddly enough, no poison was found.” Master Worthan paused then faced Cooper and spoke, “So what did you learn.” Cooper collected his thoughts, “There were nine men in the warehouse tonight, and it wasn’t the same time as when shifts changed last night. Last night, during shift change, there were eight I think. Five went in and three came out. The slaves were chained to rings bolted to the floor, but not starved or drugged. The prisoners weren’t gagged. They could’ve cried out or screamed at any time and possibly drawn some attention, but they didn’t. I don’t know why, but perhaps Master Brais can answer that. Most prisoners were men, but there were also women and kids as well. Perhaps they used threats against the women and kids to keep everyone docile. The fact that there were so many men in there tonight might mean they were getting ready to move them. I don’t know whatever Master Brais might’ve overheard.” Master Worthan’s voice sounded like he was pursuing a point, “And how is it that you have such a precise count on the mercenaries tonight?” Kolrem was unable to stifle a snort, which drew the old man’s attention. Cooper refused to rescue his friend from this predicament. Kolrem recovered his composure and replied, “First-hand knowledge, sir. Cooper might not have killed all of them, sir, but he might as well have.” Master Worthan’s eyebrows went higher as he turned to face Cooper, “Explain.” Cooper summarized all that transpired from the time Master Brais entered the warehouse until he told Cooper to go outside and make sure it was safe to bring the people outside. He did manage to omit the fact that he’d Channeled in order to accomplish his feats, but felt certain that Master Worthan would have more questions for him later, and those facts would come to light. He had few doubts that his night was far from over.
