by Brian Keller
Today, as he practiced a new series of movements, he wondered about how Loryn had developed. Instead of building a protective shell around herself, as many abused kids will, she’d burst out of her cocoon and left the dried husk behind her. Cooper often wondered if Miss Camilla had seen something in the grime-covered, spindly waif when she’d given her token to Loryn, or whether it simply worked out that way. Whichever was the case, he found himself hoping that everything was going well for her in the forest.
Master Worthan’s classes continued almost without interruption, and each day built on what had been covered previously. They’d begun discussing structure and architecture. Topics ranged from buildings to docks, and carts to warships. Everything, it seems, had vulnerabilities that could be exploited. In most cases, the weak points of structures depended on weight-bearing aspects that, when damaged, would allow gravity to do the rest. For watercraft, the pressure of water against the sides of the vessel was as effective as gravity, sometimes more so, but even then Cooper understood that the force of the water being displaced was dependent on the forces of gravity. It’s just that the lines of force were diverted.
The topic of boats and ships seemed even more relevant when Master Worthan informed the class that one of the Assassins had reported a conversation she’d had with a “Wharfsider”. Wharfsider was a term used almost exclusively by denizens of the Wharf City and certain areas of the Waterfront. The term was used to describe themselves. Everyone else was “Landfolk” or “Landsider”, or other terms with similar meaning, some less complimentary than others. Master Worthan explained, “Rayna was a Waterfront girl. Her family consisted of Wharfsiders so, as she puts it, ‘The Wharfsiders and I have history’. It seems she has been accepted in that community to some degree, at least enough that they’re willing to share some information with her. She has heard reports of heavily loaded longboats not belonging to any Wharfsider, going out into the bay at night and coming back soon afterward sitting higher in the water. The men operating the boats are local mercenaries. These are men that wouldn’t normally be going out on the water, and certainly not at night. Wharfsiders are concerned that something illegal is going on, and wanted us to know that they weren’t involved in it.”
Cooper had grown up in Batter’s Field, right next to the Waterfront District. He knew all about the Wharf City community, but had never been part of it. Chesim and his family, especially Faril, Chesim’s father, were Wharfsiders and Cooper felt right at home with them but sometimes it almost seemed like they spoke a different language.
Master Worthan paused and looked around the room, “Is anyone here originally a Wharfsider? The Guild is interested in placing one or two of you in the Wharf City, perhaps for a week or two. We know that at least some of the slaves, and probably much of the drug, Apex, is coming in as cargo on foreign ships.” Kolrem wasn’t a Wharfsider and didn’t raise his hand, but he still went a little pale at the prospect of spending a week on a ship, regardless of the fact that the ship wouldn’t be out on open water.
Dillon raised his hand as he spoke, “Sir, I was a Wharfsider kid, but circumstances that led to my coming here, well… I think it’s safe to say that I’d not be welcomed back.” Master Worthan nodded, “I understand, Mister Dillon. But realize that we may still look to you if no one else can offer themselves as a liaison. With everything else currently facing us, I will not simply leave Rayna on the docks.” Cooper raised his hand, “Sir, would it have to be one of us? In this room, I mean?” Master Worthan raised an eyebrow, “Who do you have in mind?” Cooper replied, “I know Rukle said once that he was a Waterfront kid. It’s how he got so good at climbing ropes. Also, I think Treanna was from a Wharfsider family, but she doesn’t like to talk about it much.” Master Worthan rubbed his chin, “I may consider speaking to Rukle about this, but I will spare Treanna a potentially painful homecoming and I’ll ask that you not mention this to her when she returns from Temidan in a couple weeks.” Cooper shrugged. He was impressed that the old man kept such good track of everyone in the Guild. Cooper hadn’t even known when she was returning and she was one of his closest friends.
Master Worthan gave Cooper a meaningful look, “You were a Batter’s Field kid. Do you have any connections to the Waterfront community?” Cooper’s eyes got big for a moment, “Sir, I still have some friends that live in the Waterfront District. They’ve been Wharfsiders for as long as I’ve known them, but I can’t claim I was ever part of that community.” The old man nodded, “That’s fair. Still… it’s something to consider.”
Within the next few days, nothing further was mentioned about the topic, so Cooper assumed that someone had been found to fulfill the role. As with most tasks of this nature, Cooper’s first inkling that he’d assumed incorrectly came in the form of an intimidated first-year student knocking on the door to the sleeping bay several minutes before the ringing of the dinner bell. Aden pulled the door open and exchanged a few words in hushed tones, then stepped back further into the room and turned to face him, “Cooper. It’s for you.” As Cooper walked toward the door he heard Kolrem’s voice from the back of the room, “I’ve been with you almost every hour of the last several days. If you need an alibi, I’m your guy.” Cooper would’ve laughed at that, if it weren’t so likely that he might actually need an alibi. Someone being sent to retrieve him hadn’t usually worked out to his benefit. As Cooper peered around the door he fixed his gaze on the young girl, “Did Master Worthan send you?” Her only reply was to nod her head. He sighed, “Alright. Obviously you found your way here just fine, but I’ll walk you back.”
When they arrived in Master Worthan’s classroom, the old man already had a scribe standing by. The entire back row of seats in the room was empty. Master Worthan waved him to the far corner and met him there. Once seated Master Worthan explained, “I am not completely confident that Rukle is the person for the job. Not certain enough that I am willing to send him to represent us, that is. I could leave Rayna there, but there are several other matters where she’s better suited, and in all honesty, a capable, younger person is more likely to be overlooked by our enemies than an adult. Additionally, a young person will be less likely to intimidate our potential allies amongst the Wharfsiders; and believe me, as things currently stand we can use every ally we can find.” Cooper was shaking his head, “Sir, I may have friends in the Waterfront District who are considered Wharfsiders, but that’s a far cry from being one myself. I can barely even remember watching my mother mend fishermen’s nets. I doubt that’ll provide me with very much leverage.” Master Worthan was smiling, “I hadn’t even considered the fact that your mother had connections with the fisher-folk. And it isn’t leverage that you’ll be needing, it’s credibility and the ability to assure the Wharfsiders of our honorable intentions. And I’ll add this, and this is important, you are there as a Guild representative. You are not there to broker any deals. In fact, do not commit yourself to any business dealings that are beyond your ability to settle personally. I will say this another way, just to be clear – do not obligate the Guild in any business dealings with the Wharfsiders. When approached with propositions, and you will be approached of that I have no doubts at all, bring the details and the terms to me or to Rolan. We will undoubtedly enter into several deals over the next few weeks, it’s the basis of their community. It’s also the fastest way to demonstrate our commitment and solidify our shared goals, survival and prosperity.”
Cooper let his head hang, “Of course I’ll do as you say, sir. I only hope I am able to accomplish what is needed. Am I being sent there to make friends, or to follow up on the suspicious activity that Rayna reported?” The old man’s smile grew wider, “Both. Except that you’re not being sent to make ‘friends’, but allies. There’s a difference.” He stopped Cooper before he could reply, “I know. And it doesn’t mean that you won’t make friends, but be careful of how that might affect your duties. You can have friends, as an Assassin, but choose them carefully and sparingly. Many things
best kept at arm’s length suddenly become problematic if you allow yourself to become personally involved.” Cooper nodded. He could see the wisdom of it.
Cooper asked, “Am I to meet with Rayna? For introductions?” Master Worthan shook his head, “No. While that might seem sensible, it might also have negative effects. It might look like we’re sending an untested young man, instead of a fully-qualified adult, and might appear insulting. Additionally, it might actually undermine you. Making it appear that you needed her to introduce you.” The dinner bell rang and the scribe released all the students from the classroom, but Master Worthan continued as if he hadn’t heard any of it, “No, you’ll introduce yourself… with this.” He handed him a sealed copper tube, “You’ll carry this tube as if you were a courier, except without the sash, or the entry into the ledger… or the customary two coppers.” He paused for a moment, then shook his head and continued, “You’re to deliver it to Mardon. According to Rayna, anyone in the Wharf City should know him and point you in his direction. He’s something of a leader, but as far as we know there is no one person in charge, but there is something like a Council of Elders, though I doubt that’s what it’s called. Rayna will meet with Mardon once more, tonight, and let him know to expect someone bringing a message. Once he has read it, simply tell him that you’re The Kinsman. At that point, consider yourself ‘introduced’ and your task has truly begun.” Cooper accepted the tube and shook his head as he chuckled, “The Kinsman, sir? And what if I had refused for some reason?” Master Worthan looked a little surprised, as if the notion hadn’t entered his mind, “Well, I suppose I would’ve needed to write a new note.” He gave Cooper a wink, “Now, off with you. Wait until after breakfast tomorrow, then go and find Mardon.”
*****
It had taken several days for Iona to reconcile all that had happened in the last few days. The Spymaster had simply swept in and claimed her as his employee. She still wasn’t sure if her life had actually improved but at least she knew she’d be free of the lab for a while; and that was something. The Spymaster had told her to refer to him as Mister Aporigh, “Boss”, or “Sir”. Within the first few days, he’d spent at least four hours daily asking her questions. Most of the questions were about her, her background and her abilities, especially her abilities. He seemed disappointed to learn she had no Manifested speed; her Talents simply lay elsewhere. Once he’d finished that line of questioning, he focused on the events of the last few months. Her Talent for sensing magic and her pursuit of the Gifted target were of particular interest to him and his exhaustive and meticulous questioning made her feel like she’d answered each question half a dozen times. She’d started to become impatient, but his tone changed as he explained that as of now she was in his employ. He had the ability to offer her a salary; a ‘retainer’, he called it. The alternative to this would be to return her to the University. As he explained it, “You would not be welcomed with open arms, I assure you.” She couldn’t be sure of what “open arms” would look or feel like but the implication that her treatment at the University might somehow be worse if she was returned there was enough. The promise of pay helped but the question she truly wanted answered was addressed immediately, “Sir, when might I be free to leave your employ? To be free?” Yoren smiled, “Your question is simple enough. Let’s just say that we can negotiate your continued employment in a year’s time. At that time, however, it is likely that you will wish to remain in my employ. I am one of Prince Lancaster’s chief advisors. Most people in this city would kill to work for me. In fact, several have done just that. What would you do if you if I simply released you now? Where would you seek employment?” She opened her mouth to speak, but he interrupted, “A year from now, if you still wish to leave and find your own way, I will allow it. Fair enough?” Iona thought it sounded like the fairest deal she’d ever been offered, but then again, it was close to being the only deal she’d ever been offered.
Chapter 27
Cooper had to resist the temptation to try and find Rayna. It helped knowing that she’d be out meeting with Mardon tonight. If she were near, and he knew it, that would make the waiting seem longer. He decided to talk to Rukle to see what he might learn about Wharfsider culture.
He found him in the Training Room practicing a dual handed form. Cooper tossed some darts at one of the straw targets as he waited. When Rukle had finished, he called out to Cooper, “Heya! How’s your blade handling now that you’ve been working on swords, darts and arrows for the last few weeks?” Cooper gave him a quick wave while he retrieved his darts, then as he walked toward Rukle he asked, “Is that a weak attempt at a challenge?” Rukle smiled, “I’d say ‘yes’, but we both know how that’d turn out. I’m getting more comfortable with two blades, but it still doesn’t feel natural to me.” Rukle extended one foot, toe pressing on the floor and turned his foot back and forth, as if crushing a bug, “So.. how fast are you now?” Cooper laughed, “Alright, alright. A friendly match, then.” He unbuckled his sword and placed it on the floor. He added, “But when we’re finished, I have some questions for you.” Rukle grinned, “Then you’d best not hurt me, or I might not want to talk to you anymore.” He crouched in a fighting stance. Cooper rolled his shoulders and flexed his fingers, then looked at Rukle, “Are we sparring? Or not?” Rukle wrinkled his nose, “It’s like that, is it?” He took in a deep breath and let it out explosively as he surged forward. Cooper’s hands swept backward and returned with a blade in each. He met Rukle’s attack square on and then stepped inside, bringing the pommel of his right hand blade up under Rukle’s chin. Rukle’s eyes went wider as he realized Cooper had completely ignored his anticipated counter-attack and struggled to re-establish the space between Cooper and himself. Cooper hadn’t tapped into his ability to Channel, he simply used his affinity for Air to increase his speed. It was enough. As Rukle attempted to find an opening to attack, Cooper kept the pressure going by quickly pushing forward with a well-rehearsed but fairly advanced sequence. Rukle recognized it immediately and adopted the rhythm. As soon as he’d completed the first few movements of the sequence, Cooper increased his speed dramatically and scored three hits on Rukle: one on his upper right arm, followed by a quick, shallow slash across the leather plates on his chest, and then a second pommel strike, this one to the center of his abdomen. Rukle stepped back with a bemused expression and a cough, “Oof… ok, thanks for that.” He blotted at the scratch Cooper had given him on his upper arm, “Nice touch. I won’t even need a bandage for that. Serves me right though. I’d heard about your Advanced testing with Mister Skran. I’ll bet he didn’t let himself get fooled like he did with your Basic testing. Still, it only took you, what was it? Two minutes or less? At least that’s what I heard.” Cooper had already sheathed his blades and was fastening his sword back onto his belt. Cooper felt like Rukle was trying to encourage him to boast. It made him feel uncomfortable. He replied, “He didn’t let himself get tricked like he did the first time. That’s true. But he still underestimated me. I hadn’t let him see just how fast I can be. I beat him the same way I just beat you. I went fast enough to let you match my speed, then I accelerated. He might have been able to match me, but he just couldn’t adjust fast enough to stop me from scoring.”
Rukle let his shoulders sag, “I can see that…” He took a breath and squared his shoulders, “Alright, you said you had some questions for me?” Cooper nodded, “You told me once that you were a Waterfront kid, right?” Rukle only nodded. Cooper continued, “Anything you can tell me about Wharfsiders? How they live? Who’s in charge? How have they survived there for so long?” Rukle extended his hands, palms forward, “Whoa. Whoa there. That’s a lot all at once. First off, there are no simple answers, but I can give you a quick summary. As well as I understand it, at least. Keep in mind, being a Waterfront kid doesn’t make me a Wharfsider. They have their own society in that floating city they’ve got there. As much flack as they have to deal with, between the City Watch, Harbormaster, and the City Cou
ncil, it’s amazing that they’re still there, but they’ve been there for generations. The way their society is structured probably has a lot to do with that. There’s a Council in charge, but anyone could be on it, but only the Wharfsiders really know who is on the Council. Anyway, it’s called the “Council of Firsts”. I think the way it works is that there’s several different jobs or functions in their city. Each job has a bunch of people doing it, but the best one at each job is called the First in their chosen field. They’re the one that occupies that seat on the Council. Everyone does their own thing, but when decisions need to be made that affect the entire community, the Council convenes. Anyone who can’t or won’t abide by those decisions, gets their boat cut free and pushed out into the bay, or so I hear it.” Cooper wondered what happened to those who didn’t have boats of their own. He didn’t ask.
After breakfast the next morning, Cooper unfastened his sword and left it on his bed. He felt confident that no one would take it considering everyone knew it was his now and knew how he’d come to own it. Instead, he wrapped his bow and a quiver of arrows inside a sheet of canvas and tied it over one shoulder. At a glance, a curious observer might assume it to be a musical instrument. Entering a new environment filled with unfamiliar people, it just felt better to have options.
As he approached the North Bridge, he looked beyond it to see all the flags and banners waving from the tops of the ship’s masts. The local ships were in the majority, and they displayed greens and reds. These colors were shared with Kalistos in fact, but arranged differently. There were also several other colors displayed; Caldori’s reds and yellows along with Temidan’s blues and greens. Cooper had seen them all before, but things felt different today. Today he was going to be walking amongst them. As he passed the merchant vessels and continued along the boardwalk towards the Wharf City, it felt like he was leaving one kingdom and entering another. He supposed, in a way, that he actually was.
