by Brian Keller
It only took them a few minutes to reach the second House. Batter’s Field was waking up. Several vendors were already loading their carts. It would still be an hour, maybe a little less, before the House kids would try to make their way across the river to the Trade Quarter. There’d be no one to beg or steal from if they got there before merchants and customers arrived.
They walked right in through the door, just as they had the other House. Loryn waited outside. This group of kids looked a little older than the last bunch. They made protests at the uninvited entrance but they presented no immediate threat. It was just something to take note of at the moment. Cooper was halfway to the House Father’s door as he spoke loud enough for all to hear, “We’re Guild, and so are you, or at least you should be. That’s what we’re here to talk to your Old Man about. Sit still, but pay attention. Nobody has to die in this House today.” By the time they opened the door to the House Father’s room, he was already reaching to open the door from the other side, to investigate the voices. As soon as he saw Cooper, and recognized Rukle, he retreated into his room. Cooper and Rukle both tapped their Talent and quickly followed. The House Father almost yelped, “Two on one? Is that how you conduct your business?” Cooper smiled, “We haven’t come to kill you, or even fight you. We’ve come to remind you that the Guild owns this House. You simply manage it for us.” The House Father shook his head, “No. I bought this House from the Guild. It’s mine.” Rukle spoke, “No, you didn’t. That’s not how it works, and you know it. You bought a Charter, a license; not the House.” The House Father glanced around nervously. “How do I know that you’re not some of that foreign muscle? They’ve been rooting around, looking for places to move into.” Cooper walked toward the man, who appeared to shrink away. Cooper reached into a pocket and held out his hand for the man to see, “Would any of those thugs show you something like this?” The old man glanced at Cooper’s outstretched hand and almost choked, “Is that-?” Cooper acknowledged, “A token. Yes. Remember it well. If my colleague requires that I come to visit you again… well…” He turned to Rukle, “Show him.” Rukle tossed the bag he’d brought from the other House Father’s room at this one’s feet. The man picked up the bag and looked inside. His face went pale and he dropped it as he recoiled, and the dead House Father’s head rolled out of it onto the floor. Cooper masked his surprise well and as he turned to leave the room he spoke clearly, “I trust there will never be a need for me to return. The most recent Guild directive still applies. Is anything, somehow, unclear?” The House Father’s voice quivered, “N-no, mi-mil-lord.” Cooper turned to Rukle, “All appears to be in order now. You know what yet needs done. I have tasks of my own.” Rukle nodded and they left the House. As they entered the street, Cooper turned to Rukle, “His head?!” Loryn sucked in a quick breath and Rukle’s voice took on a plaintive tone, “You said something ‘recognizable’!” Cooper’s voice raised an octave, “Yes, a peculiar ring, or that distinctive knife he was wielding would have been sufficient. It would’ve created the doubt that he would later confirm…” He shook his head, muttering, “Dragging body parts through the city…” He took in a breath, in preparation to say more, then merely said, “Never mind. I suppose it got our point across, and will undoubtedly add to the Guild’s mystique. I know that I’m not likely to forget it any time soon either.” They parted ways; Rukle and Loryn headed to the Dregs and Cooper returned to the Ruins.
When Cooper returned, the rest of the members were awake and most had already eaten. Spen and Naro were tending the small cooking fire and had prepared a kettle of porridge. Spen had a wooden spoon in his hand and gestured with it toward the kettle as he looked at Cooper with a questioning expression. Cooper gave him a brief nod and went to his pack to retrieve his bowl and spoon. It appeared that Birt had already eaten so Cooper ate quickly. Once finished, he thanked the two Journeymen, then nodded to Birt and pointed towards the door. “Ready?” he asked. Birt nodded, stood and pulled on a cloak as added protection from the breeze coming off the bay.
Cooper led Birt to the excavated hole and said, “Follow me. Step where I step. There’s something you need to see.” Once they’d stepped down and rounded the corner, Cooper pointed out the chest, then indicated the flask of poison on the underside of the lid, “There might be more poison inside, but after giving it some thought, I doubt it. Jarell had all this packaged to be moved. It wouldn’t suit his purposes to have all the contents poisoned in the event of a clumsy porter.” Birt seemed to express more interest in the trapped flask than in the multitude of bags and pouches. He asked, “Shouldn’t we disarm this?” Cooper shrugged, “If you want, go ahead. Right now, I need to remain focused on other things.” He reached in and plucked a pouch from the chest. He could tell by the weight that it was either coins or heavy jewelry. He opened the pouch to look and was satisfied to find coins. It wouldn’t be wise to attempt to purchase real estate with a handful of stolen rings and bracelets. He handed the pouch to Birt, “Do you think that’ll be enough to buy two modest houses in Miller’s Flats? I still have most of the coin from the pouch I withdrew yesterday as well.” Birt looked uncertain as he hefted the pouch, “I don’t know. I’ve never bought a house before. We’ll need to ask around to learn what houses sell for. And we need to conceal our intent to purchase, or the prices will surely rise as a result.” Cooper knew about Supply and Demand, and the fickleness of the market, but he also knew that Birt had more experience with the legalities of business transactions. These purchases needed to be legitimate, even if the coins themselves had questionable origins. It took them thirty minutes to walk to Miller’s Flats, and they walked along almost every street in the neighborhood until lunchtime. They had made several inquiries, stating that they were comparing the property values of Miller’s Flats, the Dregs and the Trade Quarter. Learning that properties in the Dregs were nearly worthless came as no surprise to either of them. What they hadn’t expected was that most houses and businesses in Miller’s Flats were nearly every bit as expensive as those in the Trade Quarter. The exceptions to this were those houses that were adjacent to a mill, and those properties on the south end, especially those to the southwest which bordered the Dregs. This news seemed to lift Cooper’s spirits slightly, “At least one of the properties needs to be towards the south end, but not next to the Dregs. We should avoid properties near the mills, however. Too much activity at unpredictable hours.”
They identified an empty house for sale on the south side that was priced comparatively inexpensively. They only needed a quick glance around the immediate vicinity to see why. The property to the west belonged to a brick maker. Though the prevailing winds blew from east to west it was easy to see that the house was covered in soot and grime from the kilns next door. Birt raised an eyebrow and Cooper nodded, “Buy it. If they’re not prepared to provide the documents today, then leave them with some earnest money but obtain a receipt showing not only what we’ve paid, but also the remaining balance. Even if they drag their feet completing the sale, it’ll be enough to demonstrate our intent to use the property and may be enough explanation if questioned as we move to occupy it.” Birt nodded to acknowledge but offered additional insight, “You realize, of course, that there will almost certainly be a couple of guys at the brick maker’s kilns? All night? Every night, whenever they’re firing bricks?” Cooper shrugged, “A couple of guys falling asleep while tending fires is no cause for concern. Not like a mill. Farmers bringing in carts of grain, miller’s grinding it, and merchants coming to purchase the flour or meal… all those people, in any combination, at all hours of the day or night…? That’s what I’d rather avoid.” Birt turned his attention back to the house in question. He considered the location. Several of the houses along the street were very close together. So close, in fact, that it might be possible for neighbors to each open a window and shake hands, without requiring either of them to leave their houses. This house, perhaps due to its proximity to the brick maker’s, had no neighbors close eno
ugh to accomplish that feat. The seller couldn’t know of the importance of that to the Guild, or even that it was the Guild making the purchase. He would certainly know, however, the expense required to replace all the broken windows and damage to a few interior walls and flooring; and that was a point that Birt might use to haggle the price down further yet.
In less than an hour, the two of them were walking toward the center of Miller’s Flats. Birt had a receipt firmly in hand and a satisfied expression. The seller reported that he’d be prepared to finalize the sale tomorrow. Since Birt would be carrying coin, and would be expected at a certain time and place, he’d have at least two Journeymen with him; in case the seller was more intent on robbery, rather than an actual transactions. Rukle could go along too, if he’d concluded his business in the Dregs today.
The second house was a little closer to the Dregs than Cooper originally wanted but the fact that this house had a side and rear entrance, in addition to an ample front door, appealed to him. He gave Birt a nod to conduct the transaction before he faded back, remaining close enough to show his presence, but far enough to encourage anonymity. In this instance, coin and deed changed hands and a bill of sale written up on the spot. There would be no need for a return visit. This house was now legally theirs.
As they walked, Cooper asked Birt about which businesses, especially inns and brothels, were partly owned by the Guild, adding “I'm sure several of them would appreciate some maintenance and repair work, at Guild expense. These businesses need to see that they can also gain from our ongoing arrangement, rather than simply being forced to pay every month. This could also provide another venue to assess carpenters, masons and other laborers.”
Birt warmed to the task but asked, “How much are we looking to spend?” Cooper had expected this question, “On a few of the larger inns and brothels, those that are in a position to expand, both in size and volume of clientele, spend what is needed. We will want a couple of ‘showcase’ establishments. This will act to set the tone. Other neighboring businesses might find it difficult to compete. This could make them vulnerable to our advances, or it might cause them to seek outside funding to remain competitive, perhaps even from us.” An expression of understanding crossed Birt’s face, “Subtle, in its own way. Encouraging businesses to seek us out as a partner rather than us reaching out to enforce our will.” Cooper nodded, “We’ll be stretched thin already, until we can recover our members. But once we have, we’ll need to already have multiple funding streams in place that can support that growth. If all goes to plan, we’ll grow from the eight of us, to almost a hundred over the course of one night.” Birt smiled, “But, of course, that one night is still several weeks away.” Cooper turned his head to direct his gaze east, towards the prison island, “Probably. But keep imagining what our colleagues are going through with each passing day. That motivates me to use our time wisely.” The smile left Birt’s face as he followed Cooper’s gaze. He had no reply.
As they wove through the Waterfront, on their way back to the Ruins, they managed to avoid contact with any Apex addicts, but this was becoming more difficult by the day. The number of addicts was growing. Cooper couldn’t understand this. He asked Birt, “People can see what Apex does to a person. How could anyone find that appealing? Why would anyone consider using the drug, after seeing what these addicts look like?” Birt shrugged, “I suppose once someone has reached absolute bottom, it ceases to matter to them. Anything that brings a change to their lives is welcomed. At first, anyway. Then, once they realize what they’ve done to themselves… it’s simply too late.” Cooper shook his head. He knew something must be done, but the only answer he could fathom was to drive the Lukasi traders from the city. That wouldn’t help those that were already addicted. In fact, depriving them of their continued source of the drug might even cause them to riot. Cooper turned to Birt, “While you’re checking into businesses in the Trade Quarter, maybe we should take a look at a few of the Apothecary Shops as well. Perhaps there’s some kind of treatment or antidote for Apex…?” Birt shook his head, “I doubt anything like that exists.”, but as he thought, his expression brightened, “But perhaps a small injection of coin might encourage a few skilled apothecaries to begin trying to develop something.” Cooper clapped a hand on Birt’s shoulder, “That’s the kind of thinking that’ll make us successful. But mind how much coin we spread around. Our funds aren’t unlimited, and we’ve still much to do. Plus, a bunch of young folks throwing a lot of coin around will attract attention.” Birt nodded, “Agreed. And we’re not ready for that… yet.”
Before they left the Waterfront, Cooper stepped into a merchant’s shop and purchased a hooded lantern and a jug of oil for it. Birt raised an eyebrow, “Tired of only having the cooking fire for light?” Cooper shook his head, “I have a task tonight. A torch would be cheaper, but with this I’ll get what I need without putting light and fire everywhere.” Birt knew what that meant. Cooper intended to check the Library. He warned, “You shouldn’t go alone.” Cooper shrugged, “Less chance of being seen if I go alone. Besides, after so long, the Watch has likely lost interest in the place.” Birt shook his head, “Not entirely. They’ve posted a guard. And there's a two or three man patrol that walks through it. Not sure how frequently, but probably a couple of times each night, at least.” Cooper glanced sideways at his companion, “And you know this how?” Birt gave a dismissive wave and spoke with a stuffy, formal tone, “A Guildmaster must know these things.” He almost interrupted himself to chuckle as Cooper rolled his eyes in reply. They took a few steps before Cooper actually replied, “Fine. I’ll take Loryn with me. She’ll likely welcome the chance to creep along our old halls again.”
That evening, as they sat around the fire, Rukle reported a favorable result from the Dregs, “They actually seemed a little glad to see us, and even had some decent information to report.” He smiled and paused for effect. Cooper gestured impatiently and Rukle continued, “There are a couple houses in the Dregs that have new owners… Foreign owners. They reported that, at all hours, there’re men coming in from the shoreline, and then going back out with bags and boxes about a half hour later. Interesting, right?” This last was spoken with a raised eyebrow and a knowing smile. Cooper nodded, then replied to Rukle, “Very. Tomorrow, take Balat and Spen with you and watch this place.” He turned to Gaff, “That leaves you, Naro, and perhaps Loryn to watch this place tomorrow. Did you learn anything watching addicts today?” Gaff shrugged, “We saw a few guys that they’d go to when they had a couple of coins. We hoped to follow those guys back, but they are wary. Every hour or so, they’d walk a couple of blocks and spread out so they could see in all directions, and wait. Sometimes someone would approach and drop off a package, then move on. Sometimes someone would come in and receive a pouch of coin, and walk away. We’d follow them, but they’d always go into one of the harborside bars and sit at a table with five or six guys, have a few drinks, then everyone would get up all at once and go their separate ways. Any one of them might have the coin. We couldn’t follow them all so we followed the original guy. He just went back to one of the ships.” Cooper nodded, “Do you think anyone noticed you?” Gaff shook his head, “I don’t think so, but the guys on the street are looking at everyone. We might not have been noticed today, but it’s only a matter of time.” Cooper thought about this for a moment, then turned to Rukle, “Your lead in the Dregs is the best one we’ve got right now.” He turned back to Gaff, “Tomorrow morning, go and talk with Mardon. Tell him we’re interested in foreign boat traffic to and from the Dregs boardwalk. Any information and effort should be charged against our account, but also let him know that our inquiry is linked to Apex traffic. He has an interest in stopping that as well, so if he charges us at all, it’ll likely be minimal. Then get back here to help out Naro and Loryn, if we’re back by then.” Loryn started to ask the obvious question, but he held up a hand to silence her. He turned to Dailen, “As soon as we decide which work crews we’re hiring, Bi
rt’ll be sending them to you. Make sure you’re ready. Put together a prioritized project and materials list.” Dailen smiled and patted a pocket on his chest, “Already started. Want to see it?” Cooper grinned and shook his head, “Nope. I’ve got enough to worry about without getting into your business.” He paused, “But I will add this; we’ll need to build a vault, down where we’re holding our treasury.” He raised an eyebrow, “That means we need to relocate all of it for the duration. It would be foolish to let the laborers see it, or know where it is.” He looked from Gaff, to Spen, to Naro, and rested on Dailen, “We’ll need to find a place to put it in the meantime. Explore the Ruins. We need to do that anyway.” Spen asked, “What about Loryn? You said she might not be back here by morning…” Cooper looked from Spen, to Loryn, “I do have a task for her. She’s coming with me tonight. We’re going to get into the Library.”
Chapter 7
Cooper told Loryn, “Finish eating, then get some sleep. We’ll go a couple hours before midnight. The Watch will be well into their routine night shift by then, and they’ll simply be wishing to keep warm.” Loryn shrugged, “They’ll be watching the old storefront, regardless. That’s become a standard posting. They’ve even built a small shack there for the guards.” Cooper smiled, “Good.” Loryn’s expression displayed confusion and she was about to question his response when she realized what he meant. Her lips drew up in a conspiratorial smile, “We have another way in, don’t we?” Cooper nodded, “Now settle in and get a couple hours of sleep.” He unrolled his own sleeping mat and curled up under a bundle of furs. A couple hours later he felt someone jostle him awake. It was Spen, who whispered, “You wanted to leave out a couple hours after dark, but well before midnight, right?” Cooper pushed back his furs and immediately regretted it. Calling the night air “crisp” was like saying the open sewers of the Dregs “had an odor”. He dressed quickly then stepped over to wake Loryn. She grumbled but woke almost immediately. She pushed back her furs and stood. She had slept almost fully dressed. She unrolled her cloak and gloves, which she’d been using as her pillow, and pulled them on. She buckled her blade belt around her waist and announced, “I’m ready.” Cooper turned back to his own gear, telling her over his shoulder, “Bring your bow. Don’t expect to use it, but bring it.” He looped his chain knife into his belt and snugged the straps on his bracers, then walked to the door. Loryn was already waiting with her bow on her back. He led her straight south to the Whitefoam River and looked across the slow flowing water and into the Trade Quarter for a moment. Loryn asked, “What’s on your mind?” Cooper shrugged, “Just an earlier conversation between Rayna and Nix. Rayna said Master Darius had plans for a portable bridge made of barrels, wooden slats and wire. It could be carried in a cart, rapidly pulled out and unrolled over the water, then anchored on the other side.” Loryn inquired, “Ever seen it?” Cooper shook his head, “I think it was just an idea. Not even sure it would work on a river; even one moving this slowly. Still, it’s worth remembering.”
