by Brian Keller
As he walked, he considered who it might be following him; City Watch, University Hunters, Army scouts, Lukasi agents… perhaps even a gang of rogue thieves looking to establish themselves. He’d heard some rumors of a few small gangs of ‘roughs’ who were trying to carve out small territories for themselves. These groups would be crushed soon enough, though most likely, as word got out that the Guild wasn’t as dead as they’d come to believe, these gangs would simply vanish and members would seek more legitimate employment.
He continued walking east, keeping the Trade Quarter on his left and the Dregs on his right. He walked down the street in a straight line, easy to follow, but also walking fast enough that anyone trailing him would have to match his speed and anyone trying to keep pace while walking parallel, weaving around buildings and obstacles, would either be left behind or forced out to follow along the same street as the one he was walking on. He led them all the way to the boardwalk. He paused only long enough to kick most of the mud from his boots, then turned south to walk down the boardwalk at a leisurely pace. He noted two dark figures from his peripheral vision but didn’t turn to look at them. As soon as he’d walked far enough to break their line of sight, he tapped his Talent and sprinted two blocks south and merged with a small group around a vendor’s stall as they haggled for several large tuna. He concealed himself behind these men and looked back along the boardwalk. The two dark, hooded figures he’d noted earlier were joined by two others, then two of them went back to the west and entered the Dregs while one walked to the edge of the boardwalk and peered along the edge to the north and south. The one remaining stepped to a nearby building and faced south, looking in Cooper’s general direction and just waited.
Cooper gathered some bloodied paper that had been used to wrap some of the fish and wrapped it around his own bundles. He then tied it off with some scraps of cord that had been discarded from previous wrappings. The vendor started to protest and Cooper held up one finger, then dug a copper coin from his pouch and flicked it to the man. The vendor had the good sense to accept a coin for his rubbish and returned to his haggling. Cooper pushed his hood back, hoisted the bundle onto his shoulder and merged with the crowd as best he could as he walked south. He passed a few buildings then stepped off the boardwalk into the Dregs. He lowered the bundle from his shoulder, held it tight to his chest and jogged to the south and west, weaving through the collection of ramshackle huts as he went. His mind was racing as he considered a potential enemy he hadn’t yet considered. He thought, “Those people looked like Guild, but couldn’t be ours. Would the Kalistos Guild have heard of the attack and be looking to expand into Paleros?” This led to another thought, even more chilling, “Does Lukasi have a Guild?”
He made it a point to give the ‘Lukasi house’ in the Dregs a wide berth. If those following him were from Lukasi, he didn’t want to give them any reason to suspect that he knew about their dealings. He found a spot with a fair view of his surroundings and waited. After ten minutes, he doubled back toward the east and waited again. Satisfied that he’d completely lost them, whoever they were, he returned to Miller’s Flats but he went to the House by the Brickmakers first. Miss Camilla wasn’t there. He asked Naro, “How’re you holding up?” Naro shrugged, “I napped a couple hours, without really meaning to. It was a real surprise to see you walk in with Miss Camilla. She stayed for a while after you left. She told me to sleep; that she’d wake me before she left.” Cooper asked, “When was that?” Naro shrugged, “It isn’t easy to estimate time in here. A little over an hour ago, maybe.”
Cooper divided the items and left what Miss Camilla wanted for this House. Before he left he told Naro, “Be watchful anytime you go through town from now on.” Naro raised an eyebrow, “City Watch on alert? All pissed off and embarrassed that we took away their quarry slaves?” Cooper shook his head, “I don’t know about that… probably.” He then summarized his recent observations and actions, but initially withheld his suspicions about who it might have been that had followed him. Naro asked, “What do you think? City Watch?” Cooper shook his head, “Didn’t move like Watch men. Maybe Lukasi agents. If I were them, I’d assume there’d still be one or two of us left around, too. It’s even possible that those people might be Kalistos Guild.” Naro’s expression indicated that he also understood what Cooper hadn’t said, and that was good to see. Cooper stood, “Miss Camilla must be at the other House. She’ll be waiting for these supplies. I’m sure she’ll be coming back here once she’s tended to our people there.”
Naro asked, “How’s Balat?” Cooper explained what he’d learned on examining Balat’s arm and Naro’s eyes grew wider, “You’re a healer, too?” Cooper shook his head, “No. Miss Camilla teaches an advanced anatomy class. Without her classes you won’t advance beyond Journeyman, I can pretty much guarantee that. I was worried that I’d have to try to teach those classes. That would be a fiasco. Embarrassing for me, and frustrating for all of you.” He gave Naro a brief wave and left the House.
When he arrived at the other House, Miss Camilla approached to receive her bundle. Cooper indicated she should stay close and he waved at Gaff and Balat to call them over. He quickly summarized that he’d been followed and had evaded whoever it was. He then told them that he was heading up to the Ruins to warn the rest of the potential threat, and to inform them of Miss Camilla’s return. At the mention of the Ruins, Miss Camilla turned to face him fully, a look of surprise and confusion on her face. He held up his index finger, signaling her to wait. He then told Gaff, “Head over to the other House. Naro’s been there pretty much alone since Spen left to go the Ruins. He’s slept a little, but would probably appreciate a little relief. Our people here likely need less supervision.” Gaff nodded and gathered his gear. Cooper turned to Miss Camilla, “The Ruins are safe now, and we own them… legally. Birt and Dailen are overseeing the construction efforts and Rukle, Loryn and Spen are managing security. We had the deeds to the Ruins, but not anymore. They may have been kept in the Library, but the Library has been emptied. And we didn’t do it. Mister Ysel is working on re-creating the deeds that demonstrate our ownership of the Ruins.” Miss Camilla arched an eyebrow, “Re-creating? Don’t you mean forging?” Cooper shrugged, “I suppose if you whittled it down to the finest points, then he’s forging. But in all truth, Jarell purchased almost all of the Ruins with Guild funds. He was our Master of Coin, right up until he wasn’t, but that doesn’t alter the fact that the Ruins are legitimately ours. We just need to re-create the documents that prove it.” Miss Camilla smiled, “It is a joy to witness how your mind works. I’ve missed having you around.” Cooper gave a low chuckle, “And you have only the slightest idea of how pleased I am to have you back with us.” She turned to face him, crossed her arms over her chest, and replied archly, “Really? And why is that, may I ask?” Cooper grinned, “Picture me trying to teach your classes… can you imagine the irreparable damage that would result?” Her face broke out in a wide, genuine smile, then she shook her head and waved him away, “Isn’t there someplace you’re supposed to be right now?” He bowed low, “As it just so happens, Miss. There is.”
As he passed through the Trade Quarter, he was thinking, “If I wanted to find me, and if I had people to spare, I’d surely put people on both ends of the North and South bridges. He considered his options; he could try to conceal himself within a crowd and move across; he could hire a boat, or find a wharfsider he knew, to shuttle him to the Waterfront; he could swim across the Whitefoam but that certainly lacked appeal and would hardly go unnoticed, especially this time of year; or he could simply brazenly cross the bridge trusting the fact that his pursuers wouldn’t attack him while the City Watch was present. He quickly discounted the last option, since the City Watch was after him too. Well, not him personally, but certainly professionally. He continued toward the river. Once he could see the volume of traffic on the bridges, he’d make his decision.
The number of people and wagons was even fewer than he’d thou
ght, even considering the season, and far fewer than he’d hoped. He turned east and walked toward the coast. This time of year it was common for there to be a light fog above the bay, but today the air was clear enough that the Serpent Tooth islands were visible. He slowed his step as an idea began to form in his mind. Details that had been left undeveloped as Utsef had help him form the original, rough plan now seemed to fall into place. Before he could fully commit, he’d need to learn whether his idea was even possible. That would require several cagey conversations. He’d also need to send at least one, probably two Journeymen teams to try and deliver a message, and at least two key meetings would need to take place. He couldn’t even call it a “plan” at this point, but if it even began to show potential, the most likely time frame would be just less than three months, but if everything went perfectly he’d need that apothecary order sooner than forty days from now. He regained his determined stride before he reached the boardwalk. Upon reaching it, he turned and walked along it, stopping every so often to peruse wares that he actually had no interest in and once he felt like he wasn’t noticed he stepped to the edge of the boardwalk and caught the eye of a man crewing a longboat. He patted his pouch and pointed northeast. The man turned to follow the direction he’d pointed then turned back to give Cooper a squint, and then a nod.
Cooper hopped down and boarded the longboat. Once he was close enough for conversation, the helmsman asked, “Where to?” Cooper replied, “I’m Kinsman. I wish to speak with the First.” The man studied him from head to toe before he replied, “Ye are the Kinsman, aren’t ye? Ye’re just as I wuz heard described. Ye cleared the bay fer us. I’ll gladly take ye, but I’ll not charge ye.” The man gave the order and seated himself, grasping an oar. Cooper followed suit, dipping an oar in the water. He spoke over his shoulder to the man, “Let’s go then. We can renegotiate on the way.” This brought boisterous laughter from several of the oarsmen, those close enough to have heard the original conversation. The helmsman gave the call and everyone started paddling. Cooper lacked the men’s practiced ease, but he managed to stay in rhythm and succeeded in helping to move the boat along. The repetitive effort allowed him the time to plan his approach for the upcoming conversation with Mardon. The First Merchant earned his position by being a shrewd negotiator and a wise investor. Cooper needed to present his plan in such a way that Mardon would immediately realize how he could gain by helping, and better still the Wharfsider community as a whole could benefit, though the potential risk was significant as well, and Mardon would be left with either credit or blame for it. As he thought it through, Cooper realized that this couldn’t occur as a single conversation. It would need to be broken down into components. He would need to dangle the bait first and get a sense for Mardon’s intentions. Then, in a later conversation, to happen in a week or two assuming that the First showed an interest (and also assuming that Cooper had enough of the necessary pieces arranged) he could reveal the plan.
As they drew nearer the ships, Cooper called out, “Any of those ships in front of us will be fine. I know the way.” This brought several laughs from among the oarsmen. They turned and pulled up beside one of the larger vessels. Cooper stood and quickly reached out, grasping a length of rope and pulled himself upward rapidly. The men watched him climb and as he reached the rail of the ship, he pointed back down to the boat, to where he’d been sitting. He’d left two silver coins behind. The helmsman gave a shout in protest as Cooper hauled himself over the rail and boarded the ship.
This was the ship belonging to the Fourth Fisher, a sailor who had shuttled Cooper into the Wharf City on at least two occasions. Cooper’s feet landed firmly on the deck and he called out, “Permission to come aboard, sir!” There was no answer. The ship’s owner was likely at one of the markets or selling his catch to Gretl, an old woman who could gut and fillet fish faster than anyone he’d seen.
Cooper crossed several ships on his way to Mardon’s but he paused at the rail of the First Merchant’s vessel. He called out, “Ahoy! First Merchant!” A voice bellowed from below decks, “If I know that voice I must wonder why I’m hearing it as a shout from above rather than a whisper from below!” Mardon’s head poked up from the hatch and his eyes found Cooper immediately. The man laughed, “It is as I suspected. Come aboard, of course! Do ye still have to ask?!” Cooper smiled and gave the man a deferential nod, “You honor me, just as I honor you by asking.” Mardon’s eyebrows pulled together, “So formal? I thought we were well past that by now.” Cooper stepped aboard and clasped the man’s outstretched hand, “I have a potential proposition for you, but I need to ask you some questions beforehand. This is not a conversation to have on deck. Might we go below?” Mardon quickly shifted to his role as First Merchant and gestured to the hatch, “Please do. There is little in this world that we could not discuss in my cabin.”
Chapter 12
As they descended, Mardon asked in a loud voice, “Anything to drink? Some wine, perhaps? Or coffee?” Cooper realized that the question was more intended to announce to the family members that serious business was afoot, and to remove themselves from the immediate vicinity. He answered quickly, “A robust red might suit the occasion.” Mardon called out, “A Cabernet, my dear! And two glasses to our cabin, please.” The First opened the door to his cabin and gestured to a chair, “With our primary diet of fish and vegetables, it is uncommon for us to open a cabernet. I shall enjoy the change of pace while you satisfy my growing curiosity.” They both seated themselves while Mardon’s wife hurried in and set the bottle and two glasses on his desk. She placed a hand on the man’s cheek and paused only long enough to turn and nod to Cooper saying, “It is good to see you again. I pray the results of this meeting find us as better friends and richer for it.” Mardon immediately went to work at uncorking the bottle. Cooper watched his wife leave and waited until the door was closed before he replied, “Is that something your wife always says?” The First smiled as he poured the wine, “Only for those meetings that make her feel worried.”
Cooper glanced back at the closed door, then back to Mardon, “Then I’ll start by saying that this meeting should have no bearing on our friendship, except perhaps to deepen it. I still have much to do today, and time is against me, so I’ll get right to the point.” He accepted the glass that was offered to him. Mardon slowly thrust his own glass forward to clink it against Cooper’s. Mardon said, “To absent friends.” He took a sip and continued, “Or so I believe that is the reason for this secrecy…?” Cooper shrugged and took a sip, “I have a few questions to ask. How you answer them will determine whether we have cause for another, related meeting at a later date.” Mardon took a larger drink, allowing the wine to rest in his mouth a moment before swallowing. He raised his eyebrows and nodded to encourage Cooper to continue. Cooper took a drink and settled back in his chair before he asked, “How many truly seaworthy ships do the Wharfsiders have?” As Mardon considered his answer, Cooper added, “I understand that the Wharf City is afloat, and not resting on the bottom of the bay. But how many vessels would you be willing to bet would survive a trip to Temidan and back, then depart immediately for Kalistos?” Mardon began to look irritated by the questions. Cooper realized he needed to clarify, “Sir, I mean no disrespect. I realize that most of these ships haven’t rigged sails for several years. The reason I’m asking is because I may find myself in a position to offer you a fully functional, seaworthy vessel. With it, you would be able to conduct your own trade and bring in those items that you pay dearly for here in Paleros.” Cooper paused to gauge the First’s reaction. All hints of the previous irritation were gone, so he pressed forward, “I hope this is something that will interest you.”
Mardon leaned forward, “You know that merchants are forbidden from selling ships to us. This ban extends to those nations with a trade agreement with Paleros, or Gajeril. No shipwrights will repair our vessels. They are unwilling to risk the Prince’s ire. How can we blame them? It is the Prince’s way of placing a time l
imit on our neighborhood. Eventually, our ships will deteriorate enough that they will fail, and sink. Once the rotting hulls strike the bottom of the bay, they belong to His Highness and they will merely be salvage.”
Cooper smiled, the conversation was back on track, and going well, “By strange coincidence, my proposition does not even violate this ban.” The First’s eyebrows lifted high above his eyes as he roared out a quick laugh, “I doubt there is little in your life that could be called coincidence!” Cooper offered a moment of candor, “You might just be surprised, sir.” He paused and told the First, “Sir, you might let your family know that you’re alright. Someone has rushed to the door in response to your outburst.” Mardon raised an eyebrow, stood and stepped to the door and pulled it open. His wife stood beyond, wringing her hands. Her expression changed from one of concern, then surprise at the door being pulled open, then relief upon seeing her husband, then concern and worry that she may have embarrassed him in some way. Mardon reached for her and gathered her into an embrace. He turned to speak to Cooper, his voice rumbling in his chest, “The best I can wish for you, Kinsman, is that you are someday blessed with the love of such a woman.” Cooper stood and bowed his head, “Sir, I fear that is unlikely for me. Few men in my profession live long enough to enjoy such a blessing, but I thank you just the same.” The First turned back to his wife and kissed her on the forehead, “The Kinsman has offered me something that I hadn’t thought possible. It was surprise that caused me to shout. You have no cause for worry. Leave us now, we need to finish our discussion.”
