Purveyors and Acquirers (The Phosfire Journeys Book 1)

by Unknown

  Slag, over the laughter that erupted, commented, “That sounds costly but worth the effort. I am sure petty cash can reimburse you your expenses.”

  Turk spoke up for the first time and gestured toward the rest of the Set. “We’ll cross over at the first sign of resistance on the part of the crew of the Wave Dancer. The element of surprise should never be wasted.”

  Slag nodded. “I’ll leave the timing to your discretion. To summarize, at first hour, Sloan and Commander Casteel will take their joint command to the Wave Dancer and serve the captain with the warrant. Forces from the Delight will stand by to assist you. Master Qwen, I would like you to keep an overview of the engagement and maintain a watch on the captives. Act as you see fit. Dock Master, please be on hand nearby, in case you need to exercise your authority with any observers. Bell, stay with and support the Dock Master, but the two of you avoid becoming drawn into the fight. You are crowd control. Are there any questions?”

  Izlan looked over at Slag. “Where do you intend to be?”

  “I think I will join the new crew of the Delight, if they will have me.” He looked over at the masked Turk. “I will try not to slow you down.”

  Turk choked, trying to restrain his laughter.

  Izlan indicated the chest brought from the Temple. “We can leave the materials for healing here. We brought along a supply of effusions. Everyone should take one.”

  Martell opened the chest and took from it a metal box, which he handed to Izlan.

  “Thank you, Martell.” She removed the lid. The box contained small, metal vials. Each carried the symbol of the Temple, an image of the sun with an iris bloom in its center.

  Izlan passed out vials. “Store the vial in a secure place that still provides you easy access to it.” After replacing the lid, she gave the box back to Martell, who returned it to the chest. “Is it safe to leave the remainder here unguarded?”

  Slag nodded toward the entry. “There’ll be a watch outside.”

  Sloan bowed to thank Izlan. “The effusions are most welcome.”

  Izlan made eye contact with each individual present. “Life is precious. Don’t hesitate to use them.”

  Slag appreciated Izlan’s offering the valuable effusions. The Temple was one of the few places in the lands that created them, though he’d never been able to discover the secret of their production. “Are there any questions?”

  Sloan gestured toward the illusion. “What of Qwen’s… I don’t know what to call this. Are we going to leave it here?”

  Slag turned to Qwen, who glanced toward the rafters. A fleeting smile graced his face. “The conjure will deplete in a little over a mark.”

  Slag nodded. “If there are no further questions, then we split up and return here after our task is completed. Good travels to all.”

  ***

  Mehrle observed what she could of the meeting through the small mirror she held. She took special care not to let light reflect off its surface and give her presence away to the adults in the room. Within three marks, their mentors’ gathering was concluded and the warehouse emptied.

  Slag followed Turk and the Set when they climbed their ropes and disappeared into the rafters.

  Sloan, along with the other members of the Watch, left the warehouse, accompanied by Izlan and her Raiders.

  Qwen, Dock Master Breen, and Bell exited together.

  Mehrle had the apprentices wait in silence for half a mark, during which time she took advantage of the opportunity to think on the evening’s discoveries. She’d known Lady Izlan and the Temple’s mentors practically her whole life and had never learned of their secret past. She wanted to know more after the rescue but had to focus on helping Liddea.

  After the time passed, she put her mirror away, quietly opened the door, and entered. The illusion Qwen had created still floated in the warehouse’s center. Splitting up, the children quickly conducted a search to confirm they were truly alone. Nester and Tulip used ropes to climb up onto the rafters and made sure no one remained hidden above.

  Zeal wedged one of his throwing knives in the door to keep it from closing then spoke softly in Fronc’s ear. “I don’t know how to open the door from this side or find it, for that matter.”

  Fronc nodded. “No problem. I will leave my kit here. It should stop the door from shutting, if your blade fails.”

  “Thanks.” Zeal walked toward Qwen’s working.

  Fronc crossed to the door the adults had used to leave the building, put his ear to it, and began to listen.

  Mehrle approached and opened the chest, removed the metal box of effusions, and carried the container over to the illusion. Everyone soon gathered with her and Zeal.

  Fronc spoke softly. “I didn’t hear movement or voices outside.”

  Tulip pointed toward the rafters. “No one above.”

  Nester coiled his rope and placed it inside his pack. “Tulip, did you discover how Masters Slag, Turk, and the Set left the warehouse?”

  “Nope. Did you find a way out up there?”

  Nester shook his head no.

  Zeal gazed at his companions. “Did anyone know about Lady Izlan and the others, their being mercenaries?”

  Tulip quietly laughed. “I didn’t but should have suspected something when Lady Landis and Master Martell taught us how to deal with a pack of unruly boys seasons past.”

  Mehrle let them talk for a short time. Just like the others, she’d had no idea. But there were more pressing matters that needed attention. “We need to concentrate on Liddea’s rescue. Everyone, look at Qwen’s working.”

  Zeal extended a finger. His digit passed through the simulacrum. “It’s not really there. I sure wish I knew how to conjure. I didn’t hear what Qwen called his creation.”

  Fronc spoke up. “No one ever said. Mehrle was the only one who had a chance to see Qwen conjure it. The detail is incredible.”

  Mehrle shrugged. “By the time I thought to use my mirror to spy with, Qwen had already made this.”

  Nester pointed at the ship in the middle. “So that is where Liddea is being held. There, on the Wave Dancer. I hope she is all right.”

  “Liddea is fine, I am sure, but she’ll be much better once she is back with the rest of us. So will the other girls, when they’re returned to their families.” Mehrle’s little speech gave her hope. She truly wanted a happy ending to the night’s endeavors. “We heard the plan. What are we going to do?”

  Tulip gestured toward the water tower. “That’s our spot. See the observation walkway located around the upper part of the tower? If we climb up there, we can observe everything, be out of the adults’ sight, and yet remain in a position to help, if needed. You know people rarely look up, so, once the action starts, we should remain unnoticed.”

  “I like the plan. We should avoid approaching the tower from the side facing the tavern.” Fronc indicated the establishment on the illusion.

  Zeal looked over at the box Mehrle was holding. “That the effusions, Mehrle?”

  “Yes.” She held the container up for everyone to see. “As you know, most of my off days have been spent with Lady Patrice. I saw a man with his guts held in only by bandages. Lady Patrice gave him the contents of a small metal vial I’d never seen her use before, and it healed him.”

  “You actually saw his guts?” Tulip asked excitedly.

  “Ewwww, do you have to?” Fronc frowned.

  Zeal sighed. “Let her finish.”

  Mehrle continued, “Lady Patrice instructed the men, who’d brought the injured guy in, to hold him down. Little by little, she poured the contents of the vial into his mouth, only allowing him small sips. He still choked at first, but the more he swallowed, the easier it was for him to continue drinking. I was so intent on watching Lady Patrice give him the effusion, the vial was emptied before I thought about his injury. I looked down, and all that remained to be seen was a loose, bloody bandage over healed skin where the wound had been. After finishing the effusion, the man went into a deep sl
eep. He didn’t awaken until late the next day. I helped Lady Patrice care for him through the night. There was just a scar left to show for his trouble. I asked Lady Landis about the vial she used. She told me that the effusions were a gift of the Lady, and one day I might learn to make them.”

  Mehrle removed a vial. “I’ll take one and give it to Lady Patrice later, if it’s not used.” Mehrle put the vial in her pack before returning the container to the chest. She wondered how bad an injury an effusion would heal. Her task done, she headed to the steps. “Let’s go back to the workroom at the other end of the corridor and wait there until it is time to head over to the water tower. Zeal, guide us.”

  ***

  The individual, undiscovered in the rafters, waited until the apprentices had exited before leaving the warehouse through the hidden door that led to the building’s roof.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  THE FULL MOON and stars hid in the overcast sky, as if fearful of the evening’s coming events. Charion, carrying a large duffle slung over her shoulder, approached Chantil’s Delight from the port side, turned down the slip, and went up the gangplank. Lanterns at the top of the plank and on the vessel’s stern and bow provided the only illumination. Most of the vessel was encased in darkness.

  As she stepped aboard, she acknowledged the sailor on watch before stopping to glance over and briefly scan the Wave Dancer’s brightly lit deck. The crew of the Dancer was busily preparing the ship for departure on the tide. Charion moved to the stern mast and positioned herself where she would be unseen by the Dancer’s sailors.

  Silently, she donned her armor and then took a bow and quiver from the duffle before stuffing it under a coil of rope. Keeping the mast between her and the Wave Dancer, she climbed up to the crow’s nest and took a position where she was hidden yet could still view the Dancer’s deck. She strung her bow and placed her arrows at ready. It was too dark for her to see her bleached wood flights with their silver goose fletching, so she inspected each by touch. Their heavy broadheads were able to pierce armor. Yes, they were overkill, but she was in a mood. When the Raiders had been active, the distinctive appearance of the arrows had given notice to her enemies that Death’s Archer was taking souls.

  Using minimal movement of her head, she made a slow sweep with her eyes in an attempt to spot anyone nearby. Slag and his six assassins should have already been in position, hiding in the rigging, since they were to board the ship earlier, but she was unable to locate any of them around her. They’re good, she thought to herself.

  As she chose her sight lines to the Wave Dancer, she took note of a potential target in the crow’s nest on the Dancer’s mizzenmast. She assumed a comfortable position to await the arrival of Sloan, the Watch, Izlan, and the rest of the Raiders.

  ***

  Slag took note of Charion as she boarded the ship, kitted up, climbed the mast, and roosted in the crow’s nest. He knew the locations of Turk and the rest of the Set, but he couldn’t distinguish them from the spars they occupied. They had accessed the Delight, taking advantage of the cover of darkness, without alerting the ship’s crew to their presence.

  Field work always lightened the burden that accompanied being Master of the Trade. He planned on enjoying himself tonight. He was still upset over having failed to discover that Izlan was the renowned Commander Casteel of Izzy’s Raiders and wondered what other secrets Izlan and Arlanda hid from him.

  ***

  Qwen, in air form, flew above the three ships, along with one of his four companions. A pair of Zephyrs took turns moving in and out of the room where Liddea was captive. The last was keeping track of the apprentices, ready to aid them if needed. He saw Charion situated in the Delight’s crow’s nest. Although he was unable to see Slag, Turk, and the Set, he and his Zephyrs could easily detect their location by their scents. In the distance, Sloan, Izlan and the others were approaching.

  ***

  Liddea looked through the door’s opening and didn’t see anyone on the other side or in the short passage, at least as far as her view allowed. She’d tried to rest but had been unable to sleep. When she turned around, she saw Tilly watching her.

  “Is it time?” she asked quietly.

  “Careful. Don’t wake the others. I’m almost ready,” Liddea answered.

  Tilly stepped up and gathered Liddea in her arms. “You still want to go alone?”

  Liddea hugged her back. “It’ll be easier for me and safer for all of you if I do. I’ll bring back help as soon as I can. Until then, take care of Marum.”

  She released Tilly. When she looked back toward her mat, Marum stood watching. Marum’s wet cheeks shone in the bit of light. Liddea opened her arms in invitation and, out of the corner of her eye, saw Tilly had, as well. Marum rushed forward, and the three girls embraced.

  Liddea whispered, “Don’t worry, Marum, I’ll return before you know it. Till I do, you have to keep Tilly out of trouble, okay?”

  Marum gave a quick nod.

  “Well, will you look at that,” Kamri announced gruffly. “Are you finally leaving? I sure hope so, cause you’re making it hard for me to sleep.”

  Tilly was about to comment when Liddea interrupted. “Stop. Let her learn for herself. That’s the best way. Don’t drop to her level. You are better than her.”

  Liddea saw Betra sitting silently, observing. “Still making up your mind, I see.” She turned to Tilly. “Keep watch for me a moment.”

  Tilly shifted to peer out the door’s opening.

  Liddea loosened the ties on her trousers, lowered them, and removed her sheathed Fang from her thigh, where she had re-secured it. She held the sheath between her teeth, pulled up her trousers with her free hands, and secured them. Sliding up her sleeve, she fastened the sheath on the outer side of her forearm then adjusted the placement so the sleeve wouldn’t hamper her when she drew the weapon.

  She removed the lock picks hidden in her hair, put them between her teeth, and began to plait her hair into a single braid. Marum interrupted her and took over the task. Liddea took her picks in hand while Marum worked.

  With her hair out of the way, Liddea knelt and was soon satisfied by the click of the lock as it turned. She opened the door just enough to inspect the jam for a wire or other trigger that would trip an alarm. Not finding anything unusual, she closed and relocked the door.

  She turned and took stock of the chamber. I can’t wait to have this place become a distant memory and will never let myself be placed in a position like this again, she thought.

  She saw Kamri’s large eyes staring at her with surprise. Betra, who had remained a silent observer, gave Liddea a brief nod in acknowledgment as she returned to her mat. “When I feel the time is right, I’ll leave.” The four other girls gathered around her.

  “Liddea, I am sorry for being so mean,” Kamri said. “I am just tired of being scared.”

  ***

  So far, Haus’s watch had been dull that eve. His position in the crow’s nest of the Wave Dancer provided him with a fine view of the tavern situated across the boardwalk, where he wished he were at this moment. He stretched, turning right then left. When he looked to the left, he saw movement on the boardwalk. Members of the Watch and five other individuals dressed in chain were marching in the direction of the Dancer. He slid over the side, used a rope to quickly lower himself to the deck, and hurried over to Captain Naider, who was in discussion with two other crewmen. “Excuse me, captain.”

  “Haus, aren’t you supposed to be up in the crow’s nest?”

  “Yes, captain. I wish to report that there is a contingent of the Watch approaching the ship.”

  “Thank you, Haus. Notify the First Officer to quietly have the crew prepare to repel boarders. Then return to your position and ready your bow.”

  “Yes, captain.” As Haus hurried away, he heard the captain address the two other men.

  “You go below decks and wake up the others. Tell them to draw arms and get to all stations. You move over and stand
ready to see to the special cargo. If things go sour, we may have to sacrifice them.”

  Haus, after passing on the captain’s instructions, climbed up to his post. He strung his bow and set it in easy reach alongside his quiver of arrows. The men below him were placing their readied weapons out of sight below the ship’s railing and pretending to attend to tasks along the sides of the ship. He saw the man he had heard the captive girls refer to as Bad Teeth head down to wake the crewmen sleeping below deck. The one they called Stinky was standing in front of the closed door that led to the girls’ chamber.

  ***

  Bell and Dock Master Breen sat at one of the tables outside of the Gull’s Nest tavern, having a snack of fruit and cheeses. While they ate, they listened to the discussions of the people around them, none of which seemed to pertain to the Wave Dancer. A quarter of a mark later, Bell leaned over to Master Breen and whispered, “Here come Sloan, Izlan, and the rest.” When Bell looked back toward the ship, she noted the order of activity on deck had changed. Something was not right.

  ***

  Sloan, followed by his squad, arrived at slip seven. Izlan walked on his right with the rest of the Raiders directly behind her. Together, they formed two columns as they marched down the boardwalk and approached the Wave Dancer on her starboard side. Several of the ship’s crew leaned over the railing, intent on their approach. When they reached the gangplank, Sloan saw a tall man, dressed in prosperous clothing and armed with a sword, looking down at them from the deck. Sloan called a halt.

  “Permission to come aboard. I have business with your captain,” Sloan announced in a loud voice.

  The man answered, “I am Captain Naider. What is the problem, Officer?”

  “I have a warrant to present to you, sir.”

  “Bring me this warrant. I’ll look it over and then decide if I want you aboard my ship.”

  Sloan proceeded up the gangplank but stopped short of stepping on deck. As he handed the warrant to Captain Naider, out of the corner of his eye he saw Izlan standing at ready on his right.