Exploitable Weaknesses by Brian Keller (red queen free ebook txt) 📗

first corner when Kinsman looked through the bars of the next cell and felt relief wash over him. In the span of a single breath, Kinsman was suddenly Cooper again. He remained silent until he stepped into the cell but once inside, he spoke, “Grief.” Kolrem didn't appear to acknowledge at first, but after a moment he raised his head slightly to glance around in the darkness. He didn't speak. Cooper stepped forward and raised his friend's head to look into his eyes. By Kolrem's wild-eyed appearance, it was uncertain whether he still had control of his faculties. Cooper had to know. He snapped his fingers in front of Kolrem's eyes. Kolrem's eyes came into focus and Cooper whispered, “Kolrem. Do you know where you are? Do you recognize me?” Kolrem glanced around the room and then chuckled. It sounded like dry paper being crumpled. He tried to clear his throat once but lacked the phlegm. His voice came out as a croak but gained clarity as he spoke, “Sure. I once thought there could be no worse fate than sleeping next to your unwashed socks. My time here has shown me differently. What kept you?” Cooper began unlocking his friends fetters, “Well, there were some difficulties that needed to be sorted out. The goal is to get all of us out; not come in to join you in your incarceration, after all.” Cooper could joke now now that he knew his friend's mind had not been unhinged. He asked, “Do you know who else is here? Or some you know aren't here?” Kolrem coughed, successfully this time before he replied, “I know Skran is dead. He must've killed a dozen soldiers before they swarmed him. He'd have been overwhelmed even if he'd had three hands.” He paused before he added, bitterly, “They simply surrounded him and cut him down.” He took a deep breath and continued, his voice gaining strength, “I was taken while trying to get to him. There were just too many, and they were armored. I got shield-rushed by two soldiers and was knocked down, then clubbed. I don't remember much after that until I woke up on the boat bringing me here. That boat ride is another experience I could do without.” Cooper smiled, recalling Kolrem's dislike for water travel and as the third of four shackles fell free he added, “Well, I have more bad news for you then. The only way off this island is by boat, and in this storm the water is anything but smooth.”

Kolrem groaned, “It beats swimming, I suppose.” He fell limp as the final shackle was unlocked. Cooper and Lebin caught him and gently lowered him to a seated position. Kolrem massaged his wrists as Cooper told him, “Plenty of time to reminisce and reproach later; once we've got everyone out of here.” Kolrem made to stand, failed, and settled back to sit. His expression one of disdain and self-reproach, “You'll forgive me if I rest a minute before I catch up.” Cooper laughed, “Just board one of the ships and stay there. Don't risk extending your stay because you tried to help and got left behind.” Kolrem grinned through parched, cracked lips, “That's a valid point.” He lurched to his feet and Lebin helped him remain upright. As they left the cell, they could see Cam returning at a jog. He had two Wharfsiders with him. Lebin spoke, “I'll get him aboard and come find you again.” Cooper gave him a quick wave and was Kinsman again.

Cam stopped near him and reported, “They've been sorting the prisoners. Guild are going onto Silas' boat. The other ship will sail directly to Temidan.” Kinsman's expression darkened. This was a departure from the plan, but he had to accept the logic of it. Navigating the Broken Coast would be tricky enough with just one ship and a knowledgeable captain and crew, there was no need to risk both vessels. Kinsman nodded as Cam added, “I'd suggest making sure you get on the right boat.”

Of the next twenty cells, only six held Guild members. He recognized most of them but knew almost none of them by name. Marna was among them. She appeared to recognize him as well but she didn't speak. He briefly explained the circumstances to her as he freed her. She remained silent, but she appeared to take in and understand all that he'd told her.

Twelve cells further, they met Loryn and her group. Everyone was smiling and it soon became apparent why. Spen teased, “Loryn almost forgot about the rest of the prisoners when we found Aden.” Kinsman inhaled sharply but remained silent and Spen continued, “I thought she was going to insist that she escort him the the ship personally. It could've derailed the entire effort.” Kinsman had almost interrupted Spen's announcement but waited to ask, “How is he?” Loryn's voice expressed that she was both excited and a little angry, “Starved. Weak. Sickly...” She brightened and sounded hopeful as she announced, “He recognized me.”

Kinsman pointed to the center of the prison, “We need to collect Rukle and his team on the way out. We'll make sure everyone's aboard before we withdraw completely though. If they try pursue us, I'd rather simply fight them rather than try to protect prisoners. If we get separated, make sure you get on the Wharfsider boat. The other one is going straight to Temidan.” Loryn jerked her head to look straight into his eyes with a questioning expression. Kinsman shrugged, “It's a change; but a sensible one.” Loryn accepted this with a single nod. Kinsman looked around, unable to pierce the darkness through the storm. Lebin hadn't yet returned. He told Loryn, “I'll take Spen and retrace my path to make sure we're not leaving anyone. You take the rest and find Rukle. Spen and I will join you once we've finished.” He got Spen's attention and explained the situation. Spen stood a little