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

straighter as he replied, “Let's go then. We're all ready to be off this island.” They made their way along the prison wall, glancing into each cell as they passed. They encountered no one. Without approaching the gate, they walked to where they expected Rukle, Loryn and the rest of them to be waiting. The group had formed a semi-circle around a single block building. Through the storm he could barely see that there were two Guild members on the roof as well. Kinsman approached Rukle and announced, “We're leaving.” Rukle nodded, “And it's about time too! You know how you know you're truly wet, right?” He reached back and pulled at the seat of his trousers, grinning. Kinsman replied “I was truly wet as I was climbing down the prison wall.” He made a wide, waving motion and waited long enough to see everyone respond, including those on top of the building, before he asked Rukle, “Casualties?” Rukle shook his head, “Wounded three or four of them, and forced them into the barracks there.” His grin widened as he added, “No one's tried to come out, but it's safe to say they all know we're here.” Kinsman glanced around again. The two that were up on the rooftop had climbed down. He turned toward the gate, “Let's go.”

They reached the gate and found Kolrem and Lebin having a conversation with the restrained guard. The muffled voice of the gate guard could be heard from under his furs, “Sure I'm a soldier, but I was made a prison guard cuz I never seem ta do anythin' right. Now I even mess this up. I'm ruined now.  I can't face the sergeant in the morning, an' right now, you're the only way off this rock. Take me with you?” Kolrem was sitting beside the man, smiling. Kinsman seemed to consider it and Rukle snorted, “Are we taking on strays now?” Gaff briefly glared at Rukle and Balat replied, “We were all strays once, weren't we? The question is 'can we trust him'?” The guard sounded desperate, “Hey, you're Guild, right? I was a House kid! I grew up in the Dregs! I got nuthin' against the Guild. We gots lotsa Guild prisoners here, you ask 'em if I ever mistreated even one-a them!” Kolrem chimed in weakly, “I don't care if we bring him, but if he always messes everything up, just don't put him in the galley.”

Kinsman looked at Loryn, “Make sure he gets put on the other boat. We don't want to watch over him with everything else going on right now... and inform the captain that he's got a potential prisoner of his own. He can decide this man's fate.” He faced the group, “Rukle. Keep a few of us here and watch to make sure we're not attacked. I'll come get you and then we'll cast off.” He turned his head, “Balat. Make sure our people are all aboard and secured. No point in freeing them only injure them as we escape.” He faced Loryn, “Make sure I see you come aboard after dropping this man onto the other boat. We're not free and clear yet, but at least we'll be leaving this island behind us soon.”

The group quickly dispersed. Kinsman kept the ring of prison keys clipped to his belt. You never know.

Chapter 27

Boarding the right boat was the easy part. Getting everyone below and secured proved more challenging. Everyone worked quickly while Rukle, Spen Gaff and a half dozen Wharfsiders watchfully stood at the prison gate.

Silas was already bellowing orders to the crew, in preparation to pull away from the moorings and turn the ship. Kinsman remained above deck in an attempt to keep track of how things progressed. The storm and the darkness made it impossible to see more than few yards from the bow of the ship. Balat emerged from below decks and gestured that the passengers were ready. As soon as Loryn made it back, Kinsman carefully walked to Silas. Moored or not, the waters still tossed the ship, occasionally causing it to strike and scrape along the moorings. Walking across the deck reminded him off practicing on Master Brais' “Trap”. Kinsman caught the Silas' attention and the man leaned down as Kinsman yelled,  “How much longer?” Silas looked up at the sailors, diligently carrying out his last commands despite the high winds and lancing rain, “Two, maybe three minutes more and I'll be asking you that same question!” Kinsman yelled back, “I'll bring the others back and we'll cast off on your orders.” Silas gave him a nod and Kinsman sped off the ship to collect their remaining members.

Rukle's only reply was, “You don't have to tell me twice! I was ready to leave the moment we landed.” They all hurried back to the ship and awaited a yell or signal to release the mooring lines. The call came soon but it still felt like a long time while they stood beside the ship, vulnerable both to the wind and rain, as well as potential pursuers. Once the lines were untied and everyone had scrambled aboard, Kinsman allowed himself a deep breath before turning his attention to the activities of the crew.

He'd been aboard a ship before, Captain Rigel's Sundancer from Kalistos to Paleros, but this was different. Many of the commands were similar but they came much faster and the crew moved with much more urgency. Kinsman remained above deck, uncertain of what he might do to help, but unwilling to go below in case there might be something.

The jib sails had been positioned to catch wind and pull them away. These were now pulled tight and quickly, but temporarily secured. The wet cloth snapped as it filled with air and the ship lurched away from the pier. Silas cranked the wheel and the ship grudgingly turned. Once the main sails filled with air, the ship lurched again and