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

a question and awaited the man’s reply. Utsef simply nodded, “You know how to find me. Next time, bring some spices with you.” He gave Kinsman a wink and turned to help a woman climb into the wagon. The wood flooring of the wagons had become slippery by mud and rain. It made for unsteady footing. Kinsman and Gaff helped get Kolrem upright and half-carried him as he hopped to the wagon and slid aboard. Birt and Dailen had already brought the horses back near the edge of the cliffs and had unhooked them from the chains. The sky to the east would soon start to show light from the approaching sun. The storm which might make them harder to follow had also delayed them longer than he’d expected. There was no time to waste if they were to have everyone unloaded and hidden inside the Houses in Miller’s Flats before dawn.

He turned and shook Utsef’s hand as he asked, “You’ll come into town once or twice in the next year, won’t you?” Utsef gazed north, toward the city, “Maybe.” As Kinsman pulled in a breath to protest, Utsef consoled him, “Once, surely. Twice or more… possibly, but unlikely.” Kinsman nodded. It was close to the answer he’d expected.

Birt and Dailen had gotten the horses positioned and the others were helping to get them hitched to the wagons. Kinsman told Utsef, “It’s almost time to go. Thanks for helping. It is good to see you.” Utsef nodded and they parted ways. Kinsman knew that Utsef still needed to collect his pack before returning to the Forest, and the rest of them needed to be elsewhere as well. Once the sun was up, they’d all be exposed; and if no one knew what had happened yet, they soon would. Then there might be no place in the city that would be safe from searching Guardsmen and soldiers, except the Ruins perhaps. They’d have to start transporting small groups to the Ruins almost immediately.

He went to the edge of the cliff and peered downward, trying to see whether or not the basket had come to rest at the base of the cliff. It’s unlikely that it would be spotted by passing ships; most gave the Broken Coast a wide berth, but better for it to rest at the base of the cliffs to be easily lost from sight amidst the rocks. In the faint light it was just possible to make out the rocks below, or more precisely, the white spray of water as the waves dashed against the rocks. He couldn’t make out the shape of the basket at all.

When he stepped away from the edge, Birt’s wagon was already moving and Dailen had just climbed up and was preparing to grab the reins. Kinsman made a last inspection of their surroundings, making sure no one had been left behind, and then jogged to Dailen’s wagon and hopped in. He glanced around at the passengers, looking for one in particular. Kolrem was in Birt’s wagon.

The brief, rough ride to the city was uneventful and mostly quiet. Once the wagon reached the developed road they increased speed and no one felt comfortable enough to get up to move around. Kinsman took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The worst of it was over. They’d successfully broken everyone out of Serpent Tooth prison and navigated the Broken Coast. The sun was still below the horizon but in the growing light, they were close enough to begin to distinguish individual buildings on the outskirts of Miller’s Flats. There was almost no chance of them getting everyone inside without being observed. That meant they’d have a day or two, maybe less than a day, to get people moved to the Ruins before word began to spread. He considered simply bypassing Miller’s Flats entirely, but that would be even more foolish. Going directly into the Ruins would simply draw the soldiers in behind them. He hadn’t considered that they’d need to move so quickly. A new plan was needed immediately and he was almost out of ideas. A few could be shuttled through the Wharf City by boat, several at a time could be taken through the city in the wagons, but surely the bridges will have an increased presence of soldiers. Perhaps one of the other Guild members would have an idea.

The wagons drew up near the House by the brickmaker’s kilns. Kinsman jumped down from the wagon and jogged straight up to the House to open the door. It was ajar. He waved to get the attention of the rest of them as they were helping people climb down from the wagons. He signaled that they should wait. He drew his right hand blade and slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Chapter 28

He stepped into the main room, his senses alert, trying to detect the presence of anyone around. He considered reaching out to feel for someone lurking in the darkness but that would likely only alert the Hunters and draw them here. That was the last thing he wanted at this moment. He’d taken six steps when he heard the whisper of fabric and turned to meet it as he saw a shadow separate itself from those around it. A soft voice resonated in the empty space, despite the wind outside, “Sheathe your weapon, Kinsman. Surely you don’t intend to fight me.” The voice was familiar at once. “Felis?! What- How?” Even in the darkness he could sense Felis’ smile. The questions were left unanswered. Any answer would’ve been interrupted by another voice. Iona called out, “You two know each other?!” She revealed herself but remained behind Felis. Kinsman drew his second blade and Felis stepped forward, remaining between the two of them. He spoke quietly, “There’s a reason I’ve forced this meeting. There are matters that require resolution.” Cooper and Iona each wondered if they’d soon be fighting for