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

value to us. If a House Father threatens you, kill him. If any kids pull knives, kill them too.” Rukle raised an eyebrow and Cooper held up a finger, “I’m telling you to use your judgement. Don’t kill anyone that wants to stay with us, but we can’t afford any threat to remain in the Dregs. Right now, an empty House in the Dregs will serve us better than a dissatisfied one.” Loryn asked, “What about you? What are you doing tomorrow?” Cooper looked at Birt, “Birt and I are going to Miller’s Flats. We need to buy a couple houses that are in need of repairs.” Birt’s mouth dropped open, “Wha-?” Cooper kept talking, “We’ll need to hire a few stone masons and carpenters for the repairs. We won’t let them know that they’re actually interviewing for continued employment here in the Ruins. Plus, once they’re finished, we might find a couple more House Fathers to occupy those locations in Miller’s Flats.” He took a slow breath before he continued, “Managing those projects will be your task, Birt. Pull in Dailen if you need to. The workers we hire for construction here will start with building his Smithy, so he has an interest in who we employ.” He turned back to Rukle, “Speaking of ‘interests’, once you’re done with Houses, you’ll be visiting those businesses where we have part ownership. We won’t be demanding ‘back dues’, tell them to consider that coin as a Harvest Festival bonus, but that they shouldn’t expect that to be an annual event. Any resistance, handle it as needed. Be wary though. Back off if Lukasi agents have muscled in during our absence. Their time is coming, but we’re not ready to confront them yet.” Rukle gave a firm nod.

Cooper turned to Gaff, “I seem to recall that you’re a Waterfront kid, is that right?” Gaff nodded and Cooper continued, “Over the next three days take one of the other Journeymen, a different one each day, and spend time in the Waterfront. Try to learn where the Lukasi traders are storing their cargo. I’m confident that they’re not keeping it all on the ships but I doubt they’re moving it very far from the docks. I’m guessing that with Jarell dead, there’s no remaining demand for slaves. That means their main trade is drugs. The facilities and warehouses are going to be guarded, if for no other reason than to keep the addicts from trying to break in. It might be worthwhile to keep an eye on a couple of addicts, even donate a few coins to them and then watch where they go.” Gaff squared his shoulders, obviously proud to have been entrusted with a task. Cooper added, “You’re observing only. No confrontations. Fight only to defend yourself, then escape. Clear?” Gaff nodded his understanding, but looked no less proud than he had before.

Dailen interjected, “You said something earlier about explaining the whole plan…?” Cooper let his shoulders sag for a moment and then took a breath and let it out slowly, “Yes. Alright. Get comfortable. This’ll take a few minutes.”

Fifteen minutes later, Cooper had finished speaking and everyone was looking around the circle in silence. Birt was the first to speak, “A jailbreak!?” Dailen quickly followed, “Not just that! How do you expect to get to the Spymaster?” Loryn almost interrupted Dailen, “Do you really think the Library is still there?” Spen added, “And your plans for the Lord General?!” Spen shook his head in disbelief. Cooper held his palms toward them as if to divert the flood of questions and exclamations. He faced Birt, “Yes, a jailbreak. And, some day soon, we’ll also need to take a look at the quarries. That’s where they keep the work gangs, right?” He turned toward Rukle, Dailen and the Journeymen, “As for the Spymaster, the Library and all the rest, those problems are mine. That’s why I need all of you to manage the construction, collections and information gathering. I’ll come ask for help if I need it.” He paused and raised a finger to emphasize his next point, “Birt will be the central point for all gathered information. Take your directions from him.” He lowered his finger but continued speaking, “I’ll want to be kept informed too, but I’ll be focused on those tasks that you’re all concerned about. As you finish your tasks, let me know and we’ll assign you wherever you’re needed in order to keep things progressing at the right pace. Whichever Journeymen aren’t ‘employed’ will be guarding this place. Sorry, I know keeping watch isn’t exciting but in a week or three you’ll likely be looking forward to a restful day. As we expand, expect that our competitors from Lukasi will start nosing around. There’s no superstition preventing them from entering the Ruins. Guard duty will be a task of increasing importance as we move forward.” Everyone fell silent as they considered those words. Reality was setting in.

Chapter 6

The following morning, Cooper and Rukle rose early. Each took a few minutes to stretch and then Cooper jerked a thumb towards the door. Rukle nodded and they went outside. The sky didn’t look like it was getting lighter yet, but the stars had already faded. Cooper said, “Let’s spar for a few minutes to loosen up. Then we’ll go to whichever House you liked the least.” Rukle raised an eyebrow, “The least?” Cooper nodded, “We’re unlikely to be making friends.”

They sparred using well-rehearsed combinations at a pace that was unchallenging for both of them, but sufficed to get their heart rates up. Cooper gauged Rukle’s movements and assessed that his colleague’s technique hadn’t suffered much in the last few months. After a few minutes he felt prepared, and had learned what he’d needed from Rukle. He stepped away and sheathed his blades. Rukle followed his example. They woke Loryn and waited a minute as she got dressed and ready. Once she’d