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

to turn and nod to Cooper saying, “It is good to see you again. I pray the results of this meeting find us as better friends and richer for it.” Mardon immediately went to work at uncorking the bottle. Cooper watched his wife leave and waited until the door was closed before he replied, “Is that something your wife always says?” The First smiled as he poured the wine, “Only for those meetings that make her feel worried.”

Cooper glanced back at the closed door, then back to Mardon, “Then I’ll start by saying that this meeting should have no bearing on our friendship, except perhaps to deepen it. I still have much to do today, and time is against me, so I’ll get right to the point.” He accepted the glass that was offered to him. Mardon slowly thrust his own glass forward to clink it against Cooper’s. Mardon said, “To absent friends.” He took a sip and continued, “Or so I believe that is the reason for this secrecy…?” Cooper shrugged and took a sip, “I have a few questions to ask. How you answer them will determine whether we have cause for another, related meeting at a later date.” Mardon took a larger drink, allowing the wine to rest in his mouth a moment before swallowing. He raised his eyebrows and nodded to encourage Cooper to continue. Cooper took a drink and settled back in his chair before he asked, “How many truly seaworthy ships do the Wharfsiders have?” As Mardon considered his answer, Cooper added, “I understand that the Wharf City is afloat, and not resting on the bottom of the bay. But how many vessels would you be willing to bet would survive a trip to Temidan and back, then depart immediately for Kalistos?” Mardon began to look irritated by the questions. Cooper realized he needed to clarify, “Sir, I mean no disrespect. I realize that most of these ships haven’t rigged sails for several years. The reason I’m asking is because I may find myself in a position to offer you a fully functional, seaworthy vessel. With it, you would be able to conduct your own trade and bring in those items that you pay dearly for here in Paleros.” Cooper paused to gauge the First’s reaction. All hints of the previous irritation were gone, so he pressed forward, “I hope this is something that will interest you.”

Mardon leaned forward, “You know that merchants are forbidden from selling ships to us. This ban extends to those nations with a trade agreement with Paleros, or Gajeril. No shipwrights will repair our vessels. They are unwilling to risk the Prince’s ire. How can we blame them? It is the Prince’s way of placing a time limit on our neighborhood. Eventually, our ships will deteriorate enough that they will fail, and sink. Once the rotting hulls strike the bottom of the bay, they belong to His Highness and they will merely be salvage.”

Cooper smiled, the conversation was back on track, and going well, “By strange coincidence, my proposition does not even violate this ban.” The First’s eyebrows lifted high above his eyes as he roared out a quick laugh, “I doubt there is little in your life that could be called coincidence!” Cooper offered a moment of candor, “You might just be surprised, sir.” He paused and told the First, “Sir, you might let your family know that you’re alright. Someone has rushed to the door in response to your outburst.” Mardon raised an eyebrow, stood and stepped to the door and pulled it open. His wife stood beyond, wringing her hands. Her expression changed from one of concern, then surprise at the door being pulled open, then relief upon seeing her husband, then concern and worry that she may have embarrassed him in some way. Mardon reached for her and gathered her into an embrace. He turned to speak to Cooper, his voice rumbling in his chest, “The best I can wish for you, Kinsman, is that you are someday blessed with the love of such a woman.” Cooper stood and bowed his head, “Sir, I fear that is unlikely for me. Few men in my profession live long enough to enjoy such a blessing, but I thank you just the same.” The First turned back to his wife and kissed her on the forehead, “The Kinsman has offered me something that I hadn’t thought possible. It was surprise that caused me to shout. You have no cause for worry. Leave us now, we need to finish our discussion.”

He closed the door and returned to his chair, “You were telling me that you could sell me a ship. What price would you demand for such a thing?” Cooper sat back down and settled in, “I have no ship to sell, sir. I was telling you that I may be able to provide one in the future. And my price would be one night of high-risk adventure for the men worthy enough to be her crew and then to hold the secret ever after.” Surprise registered again on the face of the First Merchant, “You’re offering to give me a ship?” Cooper shook his head, “No, sir. I’m saying that my price isn’t coin. My price is dearer than that. I will need able seamen and swordsmen for a full night, and I expect that not all of them shall live through it.”

It was apparent that Mardon’s mind was racing and he rapidly came to a conclusion, “You’re offering me one of the Lukasi vessels.” Mardon examined Cooper’s face and added, “Your impassive expression confirms it for me, and there’s more. ‘Absent friends’… You’re planning on using those ships to raid the Prison, aren’t you!?” Cooper shrugged, “Would it affect your decision?” Mardon’s mind was already elsewhere. Cooper could see that he was grasping at fragments, trying to make them fit. In seconds the man’s face lit up with a grin as he