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

slapped his palms against the table, “You’re going to collapse the drug trade and seize the ships as the final blow against those Lukasi bastards, then use the ships to free your imprisoned mates!” Cooper saw no point in denying it, “I applaud your intellect, sir. You have the essence of it. I confess, I hadn’t intended that you should be so well-informed by this meeting.” He allowed a touch of warning, not quite menace, into his voice, “In fact, it now places me in an awkward position.” Mardon shook his head, chuckling, “You may rest easy. You have no cause for worry with me.” He reached for the bottle and extended it toward Cooper, offering to refill his glass. Cooper made no move to accept, “I wish to be clear. My own people know of our goal to free our colleagues from the Prison, but not even they know the details that you’ve just learned. You will speak to no one else about this until after we’ve spoken again. I’ll accept your word on it.” Mardon’s face was serious, but there was a twinkle in his eye, “And risk losing a chance at gaining a true ship? Nary a word will come from me, Kinsman. You can be sure of that.” He extended a hand and Cooper grasped it, sealing the bargain.

Cooper stood, “That’s everything I came to discuss… and more. The next time we talk about this, it’ll be time to start selecting the crew. Give no one any indications or hints. I didn’t think my plan was so transparent. I wouldn’t want others figuring it out.” Mardon stood to see him out, “It isn’t a transparent plan. I was just in possession of enough facts to put it together. I can’t imagine what else you’ll need to accomplish in preparation, but I’ve got some people watching those bastards who’re coming and going from the Dregs. And we’re watching some of the peddlers in the Waterfront, along with a couple of shops and houses where they’re working and living. When they’re not aboard the ships, that is. When the time comes, you let us know. We’ll help bring ‘em down.”

As Cooper reached the stairway leading up to the deck, he asked, “Out of curiosity, what role does Silas play in the community?” Mardon smiled, “He’s sixth Fisher… and Third Sword. He might’ve become Second Sword last year, but he received his third cut just as he awarded his second.” Mardon paused before he added, “He’s also asked for the hand of my second eldest daughter. It’s been almost three weeks and I still haven’t given him my answer. What do you think of him?” Cooper replied immediately, “He’s a good man. He reminds me of someone else I know. I think he’d make a fine addition to the crew, and to your family.” Mardon chuckled, “Now who’s giving indications and hints?” Cooper stood on the deck and looked out across the city. He took in a breath and let it out slowly, “Like you, sir. I’m always planning something.” Mardon’s wife had joined them on deck. The First reached out and drew her to his side. Cooper gave them a brief wave and left the ship.

As Cooper walked through the Waterfront, he worried what Mardon might do with the new information. He felt uneasy about someone knowing so much of his plans, but he also knew that he didn’t have the ability to accomplish what was needed without the Wharfsiders’ strength and expertise. He was truly in a position where he needed them more than they needed him. He could only hope that the promise of a ship would be enough to balance the scales; but the desire for ships, now that he’d been presented the possibility, wouldn’t cause Mardon to initiate a raid on his own with the intent of capturing all three ships.

*****

Iona pondered what little information had been learned. She’d found no imprinted items at the quarry, only bodies. Any residual energy had faded, as if washed away by last night’s rain. Questioning the masons yielded little of any value. The description given by the one man who might have seen something was laughable. It was highly unlikely that a demon was responsible for the raid on the quarry. Though Yoren’s agitation increased with each unsatisfied question, Felis had remained silent the entire time. He listened as he walked all around the quarry grounds. He inspected the dead guards, the stockade, and even the stables, yet he offered no words. She was certain he knew something, but had come to learn that if he didn’t want to say anything, he wouldn’t.

The only thing he did say was after they’d returned from the quarry. When they reached the University, he’d asked her whether she’d found any measure of peace. Any sense of quiet. She had shrugged and told him that it was better at the Palace than at the University, quieter. At least that was true most of the time. Felis took her hand and walked with her to the Palace. They went to one of the sitting rooms and he filled an area around them with calm. She smelled bread and some kind of candy - caramel, it might have been. She closed her eyes and had even felt a warm breeze on her cheek, but that might have been real and not something of Felis’ creation; but the warmth of sunlight on her face, that had to come from him since they had been indoors and clouds still covered the sky. She had tried to focus on the sensations, and not notice as his Talent approached his limit to maintain it, but as one faded so had the other.

Felis had waited until she’d opened her eyes, then he stood and told her, “I need to get back to my studies. I can come back tomorrow…?” Though she was uncertain of his motives, she had smiled, “I think