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

in thought. He was aware that everyone expected him to say something, to impart some wisdom; instead he opted for a more thought-provoking line of conversation. He fixed Cooper with an unflinching stare, “And what do you propose? You’ve travelled all this way for some purpose, certainly.” Cooper nodded. He didn’t shrink under Utsef’s intense gaze, “I came here because I need the advice and guidance of a Master from the Guild, and right now you’re the only one I can find without putting myself at risk.” Utsef leaned forward and cut a chunk of meat from the venison and chewed it thoughtfully while he formed his reply, “You’ve given us all much to think about. This is a discussion that you and I can continue just between us, while these five,” he swept his hand around the circle, “are conducting their lessons tomorrow. For now, eat the meat that has been roasted, then carve the remaining meat off the carcass.” Utsef stood and entered the darkness of the surrounding woods. Between bites of venison, Loryn asked, “and Aden?” Cooper shrugged, “Rukle told me that he thought he’d seen Aden alive, being forced into a cage. Whether bound for Serpent Tooth prison, or the work camps, or execution, he couldn’t say. He couldn’t even be sure that it was Aden that he’d seen.” Loryn looked very upset, and angry. She couldn’t look at him. Cooper added, “I’m sorry, Loryn. I wish I knew more, but I just don’t. I hope that I can convince Utsef to come back to Paleros with us to rebuild.” Loryn arched an eyebrow, “Rebuild?” Cooper nodded, “Master Loril found a way to leave me an assignment. Two targets, in fact. But I can’t accomplish them alone, not without destabilizing the city’s government, or risking the possibility of King Argravel sending troops to impose martial law. If there’s one lesson I’ve had driven into my brain time and again over the last few years, it’s this… Actions have consequences.”

Now Loryn jerked her head and met his gaze fully, “Consequences? Almost everyone we care about is either captured or dead! You’re concerned about consequences?!” Cooper squared his shoulders and leaned toward her, “Yes. Yes, I am. It’s consequences that brought us to this point. I’m not suggesting we do nothing, but Utsef’s the only Master around, and I’m one of the newest Adepts. He and I, and five Journeymen against what? The City Watch, the Army and the Palace Guard? I’m convinced that what needs to be done can be done, but we’ve gotta be smart. It’s going to require planning. We’re not soldiers. We’re Assassins.”

Utsef’s voice cut in from behind Cooper, “He’s right about that, Miss. How many times have you heard me say it? If I’m in a ‘fair fight’, it’s only because I didn’t have time to prepare.” Utsef shook his head as he chuckled, “But as right as he might be about that, he’s completely wrong about the rest of it. I’m not going to the city. And neither are any of you, at least not until the Journeymen are finished here.”

By the time Utsef had finished speaking, the other four Journeymen had gathered to listen. When Utsef stopped talking one of the Journeymen, a square-jawed boy who answered to the name “Gaff”, spoke, “Not many Journeymen Assassins can claim they already know their first assignment.” Utsef groaned but Cooper spoke first, “You still don’t. I’ll certainly need help setting things up. I have a few ideas, but the way I have it figured it’ll take an incredible amount of preparation and more than a little timing; much more than I can manage by myself. That’s where you come in.” He then turned to Utsef, “And if you won’t come to the city to oversee matters, then you’re leaving me in charge of getting things started, by default. Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Utsef shook his head, “No, it’s a horrible idea. There’s only two, maybe three people that I’d consider qualified to rebuild the Guild, and I don’t hate them enough to wish that upon them.” Cooper shrugged, “I expect that once we get things started at least a few Guild members, those who’re still in the city, hiding, will emerge. That’ll help, but I certainly can’t count on it. No way to guess who, or even if, anyone will show.” Cooper had almost been thinking out loud. He took a breath and directed his attention back to Utsef, “While I’m here, I’ll ask that you help me put ideas together; even if only by listening and providing guidance.” Utsef gestured at Loryn and the others, “You get the food stowed and the put out the fire. We need to get away from this campsite. The fire Cooper has burning is big enough for a lighthouse.” Cooper glanced at the fire and chuckled as Utsef turned back to face him, “We’ll have plenty of time to talk…” He turned to watch the Journeymen dismantle the campsite, “Four months or so… between lessons.” He paused and cast a sidelong look in Cooper’s direction, “Lessons that you might help with, since you’re here anyway.”

Cooper slung his gear back over his shoulder and followed the group into the Forest. Everyone moved silently, or almost silently. The Journeymen had been here a few months already. It appeared that they’d been paying attention to their movement lessons, at least.

They reached a small clearing and Utsef stopped the group. He announced, “We’ll camp here until morning. No fire. Don’t unpack. At dawn we’ll move again.” As the others busied themselves with tying up hammocks, Utsef came close enough to Cooper that he could speak without being overheard, “We’ve had to ‘accelerate’ the lessons, due to all the deaths in the Guild. I guess we’re not so worried about that now.” Cooper shook his head, “I’m still in a hurry. For those Guild members that were killed during the raid, or executed