Keris blipped the upper lodestone layer of her cloak as she ran, seeking any natural lodestone that might lie beneath the old city. She needed to gain height, both to evade the Asoli and to track the criminal. The only deposits she could detect seemed to be fairly weak, but she managed to leap from one and immediately push against another, sailing up through the air to land on an adjacent roof. She dashed across the eaves, drawing stares and shouts from the street below.
The thief would be working to a definite plan–he was probably not operating alone. An accomplice had no doubt been keeping watch over the shipwright’s office while they were inside. It was even possible that they had been targeted at the Calandra and followed here. She had tried to warn the others about the dangers of this place and had urged them to keep a low profile, but as usual Lyall had overruled her in his cavalier fashion. Now, once again, they were in a life-threatening situation. This is not a game.
Rain was falling steadily now; her boots felt slick against the smooth stone slates. She had to be careful not to lose her footing. Reaching the gable end, she hauled herself up onto the next building, then scaled the ridge. Standing on the apex, with one foot planted firmly on each slope, Keris had a bird’s eye view of the port city.
Irregular roofs jutted into the air like a row of jagged peaks. Below her, a knot of curiosity seekers were running and pointing, following her progress. The tall Asoli in his distinctive green was visible in the centre of the throng. She peered through the curtain of rain up the length of the bustling street. After a moment, she spied Lyall and Shann racing away in pursuit of the thief, unmolested. Serendipity. Her clumsiness had diverted attention from the real chase. All she had to do now was lose her spectators and then execute the strategy.
The first was childishly simple. She ducked down the opposite slope and moved rapidly along the roof, out of sight of the crowd. She followed a course roughly parallel to that of Lyall and Shann. Thanks to her rooftop survey, Keris now had a map in her head of the streets in the immediate area. There was a fork in the road, ahead of Lyall and Shann’s position. Assuming the thief did not turn and face them that left him two choices. Whichever road he took, one of them would give chase and the other would follow the remaining route. Hopefully, Lyall would have explained the strategy to Shann as they ran together. If nothing else, the girl was quick. She would get the idea.
River and Dam. River–channel the enemy down a single path. Dam–close it off, trapping him in front and behind. Keris darted across the uneven roofs, hopping over the gaps between narrow alleyways. She moved with the grace of a dagan, as if she had been born to this rooftop world. There were fewer people in the street on this side, and most were too preoccupied with finding shelter from the downpour to look up.
She was near the point where the road forked in two. Keris clambered up to a chimney breast and spotted Lyall pursuing blue-coat down the right hand street. Shann had taken the left fork, with the intention of cutting right at the first intersection, narrowing the thief’s options.
They had to run him down quickly. Street thieves usually had a number of bolt holes at various points around the city, leading to underground or sewer networks. If he reached one before they could catch him, he would no doubt disappear like smoke. For all she had come to detest the Prophet’s form of oppression, at least crime in Chalimar was virtually unheard of. No-one wanted to fall foul of the Keltar or end up as ‘tribute.’ At least there, she didn’t have to deal with this kind of vermin.
Blue-coat ducked right down a passage between two low buildings. Keris slid down the right side of the high roof and scuttled along the eaves until she detected a deposit under the street below. She stepped off the overhang, using the lodestone to slow her descent. She touched down, cloak outstretched, in front of a thin, balding man in a stained apron. He was pushing a handcart laden with fish. The man gawped so that he looked like one of his charges.
“Pardon me.” Keris loped away, leapt into the air and disappeared over the rooftops of the street opposite. It seemed to be a warehousing area, of newer construction than the shops and offices. The roof area was lower and more even. She swept across her private world, high up over the city, until she reached the opposite end of the alley into which the blue-coated thief had vanished. Lying flat against the tiles, she waited, like a vara-cat, ready to pounce. Moments later, the thief appeared. He allowed himself the luxury of a glance behind him, to check for signs of pursuit. In that instant, Keris rose up and sailed through the air, alighting right in front of him. The man barely had time to turn his head back and register shock before Keris had an arm around his throat. She did not have a weapon, but against a worm such as this, she didn’t need one.
“You have something that belongs to us,” she breathed into his ear.
The man’s windpipe was constricted. “I…gcchhhh.”
Lyall appeared in the alley, looking anxious rather than pleased. “Keris, don’t–”
“You are under arrest.” Keris heard a sonorous voice behind her. She whirled around, still clutching the thief. A mountain of a man stood head and shoulders above her, clad in a green uniform, his height accentuated by his tall feathered hat. Asoli.
She released her hold on the thief and rapidly considered her next action. According to the edicts of this cockeyed city, the common pickpocket she had forcibly accosted was a law abiding citizen, whereas she had just committed a serious crime. She had no doubt that she could subdue the huge Asoli, even unarmed as she was. However, the thief would likely get away with their money in the confusion and if there were other Asoli in the neighbourhood, the results could be quite unpleasant. She had no idea what the penalty was for attacking one of the city watch, but she was certain it would not be trivial. And if Lyall and Shann were implicated…curse this wretched place.
Shann came running up and came to a halt just behind Lyall. She looked uncertain.
All of a sudden, the thief cleared his throat and spoke up. “Is there a problem, watchkeeper?
The mountain placed a massive hand on Keris’ shoulder. “This woman is being taken into custody for violent conduct. You will be asked to testify accordingly.”
The thief massaged his neck briefly, then smiled. “You mean…? Oh, I see the source of your misperception. No, no, there is no violence here. These people are…my business associates. I asked them to chase me before securing our deal–I get so little exercise, you know.”
Keris felt as if her mind was chasing to keep up with what was happening around her but was still falling behind. What is this thief up to?
The Asoli’s eyes narrowed. “You testify that you are engaged in peaceful commerce?”
The thief drew himself erect. “I so testify.”
The big man removed his hand from Keris’ shoulder. “Then you are free to go. Keep the peace.”
“Peace to you watchkeeper,” the thief called after the man’s retreating back. As soon as the Asoli was gone, he pulled a white kerchief from his blue coat and mopped his olive brow. He had a narrow face and sharp black eyes. “You people take some real risks. Don’t you know the commerce laws here in Sakara?”
It was Lyall who framed the question on all of their minds. “Excuse me, but…why did you vouch for us?”
“Because I recognised you.” The thief turned to his assailant. “You are Keris, the traitor from Chalimar.”
~
“You have garnered quite the reputation: operating as a rogue Keltar, assaulting another Keltar and half a dozen soldiers, as well as the commander of the garrison at Gort. They even say you killed your own overseer. Is that true?”
They were seated in the back room of the Calandra, where the party had breakfasted only that morning. The thief was seated at the head of the table. Shann and Lyall were perched on stools either side. Keris stood by the door, as if barring the thief’s escape, although the man did not seem in the least disposed to take flight.
Keris ignored his question. “Where is our m
oney?” she menaced.
“Well, I don’t have that on me right now. I handed it off, you see,” he waved a hand dismissively. “We can discuss that later. Right now, I would be most interested to know what you are doing here in Sakara.”
“Don’t tell him anything,” Keris counselled.
Lyall ignored her. “Why do you want to know?”
The man leaned forward, as if settling in to tell a long story. “There are two kinds of traders in this city. There is the kind whose only concern is making money here and now. They would sell their own grandmother for a fraction of an astria and they would not care who was paying. And then there are others who realise that Sakara is a unique city and that their livelihoods depend on its continued existence.
“Until recently, the city was a haven of peaceful commerce under the Guild Heads. However, over the past few turns, things have changed. The Prophet has spies and informants everywhere. The Asoli still keep peace in the open city, but if the Prophet’s men can get a person off the streets, anything can happen. Every few days it seems, a body turns up, face down in the harbour. People are afraid that the Guild Master is losing his grip. There are even persistent rumours that the Keltar might stage a takeover and place the port under the Prophet’s control. That would be a disaster for those of us who desire to retain our freedom.”
“You mean the freedom to rob others,” Keris accused.
“I mean the freedom to conduct legal commerce, yes. If you are who you appear to be, then I would like to offer the services of myself and my associates. If there is anything you need, I’m sure I can acquire it for you–at a fair price.”
Lyall looked thoughtful. Keris’ eyes widened. “You can’t seriously be considering doing business with this individual?”
Lyall regarded her squarely. “They have a saying here in Sakara–‘it’s not the dealer, it’s the deal.’ Whether we like it or not, Keris, this is the way this city works.”
“But…we know nothing about this person,” Keris protested. “For all we know, he could be in league with the Prophet himself–sent to lay a trap for us.”
“Patris…I am called Patris…look, to show my good faith, let me give you some information and advice–free of charge. Chalimar is stirred up like a mannatars’ nest. They know of your presence in Sakara, and there is a sizeable bounty on offer. I know a lot of people who would love to get their hands on you. They only seem to be interested in the woman Keris, but I’m sure they would not hesitate to eliminate anyone who got in their way. My advice would be for you to leave the city as soon as possible.”
“I’m sorry,” Lyall’s expression was grave. “Circumstances dictate that we must remain here for the next few days. Then we will be leaving by ship.”
Patris shrugged. “The choice is yours. I cannot protect you while you are here–the risk is too great. I can quietly book passage for you on a ship when you are ready to depart–for a modest commission.”
“A commission?” Shann asked.
Patris grinned. “As we say here in Sakara, ‘the wind and the waves are free; everything else comes at a price.’ Where is it you are headed?” There was a silence around the table. Patris held up his hand. “That’s all right. I can appreciate that you have no reason to trust me.”
“It’s not that exactly,” Lyall explained. “It’s just that our destination is not on any of the regular trade routes. We are going to need a ship of our own.”
The thief raised an eyebrow. “Charter or purchase?”
Lyall glanced at Shann and Keris. “Purchase.”
“Size?”
“Small.” Lyall considered. “A single masted cog should be sufficient.”
“A cog cannot be sailed into a headwind,” Keris pointed out.
“No, but it can be crewed by a handful of people. And I don’t intend for us to ‘sail’ into any headwind, in any case.” He gave Keris a knowing look and she grew quiet. He turned back to Patris. “It must also be ready for immediate refit. The details are lodged at the shipwright’s office where you…encountered us.”
Patris nodded. “I think I know of a suitable vessel. Is there anything else?”
“Yes, our money,” Keris repeated.
“Why don’t we consider that a down payment on your requirements, all right?” Patris smiled a genial smile. Keris’ face was impassive.
“We will also need someone skilled in seamanship, someone…” Lyall seemed to be weighing his next word carefully, “…trustworthy.”
Patris burst out laughing. “That’s a tall order in this town. However, I count seamanship among my various talents. I would be glad to assist you.”
“You are a sailor as well as a thief?” Shann was incredulous.
Patris’ dark eyes flashed. “Actually in a free port such as this, that’s not uncommon. Many people here have spent some time at sea as traders or freebooters.”
“There is one more item we will need.” Lyall leaned forward. “A quantity of refined lodestone–not less than five levia weights.”
Patris blew through his teeth and ran a hand through his brown shoulder length hair. “Difficult. I presume you know that all lodestone production is strictly controlled by your Prophet. Even the Guilds here in Sakara are forbidden to trade in it as a part of their treaty with Chalimar.”
Keris turned away. “Dealing with this con artist is a waste of time.”
Lyall looked at her sharply, but Patris didn’t seem fazed by the insult. “I said it was difficult–not impossible. When do you need it?”
“Within three days,” Lyall replied.
“Done.”
Alondo suddenly poked his head around the door. “You’re back, I see.”
“We are.” Lyall confirmed with an amused expression. “How are you and Boxx getting on?”
“We have some ideas–not much progress as yet though. Who is our guest?”
“This is Patris,” Lyall opened his hand. “He tried to rob us earlier. We are just negotiating with him for the things we need.”
Alondo appeared nonplussed. “I see. Well…pleased to meet you. Evening meal will be ready shortly.”
“Thank you,” Lyall acknowledged. Alondo disappeared behind the door. Shann suppressed a giggle.
“He certainly seems an odd fellow,” Patris observed.
“You think so?” Lyall commented. “Just wait till you meet Boxx.”
Chapter 28
“This is a mistake.” Keris stood toe to toe with Lyall on the deck of the Soraya. Their conversation was punctuated by sounds of sawing and hammering and the occasional shouts of the refit crew as they laboured to install lateral and transverse bulkheads as well as a new bilge keel. The keel would help their little vessel to stay upright in the turbulent storms. The bulkheads would give added strength and help prevent capsizing–or so Lyall hoped. The truth was that despite the ingenious method he had devised to get them through the Barrier, and the preparations he was making, there was still an excellent chance that they would all perish in the attempt. That meant that soon, very soon, he would have to make a difficult decision. He thrust the thought to the back of his mind for the hundredth time, and focussed his attention on Keris. “How do you mean?” He had a fair idea of what she was going to say next.
“I mean dealing with these…people.”
It suited Lyall to play dumb. He took in his surroundings. The vessel lay in dry dock, nestled in a maze of scaffolding like a sea monster in a cage. “I don’t know; the shipwrights seem to be doing a first rate job.”
“Not them; I mean the criminals who are meant to be obtaining our supplies.”
“They are not criminals here in Sakara,” Lyall corrected her. “They are law abiding citizens.”
“Don’t remind me.”
Lyall put a hand on her shoulder. “Believe it or not, I appreciate your caution, Keris. But the arrangement does seem to be working out well so far. We have our ship, and work is proceeding apace.”
Keris was steely-
eyed. Clearly, she was not going to be easily put off this time. “This ship looks pretty old to me. How can you even be sure it’s seaworthy?”
“Oh, I think that’s the least of our worries.”
“What makes you say that?”
Lyall laughed lightly. “Because Patris is sailing with us. I hardly think he would put to sea in something that is going to sink as soon as we clear the harbour.”
Two caulkers in stained aprons appeared over the gangway, carrying a selection of tools. They nodded to Lyall and Keris as they passed on their way to the stern castle. Keris lowered her voice. “Patris doesn’t know where we are headed, or what we intend to face. When he realises, there is no way he is going to agree to sail the ship into the Great Barrier.”
Lyall pursed his lips. “I’ve thought of that. If all goes to plan, we won’t actually have to sail the ship through the Barrier. As far as Patris is concerned, I am arranging to have a covered launch installed. We will let him disembark and sail back to Sakara. He will be a few days at sea, but he will be more than adequately compensated.”
Keris shook her head. “I still don’t trust them. They agreed to supply our lodestone in three days. That was eight days ago. I think they are suspicious of why we need it.”
“I’m sure they are,” Lyall agreed. “But a good trader knows not to ask his customers too many awkward questions. The Guilds cannot be seen to be connected with any trade in lodestone, so I knew when we conceived of this plan that we would probably have to deal with an ‘unofficial’ source. If you know of another way…?” Keris shook her head. “Then I think we have no choice other than to be patient.”
“Still, we are taking a real risk,” Keris warned. “Patris already told us there is a large bounty being offered. If they were to decide to deliver us to the Prophet’s spies, they could easily do so, and the lodestone provides the perfect excuse to keep us here and delay our departure.”
Lyall cast his eye over the neatly stacked planks of seasoned wood. The work below deck was proceeding apace. However, to provide added stability, he ideally wanted the fore and stern castles lowered. There was also the lodestone to be installed–whenever it finally arrived. Keris was right. Time was of the essence, and every day they remained here involved added danger. “When the lodestone is fitted, we should test it to see if it works properly. After all, I don’t think anyone has ever attempted this before.”