Exploitable Weaknesses by Brian Keller (best interesting books to read txt) π
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- Author: Brian Keller
Read book online Β«Exploitable Weaknesses by Brian Keller (best interesting books to read txt) πΒ». Author - Brian Keller
They reached the gate and found Kolrem and Lebin having a conversation with the restrained guard. The muffled voice of the gate guard could be heard from under his furs, βSure I'm a soldier, but I was made a prison guard cuz I never seem ta do anythin' right. Now I even mess this up. I'm ruined now. I can't face the sergeant in the morning, an' right now, you're the only way off this rock. Take me with you?β Kolrem was sitting beside the man, smiling. Kinsman seemed to consider it and Rukle snorted, βAre we taking on strays now?β Gaff briefly glared at Rukle and Balat replied, βWe were all strays once, weren't we? The question is 'can we trust him'?β The guard sounded desperate, βHey, you're Guild, right? I was a House kid! I grew up in the Dregs! I got nuthin' against the Guild. We gots lotsa Guild prisoners here, you ask 'em if I ever mistreated even one-a them!β Kolrem chimed in weakly, βI don't care if we bring him, but if he always messes everything up, just don't put him in the galley.β
Kinsman looked at Loryn, βMake sure he gets put on the other boat. We don't want to watch over him with everything else going on right now... and inform the captain that he's got a potential prisoner of his own. He can decide this man's fate.β He faced the group, βRukle. Keep a few of us here and watch to make sure we're not attacked. I'll come get you and then we'll cast off.β He turned his head, βBalat. Make sure our people are all aboard and secured. No point in freeing them only injure them as we escape.β He faced Loryn, βMake sure I see you come aboard after dropping this man onto the other boat. We're not free and clear yet, but at least we'll be leaving this island behind us soon.β
The group quickly dispersed. Kinsman kept the ring of prison keys clipped to his belt. You never know.
Chapter 27
Boarding the right boat was the easy part. Getting everyone below and secured proved more challenging. Everyone worked quickly while Rukle, Spen Gaff and a half dozen Wharfsiders watchfully stood at the prison gate.
Silas was already bellowing orders to the crew, in preparation to pull away from the moorings and turn the ship. Kinsman remained above deck in an attempt to keep track of how things progressed. The storm and the darkness made it impossible to see more than few yards from the bow of the ship. Balat emerged from below decks and gestured that the passengers were ready. As soon as Loryn made it back, Kinsman carefully walked to Silas. Moored or not, the waters still tossed the ship, occasionally causing it to strike and scrape along the moorings. Walking across the deck reminded him off practicing on Master Brais' βTrapβ. Kinsman caught the Silas' attention and the man leaned down as Kinsman yelled, βHow much longer?β Silas looked up at the sailors, diligently carrying out his last commands despite the high winds and lancing rain, βTwo, maybe three minutes more and I'll be asking you that same question!β Kinsman yelled back, βI'll bring the others back and we'll cast off on your orders.β Silas gave him a nod and Kinsman sped off the ship to collect their remaining members.
Rukle's only reply was, βYou don't have to tell me twice! I was ready to leave the moment we landed.β They all hurried back to the ship and awaited a yell or signal to release the mooring lines. The call came soon but it still felt like a long time while they stood beside the ship, vulnerable both to the wind and rain, as well as potential pursuers. Once the lines were untied and everyone had scrambled aboard, Kinsman allowed himself a deep breath before turning his attention to the activities of the crew.
He'd been aboard a ship before, Captain Rigel's Sundancer from Kalistos to Paleros, but this was different. Many of the commands were similar but they came much faster and the crew moved with much more urgency. Kinsman remained above deck, uncertain of what he might do to help, but unwilling to go below in case there might be something.
The jib sails had been positioned to catch wind and pull them away. These were now pulled tight and quickly, but temporarily secured. The wet cloth snapped as it filled with air and the ship lurched away from the pier. Silas cranked the wheel and the ship grudgingly turned. Once the main sails filled with air, the ship lurched again and
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