Exploitable Weaknesses by Brian Keller (best interesting books to read txt) 📕

what the Dreg’s kids might’ve seen or heard. His mind was being stretched in too many directions. He needed to get through tonight, if for no other reason than to clear one worrisome task from his overflowing list.

He got the attention of Rukle and Spen and waved them over. He explained, “As you know, we’re bringing everyone from the Dreg’s tonight. I want you three to watch over our movement. We’re leaving the Dregs by boat around eleven, so barring any unforeseen obstacle, we should be leaving the Wharf City about forty minutes after that, maybe a little longer, depending on how well the former prisoners can move. I don’t expect trouble but there’s no shortage of potential threats right now.” Spen began counting off using his fingers, “City Watch, Army, Secret Police, Lukasi scum, whoever’s tried following you, addicts, freelance thieves… have I forgotten anyone? Too many more and I’ll run out of fingers.” Spen smiled as Cooper replied, “Just make sure you bring enough arrows. But seriously, Balat’s injured so it’ll primarily be Gaff, Naro and me keeping watch on the ground. Miss Camilla can fight and I suspect Mister Ysel is more capable than he pretends to be, but if we’re attacked and they get into the fray, then we’ve either failed or we’re completely overwhelmed. Birt and Dailen will stay here and keep an eye on things, and be ready to receive us all. Have I forgotten anyone?” Rukle shook his head and Loryn replied, “Of course you haven’t.” Cooper shook his head, “Lately, I wouldn’t be too surprised if I had.” Spen asked, “What about sending Journeymen out on this journey you’ve mentioned? Who’s going?” Cooper glanced at Rukle, “We’ll decide that once everyone’s here. Any other questions?” No one spoke so Cooper stood, “I’ll collect another pouch or two of coin, then return to Miller’s Flats. Look for us leaving the Wharf City between eleven-thirty and midnight. We’ll bring everyone straight through the Waterfront and into the Ruins.” He shrugged and added, “If I don’t spot any of you, I’ll just assume you’re there.”

Chapter 14

Once he returned to Miller’s Flats, he revealed to everyone where they were going. The reactions were mixed, varying from apprehensive to wholly negative, “The Ruins?!” Cooper had seated himself on the hearth beside the dying fire. He extended his hands in a placating gesture, “Despite whatever you’ve heard or believe, the Ruins are now safe. We have already occupied the central and northern areas of the district and have been rebuilding.” One of the cooks voiced a concern they all seemed to share, “The Ruins’re haunted. Everyone knows that.” Cooper admitted, “They were. Despite the likelihood that it was only superstition, they actually were haunted…but not anymore. We own the land and we’re making it our new home.” There was a collective grumble, but one voice was heard above the others, “The Prince will just send the Army.” Cooper knew there was no way to allay everyone’s fears, but that didn’t mean he could simply brush them off, “You’re concerns are understandable. There will always be worries and fears, whether realistic or groundless. Just know that we have plans already in motion that should address most of your concerns. I won’t hide the truth. It’ll be difficult. Very difficult; but it’s possible. We can rebuild without you, but I’d rather have everyone here not just included, but actively involved in our future.

Miss Camilla stepped forward, “I made my decision days ago. I’m committed to the effort.” Mister Ysel joined her, quill still in his hand, and addressed the group, “I knew we were rescued from the quarry for a reason. I think we all did. Well, this is why. You couldn’t stop me from doing my part.” His words seemed to strike a chord with the others and Cooper saw their expressions change from uncertainty to determination. Cooper smiled, “We’ll leave from here just after ten-thirty. We’ll be traveling light.” He stepped away from the hearth and stood next to Mister Ysel, “Thanks for those inspiring words. For a moment there I wondered if we might be leaving some people behind.” Mister Ysel replied, “Simple enough to speak my mind, and it was all true.” They watched as Miss Camilla made her final rounds, administering doses of a rejuvenating tonic. Cooper asked, “Who has my Guild leathers? I’ll wear them for the move, as long as they’re not in pieces.” Mister Ysel pointed out the leather worker, “He has them. I think most everything is ready except for an elbow and one of the shoulder flaps. He said he’d try to replace some of the stitching, but didn’t have much hope for them. I assume they’re still in a usable state.” Now it was Cooper’s turn to worry and he went to speak with the man that Mister Ysel had indicated. The man saw him approaching and stooped to pick up a bundle and hefted it, “I expect you’re coming for these. They’re in better shape than when I got them, but without proper tools and materials I couldn’t do as much as I’d like to.” Cooper unrolled the bundle to examine the man’s work and said, “Perhaps you’ll get a shop of your own as part of the rebuild. There’s still much left to be determined, but we’ll need tradesmen and artisans from all walks of life, that much is certain.” The man scoffed, “A workbench, tools and materials is all I need. What would I do with a shop?” Cooper hadn’t considered that people would need to actually see what was happening in order to realize the potential for themselves. Then again, some folks just might not have aspirations. Time would tell.  He changed clothing quickly and once he got his gear situated, he felt better prepared for whatever might happen.

The next few hours passed in a blink for some and dragged by as a series of drawn out minutes