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

to all involved as he simply waded in amidst their attackers, striking at any target that presented itself. This rapid series of short jabs and punishing slashes left him unguarded but the sheer viciousness of his attack created an empty space around him almost immediately. Gaff had killed another while the attackers had shifted their attention to deal with this new threat. Cooper took the opportunity to speak, “We’ll leave one or two alive. We’ll let them decide which one or two.” Considering there were only three men in front of him, it came as no surprise that all three turned and ran. They turned to look across the group only to see that they were no longer being assaulted from that side and that Naro and Balat were already moving to come assist them.

Cooper quickly asked, “Is anyone hurt?” Balat spoke, “A couple minor cuts before Naro showed up. Nothing to be concerned with.” Miss Camilla tilted her head and leaned a little to look behind him, “Balat isn’t the only one hurt, is he?” Cooper raised his right arm and twisted to look behind him, “Yeah.” He looked around the group, finding the leather worker, “It appears I’ll have more work for you. Sorry about that.” Miss Camilla was stepping behind him to look more closely and he shifted the edges of his cloak in front of his shoulders, concealing his wound. There was irritation in his voice, “Yes, their blades were rusty and probably covered in who-knows-what kind of filth. And yes, it’ll probably get infected…but not before morning.” He turned and waved Naro eastward. Miss Camilla abruptly stood erect as if she’d been struck. She looked both angry and offended, but nodded tersely and resumed her place at the middle of the group.

They moved a few ‘blocks’ further and Cooper signaled Naro to go ahead to the boardwalk as he moved forward to take Naro’s place. He didn’t look behind him, knowing that Balat would be moving forward. He was trying to account for their time. Moving along the road had allowed them to cover the distance faster, but they’d been delayed by the band of roughs. All things considered, he figured they might even be a little ahead of schedule. Still, if City Watch were to patrol this neighborhood, it would be along this road, or one of the others like it. They just needed to get to the boardwalk and hope that the Wharfsiders were a little early, or at least on time.

This concern increased after they’d walked another couple of ‘blocks’. Naro could be seen up ahead, waving. He wasn’t waving him forward. It looked more like he was waving them away. Cooper stepped into the open and held his hands palms upward. Naro sprinted to him and Cooper asked, “What’s the problem? City Watch? Is the boardwalk compromised?” Naro shook his head while he caught his breath, “No, but there aren’t any boats waiting, either.” Cooper shrugged, “Well, maybe we’re early. We need to get off the road. Dregs or no, eventually a Watch patrol will come through.” Naro looked doubtful, “Well, we might need to get creative. The City Watch patrols the boardwalk more often than the rest of the district.” Cooper shrugged, “Go back and watch for the boats. We’re still a minute or so away, they may paddle in before we get there. If not, we’ll find a place to hide while we sort this out.” Naro continued to look doubtful but returned the way he’d come. Cooper scanned their surroundings before he waved for everyone to follow. Several of them appeared impatient and were quick to respond.

The path remained quiet and abandoned. As he approached the boardwalk, Naro was nowhere in sight. He worried now that the small group that had followed him before had discovered Naro. He signaled for everyone behind him to find a place to stop and he crept forward. He scrutinized the row of buildings that bordered the boardwalk, to the north and south, and if anything he felt disconcerted with how abandoned the area appeared. He’d taken a few more steps when a head poked up from the waterside edge of the boardwalk. It was Naro. The boy gave a hesitant smile, “I thought I should stay out of sight. Still no boats.” Cooper looked around. The buildings were similar in design with those commonly found in the Trade Quarter, with a storefront on the ground floor, kitchen in the back and bedrooms upstairs. Cooper selected one and quickly picked the lock and lifted the latch. Hearing no noises from inside he signaled to Naro that he should stay where he was and Cooper went to retrieve the group.

He led them into the storefront, which revealed itself to be a dyer and weaver’s shop specializing in taking scraps of cloth, coloring them vibrantly then weaving them tightly to form absorbent and long-lasting rugs. As his group entered he quickly walked up the stairs, opening a pouch as he went. He hadn’t yet reached the top of the stairway before one of the bedroom doors opened to display a disheveled and angry man gripping a saber. It took a moment for his eyes to focus but Cooper’s movements captured the man’s attention, as did the five gold coins Cooper held in his open palm. Cooper spoke quietly, “We’ll take nothing from you. We’ll be gone in less than an hour. These coins are for the inconvenience of waking you and for rent until we leave.” The ruffled owner looked closely at the young man, then at the coins, “Double that an’ ye can steal whatever ye want!” Cooper smiled and he shook his head, “We’re not here to shop, sir. We’re just waiting.” The man peered over the railing to the floor below, straining his eyes in the darkness, “Waiting?” He then took a closer look at Cooper and shook his head, “Nevermind. I’ll take the coins. Can ye