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

“Wha- that’s it then?” Cooper was already standing. He shrugged, “Sure. What else is there? Find out what it’ll take to do it. It’s a good idea. Your good idea. See it through.” Before he turned away he added, “Now that Mister Ysel is here, the two of you can work out how we want to write up lease agreements. Once our secret is out, the best way to conceal our true nature will be to surround ourselves with legitimate, recognized, paying merchants. We could almost become a second Trade Quarter if we’re not careful.” He looked around at all the new people sitting, joking and preparing to eat; all previous cares and fears surrounding the Ruins forgotten, at least for a moment. He addressed Birt, “And you’ll want to get to know these people. Who they are and how to best employ them. Dailen can manage most of the reconstruction efforts for a few days while you adjust to all these recent changes. You’ll just have to convince him to trust the masons and step away from his forge project for more than a few hours each day.” Birt chuckled, “I thought you wanted me to handle Guild business… and here you are giving me instructions.” Cooper knew he was being teased and smiled thinly as he replied, “You can have as much responsibility as you can handle. I’m just trying to keep things in sequence. In two or three months’ time, once our current plans have either succeeded or failed, you can manage everything if you like. I’ll be only too happy to relinquish this management role.” Mister Ysel snorted and attempted to disguise it with a cough as Birt replied, “Not so fast. You don’t believe you can put a shovel-full of hot coals in a box and just put a bow on it and hand it off, do you?” Cooper pressed his palms together and looked skyward, “I can try”, he said with a smile.

He walked to where Rukle was sitting, “I’ll need that decision. Today would be best; tomorrow at the latest.” Rukle sighed, “I’d like to keep Loryn here. She knows the Houses better than the others, but she’s also the best archer so maybe it’d be best if she was one of those traveling…?” He looked up as if to ask for help with his decision. Cooper shrugged, “They’re all Journeymen, but Balat won’t be drawing a bow at all for another month or two. Until Miss Camilla decides he’s healed and takes that plaster sheath off his arm.” Rukle nodded, “I’ve been working with Spen, too. He’s smart. Really smart.” Rukle paused then asked, “Why do I have to be the one to decide?” Cooper sighed, “Because you’re the one handling the Houses. And Collections will need to start again in a few days. You need to decide who you want to watch your back. Do I need to come back and ask you later?” Rukle almost looked ashamed, “No… I’ll work with Spen. Loryn knows the Houses better, like I said, but Spen will likely work out better when it’s time for Collections. Besides, I think Loryn really wants to travel.” Cooper nodded, “All right. I’ll tell them.” Rukle looked relieved. Apparently he’d thought that telling the Journeymen would be his task as well.

Cooper stepped away and got the attention of the Journeymen, waving them to him. Once gathered, he informed them, “Spen, you’re staying. You’ll be assisting Rukle with the Houses and with Collections. I know that’s Enforcer work, but there’s likely to be some resistance with regard to Collections so Rukle shouldn’t go alone. Usually the Enforcers go out in teams of six or eight, but they also visit four or five shops on the same street simultaneously. Use this as a chance to learn where our interests are and scope out merchants that might be looking to expand.” He swept his arm in a slow but brief arc, indicating the Ruins, “We may be able to offer them an opportunity for that.” Spen looked slightly disappointed but he nodded. Cooper added, “And don’t be afraid to offer your input. Rukle respects you. Got that?” Spen perked up slightly and nodded, “Got it. What about them?” He gestured to the other four.

Cooper turned to face them, pointing at Loryn and Balat, “You two are taking a message to Temidan. I’ve never been there so I can’t offer any advice. I also don’t know if the intended recipient will be there; you’ll just have to look. If they’re not there, wait a few days, ask around to see if you can learn whether they’re expected or if you’ve missed them. Wait a week maybe, but no more than ten days unless you know for a fact that they’re coming.” He turned and pointed to Gaff and Naro, “Same goes for the two of you, except you’re going to Kalistos, and I have been there so I can give you some details about how the city is arranged. Both teams will need some coin for expenses. Each of you will also receive a single gem to be used only if needed in order to get out of trouble. After breakfast, get the coin and gems from Birt. Hire or buy the horses, and get your supplies today. I’ve already arranged to have the copper tubes made and I’ll write the messages before lunch. The courier tubes might still mean something on the road, though conceal them until you’re out of town. In Paleros, they would mark you as Guild. You should be ready to leave tonight; tomorrow morning at the latest.” Naro raised an eyebrow, “Courier duty?” Suddenly Spen didn’t look quite so disappointed as Cooper answered, “Yes. Not glamorous enough for you?” Naro shrugged, “Well, we all kinda thought that you had contracts…” He let his sentence fade as Cooper smiled, “We have plenty to do here without sending Journeymen out on contracts. In fact, you need