Firebrand

Chapter 477: Counting the Catch

Counting the Catch

Early in the morning, half a score of Vitus' best fighters entered an insula in the harbour district. Several of them had golden blades, and the others had weapons with modifications; one fellow carried a club with a string of golden coins tied around. Half of them went inside an empty chamber while the others invaded the opposite apartment, quickly silencing any complaints from the occupants. Their trap set, they waited.

***

As third bell approached, Martel walked towards the harbour district. He avoided any main roads, as he was not wearing a disguise. For this particular task, he wanted to look like a wizard. His Khivan liaison met him at the appointed place, looking nervous. The harbour was the one place where his kind might walk unaccosted, since people of all sorts frequent at the docks, but even then, they were not particularly welcome. "Let's hurry," the short man suggested. "Sooner I'm back in the enclave, the better."

Martel followed him through the crooked alleys of the district until they stood before an insula. After quickly crossing the street, glancing in every direction, they ascended up the stairs until they reached the top floor.

The Khivan nodded down the hallway. "Just down there. Now if you excuse me, I take my leave. May the Flame illuminate your path," he added with the sudden touch of formality that seemed to accompany this particular phrase.

"Thanks," Martel mumbled, not sure what else to say. With no reason to waste time, Martel walked down the corridor.

He reached a small ladder built into the wall, which led to a hatch. Moving through, Martel found himself on the roof. It was flat, allowing the inhabitants of the building to collect rainwater, wash and dry their clothing, and otherwise make use of the space.

Martel's only interest lay across the small alley. Walking over to the edge and looking down, Martel looked upon the hideout belonging to Vitus. The crime lord's thugs had helpfully revealed the location to the Khivan by bringing him there.

It was quite a distance from the insula to the hideout across the gap, but it helped that the latter was much lower. Steeling himself, Martel stepped back to give himself a running start. With a deep breath, he broke into an empowered run, summoning his shield as well to help absorb the shock from the landing.

If any of the thugs standing guard in the alley had looked up at the right time, they would have seen a wizard soaring through the air.

***

On the lower floor of his current home, Vitus sat at the edge of a table with most of his lieutenants down each side. "As we speak, our lads are taking care of the damn wizard. We can get back to business as usual."

"You're really counting your catch before the net's been hauled back in the boat," complained one of them. "We haven't caught whiff of him when he wantonly destroyed our property, and he's clearly powerful, given the destruction he's caused. I'd like to see his corpse before I trust he's dead."

"I hear he's still just an acolyte! We can't even defend ourselves against a boy!"

"We shouldn't have moved against Lady Pearl! The other Nine Lords will crush us for this!"

"Quiet!" bellowed Vitus. "The Nine Lords agreed I was owed restitution. I took it as I saw fit, and half of them at least will support me on this, so quit bickering about it. As for business –"

He was interrupted as a door flew open to allow a wizard entry. The nearest guard reacted first, but his dagger was scarcely from its sheath before a blast of wind threw him back.

"My next spell will be a lightning bolt." Martel held up his hand and let sparks jump between the fingertips. "Unless you wish to feel the skin melt from your face, I suggest you all remain put." The threat had the intended effect, as none stirred from their seat.

Vitus stared at him with unvarnished hatred. "How did you get here?"

"Your little gang's leakier than a sunken ship. Lots of people still hold grudges from how you took over last year. And all the coin you spent to take control of Smallport and now the bridge gate, and paying the Night Knives for turning on Lady Pearl, rather than paying your own people…" Martel gave a shrug. "But none of that matters now. I'm here to discuss an end to our feud."

"What do you want?"

"Simple. I'll leave you lot alone, and you leave me alone. My only condition is that you are removed entirely. I do not care in what manner." Martel kept his eyes on Vitus, making it clear whom he referred to.

The chief laughed in disbelief. "I'm not really inclined to accept those terms. Think I'd rather take my chances with you here, surrounded by my men."

"You misunderstand. I'm not negotiating with you." Martel let his gaze sweep over the handful of lieutenants in the room. "I'm negotiating with them. Every one of them got an opportunity now to make peace and also take your position, the way you took it last year. Just depends on who moves first."

Vitus glanced around the table. "You wouldn't dare –" He leapt to his feet, his chair falling back behind him. His dagger was in his hand, and he held it out in a threatening manner at his erstwhile subordinates. They in turn calmly got up as well, drawing their own weapons.

Martel felt no need to see what happened next; he left the room along with its noise and commotion. His friends waited for him to join them and watch the conclusion of the games, the great melee. Should any of the guards on the alley outside dare to stand in his way, he felt confident he could handle them. After all, most of Vitus' henchmen, all those armed with gold, were in an entirely different location.