by LeRoy Clary
“Everywhere?”
“Washing in the river only got off some of the grime. Behind your ears is almost black, and so is your neck. People see that and judge who you are. We have to change your appearance because as it is, you’re putting us in danger.”
Another girl entered the room with a bucket of hot water. She went to the tub while Devlin twisted and turned to shield himself from her sight as he removed his pants.
Tanner held up a bar of soap and indicated how to use it. If not for the Dragon Clan image on his back, he’d be in another tub. Several buckets later, the first girl entered, a scrub brush on a long handle in one hand and scissors in the other.
She scrubbed, scraped, and cut. She made a few friendly comments after eyeing Tanner, first. They were intended to appease him, but Tanner accepted her effort. She used a scented oil on his hair and poured a few drops into the water. She offered a few drops to Tanner, and he gratefully accepted and ran his fingers through his hair.
Her eyes went to the tattoos on Devlin’s arms, but she said nothing.
When she finished, she looked at Tanner for approval. He looked at Devlin, sitting embarrassed in the tub with his hands in his lap. He said, “I think I owe you another copper.”
She beamed at him before leaving to man the front desk. One of the girls from the back brought a stack of rags to dry himself. Dressed again, Tanner kept looking at Devlin, who appeared a new man.
Devlin kept looking at Tanner, obviously wondering if the change had been acceptable. Tanner reached into his purse and pulled another small copper coin. At the counter in the front of the bathhouse, he asked, “Do you have a mirror?”
She reached under into a cupboard. Tanner checked himself out, finding he looked far better than expected. He handed it to Devlin and watched the change in his expression with a smile. That alone was worth the extra copper he placed on the counter.
They stepped outside, blinking in the afternoon sunlight. Tanner said, “What do you think?”
Devlin hesitated. He gave it deep consideration, then said, “A few copper coins are the difference in barely being alive and being respected.”
It was nothing like the answer Tanner expected, but the truth rang in each word. A pair of pretty girls walked past arm in arm. One whispered to the other as their eyes devoured Tanner and Devlin, then they giggled. As they departed, Tanner watched them swing their hips in unison.
Devlin said, “I have lived here my whole life. I’ve watched hundreds of girls pass by me as if I was somewhere else, or a post to tie a horse to.”
Tanner said, “You were right when you said a few coins makes all the difference.”
“How can pieces of metal change the way people think?”
“You’re getting way ahead of me. For now, just accept what’s happening.”
Devlin fixed him with a stern expression. “For now, but what of later? What happens when you leave Racine?”
“We can’t stand here all day. How about we walk down to where those fast ships are tied up and watch them?”
They started walking. Devlin said, “You didn’t answer my question. And what are we going to watch for?”
A girl walked towards them while holding hands with a young man. As she came closer, her eyes went to Devlin and hung there until she passed by. Tanner said, “You are getting more attention than I ever have. When we get there we’re just gathering any stray information we might be able to use. Anything. Keep your eyes and ears open but don’t make it obvious.”
“And my other question?”
“We won’t leave you to your old life, I promise. What we will do is not clear yet. We don’t even know what we’re going to be doing. As you’ve no doubt figured out, we’re working. Our job is secret, but it involves ships and people who are enemies.”
“Then they are also enemies of mine.”
Tanner nodded hello to another pair of young women, a little older and more attractive. Devlin had said they were also his enemies, but what he didn’t know was that they also wore dragon tattoos on their arms. They were his people.
He needed to talk with Carrion about Devlin in private. What were they going to do with him? Why had they even allowed him to join with them? He brought the danger of a different sort. Was it worth jeopardizing their mission for the boy? He had another hundred questions but allowed them to slip into the back of his mind as a young woman lounging outside a tavern asked if they wanted to enjoy themselves.
Devlin started to answer.
Tanner kept him moving, telling him, “If you make friends with that one you won’t have any coins to use for your food or drink.”
Devlin glanced back and took a good look at her. “She’s never spoken to me before. I’ve walked right by her twenty times.”
“She never thought you had enough coin to be her friend.”
“No. It wasn’t that. She never even saw me when I walked right by her. I was invisible.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Tanner and Devlin continued walking down the various streets, each one taking them closer to the fast ships sitting near the end of the piers. All three were still there, and no others had joined them. Of the three, the Far Seeker drew Tanner’s eyes.
They walked closer to the ships, Tanner observing the crews as much as the ships. They paused at a bakery and carried sweetbreads to eat. A commotion broke out on the pier where the Far Seeker was tied. Two crewmen in matching black uniforms heaved a small man down the gangplank amid shouting. Once on the pier, another crewman in black struck the smaller man, and he fell. A crewman kicked him in the ribs.
The crew went back aboard, laughing and catcalling to others of their crew while the man on the pier managed to climb to his feet and stumble away from the ship. His direction took him near Tanner.
Making up his mind, Tanner went to the side of the man and slipped an arm over his shoulder. Devlin rushed to the other side. They helped the man to some timber stacked for shipment, but the right height for sitting.
Stepping back, Tanner asked, “Are you hurt?”
“Only my ego.”
“Ego?” Devlin asked, not recognizing the word.
The man half-smiled and pointed to his temple. “Here. Inside. I thought I was so smart.”
“They beat you for what you were thinking?” Devlin asked.
His concern encouraged Tanner. It showed he was curious, sympathetic, and willing to help. He decided to let Devlin do the talking since he was asking many of the same questions he wanted to ask.
“No, I went to the Captain with an idea of how to make money. He welcomed me and my idea, at first.”
“Then what?”
“This happened on his last voyage. I found out he used my scheme, but paid me nothing. I came down here to collect.”
Devlin said, “This is how he paid you?”
She small man shrugged. “I should have known better. People warned me he’s a cheat. At least, all I got is thrown off the ship while it was in port. Rumors say he threw more than one passenger over the side at sea, but their purses always remain on board.”
Tanner had heard enough. “Can we help you to your home?”
The small man stood, wavered and caught himself. “I guess I do need a hand if you don’t mind.”
“Where do you want us to take you?” Tanner asked while helping the man steady himself.
“My house is up that way,” he lifted his chin, pointing with it in the right direction. Several places were already turning color on his face, and his arms were scraped raw. By the following day, he would probably be too sore to climb out of his bed.
Devlin walked alongside, helping where he could, and ready to relieve Tanner. But Tanner wanted to escort the man because he wanted to talk and draw more information from him. “The Captain of the Far Seeker isn’t trustworthy?”
“My name is Margo, by the way. I can pay you for your kindness.”
“I’m Tanner, and this is my friend Devlin. No, we want no coin for offerin
g help, but we were told to check out the three ships down there if we wished to go anywhere.”
“Might as well book passage on one of the cargo ships. More comfortable and you probably won’t get cheated or murdered like those who book the Far Seeker.”
“Why did you deal with the Far Seeker if that’s the case? Or, do you mind me asking?”
“The other two would be better choices in other times, but the owner of the Edna died almost a year ago, and the ownership is in dispute with creditors. Probably the ship will rot the rest of the way and sink before it’s settled. The Rose is about to do the same. Can’t pay her debts and will probably be sold for scrap without ever sailing again. Those are the last three fast packets on the entire coast.”
The man paused at a corner and tentatively stood. “I think I can make it from here. Are you sure I can’t reward you?”
“Can you spare time for another question, or two? Or meet us at the Anchor Inn for a mug of rum?”
“Ask away. And I’ll meet you there anyhow. That’s where I’m heading.”
“The Rose interests me. Do you know the Captain or the owner?”
“A man named Captain Jamison is both. He’s a good man. I wish he could have dealt with me instead of the Far Seeker, but stealing and piracy pays well, and maybe that’s why the Far Seeker is doing so well, huh? An honest man can’t make a living.”
“Where would we find Captain Jamison? On board The Rose?”
“Normally on his ship, but lately he’s been spending his time at the bottom of a mug of ale at the Anchor. Short, thick man. Reddish wild hair. You’ll know him on sight.”
“Was he always a drinker?” Tanner asked.
“Only in port. They say at sea he’s the best captain there is. Are you going to talk to him?”
“We hope so.”
“Lenders won’t trust him with more money, nobody will risk the losses so you probably should figure out something else. Tell you what. Tomorrow I’ll meet you at the Anchor, and you tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll try to repay you for today with honest advice. Now, I think I had better be getting home.”
“Margo, are you sure we can’t help?”
The man took a wobbly step and almost fell. “If you insist.”
This time, Devlin helped him. He directed them to a door that had been red at one time. He inserted a key, and they faced a narrow set of stairs. Margo went first, with Devlin pushing from behind. At the top was another door, unlocked, and inside a few small, but neat rooms.
Margo sat heavily on the bed. He said, “Tomorrow at midday at the Anchor.”
Tanner and Devlin left him lying on the bed, eyes closed. Tanner suspected a cracked rib from the way Margo had winced in pain when his arm was lifted. He might show up at the Inn, or not, but Tanner had gained valuable information.
They walked directly to the Anchor. Inside, still at the same table, sat Carrion. When they took seats, Carrion said, “Almost didn’t recognize you.”
Devlin blushed.
Tanner said, knowing that if his ears could hear other conversations in the room, other ears listened to him talking. “I have some information. Private.”
Carrion said to Devlin, “Stay here. Tell the girl to bring you another bowl of stew if you want.”
“I can do that?”
“But only watered wine. We’ll return shortly.” Carrion said, as he stood and headed for the door.
Tanner stood and happened to catch sight of a man with red hair. Wild red hair. Underneath was a short, heavy-set man with droopy eyes and an empty mug in front of him. Captain Jamison of The Rose, without a doubt. He turned away and followed Carrion.
The day was late, the sun low, but not yet near the horizon. Carrion walked to the intersection of two streets where a low stone wall lined one side of the road. A vegetable garden lay on the other side of the wall, but the height was perfect for sitting. Two others were already sitting and talking.
Carrion sat and said, “Tell me.”
Tanner told of the incident at the docks a what Margo has said about not trusting the Far Seeker. He also explained the situation Captain Jamison found himself in. A fine captain without the funds to pay his debts and a ship in need of repair, but a solid hull. A captain with a fine reputation.
Carrion listened without interruption. After Tanner finished speaking and said that the man called Margo would stop by in the morning. Carrion said, “That was a stroke of good luck. I’ve been listening all afternoon and heard little of interest except for one thing. Captain Jamison seems to have the respect of the other captains. That means a lot. More than one of them has sent a mug to his table today.”
“I was thinking,” Tanner said. “A captain without a ship is lost. He has debts, but we have gold. A single coin would probably pay the debts and maybe refitting the ship. From what I saw, and we can check it to be sure, the hull is in good shape. It needs ropes, sails, food, and probably a lot more, but like you said, a gold coin buys a nice farm.”
“We have three, plus the silver. I was thinking of buying a whole ship. Maybe we should just buy The Rose and refit it and hire Jamison or another to be our captain.”
“My first reaction is to try and work out a deal with Captain Jamison. We pay his bills and whatever he needs, and he goes where we want. When we are done, the ship is his.”
Carrion said, “You are too trusting, but never do business with a man you don’t trust and you won’t be cheated. Me, on the other hand, would look more to shared ownership. Investment for us, and partnership with him. It would explain our interest to any watching us or wondering who we are.”
“How is that different?” Tanner asked.
“Lawyers. A contract with penalties for non-performance and a goal of earning a profit. Others will see us entering the offices of lawyers, and we can let ‘slip’ our partnership in the Anchor, and word will spread to those interested in knowing these things.”
“It keeps our Dragon Clan hidden under a heavy cover,” Tanner said. “Now we just need to find out if the Captain is willing to work with us.”
“We need him sober and away from the Anchor. Maybe we can arrange a tour of his ship tomorrow.”
Tanner said, “We can always ask him.”
“Perhaps better to find whom he owes and approach them first. Let him realize how he may forfeit his ship to debt. In fact, I think I may go purchase his debts this evening if I can get my boss to allow it,” he laughed.
“I’ll forget the part about being your boss if you tell me what you’re talking about.”
“Let me explain how debt works. Say a ship’s chandler sold ten large silvers for supplies on credit to The Rose. Captain Jamison beaches his ship and cannot pay. The Chandler is out ten large silver, right?”
“Yes, I see that.”
“Suppose I go to the Chandler this evening and offer him four silver, and he gives me the marker for ten silver that the ship owes. I can then present it to the Captain. Will the Chandler sell me the debt? If he believes he will get nothing in return, and I offer him four, will he sell? I believe so. Of course, I’ll offer two, and be willing to dicker up to four.”
“Your benefit is?”
“The more I can buy at discounted prices will be less we pay until we control the ship by calling in all the debts. If we can secure enough of the ship’s obligations, the Captain will have little choice but to deal with us.”
“We don’t want to be in the shipping business, Carrion.”
“Only long enough to have a ship travel when and where we wish. Once we finish our business, the Captain can have his ships back. We can put that in the paperwork if it helps secure his cooperation.”
“If he won’t cooperate?” Tanner asked
“Then we’ll own a ship and hire a captain of our choice, and also a crew.” Carrion stood and said in a mysterious voice, “I have a few debts to run down. You go back to the Anchor and enjoy a dinner and wine. Keep your ears open and stay away from Jamison un
til I return.”
Tanner stood and watched Carrion hurry off. He went back to the Anchor Inn and found Devlin spooning more stew. This time, it appeared to be a fish stew in a white sauce. Thick chunks of turnips instead of fish seemed to be the major component when the girl brought his bowl.
“Did my older friend pay you for our drinks?” He asked.
“Most people pay when they leave. We keep track in the back.” Her smile invited more and Tanner was about to continue when his ear picked out the word ‘Rose’. He smiled at her, but his mind was already trying to figure out where in the room he’d heard the word.
Devlin started to speak, but Tanner placed his hand on the table and leaned forward. He heard the voice again. It did not originate from Captain Jamison’s table, as expected. It came from directly behind. He dared not turn his head.
“Working with the Far Seeker, both cold earn profits with the right captain.”
Tanner didn’t recognize the voice but continued as he slowly ate a spoonful of stew he didn’t taste. Another voice said, “Too much to outfit her. Better to take on a small cargo ship.”
“Too slow. I want The Rose. Offer him salvage prices. He has no options but debtor prison.”
A chair slid back, and a man stood, brushing past Tanner on his way to Captain Jamison’s table, where he sat, eyes slack and dull. Understanding that their discussion might halt any chance of Carrion’s plan working, he found himself on his feet. He needed something to not only distract the Captain, but make him leave the table before the other could make his pitch—or threat.
“Captain! The Rose is taking on water!” His voice stilled the entire room.
Captain Jamison was on his feet, swaying from the intake of rum, his eyes wide. He steadied himself and took a step in Tanner’s direction.
Tanner reached for his arm. “Sir, this way.”