Exploitable Weaknesses

by Brian Keller

  Kinsman addressed the group, “I'll go left.” he pointed roughly northward, “Gaff, Cam, and Lebin will come with me. Naro and Balat, go with Rukle. Loryn, take Spen and the rest with you to the south. We'll meet somewhere at the other side of the prison. Cam, go back and tell Silas and the other captain that they need to put a few of their men at the gate to secure it, and to help shuttle prisoners to the ships. Once you've done that, follow along this wall until you find us.” Without another word Kinsman turned north and went looking for the first cell.

  The locks proved to be very basic. 'Something to keep an honest man honest', as Master Darius would've said. The first few prisoners either weren't Guild, or they didn't recognize them. The wild-eyed looks on the prisoners' faces indicated that they either expected some new punishment awaited them or they simply didn't understand what was happening despite Kinsman and Gaff explaining that they were being released. Maybe they just couldn't bring themselves to believe it. They were still releasing the third prisoner when Cam joined them, “Sailors are moving to secure the gate. They're all none too happy about the moorings. They say the ships are getting battered against the rocks and they'll soon start taking on water from below, in addition to what's coming down from above.” Kinsman nodded grimly. He had no desire to remain any longer than necessary either. The sailors would just have to be patient.

  The fourth prisoner was Guild. Henric was one of the Adept Assassins called forward when Cooper had announced his intent to contract under the name of Kinsman. Henric hadn't made a naming choice as far as he knew. Kinsman drew closer to the young man and spoke quietly, “Henric, do you know who I am?” Henric looked without raising his head. His eyes registered recognition and the young man tried to pull himself upright and mostly succeeded. His voice came out almost like a bullfrog's croak, “Yes. You're...”, he looked around his cell and seeing Cam and Lebin, he made the safe choice, “Kinsman. Right?” Kinsman felt some relief knowing that he'd found a classmate and that, at least mentally, he was still intact and aware. It made his hopes for a good outcome seem more real, and he hoped to find Kolrem alive and aware, as well.

  While they worked to free him from his shackles, Kinsman asked, “Do you know who else might be here? Or at least, who you know won't be here?” Henric considered the question, then answered, “Marna's here. Or at least she was a month ago. I saw them lead her past my cell once, but I only saw her once. I know you won't find Tongs or Malice here. They died fighting the soldiers when they raided us. Tongs held the door to our bay for almost four minutes all by himself. They punched five or six arrows into him before he fell. Malice died soon after. He went into a rage after Tongs fell. I never saw Limner. He might've escaped, though not many of us did. How'd you get away?” The last of the shackles fell free and Henric sagged. Kinsman and Gaff caught him and Kinsman explained, “I wasn't there when it happened and I got back too late to help.” Henric snorted and almost choked. Once he got his coughing under control he replied, “Help? Nothing you could've done. Could've fought and died, or laid down weapons and accepted...this.” Henric spoke as if he wondered whether he'd made the right choice. He added, “Good to see you though. You have a plan?” Kinsman handed Henric off to Cam and Lebin as he answered, “Yes. A short boat ride, then we have a House in Miller's Flats where most of you will stay for awhile. You just focus on rest and recovery.” Almost as an afterthought Henric added, “I saw Sid fighting two men outside the bay, as I was being taken away. I don't know what happened to him and I haven't seen him since. I barely knew him and he seldom spoke with anyone. I just remember now because it looked like he'd wounded one of the men and Sid had the other man completely outmatched. He might have escaped.” Kinsman gave him a brief wave as he stepped from the cell. Depending on Loryn's progress, there were still dozens of cells to unlock. Cam assisted Henric toward the docks.

  Only three of the next seven cells held Guild members. They'd almost reached the first corner when Kinsman looked through the bars of the next cell and felt relief wash over him. In the span of a single breath, Kinsman was suddenly Cooper again. He remained silent until he stepped into the cell but once inside, he spoke, “Grief.” Kolrem didn't appear to acknowledge at first, but after a moment he raised his head slightly to glance around in the darkness. He didn't speak. Cooper stepped forward and raised his friend's head to look into his eyes. By Kolrem's wild-eyed appearance, it was uncertain whether he still had control of his faculties. Cooper had to know. He snapped his fingers in front of Kolrem's eyes. Kolrem's eyes came into focus and Cooper whispered, “Kolrem. Do you know where you are? Do you recognize me?” Kolrem glanced around the room and then chuckled. It sounded like dry paper being crumpled. He tried to clear his throat once but lacked the phlegm. His voice came out as a croak but gained clarity as he spoke, “Sure. I once thought there could be no worse fate than sleeping next to your unwashed socks. My time here has shown me differently. What kept you?” Cooper began unlocking his friends fetters, “Well, there were some difficulties that needed to be sorted out. The goal is to get all of us out; not come in to join you in your incarceration, after all.” Cooper could joke now now that he knew his friend's mind had not been unhinged. He asked, “Do you know who else is here? Or some you know aren't here?” Kolrem coughed, successfully this time before he replied, “I know Skran is dead. He must've killed a dozen soldiers before they swarmed him. He'd have been overwhelmed even if he'd had three hands.” He paused before he added, bitterly, “They simply surrounded him and cut him down.” He took a deep breath and continued, his voice gaining strength, “I was taken while trying to get to him. There were just too many, and they were armored. I got shield-rushed by two soldiers and was knocked down, then clubbed. I don't remember much after that until I woke up on the boat bringing me here. That boat ride is another experience I could do without.” Cooper smiled, recalling Kolrem's dislike for water travel and as the third of four shackles fell free he added, “Well, I have more bad news for you then. The only way off this island is by boat, and in this storm the water is anything but smooth.”

  Kolrem groaned, “It beats swimming, I suppose.” He fell limp as the final shackle was unlocked. Cooper and Lebin caught him and gently lowered him to a seated position. Kolrem massaged his wrists as Cooper told him, “Plenty of time to reminisce and reproach later; once we've got everyone out of here.” Kolrem made to stand, failed, and settled back to sit. His expression one of disdain and self-reproach, “You'll forgive me if I rest a minute before I catch up.” Cooper laughed, “Just board one of the ships and stay there. Don't risk extending your stay because you tried to help and got left behind.” Kolrem grinned through parched, cracked lips, “That's a valid point.” He lurched to his feet and Lebin helped him remain upright. As they left the cell, they could see Cam returning at a jog. He had two Wharfsiders with him. Lebin spoke, “I'll get him aboard and come find you again.” Cooper gave him a quick wave and was Kinsman again.

  Cam stopped near him and reported, “They've been sorting the prisoners. Guild are going onto Silas' boat. The other ship will sail directly to Temidan.” Kinsman's expression darkened. This was a departure from the plan, but he had to accept the logic of it. Navigating the Broken Coast would be tricky enough with just one ship and a knowledgeable captain and crew, there was no need to risk both vessels. Kinsman nodded as Cam added, “I'd suggest making sure you get on the right boat.”

  Of the next twenty cells, only six held Guild members. He recognized most of them but knew almost none of them by name. Marna was among them. She appeared to recognize him as well but she didn't speak. He briefly explained the circumstances to her as he freed her. She remained silent, but she appeared to take in and understand all that he'd told her.

  Twelve cells further, they met Loryn and her group. Everyone was smiling and it soon became apparent why. Spen teased, “Loryn almost forgot about the rest of the prisoners when we found Aden.” Kinsman inhaled sharply but remained silent and Spen continued, “I thought s
he was going to insist that she escort him the the ship personally. It could've derailed the entire effort.” Kinsman had almost interrupted Spen's announcement but waited to ask, “How is he?” Loryn's voice expressed that she was both excited and a little angry, “Starved. Weak. Sickly...” She brightened and sounded hopeful as she announced, “He recognized me.”

  Kinsman pointed to the center of the prison, “We need to collect Rukle and his team on the way out. We'll make sure everyone's aboard before we withdraw completely though. If they try pursue us, I'd rather simply fight them rather than try to protect prisoners. If we get separated, make sure you get on the Wharfsider boat. The other one is going straight to Temidan.” Loryn jerked her head to look straight into his eyes with a questioning expression. Kinsman shrugged, “It's a change; but a sensible one.” Loryn accepted this with a single nod. Kinsman looked around, unable to pierce the darkness through the storm. Lebin hadn't yet returned. He told Loryn, “I'll take Spen and retrace my path to make sure we're not leaving anyone. You take the rest and find Rukle. Spen and I will join you once we've finished.” He got Spen's attention and explained the situation. Spen stood a little straighter as he replied, “Let's go then. We're all ready to be off this island.” They made their way along the prison wall, glancing into each cell as they passed. They encountered no one. Without approaching the gate, they walked to where they expected Rukle, Loryn and the rest of them to be waiting. The group had formed a semi-circle around a single block building. Through the storm he could barely see that there were two Guild members on the roof as well. Kinsman approached Rukle and announced, “We're leaving.” Rukle nodded, “And it's about time too! You know how you know you're truly wet, right?” He reached back and pulled at the seat of his trousers, grinning. Kinsman replied “I was truly wet as I was climbing down the prison wall.” He made a wide, waving motion and waited long enough to see everyone respond, including those on top of the building, before he asked Rukle, “Casualties?” Rukle shook his head, “Wounded three or four of them, and forced them into the barracks there.” His grin widened as he added, “No one's tried to come out, but it's safe to say they all know we're here.” Kinsman glanced around again. The two that were up on the rooftop had climbed down. He turned toward the gate, “Let's go.”

  They reached the gate and found Kolrem and Lebin having a conversation with the restrained guard. The muffled voice of the gate guard could be heard from under his furs, “Sure I'm a soldier, but I was made a prison guard cuz I never seem ta do anythin' right. Now I even mess this up. I'm ruined now. I can't face the sergeant in the morning, an' right now, you're the only way off this rock. Take me with you?” Kolrem was sitting beside the man, smiling. Kinsman seemed to consider it and Rukle snorted, “Are we taking on strays now?” Gaff briefly glared at Rukle and Balat replied, “We were all strays once, weren't we? The question is 'can we trust him'?” The guard sounded desperate, “Hey, you're Guild, right? I was a House kid! I grew up in the Dregs! I got nuthin' against the Guild. We gots lotsa Guild prisoners here, you ask 'em if I ever mistreated even one-a them!” Kolrem chimed in weakly, “I don't care if we bring him, but if he always messes everything up, just don't put him in the galley.”

  Kinsman looked at Loryn, “Make sure he gets put on the other boat. We don't want to watch over him with everything else going on right now... and inform the captain that he's got a potential prisoner of his own. He can decide this man's fate.” He faced the group, “Rukle. Keep a few of us here and watch to make sure we're not attacked. I'll come get you and then we'll cast off.” He turned his head, “Balat. Make sure our people are all aboard and secured. No point in freeing them only injure them as we escape.” He faced Loryn, “Make sure I see you come aboard after dropping this man onto the other boat. We're not free and clear yet, but at least we'll be leaving this island behind us soon.”

  The group quickly dispersed. Kinsman kept the ring of prison keys clipped to his belt. You never know.

  Chapter 27

  Boarding the right boat was the easy part. Getting everyone below and secured proved more challenging. Everyone worked quickly while Rukle, Spen Gaff and a half dozen Wharfsiders watchfully stood at the prison gate.

  Silas was already bellowing orders to the crew, in preparation to pull away from the moorings and turn the ship. Kinsman remained above deck in an attempt to keep track of how things progressed. The storm and the darkness made it impossible to see more than few yards from the bow of the ship. Balat emerged from below decks and gestured that the passengers were ready. As soon as Loryn made it back, Kinsman carefully walked to Silas. Moored or not, the waters still tossed the ship, occasionally causing it to strike and scrape along the moorings. Walking across the deck reminded him off practicing on Master Brais' “Trap”. Kinsman caught the Silas' attention and the man leaned down as Kinsman yelled, “How much longer?” Silas looked up at the sailors, diligently carrying out his last commands despite the high winds and lancing rain, “Two, maybe three minutes more and I'll be asking you that same question!” Kinsman yelled back, “I'll bring the others back and we'll cast off on your orders.” Silas gave him a nod and Kinsman sped off the ship to collect their remaining members.

  Rukle's only reply was, “You don't have to tell me twice! I was ready to leave the moment we landed.” They all hurried back to the ship and awaited a yell or signal to release the mooring lines. The call came soon but it still felt like a long time while they stood beside the ship, vulnerable both to the wind and rain, as well as potential pursuers. Once the lines were untied and everyone had scrambled aboard, Kinsman allowed himself a deep breath before turning his attention to the activities of the crew.

  He'd been aboard a ship before, Captain Rigel's Sundancer from Kalistos to Paleros, but this was different. Many of the commands were similar but they came much faster and the crew moved with much more urgency. Kinsman remained above deck, uncertain of what he might do to help, but unwilling to go below in case there might be something.

  The jib sails had been positioned to catch wind and pull them away. These were now pulled tight and quickly, but temporarily secured. The wet cloth snapped as it filled with air and the ship lurched away from the pier. Silas cranked the wheel and the ship grudgingly turned. Once the main sails filled with air, the ship lurched again and a series of commands were shouted and the jib was released and tied to it's standard position. They were under way.

  Kinsman divided his time between watching the crew and returning to open the hatch and look below. After the third time he opened the hatch, Loryn emerged from below and pushed him away, chiding him, “Every time you open that hatch a gust of wind sends in torrents of rain! They're far better off without you looking in on them!” He accepted her assessment and satisfied himself with observing the crew.

  It was a short trip to the Broken Coast. Silas had turned wide to the south so they would still have some usable wind to control the speed of their approach. As they approached the rocks, Silas began calling for some sails to be luffed, which Kinsman deduced to mean they were to be released quickly so they could not catch air. As their speed reduced, Silas made several adjustments at the helm, to give himself space to maneuver among the rocky outcroppings. After a few drastic adjustments where he would spin the wheel several times and set his weight against it, only to release it a few seconds later and feverishly spin it in the other direction, Silas called out to the mate, “Once we’re passed those rocks, we’re close-hauling. When the sails are luffed, reef ‘em!” The mate turned to face the crew and called out, “Prepare to go in irons. Once sails are luffed, reef ‘em! Jibs get doused.” The wind shifted for a moment and gusted, causing the wet sails to ripple and snap. Silas shouted loud enough for his voice to carry over the wind and hammering rain, “Thank’ee, Tem. Dousing jibs is a good call.”

  Several of the Wharfsider crewmen ran to the bow and held on, waving signals back to Silas. The new captain made a few adjustments, looked left and right, then called out, “Hands to
stations!” The crew members sprinted across the wet deck to their assigned positions.

  Silas commanded, “Reef those gallants and topsails!” The mate shouted, “Slab Reef those gallants and topsils!” As the new captain leaned against the wheel he muttered, “Good call, Tem”. He squinted against the wind and spray, studying the rock outcroppings. He called out, “Douse all foresails and jibs!” Tem echoed, “Reef forsils! Douse jibs!” The winds were gusting and Silas roared louder, “Mind the jeer capstan! All on deck, snub lines, prepare to hike starboard as we heave to!” The mate echoed his commands and all sailors not engaged in managing sails or rigging began directing the passengers to the right, or starboard, side of the boat. One sailor yelled, “Hold on tight or lash yerselves to the rail! The ship’s ‘bout to lean sumthin’ fierce!” Kinsman looked skyward at the sailors up in the rigging, pulling in sailcloth and binding it to the yards. He wondered how they hoped to remain there as the ship was about to turn, lean and snap back into position. As the men finished their tasks, they wove themselves into the rigging as best they could. Most of them clambered toward the masts and hugged the netting that they commonly used as a ladder. The mate had been watching their progress. Once the sails had been either dropped or bundled, the mate turned to the captain, “At your command, sir!” Silas glanced around the ship and gave the mate a nod. The mate stayed to the aft, but secured himself to the starboard side.