Chapter 11
There were a few adjustments I took the liberty of making, Garrett continued, as if unable to see the burning stare Henrick had focused on him. Primarily with regard to withdrawals. Youll find them on this last sheet, but not in the book. For claritys sake Ive folded them into some of the other transactions. Im pleased to report that everything is tidy and balanced and you should be up to date, so long as there hasnt been any major movement in the coffers over the last few days.
Staring at Garrett for a moment, Henrick suddenly burst out laughing, taking the paper Garrett was holding out and glancing over it.
So youre trying to tell me that theres no longer a record of me stealing money out of the gangs coffers?
Were you stealing? Garrett asked, his eyebrows rising. I just assumed you were making withdrawals of your just due.
Then why hide them? the innkeeper asked, putting the papers down on the desk and crossing his muscular arms.
To inspire unity and confidence, Garrett said without a pause. Besides, its hard to enforce policies that arent even across the board. The books have been arranged so that youll be able to allow anyone whos skeptical to double-check them. However, the real reason I asked you to send everyone out is different.
Oh?
Nodding, Garrett took a small folded sheet from his pocket and unfolded it, revealing densely packed numbers.
I ran some calculations and I think your gang is sitting on a tremendous opportunity, in part based on your location. Are you familiar with whats happening in the palace right now?
The dangerous look crept back into Henricks eyes, but he maintained the wide smile he had on his face as he nodded his head.
Yes. The king and queen suffered an attack, right? Thats why the guards have been crawling all over the city and the royal duke has taken over, right?
Thats one version. The truth is somewhat different, Garrett said, shaking his head. The king, queen, and their children are dead. Killed by masked men in the dead of night. The entire royal family, apart from Duke Arkov, are dead. Thats created some turmoil, especially since the gates have been locked down.
Thats an awfully dangerous claim, Henrick said, his eyes narrowing.
A true claim, nonetheless, and even more than that, an opportunity to make a lot of money.
And? How would that allow us to make money?
Holding up his hand to indicate the innkeeper should wait, Garrett continued to speak.
With the gate shut and an increase in guard presence, its undoubtedly becoming harder and harder for merchants to move goods, especially by the western gate, since its so close to the palace. This drives inventory up and decreases profits. The merchants need to sell the product to free up space in their warehouses but have no customers since they cant send caravans. You, on the other hand, hold the key to a significant number of potential customers. Given your connections, it should be a simple matter for you to sell those goods, in a chopped-down, repackaged form, of course.
Even before Garrett was finished talking, Henrick was completely confused. Scratching his head, he took a pull from his bottle and gestured for Garrett to keep speaking. Smiling slightly, Garrett continued with his explanation.
Take, for example, the soap thats being sent out of the city. Soap is one of our major exports, but right now there are giant vats of soap just sitting, waiting to be carried out of the city by caravan. It wont be moved for some time due to the turmoil in the city, but we could repackage it and sell it locally.
Soap? Are you serious? Henrick said, his lips curling into a sneer. What commoner could afford a bar of soap? Most of those things sell for at least a silver piece each.
We called this meeting for two pieces of business. The first is one you all know already. The Swamp Shark gang is starting to cut into our territory, and I wont allow it. If you see them in any of our normal spots, I want you to lay down the law. There is to be no mercy. Theyve already been warned at the council, so if they show up, we move.
Are we going to declare war? one of the thugs asked, his voice a deep rumble.
Shooting the speaker a glance, Henrick shook his head.
No, not unless they come in force. But Ive had enough of having our territory chipped away. Remember, no deaths, but broken bones are fine. Am I clear?
Yes, boss.
Got it, boss.
Listening to the chorus of agreement, Garrett let his eyes sweep over the crowd, trying to memorize as many faces as he could. If he was going to be the gangs advisor, he would need to know its members, and understanding who was who was essential. Next to him, Henrick was pleased with the response and continued, dropping his large hand to Garretts shoulder.
The second piece of business is an introduction. Garrett here is joining the gang. Hell be working as my direct advisor and will hold an officers position.
This time, the response from the gang wasnt nearly as positive, many of the listening gang members caught off guard by the announcement. Whispers broke out as they began to talk among themselves, all the while shooting covert glances at Garret, who just waved his hand briefly. Henrick stared around the room, causing the men and women his gaze fell on to flinch and quiet down. A derisive smile covered the innkeepers lips as he spoke again.
Any complaints? No? Good. Alright, the meeting is over. Come say hi to Garrett. Obe, Gorn, come with me.
The very image of a tyrant, Henrick left the room with his two lieutenants, leaving Garrett and Ryn behind to face the rest of the gang. Ryn came to Garretts side, her normally cheerful attitude quailing under the stares of the few dozen gang members. Patting her hand reassuringly, Garrett spoke in a quiet voice that only she could hear.
Nows the time to put all the information you learned over the last few days to work. Do you remember our plan?
Taking a deep breath, Ryn nodded and looked around the room, her gaze alighting on the cook who was sitting at the far end of the room, drinking a cup of ale. After a nod from Garrett, she walked over, her soft steps making no noise amidst the chatter. Yet she hadnt even managed to cross the room before she realized everyone was watching her. Nearly missing her footing, she stumbled slightly before practically running the last few steps. Under the eyes of the whole gang, she leaned in toward the cook and whispered something, her hand pointing at Garrett.
With a skeptical look, the cook alternated between looking at Ryn and looking across the room to where Garrett sat. After a moment, he stood up, his face still carrying his disbelief, and followed a relieved-looking Ryn back to Garretts table. By this point, there wasnt a sound in the room apart from the scrape of the chair the cook pulled out from the table. Sitting on it with a creak, the cook put his drink down on the table and gave Garrett a hard stare.
Ryn here tells me you can solve my supply problem.
Garrett sensed the disbelief in the cooks voice but didnt let it get to him. Instead, he bobbed his head in greeting.
Hello, you must be Vester. First, thank you for supplying us with food for the last few days. Second, Ryn is correct, though how successful well be will be determined by a few different factors, including how bold our forces are.
It was impossible to pin down exactly what it was about Garrett that made Vester suddenly sit up in anticipation of his next words, and even as he listened, the cook found himself unable to figure out the slim young man across from him. Garrett carried an air of frailty that was only reinforced by the empty sleeve tied at his right wrist where his right hand should have been. Yet, at the same time, each of his words was delivered with clarity and precision. Seeing hed managed to capture Vesters attention, Garrett hid his grin and spoke slightly louder, as if inviting the other gang members to listen as well.
With the uncertainty in the palace, food has clearly become one of the most prized resources around, which means merchants are going to be hoarding. This both drives prices up, and helps them hedge against the unknown future.
Tell me something I dont know, Vester interrupted, taking a drink and wiping his lips with the back of his hand. We all know that food is suddenly scarce and ingredients have nearly tripled in price. So what?
