Book 2: Chapter 41
Ive been riding in carriages a lot recently. Maybe I should get one of my own. Ill have Obe look into that.
Garrett, is it?
Turning his head to look at the other occupant of the carriage across from him, the thin faced exorcist, Garrett bowed his head.
Yes, sir. Garrett Klein. Thank you for your help back there.
My name is Gerald Larner, and I should be thanking you. And apologizing.
For what, sir?
Just call me Gerald. For using you as a pawn in our conflict with the city guard. I feel bad getting a rank and file member involved in such a sticky fight, but one has to take advantage of opportunities as they come. I was planning on coming and meeting you soon anyway, since I like to take a look at every new member, but I have to say, youve more than exceeded my expectations.
Garrett could feel the subtle mental energy that Gerald was projecting toward him and he did his best not to react. Ever since they had gotten into the carriage, the exorcist had been probing Garrett, as if he was trying to understand just what level of power the crippled young man possessed. Thanks to the thick dream energy that shrouded Garrett, he was able to use Dream Cloak, which seemed to be doing a good job of keeping that information hidden, but Garrett knew that the fact that Gerald couldnt see through him was in and of itself a confirmation of sorts.
That is kind of you, but I dont think Im that special.
If you actually believed that, I would be even more impressed, Gerald said, faint amusement in his eyes. I must admit, I was curious how you managed to survive the encounter with that guard last night, but now that I have had a chance to take a good look at you, it makes complete sense. Let me guess.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Gerald began to speak quietly, reconstructing the scene almost as if he had been there.
There likely wasnt much light in the cell, so Id guess that you hid along the wall inside the door. On his left. You used some sort of chain as an improvised weapon to tangle his feet, knocking him down and likely breaking one of his legs in the process. His neck was snapped by hand, so you must have done that while he was in shock, before arranging the scene. You cut off his leg to hide the method you used to kill him, which is a curious choice. Still, considering your situation, an impressive display all around.
Opening his eyes and smiling at Garretts shocked expression, Gerald tapped the side of his glasses.
My spark is related to seeing the truth, and I have a knack for detective work. Which makes it even stranger that I cannot see through you. Either you are a higher level than me, which is unlikely, or you possess an exceptionally powerful mysterious artifact that covers your soul spark. Which is it?
A wry expression crossed Garretts face and he shook his head with a sigh.
And here I thought I was doing a good job hiding it. I wont confirm anything, but I will say that I have a particular affinity for items related to the dream.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
Thats what I thought, Gerald said, looking out the window. It explains why you always seem to show up at the location of incidents. Well, Im glad to make your acquaintance, Garrett. And once more, let me extend my apologies for what you had to endure. I know that you didnt get anything out of it, but as the unofficial leader of the exorcists guild, I can say that we appreciate it.
Think nothing of it, Garrett said, waving his hand. Thank you for being willing to step forward on my behalf. I look forward to working with the guild in the future.
Likewise, Gerald replied, his eyes sharp. But now, let's turn our attention to something of more importance. You are currently leading a gang, is that correct?
Were not a gang, Garrett said, shaking his head. We are a family. We operate as a syndicate, though there are currently only three members of the syndicate.
I see. Regardless, it's come to my attention that you are starting to have some tension with one of the gangs that operates in the graveyard. The Grave Walkers, I believe.
That is correct, Garrett nodded.
Well, I think it might be wise if I spoke to you about some history. You look young. Strangely young, in fact, but anyway, before you were born there was an unfortunate event that originated in the graveyard and spread across the city.
The undead uprising.
Exactly. What do you know about it?
Just that on a particular night, a group of necromancers raised a large group of undead that attacked the city, Garrett said.
That is the gist of it, but what is more important than the event itself is what preceded it. According to the records, there was a drastic increase in the number of undead sightings and attacks around this district before the Night the Dead Walked.
Which is similar to what is happening now, Garrett said, drawing in a breath.
Let's look in our own community first, Garrett said. Put the word out that Ill be hiring apprentices to learn my trade.
Youre going to train them to be gang leaders? Ryn asked, completely confused.
No, Im going to teach them reading, writing, and accounting. An accountant is a better money counter. Food, board, and a stipend.
Youll have adults lining up to join you if you offer that, Obe said, a crooked smile on his face. I might even consider lining up. Itd be easier than all the work I have to do now.
Chuckling, Garrett got out the piece of paper he had used to draw out the Familys new organizational chart and placed it on the desk.
Sounds like its a good time for me to show you our new structure, before I lose you to a basic accounting class.
Obe and Ryn came closer, looking at the paper that Garrett slid over. Ryn, who had learned to read, helped Obe identify what each line said and after they had read over it twice, she looked at Garrett, tapping on the paper.
What is this?
This is our Familys new organizational chart. Ive broken down all of the various things that we do into specific domains, and assigned a leader to that area. Youll notice that Obe is responsible for public security.
Taking another paper out of his desk, Garrett gave it to Obe.
This is a clear breakdown of what that entails. Patrolling, enforcing the law, training new members of the security team, all of those things and more are written down here. Each of the new roles has one of these sheets and well go through them so everyone is clear on the expectations. Ryn, here is yours.
Director of Acquisition? What is that?
That means you are responsible for acquiring things.
Obviously. What does director mean? I have to plan the jobs? I thought I told you that I dont want to be a thief?
You might have to plan the jobs, but being a director means you are in charge of the people who do the actual acquiring. That doesnt mean that you need to do the work yourself, just that you have to train, equip, organize, and oversee the people who are going to do the acquiring. For example, if we say that we want to borrow something from the adventurers guild, youll be responsible for coming up with the plan, making sure we have the people we need, and overseeing the mission. Does that make sense?
It makes sense but I dont think I like it, Ryn said, frowning. I dont mind helping here and there, but I want to do more merchant type stuff like soap and candles.
Sure, Garrett said, nodding and getting out another paper. Which is why you will also be responsible for Carraway. See how, at the top of the organization, there are only four people?
There is only one person, Ryn said, pointing at Garretts name.
Yes, well, I mean, under that.
Sure.
And see how each of you have multiple people under you? These are what is called direct reports. That means that those people are responsible for reporting on the things they handle directly to you, and you are responsible for helping them make decisions about those things. Likewise, youll report on the areas you are responsible for to me, and Ill help you work through the decisions you need to make.
This seems like a lot of trouble to just say that these people will be my subordinates, Ryn grumbled, causing Garrett to sigh.
This is interesting, Obe said, looking at all the papers that Garrett had gotten out. I guess its time I learn how to read, because I dont understand any of this.
Whats so interesting about it? Ryn asked, giving Obe a scornful glance, as if she hadnt been just as ignorant six months earlier.
This is a military structure, he replied, pointing to the organizational chart. We have the general, the commissioned officers, the group leaders, all the way down to the squad leaders. It becomes easy to add new people into a structure like this.
Thats right, Garrett said, looking at Obe curiously. Are you familiar with the military?
I served for a bit, the big man said. But to answer your question, Ryn, this ensures that decisions can be made quickly at all levels, or passed up to the next level if needed. More than that, it helps create a unified idea of the direction that were going.
You hit the nail on the head, Garrett said, something in his voice causing the other two to look at him. The Klein Family is going to grow, and grow big. Right now were a flower in the garden, but there will come a day when we are the garden. A streamlined, efficient, gigantic garden.
