Chapter 43 – Observation
Garland Plaza was unusual among many of the outer-city areas; in its centre stood a small, open park. The grass wasn't very well maintained, and areas where the sun didn't reach were patchy due to the surrounding buildings. In the centre of the open area was a circular structure that reminded SJ of a bandstand, and a being stood on the platform, with a small crowd gathered around, listening to them speak.
SJ landed on a flat roof overlooking the park, watching the small crowd.
"I've lived in District 4 my whole life. Born and raised in the very streets you call home," a large orc standing on the platform cried. He continued talking, promising reduced rents, better access to waste management, and other offers to those willing to stop and listen. The crowd was growing as more took notice, some even heckling the orc, saying they would be voting for another.
"I also promise to combat the thieves who operate in our streets," the orc stated.
The comment piqued SJ's interest.
"How will you do that?" One of the gathered called.
"By removing the guild from our streets. The corruption has to stop. Too many have fallen foul of their greed and that of the previous leaders within this district. It's about time we took it back, and I plan on doing that for us if I'm chosen."
"No one has succeeded before you, and what guarantees can you give us?"
"I have my means," the orc replied, smiling. His tusks, polished white and glinting in the afternoon sun, he wore a neat dark tunic and trousers. Not overly smart, still casual enough not to stand out as someone overly wealthy.
That was when SJ noticed two beings standing to the side of the square watching the scene. It took her a few moments to realise that they were the Chief's henchmen. It was one of the dark elves and Oline the halfling. Her heart skipped a beat, and her pulse quickened on seeing them.
What are they doing here?
"Probably seeing who is looking to take over the district. If the chief is that key to what happens, I'm not surprised she would want to know who it may be."
Or the orc is already working for her.
"Perhaps," Dave answered thoughtfully.
I'll have to tell Fas about them.
She reached up and tapped the gem on her earpiece. It only rang twice before Fas answered.
"Everything okay? I didn't expect to hear from you very soon after our last encounter."
Even though SJ felt betrayed by Fas's watchers, she wasn't going to let it stop her.
"I'm in District 4 following leads about the scheme, and I have spotted two of the chief's henchmen here, watching a speech by an orc. He is running for the lieutenant's position, from what I can tell."
"It doesn't surprise me that they are watching. She holds so much control over the districts; she will be after anything she can to use as a means to extort anyone who takes the position."
"Every time we speak about this, it always seems you know more than you are letting on."
"I've known her for a long time, remember. I know how she thinks and acts. Although at times her temper gets the better of her, she is very manipulative and good at what she does."
"You think them being here is just a coincidence?"
"Yes. Her crew does her dirty work, so she doesn't have to get her hands dirty. Who's there?"
"Oline and one of the dark elves. I don't know which."
"If they are in that area, I will direct Benji to get the whispers spread there. I doubt it's a fleeting visit to the district, which means it may benefit us knowing where they may be."
"Okay. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know."
"It's appreciated," Fas replied as SJ ended the call.
The corruption in the outer districts was an issue still being addressed by the tower, and since the removal of Lieutenant Jelart Hounslow from District 3, the chancellor had instituted a new process in which family ties no longer guaranteed that a being would automatically become the next Lieutenant. This meant that at any time across the city, beings vied for the privilege and power the Districts held. It was a more democratic process, but also one that could be fraught with danger. If the rumours were true, several standing candidates had suffered from unfortunate accidents in the run-up to the voting sessions. With the chief directly involved, SJ could definitely see the increased risk anyone took by stepping forward.
It still wasn't a straightforward process to implement the change, and several key families continued to control many of the district's operations. SJ had thought it was slowly improving, but such a fundamental change would take years to fully implement. With the chief's potential influence and also many noble families resisting it, this made it even more difficult than she had considered. SJ was aware that Alec was heavily involved on behalf of the chancellor in overseeing the district officials.
SJ wanted to watch the chief's henchmen, but had a reason for being here. After watching and listening for a while, SJ flew down into an alley and grew. She had identified a jeweller's shop in the Plaza and could only assume it was Lapswing's shop. Her dress no longer smelt of the acrid smoke from the fire, but her cloak still did, and she removed it, adding it to her inventory and adjusted her dress's design to provide her with a cowl she could pull up over her hair. In all the time she had been on Amathera, she still hadn't managed to discover a way to hide her distinctive hair colour. It shone like a beacon if she walked around uncovered, which, for an assassin or a being trying to keep a low profile, was never a great sign.
The storefront of the shop was freshly painted. Ochre-coloured paint, in contrast to the surrounding buildings, many of which had plain fronts.
The shop was named 'The Radiant Setting'. The store's window reminded SJ of Miss Oputi's in Killic, with bars covering its large display window. Mrs Oputi had taken over an old guard post, but this was specifically designed to add security. Brilliant jewels were on display: rings, necklaces, and bracelets, to name a few. Several beings stood looking in the window, talking excitedly to each other. There was a vast array of colours, and one in particular sang out above all others. It was secured inside a glass box, a brilliant, deep citrine gemstone, the size of SJ's closed fist. A hooded lantern projected its light onto it, and the aperture it created caught the light beautifully. This had to be what the beings were looking at.
A man stood to the side of the store entrance as SJ approached, looking her up and down. He didn't say anything to her, but was obviously taking mental notes. SJ felt uncomfortable under his gaze. She adjusted her cowl, making sure her hair was covered.
The door chimed as she entered, a bell ringing out clearly. The store's interior was laid out in rows of display cases, preventing customers from handling the jewels with their bare fingers. A few beings were inside, several of them wearing the same style of clothing. A slim elven girl walked up to her as she entered.
"Good day. How can we help you today?" She held her hands behind her back and stood perfectly straight, a pleasant and practised smile on her face.
"I have come to see Lapswing if he is in," SJ replied.
"Mr Lapswing is indeed in. Do you have an appointment?"
"Unfortunately not, I have come from a fellow jeweller who directed me to see him."
"Another jeweller? Who may I ask?"
"Rafilla in District 12. She and her husband, Caperca, own a jewellery and alchemy store. I believe that Mr Lapswing may know them."
"I will go and ask. Please wait here for a moment," the attendant said as she turned and disappeared through a door at the store's rear.
SJ browsed the jewellery. Many of the items were beautiful, and SJ changed her display to show residual mana. Several of the pieces glowed brightly, indicating they were magical or at least had the potential to be. Only a couple of minutes passed before the attendant returned.
"Please, if you follow me, Mr Lapswing will see you."
"Thanks."
SJ followed the elf through the door and entered a short corridor with several doors off it. She stopped at one and knocked gently.
"Come in," the voice called.
The attendant opened the door, ushering SJ inside. The room wasn't what SJ was expecting. It was a large, open office with several beings working at desks. There was only one Kenku, making Lapswing easy to identify. He had an almost silver-coloured plumage and sat behind a large desk with a rather angry-looking man standing just behind him. He wasn't angry, as in hostile; it was the face of a man who had seen combat. A large scar ran down across his cheek, and the top of one of his ears was missing. He stood in a relaxed pose, but SJ knew that any sudden movement towards Lapswing would cause a reaction.
"You know some of my kind?" Lapswing asked.
"I do. I'm good friends with Rafilla and Caperca."
"So what brings you to my establishment?"
"I have come to discuss a recent business dealing, if I may?" SJ knew that her charm skill would be active as she spoke to him and only hoped that he would be willing to talk to her openly. It wasn't always guaranteed, but with her increasing Charisma and skill, basic negotiations and discussions had started to become easier.
"What dealing?" Lapswing's abruptness was no different from that of her friends.
"You have various rental properties or stores across the city, and I have concerns over some that may still be active."
Kenku didn't frown; they couldn't with their facial features the way they were, and instead, SJ had gotten to learn some of their nuances from her friends, as he tilted his head, a clicking sound coming from his beak.
"What is it to you?"
"I'm concerned that one of them may have poor associations. Is there somewhere more private we could talk?" SJ asked, glancing at the other beings in the room.
"You can speak here."
SJ called the contract agreement from her inventory and leaned forward to hand it to Lapswing. As soon as she did, a knife appeared in the man's hand who was standing behind him.
"It's only a contract," SJ said, looking at the man, who held a neutral expression. He hadn't moved, but his immediate action was a warning she wouldn't ignore. As she dropped the contract on the desk and lifted her hands placatingly.
Lapswing picked up the contract document and glanced over it.
"Yes, these are my properties. This deal was struck three months ago. It isn't for review for another three yet. How did you get this?"
"I found it while investigating."
"What?"
SJ really didn't want to mention the scheme, but she couldn't think of any other angle. "I think they are being used as a front for a... con scheme."
"A con. What sort of con?"
"I think they are being used to sell false investments, offering the opportunity of investing in new tailor stores, which aren't actually ever opening."
"And what has this got to do with me? I have no knowledge of it."
"I didn't say you did. I wished to understand if you knew the being who signed the contract, and if so, do you know where I may find him?"
"They came to me from the brokers. I then handled the deal. I own many buildings across the city. As long as the rent is paid, what they do on the premises is up to them."
"Won't their actions damage your reputation?"
"Why? I own the building, not them."
"Wow, he really doesn't care," Dave said. " He is purely interested in profit, irrelevant of what happens."
"Do you know where I may find the man who signed the contract?"
"I met with him at The Hounds in District 2. If there is nothing else, I have business to attend to," Lapswing said, looking down at the paperwork he had on his desk. It was obvious that the conversation was over.
SJ was about to ask what T. Evergreen looked like before deciding it would seem too suspicious.
"Thank you," SJ said, turning to leave. The man behind Lapswing bent forward and whispered in Lapswing's ear as she left, SJ seeing his actions in her adapted vision. She couldn't make out what he said, but the man looked up at her as the door closed. The attendant stood outside patiently waiting for her and escorted her back to the front of the store.
"He knows more," Dave said as SJ left the store. "Did you see the way his bodyguard reacted as you left?"
I'm not so sure he knows more. Although I am suspicious of his bodyguard.
"At least we have a place to go and see if we can identify this other being who signed the contract."
It's on Fas's list.
"Oh. I didn't realise."
Yeah, it's listed as a guild location.
"It all ties in then," Dave said.
Perhaps I can't walk into a bar and start asking about a member of the thieves' guild directly. That would just be asking for trouble. I should have asked what they look like, at least then I would have had something to work with.
Several beings were still looking in the window at the large gemstone. SJ wished she had asked the attendant about it now before leaving. She checked her display. There was no rush; if her next check was going to be at a bar, it wasn't as though it would shut early. Her stomach rumbled as she crossed the plaza again. The orc was still preaching his thoughts and answering questions from those gathered. Both the dark elf and halfling still stood off to the side watching.
I'm going to get some food, and then we can visit the bar.
Dave didn't comment as SJ walked across the plaza to a bar. The wooden doorway was low, even for SJ, so she had to stoop as she entered. The smell of freshly cooked food wafted towards her, along with the smell of sweet wines. The clientele inside was what surprised SJ. Everywhere she glanced, there were halflings. She didn't think she had ever seen so many in one location before.
"What can I get for ya?" a portly and bubbly female halfling said as SJ walked to the bar. She wore a white apron with clear handprints, where she often wiped her hands.
"I'm after some food. What do you have?"
"I'd suggest the stew; it's perfect."
"I'll take a stew then, and bread and butter."
"Of course. Just take a seat; I'll bring it over when it's ready. Did you want a drink as well?"
"No, thanks."
She nodded as she turned, calling back through a hatch into a kitchen area. SJ turned and headed towards an empty table. As she sat down, she understood why all the clientele were halflings. Even the furniture was for smaller beings; everything was scaled to their size rather than that of many races. It was unusual, to say the least.
The atmosphere inside was cheery and carefree, and a couple at a table over from her took out flutes and started to play them. Her food was carried over on a tray, a piping hot bowl of stew; it appeared to have hogling strips in it, and there was a thick chunk of freshly baked bread and a plate of butter. SJ picked up her cutlery and tucked in. The stew was delightful, not up to Floretta's standard, but not bad at all. It had a meaty, wholesome flavour, and the butter was thick and creamy, complementing it well as she wiped the last remnants from the bowl.
"That was delicious," SJ said as she carried the tray back to the bar. "How much do I owe?"
"Three coppers."
SJ counted out five and placed them on the counter. "Thanks," she said, turning to leave.
"Do come again," the waitress called as SJ spotted her pocket, the two extra coins, before she placed the three into a box behind the counter.
The crowd around the platform had started to disperse when she walked back outside, the orc having finished his speech. He stood to one side as a heated discussion unfolded. SJ immediately recognised the dark elf. The pair of them gesticulated their opinions with their arms. She didn't see the halfling and wondered where he had gone.
That's not the way to promote yourself, SJ thought as she headed to an alley to change.
Time to locate The Hounds, SJ thought as she took off. Although she was drawn to watching the chief's henchmen, she couldn't chance being spotted, especially with what Fas was in the process of putting in place with the rumours.
The bar looked like any other as she walked towards it. Rowdy guests and laughter greeted her ears as she approached. A burly-looking hobgoblin stood outside with a scimitar secured to his belt. He stood with his arms folded, looking as if he was used to dealing with trouble. SJ was only planning to observe and didn't plan to ask about T. Evergreen. She already knew this place was on the list, and it would be throwing herself into the dragon's den if she did. She ignored the look from the hobgoblin as she entered, the loud noise assaulting her as she did.
The bar was dark and dingy, with a few strategically placed lanterns providing light where it was essential, but much of the area remained in shadow. It reminded SJ of nightclubs on Earth, where couples would be found in the darkened corners making out. This bar wasn't for making out in. Several card games were in progress, with calls of cheating and swearing filling the air. It definitely wasn't a bar she would normally frequent, and her senses tingled as she approached the bar.
A middle-aged man greeted her. His bare arms were tattooed, and his muscles bulged under his tight top.
"Drink?" he asked.
"Ale, please," SJ replied.
"Two copper," the man said as he placed a tankard on the bar.
SJ dropped the two coins into his hand and picked up the tankard before moving between the tables to a quieter corner of the bar away from the gaming tables.
You're just here to observe, she told herself firmly as she took a seat.
A chair was flipped over as a man stood angrily from one of the card games, cursing at another man who sat with a smug grin on his face. SJ was sure for a moment that a fight would break out, but the man turned and stormed out of the bar instead.
"Free spot open, if anyone wants to join," the smug man said as he looked around the bar. Several patrons shook their heads, turning down the invite as SJ felt herself standing up.
"What are you doing?" Dave hissed as SJ approached the table.
