ftp.ee.pdx.edu/2014.02.ftp.ee.pdx.edu.tar/ftp.ee.pdx.edu/pub/frp/stories/business/business.4

Internet Message Format | 1991-03-08 | 24KB

From [e-mail] Mon Dec  3 15:25:37 1990
From: [e-mail] (Jeff Stehman)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp
Subject: Story:  Taking Care of Business (iv)
Keywords: healing, a bedroll, and prose
Date: 3 Dec 90 07:01:31 GMT
Organization: Clemson University, Clemson, SC



            Healing, a Bedroll, and Prose


"There were a lot of splinters I had to take out, which made things
worse.  I'm afraid you'll be out for a while.  If you stay here I
think I can have you moving about in a couple of days, but it'll be
sore for a few weeks.  Well, Sunter will get you tucked in and discuss
financial arrangements."  With that the surgeon went back to bed.
    "Five crowns for the late night treatment, plus three for
spending the night.  After that you become a regular patient at three
crowns a day.  Shave and a haircut is two shillings," Sunter
explained.
    On Silk's instructions, Smash went through Silk's purse and
paid the servant eight crowns.  Sunter left without another word.
    "Don't worry.  I'll have one of the boys stay with you," Bash
assured Silk.  "You want us to get you to a healer tomorrow, or what?"
    "I would be much obliged for the bodyguard, and if you know a
healer that is discreet, we can go there in the morning.  Otherwise,
might as well stay here to recover, but only if doc promises not to
work on me again..."
    Bash nodded, then, "So, you got any idea what's going on?  We
was just out cruising, no particular mark in mind, when Owl spotted
the crossbowmen on the roof.  I sent him off to investigate and he
tells me it's Chigger and four of his boys.  They had three high and
two low.  It was obvious they were waiting for something in
particular.  See, we gave Chigger what's for a long time ago.  I mean,
I'll let some solos float through, but I don't want no gangs on my
turf.  I didn't think he'd ever dare to show his face around here
again.  Anyways, so we figured we'd watch him and see if we couldn't
spoil things.  Naturally, when Owl told me it was you they's after we
came right in, although if you hadn't taken that bolt I think I
would've let you handle it.  You gutted one and bloodied another, all
with a span of lumber in your back.  And you always use us for muscle!
For a little guy you sure can fight."  Bash paused for a moment.  "So,
like, you need us to make a hit, or something?"
    Silk bent forward with his head in his hands, and let go an
ouch as the stitches in his back tightened.  "Does one of you have my
walking stick?  I'll be wanting that for later."  Silk tried to find a
more comfortable position.  "Yes, I have a pretty good idea what's
going down.  This is the second time someone has tried to hit me in
the last week.  The first was much more subtle.  Four days ago,
someone scooped one of the big hats in the import/export business.
Made a big haul.  The merchant's wife saw the culprit.  Said it was
me.  Almost got croaked before convincing the man that it wasn't my
style, and that I was smarter than to try something like that.  He
gave me the chance to clear myself; not so much because he wanted to
give me a chance, but mostly because he wants to take out whoever
visited him.  So, I'm the bait in the trap," Silk finished with a sigh
that turned into a cough.
    "As for killing someone, that time may soon come.  When I find
out who's behind this, I'll want you with me.  Hmm, where is Chigger's
turf?  I don't have any beef with him, so someone must have hired him
to come out here.  I figure it was someone in his neighborhood."
    "Don't know where Chigger hangs out now," Bash shrugged.  "You
boys?"
    "Last I heard he was up by the university, beating up
students," Owl answered.
    "That fits," Silk said with a nod.  "Okay, tomorrow morning,
early, I'll go to the temple of Shallya.  I'd like a hooded cloak, if
you could manage it.  I think that my coat is a bit too distinctive,
what with all the blood.  If you don't have a cloak that will fit me,
then be resourceful."

The next morning Bash entered the infirmary with a cloak and hood, as
well as a shirt.
    "What's this stain inside the hood?" Silk asked as he was
trying it for size.
    "You going to stand their nit picking or are you going to get
healed?"
    Silk dressed and, accompanied by Bash, stepped into the alley.
"Not too fast, now.  I still have a rather painful knot on my leg,"
Silk said as they started for the temple.  "I didn't ask for your help
last night, but I am very glad for it.  However, I am still in need of
some assistance.  If you or a couple of the lads could spare some time
during the next couple of days and give me a place to hide and heal, I
would be much obliged."  Silk finished by clinking ten crowns in his
hand and giving them to Bash.
    "No problem," Bash said.  "You've always given us easy work at
good pay.  Better than that, when we're working for you, we're not
knocking heads; the fewer heads we knock, the safer people feel.  You
know what I mean?"
    At the temple, a priestess took Silk aside.  After examining
his wounds she inquired as to the type of ministering he needed;
magical or mundane.
    "Magical," Silk answered, nearly swallowing on the word.
    The priestess engaged Silk in some rapid conversation.  She
was obviously quite practiced at it; before Silk realized exactly what
he had said, she had a pretty good idea as to his resources.
    "Forty crowns will allow you to walk out of here with your
body repaired of all damage, although there might be a twinge or two.
If you do not have the coinage with you, I will agree to heal you if
you will agree to bring a donation of at least forty crowns to the
temple by tomorrow evening."
    "Lady, I do not have forty crowns on my person.  However, I
value this chain at thirty crowns, and have coin to bring the sum to
forty.  If you do not find the chain worthy, I will do what I can to
bring a donation here by tomorrow evening."  Silk removed the platinum
braid from around his neck, and held it out for her to examine, meekly
awaiting for her reply.  The priestess did not even bother looking at
the chain.
    "I'll take the ten now and await the rest tomorrow."
    That agreed upon, she gathered a few things, said a few
prayers, and wove her spell.  As she had promised, Silk felt fine
except for a slight pull and occasional twinge of pain.  She assured
him that it would be gone in a day or two.
    Silk paid over the ten crowns, thanked the priestess and the
grace of Shallya, and promised to return by sundown the next day.
Stepping out of the room, he donned the hood and located Bash.  "Lead
on."

"So what all do you need?" Bashed asked when they were settled in to
the footpads' hole-in-the-wall lodgings.
    "First thing, I need some cash to pay off the healer.  Take
this gem to a man named Oglethorpe.  He owes me a favor, and should
give you a reasonable sum for it.  Tell him that you got his name from
a half-blind man who was near death.  He is the only one that should
be told that I am still alive.  You can find him at my usual haunt."
Silk handed the gem to Bash.  "Next thing, I strongly suspect that
Rasputan is behind the events of the last couple of days.  I need
someone to locate him, and preferably keep an eye on him.  He works
near the university and the Emperor's Way.  I know it's Chigger's
turf.  Be careful, he's probably not happy at the outcome of last
night's scuffle.  Rasputan's been acting paranoid lately, or so I've
heard.  Whoever goes should probably have something to drop, in case
they should come face-to-face with him.  I can supply something when
the time comes."  Silk yawned and stretched.  "The rest will keep for
a while.  Right now I need some rest."
    As Bash turned to leave, Silk asked, "Could you bring some
fruit or something with you when you return?  I don't want to go out
again until tomorrow morning."
    When Bash returned he had fruit, a few sweet meats, fifty
crowns from Oglethorpe, plus Owl and Crash.  Crash was to keep Silk
company.  Owl was to ferret out Rasputan.  Bash had also brought a
small pot of a rather potent wine.  "It is best to mix it a bit, but I
thought you might want it straight.  It'll definitely help you rest.
Oh, Oglethorpe says that, although he hasn't quite finished the book,
he can return it if you'll be needing it.  O'Malley's Place was filled
with interesting speculation.  It seems that the man you gutted last
night was left behind.  He was found this morning by a patron of the
tavern.  Since no one has seen you since yesterday, and the body was
found near your place with plenty of other blood..."  Bash finished
with a shrug.  "Oh yeah, one more thing.  There was a well dressed man
hanging around O'Malley's.  He seemed intensely interested in the
stories.  Oglethorpe told me to tell you he had been inquiring after
you before the stories really got started.  Claimed you were expecting
him."
    During the account Silk had been busy reducing the fruit to a
pile of rinds, stems, and seeds, occasionally muttering and nodding.
    "Thanks, Bash.  I'd call you a prince if I knew that it
wouldn't offend you.  I'm glad that Oglethorpe has his wits about him.
They may be all that he has to rely on before all of this is over.
The other man that you saw, the well-dressed one, is known to me.  His
name is William the Sharp.  Dangerous, very dangerous.  I don't think
that he bears me any ill-will at this point, but I'm not ready to
stake my life on that, something that I would certainly be doing.  If
he's anywhere as good as I suspect, he'll find his way here.  If that
happens, whoever is here with me should stay his hand until we know
what his game is."  Silk gave Crash a meaningful look.  "Owl, you've
drawn the more exciting task.  I need to know where Rasputan hangs
out, and where he sleeps.  The easiest way to find him and get close
to him is to proffer some goods.  Here.."  Silk took off the chain and
handed it to Owl.  "If you need to sell it, go ahead and do so.  You
should get be able to get ten for it.  Good luck."
    As Owl left the apartment, Silk tossed down some of the wine.
"You weren't kidding about this stuff.  I'll be in dreamland in no
time."  Reducing his intake to sips, he continued, "I suspect that
there will be a couple of visits to my place today or tonight.
William will almost certainly stop in.  As for others, who can say?
Could you or Smash keep your eyes on it tonight?"
    "Smash," Bash said with a nod towards the door.  Smash left
immediately.
    Silk was thoroughly enjoying his drink by this time.  "Umm,
that should about do it.  Any questions?"
    Bash shook his head.  "Crash will be here with you, but I have
some matters to attend to.  So if that's it, g'day."

Later that night, Crash answered the door.  Owl burst into the room
and leveled a loaded crossbow at Silk.
    "Don't move!" Owl ordered.  "Crash, has he been here all
night?"
    "Yeah.  What's up?"
    "And you were with him?"
    "Of course."
    Owl moved closer and looked Silk over.  "Breathing is normal
and no sweat."  The same could not be said for Owl.  "Okay, now all
you have to do is convince me that you are the Silk that is on our
side.  I just saw you meet with Rasputan."
    At that moment Bash walked in the door.  Owl explained the
situation to him.
    "Well?" Bash asked of Silk.
    "I seem to remember going through this once before.  It was
not pleasant last time, and I suspect that the same will be true of
this ordeal."  Silk took a deep breath.  "What's it going to take?  A
list of jobs I've hired you for?  Goods I've moved for you?" He heaved
another sigh of dispair.  "No, you want me to prove that I'm on your
side.  That's different.  You can devise any tests that you want, and
I'm willing take them, but even then you won't really know if I'm on
your side or not.  At least, not until this is all over."  He paused
for a moment, then, "Owl, was the man that you saw with Rasputan
wearing a coat or a cloak?"
    Owl frowned a bit, thinking.  Suddenly he relaxed and pointed
the crossbow towards the ceiling.  "He was wearing a coat."  As he
unloaded the crossbow he continued, "Your coat.  The one we left at
the barbers.
    Silk's sigh of relief was echoed by the others.
    "Silk," Owl continued, "This guy was you in every detail I
could make out in the dark, and you know I deserve my name."
    Silk nodded.  "I don't doubt you for moment, Owl.  As I said,
I went through this once before.  So, he doesn't know everything.
That at least is encouraging.  As for him looking like me, we'll have
to do something about that.  I'll continue to wear the cloak.  In case
I lose the cloak, I will also wear a sash.  That should be enough for
you to recognize in the dark.  Wait a moment.  Crash, how much coinage
do you have on you right now?  I mean exactly."
    Crash looked a bit puzzled.  "Well, I've got the two crowns
Bash gave me for last night, plus...  let's see...  3 shillings, 9
pence.  Why?"
    "I don't know what this imposter knows and what he doesn't,
Crash.  I just wanted there to be something that we both could be
certain of."
    "Oh," Owl added, "If it is of any interest to anyone, I found
out where Chigger is healing up at."  Owl turned to Silk with a smile,
"I buried one in the meat of his leg last night during the fight."
    "If you guys want to go out and make Chigger uncomfortable, by
all means, don't let me spoil your fun.  You've earned it.  If you do
pay him a visit, please make it clear that the bolt got the lung, and
I drowned in my own blood.  See how much he got for the job, and from
whom.  Other than that, have a good time."
    "If you want us to pay Chigger a visit we will," Bash said
coolly.  "But it is not appropriate to kill opponents when you've
already put them in their place; people are less likely to let you
live when you're the one on the other end of the crossbow.  Chigger
will nurse his hatred; however, he won't do anything about it.  He
will allow revenge to temper any future encounters, but such is life.
That is how we play the game in these alleys, Silk.  Even we have
rules, and the vast majority of us abide by them."  Bash thought for a
bit, then smiled.  "However, gathering information is an excellent
excuse for a raid...  if we were so instructed."
    "Hell, Bash, I wasn't telling you to go kill him.  And the
information would be useful...  Make sure he gets the idea that I'm
dead and that you're looking for the goon who hired him."  Silk
thought for a moment, then smiled himself.  "Pretend that William sent
you."
    Smash burst through the door, barely allowing Crash the luxury
of unbarring it first.  Silk scrambled for his walking stick.
    "Silk's building was just firebombed!"
    "Damn!  That was a nice location!  And my good clothes were
still there, too.  Someone is obviously trying to eliminate all traces
of my presence in this city, and doing a good job of it.  Did you see
the dog who did it?"
    "Sort of.  He was a pretty big guy, but that's all I know.  He
was wearing a large overcoat and a big hat."
    "You want us to go after Chigger now?" Bash asked.
    "It'll take the four of us," Owl added.
    "Go ahead.  I should be fine, as long as nobody followed you
back here.  Do you still have my chain, Owl?  I'd kind of like to have
it back."

"Well, that worked out amazingly well."
    Bash was washing up at the basin while Owl examined a
half-dozen quarrels he seemed apparently picked up in the raid.
Meanwhile, Crash was checking a newly acquired bedroll for fleas;
"Didn't think you'd care to sleep wrapped in your cloak," he explained
to Silk with a smile.  "'Sides, I don't think Chigger will be getting
too much sleep tonight."  Smash, on the other hand, was already
asleep.
    "He knows you're alive," Bash began after silencing Crash with
a wave, "Which isn't good.  He did give us the location of Rasputan's
townhouse, which is good.  He agreed that Rasputan has been freaking
of late; he thinks it's zip.  Doesn't know why the man has taken a
dislike to you.  Doesn't know anything about any fire.  Turns out that
Rasputan ruled the gang in which Chigger got his start, which I
personally found to be interesting.  When the gang scattered, Rasputan
took to selling insurance to some merchants with very fragile
merchandise.  Now a'days it seems that he is just a strong arm fence,
if you could imagine such a thing.  And doing very well, if he
actually owns that house, wouldn't you say?"
    "Very interesting.  Thank you, boys.  And thanks for the
bedroll.  I do appreciate the thought.  Good work!  Go ahead and bed
down.  I plan to be awake for a while, pondering this information.  In
the morning I need to take care of some unfinished business at the
healers."

Early in the morning, Silk woke Smash.
    "Care to accompany me to the temple of Shallya?"
    At the temple Silk expressed his appreciation to the priestess
for her patience and to Shallya for her mercy.  He also contributed
another thirty crowns to the goddess of mercy.  But as he left the
temple his ears caught a bit of verse.
    "Yea, even the rogue, caught in a moment of despair, doth cry
out to the gods, 'mercy!'"
    Silk cast his eye sideways to see what kind of fool would be
spouting off such nonsense at this time of the morning.  There,
standing as a statue, was William the Sharp, one hand raised to the
sky as he recited the prose.  Suddenly he turned his head and winked
at Silk.
    "You know," William said in a philosophical manner, "I've
often wondered if that line, in all its truth, does not provide some
insight into man.  Care for a walk in the park?"
    William appeared to be goonless, but Silk noticed that the
vagabond had not lost his fondness for firearms.
    "Oh, uh, hmm.  Good morning William.  A walk in the park?
What would you say to grabbing some breakfast on the way?  Oh, this is
Smash.  Smash, this is William the Sharp.  You don't mind if Smash
follows along, do you?"
    "Smash.  How quaint.  Occupational nickname I take it?  Never
put much stock in acquisitions through force, myself.  Breakfast?
Yes, there is a bakery near the park.  I'll treat."
    "Very well.  I was pretty sure that you'd find me.  Didn't see
much point in making it too easy though.  You been hanging out here
long?"
    William ignored the question and continued in his flippant
oration, "So, now I find myself asking, 'is someone trying to kill
Silk or is Silk just trying to make it look that way.' I've been
leaning towards the latter; however, the pretty young lass inside the
temple said that you'd been wounded in the middle of the back, left
side.  If you were going to have yourself shot, that would be a poor
selection for a wound site."  William paused to insert a theatrical
sigh.  "I'm afraid I find myself believing in you more and more.  So
tell me, what have you been up to?  Found any jewels?"
    "Jewels?  No, nothing that would be worthy of your employer's
interest.  Actually, I have been rather distracted during the
interim."  Silk filled William in on the ambush in the alley, and of
Owl's scouting reports while they selected from some fresh breads.
"So, for the most part, I have been trying to plan my next move.  I
think that I'm nearly ready to go.  Interested in a little freelance
work?" Silk asked with mischievous smile.
    "Freelance?  No, I'm not allowed.  However, do you think our
enemies are one and the same?  If so, I might be able to help you out.
What is your plan?"
    "I believe that we do have a common enemy.  My double is
certainly the one who violated your master's home, and is probably
almost certainly the one responsible for my discomfort over the past
few days.  He or Rasputan, at this point I don't much care which.
However, of the two, Rasputan is easier to locate, and I suspect that
where we find one, we will find the other.  I was thinking of helping
Rasputan wake up tomorrow morning.  You are quite welcome to come
along."
    "Thanks, but I think I'll pass."
    "Suit yourself.  While you're here I would like to know what
your goals are, and what its going to take to get you and your master
out of my life.  No offense intended, but I will sleep much easier
knowing that our paths were not likely to cross again after this
matter is settled.  And I do plan to settle it, one way or another."
    "My goals are to avenge my employer and to return his wife's
jewels, in that order.  Even if he was absolutely sure that you were
not involved in the affair, we would not let you go.  You are an
obvious connection to the thief and we have no intention of losing our
best lead."
    "You misunderstand me, William.  I am resigned to working with
you for now.  I was thinking of the future; I am somewhat of an
optimist when it comes to that subject."
    "I find that to be healthy habit when taken in moderation,"
William replied.  "Now then, if you will let me in on what exactly
your plan is, I might be able to direct you to various useful people."
    "As I see it, I have two choices.  I can try to track down my
double and bury him.  That would leave the world with one Silk, which
is the way I like it.  However, I suspect that my double is of a
magical nature, and arcane creations make me uneasy.  My other choice
is to deal with Rasputan, whom I believe to be the cause of my
problems.  At least he is flesh and blood, and I have some idea of
what will and will not work against him.  My information has it that
it will not be an easy fight.  And I would like to avoid killing him
just long enough to get some answers out of him.  Alas, I feel that I
shall have to deal with both of these problems eventually.  Well, if
you have know of some dependable muscle that can move early in the
morning, I would consider that to be useful.
    "Hmmm.  Are you looking for a trouble causer or a trouble
shooter.  The latter is considerably more expensive, but her skills
sometimes border on magical.  Quite something to watch, really.  You
know, if the jewels are returned as a result of all this, I could
probably get my employer to cover the expense."
    "Trouble shooter?  I assume you mean the kind that locates the
trouble and then shoots it.  Or did you have something more subtle in
mind?"
    "Well, the one I have in mind isn't much on shooting; however,
suffice it to say that, if you hire her when you have trouble, you
won't have any when she's done.  To tell you the truth, though, I
think your fight is a little...  hmmm, how should I put it?..
insignificant for her.  Perhaps I should just direct you to the
trouble causer."
    "Trouble causer?  That doesn't sound encouraging, but I
suppose it can't be any worse than Ardak was.  Please tell me more."
    "You want trouble caused, you hire him to do it.  Professional
bully if you will."
    "Got it.  Doesn't quite sound like what I'm after now, but he
may be useful later.  Where do I find him?"
    "Well, he pretty much floats the city, although the Rat's Nest
is his most common haunt.  His name is Freedman; no hair, all muscle
and scars."
    Silk swallowed hard.  The Rat's Nest was downside; way down
side.  "You get around.  Just a couple of other things, William.
Where can I find you should the need arise?  And what is the name of
your boss, anyway?"
    "Just leave a message at the side gate of the house.  If I'm
home they will fetch me.  If not, they'll see to it that get the
message as soon as I get back.  The head of the estate is Georing,
Fredrick Georing.
    "I shall do that.  Well, I should be getting back before the
others decide to come looking for me.  Thank you for breakfast.  And
if you catch word of who torched my place, please let me know.  I have
a score to settle."
    Silk collared Smash and headed back to the apartment.
    "Well, at least he didn't blow my brains out," Silk muttered.
"This time.  Does everybody know that I'm still alive?  It's getting
to the point that a guy can't sneak around the city without someone
getting nosey..."


                        Jeff Stehman