Published at 16th of February 2024 2:24 pm

Chapter 48. Unexpected Offers. Shocking Revelations

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The urchin gang had lost close to half of its numbers over the last week. Most eateries in Market Ring closed for the week following the earthquake. After all, paying staff their daily wages, firing the hearths or stoves, and cleaning supplies cost money. The remaining businesses only conducted business at a lesser or more limited capacity, and only a tiny fraction of them were sympathetic toward the city’s street children.

Unable to find enough food to fill every belly, the gang left the city's safer and friendlier section for the wilder and cruelest outer rings. Most of the food they found was blighted, and instead of sympathy, they received abuse. Then, when they were starving and at their worst, monsters appeared from the sewers and connected tunnels that the children used to move around the city.

The gang's little ones weren't particularly fast. Many relied on the older kids when haste or care felt necessary. During the panic, not all got the assistance they needed, or the helper fell while trying to protect or carry their ward. In a handful of instances, they both fell. Some of the braver children banded together to drive the pursuers back or fight them. The few who survived now had the scars or missing limbs as proof of their valiant efforts. Nox's apprentices had played a vital role in getting them the needed medical aid.

An angry crimson scar cut across Alex's face. The line started below her left eye, cut across the bridge of her nose, and almost extended all the way to her right ear. Something also appeared to have sliced vertically down the right corner of her mouth. The stains and holes decorating her clothes betrayed signs of battle. A dagger and hatchet hung from her belt, too.

“Some of these aren't from the beasts,” she said. “The boys and I almost caught the bastard that tried to burn down your store. He was ready for us.”

“I certainly hope you didn't lose anyone,” Nox stated. “Listen. Given how things have been, you no longer need to watch my store. It might—”

“We only got a few scars. Sachin lost a couple of fingers. The bastard got away.” When Alex grinned, the scar twisted her face into a state much too terrifying for someone her age. “The little ones followed him and everyone he met until last night. I think we might know who he serves—or at least works.”

“Jess, how is the pantry looking?” Nox turned to the former gang member standing at the side door.

“We have a few wheels of cheese and cured meats—”

“I noticed the bakeries are open. Have Argus fetch a few fresh loaves and ensure everyone is fed. Have Aisha inspect all the amputees again. I smell the start of an infection.”

“Yes, Ser Ratra.”

A pit formed in Nox's stomach as he scanned what remained of the gang. The dead had it easy. Meanwhile, bleak futures awaited the dismembered. They'd spend years in pain and struggle to find work after reaching adulthood. He wished he could do more for them.

“Show me where our arsonist went, Alex,” Nox said. “Just you and me. The others can wait here, eat, and get check-ups.”

“I'm not sure about that. I—”

“I'll sort you food on the way. Don't worry.” Nox nodded at the alley exit and started walking. Alex hesitated momentarily but caught up to him as soon as he turned the corner. “I'm really sorry about what happened to your gang. If using underage labor didn't paint my business in a bad light, I'd have jobs for all of you. Taking in Jess is all we can afford right now.”

“I understand, Ser Ratra. The entire gang does.” The gang leader slowed when she saw two city guardsmen coming from the opposite direction. Nox wrapped her right hand around his left upper arm and led Alex past them. The armored individuals only spared the pair a glance. “Everyone says the same thing. They wish they could do more. Money or appearances get in the way.”

“You speak well, you know. If you joined the guard or military, your natural leadership would—”

“Someone needs to look out for the little ones,” Alex said, cutting him off. “They'd fire me in a week for letting the children go or refusing to publish them. They need me, and I'm okay where I am.”

“What if there was another option?” Nox asked. “What if a noblewoman came around in a few weeks with a job offer? What if she offered to take you and the entire gang away from the city to a place where you'd have work, shelter, food, and an education?”

“I'd hide the little ones. Then get the gang to corner the bitch and slice her throat.”

“What?! Why?”

“It sounds too good to be true. People like us don't get offers like that. The boys end up slaves or in the salt mines, and the girls in brothels, if they're lucky. Most just disappear.”

“Would you think the same if Jess and I vouched for the noblewoman?” Alex didn't answer Nox’s question. Instead, she stared forward thoughtfully. “You might have heard of a northern barony representative going around the outer rings offering families the opportunity to start anew in her lands. What if she approached you?”

“She wouldn't. I heard about it. They're looking for people with farming or herding experience or special skills. I doubt she'll want thieves and grifters.”

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“Just humor me, Alex. Imagine the barony has orchards, and the little ones only have to pick fruits and berries. The older kids might end up working in stables or get a chance at apprenticeships. Would you give up such an opportunity?”

“I suppose not. The little ones deserve better than what they have. I'd send them and anyone else willing.”

“But you wouldn't go yourself?” Nox asked.

Alex shook her head. “Not unless the barony will expect the legless and unarmed. They're going to need someone watching out for them. Some people might feel sympathetic toward crippled beggars, but the older gangs will try to exploit them. I won't leave the city unless this barony hires everyone in my gang.” The young woman’s voice trembled as she spoke. “They're family. Family means nobody gets left behind.”

“Did you fight the monsters, too, Alex?”

The teenager nodded.

“Are you aware the conflict awakened your mana system? There is a cloud of arcane energy swirling inside of you.”

Alex froze. She looked up at Nox, eyes widened. “Really?”

Nox nodded. “If a noblewoman came by and took all your people away to a better life, I'd give you the option of staying behind as my apprentice. I might not have the means to put you through university, but I can still teach you magic and valuable skills.”

“What would I need to do in exchange?”

“Protect my business,” Nox replied. “I'm afraid we're reaching a stage where my store needs a proper guard. One skilled at going unnoticed might be just what we need.”

“I'd like that very much, Ser Ratra. I—”

“It's Sir, not Ser. But you can call me Nox when it's just the two of us.”

“If it's an offer you’re making, I’d accept it if someone trustworthy took responsibility for the little one’s care.”

“This is in a possible future where the noblewoman has taken your gang north for a better life, and you leave your life of crime behind.”

“I’m not a criminal because I want to be,” Alex replied. “Stealing and grifting is the only way I can keep everyone fed, clothed, and sheltered.” The young woman stopped Nox when he tried to carry on, tightening her hold on his arm. “Why are you so nice to us? The gang’s services can’t be worth all the money you’re wasting on treating or feeding us.”

“Is that important?”

Alex nodded. “I’m not sure if I can trust you. Your answer might help.”

“I was ridiculously close to becoming one of you,” Nox answered honestly. “Comparing my childhood to yours would be foolish and leave me feeling guilty, but I won’t.”

“You’re a prince.”

“Correction. I was a prince. My father died around my sixth birthday. Then, my mother kicked me out to appease her new husband and family.” Nox sighed. He was in no mood to explain himself to a child. However, her earnest plea made just moving on impossible. “My aunt raised me, but my stepfamily tormented me at every opportunity. I endured regular beatings, isolations, and, apparently, assassination attempts. The temptation of running away and trying my chances on the streets regularly offered itself, and I considered grabbing it several times. My aunt stopped me. She was the one existence that kept me from ending up as one of you.” Nox laughed. “I doubt I would’ve stopped at thievery and grifting. You’re good kids doing the best you can to survive. So, I want to do what I can to make your lives bearable. Within my means, of course. I’m not going to cripple or disadvantage myself to do good.”

“I can respect that.” Alex nodded. “And your honesty.”

The walk took them along the Market Ring’s central road. The pair walked past competing stores and other parties Nox suspected of foul play. Two Gupta Alchemist branches came and went without Alex slowing down. She stopped in the more affluent area of Market Ring and pointed at a familiar building.

“That’s where the bastard lives and works. We talked to one of the kitchen maids. Apparently, our mark serves the owner’s son and brother.”

“Son?”

Alex nodded. “We’ve seen him visit your shop a few times now. He wears a university coat. I had them watched. The uncle occasionally comes to the side entrance when deliveries arrive. The maid says none of the crates he inspects go to the kitchens. She doesn’t have access to the entire building, so she couldn’t tell me what he does with them, but it’s not cooking.”

“They’re probably alchemical reagents,” Nox stated, studying the structure for the first time in the daylight. It contained more than just eateries and bars. The Round Table had an alchemy laboratory, too. Nox had pondered its purpose before but now understood. The Singhs used it for research. He doubted they were after his cosmetics or general products.

Harin and Swati had invited Nox to several gatherings since the first, but Nox always offered excuses. He already had what he wanted from them, believing an appearance every three months or so would suffice. They asked him about all of his products and their uses, except the one that earned him a knighthood. Everyone else had questioned Nox about how he defeated the myconid plague, and the knowledgeable appeared wary of the flame slime concoction’s existence. He was sure his new Daksinthani ‘friends’ knew about it, too. Yet it was the one topic they never broached during conversations.

It was likely Nox was grasping at straws, and he currently lacked the means to confirm his suspicions, but he considered it likely. Sabotage didn’t need to exist to shut down a competing business. He theorized a competing researcher could slow his progress and then try to beat him to a patent. The myconids had become a continent-wide threat. Monopolizing the best weapon against them could bring the Singh family more fortune and fame than than what they already had.

If Harin got Nox to join his party, they could potentially use the relationship to access research notes and other insider knowledge. The man’s motivations and attempts to attract Nox made sense. He wondered whether Swati also played a role in the Singh’s plans. Her intentions to leave Harin’s party could be a lie. Or, their conversation after the party could’ve been her indirect method of warning Nox about the man and his family. There was no way for him to tell for sure, but Nox planned to find out.

“Thank you, Alex,” Nox said. “I wasn’t expecting this, to be honest. The people here are supposed to be friends.”

“People rich enough to own and live in a place like this never have real friends,” Alex said. “They’re dirtier than the gangs in the outer rings.”

“Do you have any sources in the building besides the maid?”

Alex shook her head. “But I can get some. You’ll need to part with some silver.”

“I’ll happily pay gold for good spies. Get me someone who can freely explore the building and find out if they’re storing mushrooms or fungal beasts in the building. A tail on Harin—the young master and heir—and his uncle will help, too.”

“Give me a couple of days. I’ll have results for you by Fourthday.”

“Great! Now, let's get you some food and discuss more potential futures for your gang and you.”

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