Angel Assassins - Book 1 Lineage & Lies

Chapter 35 - Market Mayhem

Jarako was bustling as Gabriel made his way through the streets, it was late afternoon. It had been a long time since he had last been here and yet the smells and the scene had not changed. They had managed to get to an old Drakim safe house. It was an inn on the corner of Beggars Alley and Redwall Street. 

Gabriel had recognised the owner, a portly man whose hair was snow white. The man had gone as white as his hair when they came in and gave the password. He was however grateful for the payment he received for keeping his mouth shut and giving them rooms.

Gabriel reached the entrance to the market place. Jarako Market was the centre of trade in Jarako, on the surface the marketers were respected and some of the wealthiest members of the community. 

However, just under the polished veneer was the black market. It was the secret that everyone knew, but didn't talk about. You could get anything you wanted, for a price. There was no haggling, you pay up and shut up. The ruling houses at Jarako let it continue, but made an example of one or two black market traders every now and then, to keep them in check. 

Many of the houses were part of the underground trading and had amassed a large amount of wealth through it, so it was not in their interest to stop it.

Picking his way through the stalls Gabriel casually looking at items as he went. Dismissing any trader who tried to barter with him, trying to get a last sale before closing up

'There she is' he said under his breath.

Esse was in her usual place by the Traders Gate. She saw Gabriel coming and motioned with her head to meet her by the South Gate. Gabriel cut across through the throng of people and headed towards the South Gate. 

He stood leaning against the wall. Esse walked through gate and out towards the Plains of Jarako. Gabriel waited a few minutes and followed. Just as he walked past the gate post Esse pulled him to the side.

'Follow me, quickly!'

Gabriel didn't question the command, Esse lived by her wits and it had kept her alive in this den of thieves. They were about fifty yards along the wall when she ducked in behind one of the huge buttresses that supported the main wall. Gabriel fell in behind her.

'You were being followed.'

She pointed towards the gate they had exited the city by. There on the road were three figures. Gabriel recognised them immediately.

Scion, Adato and Gia scanned the horizon, looking for Gabriel.

'Adato you stay by the gate. Let us know if they come back this way. Do not try to take him alone, we need him to get to the boy' said Scion

Adato nodded and wrapping his cloak around his face he went and sat just inside the South Gate. Scion took one last look around and headed back through. Nodding slightly to Adato as he and Gia made their way back through the market.

Gabriel breathed a sigh of relief.

'You have become sloppy in your old age Master Gabriel' said Esse with a slight smile under her veiled face.

'It's good to see you to Esse. You're looking, well, the same'

They embraced.

'Now we must find another way in and get to your friends, before they check all the safe houses and they are discovered. Come, follow me.'

Esse led Gabriel further round the outside of the city at a steady jog. They were almost at the Traders Gate, when Esse held up her hand.

'We need to get to the other side of the gate. I know a secret way in, a way that the Drakim didn't even know about' she said with a twinkle in her eyes.