The Gadgeteer

Chapter 24

HESITANT, ARABETH LOOKED for another option. Pistols weren't overly accurate at long range, but Melanie was the one the man pointed it at and they were a mere seven feet apart.

"Who are you?" she said, moving to his side, hoping to get a look at his face.

"No one to be trifled with," he snapped.

Walking a little closer, Arabeth caught a look at what he held up. It wasn't a pistol, but he wanted people to think it was. In the moonlight, Arabeth could see the outline clearly and the odd glint of from a thin pipe. This was a clay extruder, used for pressing materials out in a fine line or pre-set shape. It was most commonly used in creating ceramic coating for wires and other easily broken technology.

"You're a maker?" she asked, talking casually now that she realized there was no immediate danger. She wanted him guessing if she had a defence, so she left her hands in her pockets. Worse than a mugger or highwayman, he was a witness. She had to assess the threat.

He lifted his chin and looked directly at her. "What of it?" he said, realizing he'd been caught. He put the extruder in a pouch on his left hip.

"What brings you out here?" she asked.

"Work, like everyone else, I'm sure." He stayed defensive, and a bit jumpy.

"Just doing a little mugging, to pass the time between jobs?" Melanie said, stepping back.

"Staying fed is all. No one told me that makers out this way were duplicitous deal-breakers."

"Too bad you're making an ass of yourself in front of the one tinker in this area that can help you," Melanie said, lowering her hands.

Arabeth laughed. "I'm sure someone would hire you, if you've got the skill. You're still an apprentice is my wager."

"If he has any skill. Where are you going?" Melanie asked.

"I give up. I'm heading home." He shrugged. "At my age, I should give up and head into the mines while I'm still healthy enough to work. I'll never get good enough."

"You're probably right - this work isn't for you. Makers never look for the easy out," Arabeth said, watching his reaction.

"This isn't the easy out. I came by invitation. I was promised room and board, then was turned away at the door."

"Who summoned you?" Arabeth knew this was one of three things. He'd robbed a maker and was faking his reputation as a bad apprentice had caught up to him, or... or he was telling the truth. She'd heard of this happening now and then, and few things raised her ire as quickly.

He looked away, not answering.

"So, which is it? Is this all a fish story, or do you just not want to speak out against them?"

"Telling you won't get the job back."

"Exactly, why were you turned away?" Melanie looked confused.

The man looked away, clearly distressed. "I can't say. Maybe the project fell through."

"You're not a thief or a criminal, I think." Melanie continued to pry. "I mean, your attempt at becoming a highwayman was pretty sad."

Arabeth held her hand out. "Let me see your kit."

The man hesitated, looking almost like he'd rather run.

"Just do it, man," Melanie scolded.

Arabeth stifled a laugh when Marble snapped at him, as if to put him in his place. He stepped back, puzzled.