The Vampire's Crimson Kiss (Editing)

Chapter 25/Conversation

Mary walked to the dock guiding Brachet along a deliberately long route through the warren of the tower, there was no sense in giving him useful tactical knowledge. Plus she could talk.

Brachet "It is a shame the interview was so short, there is much to discuss such as if the Princess could intercede with the Duke about the 80 people who it was agreed, have to come to this place every quarter, there is great unrest about the selection".

"Discuss that you should" Mary had said "but in my humble opinion you should do what the local commonalty do here."

"Which is?"

'Well the medical treatment here is superb, there is not an ailment among the familiars that our lords cannot treat. They have a doctor among them from before the fall, very skilled and with a large stock of potions. If the choice is between painful malignant death and a year in service, many might be found to volunteer." said Mary. 

"That is a suggestion most advantageous to both parties, yes" said Brachet nodding.

"I have noticed many criminals being sent by others too, so spare your hangman" said Mary.

Brachet wasn't used to having sensible advice from a woman "This we had considered that but worried that it might offend." 

Mary smiled as she walked "There is one way to make sure that what ever is sent is acceptable to our lords."

"How is that?' said Brachet as they turned a corner passed more slaves. 

"To our lords the barrel might contained spoiled apples but they will ignore them if there is one or two choice fruits. There is nothing that will blind our lords more than a comely faced boy and girl"

The got to the large hall behind the gate at the base of the keep. Brachet looked at Mary "I can see you were one of the later and how might we recruit these people?" 

"Once some have served and returned it is a weak problem. Some twons have created a lottery. Each takes a chestnut... oh but we have arrived." Mary stopped "You will come again tomorrow perhaps ?  I know the Princess would enjoy your company."

Brachet looked aroud  undecided, it was getting dark. Dark was bad. 

"That would be welcome but I have much business which must be seen to. I told the captain of my ship I would be leaving tomorrow. I would greatly hear more of your advice as well I value it highly" he had said taking Mary's hand.

Mary smiled again and lowered her head slightly the sucker liked his girls demure "Well if my Lord permits I could accompany him on the skiff." 

"I would welcome that," said Brachet.

Mary took Brachet's hand as she got onto the boat. She didn't need to there wasn't much she couldn't walk comfortably on in her high heels.

"Ferryman. To the westdocks by the safe route" said Mary.

The Ferryman nodded slowly and held out his hand. Brachet pulled out a coin from his pocket, Mary had seen he had been fingering the coin nervously for most of the interview. This wasn't to be lost, this was his ticket out of here.

Mary sat under the covered part of the skiff out of the wind and rain and the views of the spies from the city.

"The important part of the lottery is that you make sure no high born is picked by it, yet make sure you claim that they can be." said Mary. 

"How is that done?" said Brachet. He liked this woman she wasn't scared to make the hard decisions which even most men would shy from. After the fall it was a dog eat dog world and only the strong survive. She knew that, she didn't have any delusions like the King over morality. She had more brains than all the kings so call advisors and she did it all in high heels.