The Brotherhood of The Black Rats

5.40 The Ship of Dreams

As the hour of twilight slowly began to fall over Manhattan, Pier eight-nine and a half found itself besieged by the entirety of the Belvedere Court.  As word spread of the auction and the chance to walk home with a one of a kind Langlsy portrait The Warden of Dreams Midwinter cruise had quickly become the event of the season; much to the delight of some and dismay of others. 

 Under the guise of Wayne Roccarro and his loyal associate Del Toro; Gabriel and Thompkins carefully cut through the crowds of eager naïve witches and wizards as they passed through security. With no sign of the ship in sight the line of passengers was growing increasingly long, and increasingly rowdy. 

“This is insane,” observed the magician as he stood next to the glamoured Troll.

“So much for keeping things low key,” replied Thompkins “Not that it did us much good the first time.” 

“We should warn the others,” said Gabriel “Do you have your cards?” 

Thompkins brought a hand up to the right breast of his black suit jacket and padded it softy. “I wouldn’t just yet.” He added nodding just ahead of them. 

Following the Troll’s line of sight the magician’s own gaze soon fell upon none other than Misty St. George gingerly working the line of impatient revealers, offering refreshments and reassurances about the night ahead with the other members of The Dragonfly security squad. To the uninitiated they appeared as little more than cocktail waitresses, attired in white winter coats, cut in a revealing fashion and trimmed with blue fur. They smiled and served their drinks with all the warmth and cheer one would expect, while secretly keeping their other talents hidden from the eager onlookers awaiting the ship’s arrival. 

Gabriel’s eyes caught Misty’s despite his best efforts in maintaining a low profile. “Ah, Miss. St. George, it is so nice to see you again,” he said owning up to the exchange before she had reason to be suspicious of him “This seems a far cry from your last job?” he asked maintaining a friendly disposition. 

“Would you care for a drink?” she asked handing him an old-fashioned bar glass half-filled with a dark cola colored liquid “Drambuie and Kahlua with a splash of lemonade, it will help with the boarding.” 

“Assuming we ever get to board,” Gabriel stated taking the offered glass from the girl. “I have to admit, waiting for a ship to dock is not exactly how I planned to spend my evening.” He added continuing to play to role of a pompous jersey Hedge Wizard to a tea. 

“The ship’s been docked since this afternoon,” said the girl “Have you tried looking up?”   

Both Gabriel and Thompkins exchanged puzzled looks than cast their eyes skyward noticing the large dark area within the clouds for the first time just as a quartet of hot air balloons began to descend toward them. 

“Can I have one of those?” asked Thompkins nodding to the remaining drinks on Misty’s tray “On the rocks if possible.” 

“Of course,” said the girl handing the larger man a drink, slightly bemused at the surprised look on each of their faces. With a hand now free she reached to where a wand had been strapped to the side of her left thigh and then used it to cast two frozen cubes of ice into the Troll’s drink with a splash. “Do enjoy your evening Gentlemen,” she said starting on her way down the line again. 

“Wow, maybe this is a step up from your last Gig after all?” Gabriel asked catching just before she turned from them. 

“I think you’re mistaken,” she answered looking over her shoulder at the both of them. “I’ve only ever worked for Reginald Bison.”