Lords of Deception (War of Four Kingdoms 1)

7. FETZER

Perilune, Barres Ministry

Midspring, 3034

Fetzer thought no more of the smoke and shouting behind him at his uncle's house. His mind was moving forward, leading him through the slums of Perilune that he knew so well. They had regularly served as an escape for him when the stuffy academy became too much. Despite his own arrogance, he preferred the plainspoken poor over the snotty-nosed cadets. And he knew exactly where to go this time.

"What do you want?" sneered the grouchy, round-faced man in the doorway.

"I want to work on one of your boats."

"Do I look like a merchant? Be gone!"

Fetzer put his foot in the door. "You look like Rilranef the Round."

"Maybe I am, maybe not. What makes you think I have a job for you?"

"I've seen your...sailors, let's call them, working down on the Elme River, at the Eddengard inland port. I want to go to sea."

"Forget about it. What else have you seen?"

"I've seen enough to know the money is good. Stolen goods move quickly and demand is high. I won't ask questions."

Rilranef's round face scrunched uneasily. "You're a petty noble...and I don't know you and no one sent you."

"I'm just a traveler. My name is Fetzer. Perhaps only my first name will suffice?"

"I won't hire you. Get out."

Fetzer flung his cloak and pulled his father's Perilune sword. Staggering back, Rilranef reached for a fish knife on the table. Fetzer slammed his sword on the knife and shoved Rilranef away. "I thieved this nobleman's sword from the academy. Worth ten lorins or more."

The man glanced at the sword. "I don't need a thief...Wouldn't sell anyway, not here in Perilune. No one would take the risk."

"I'll do whatever job you need on the boats."

Rilranef thought for a moment. "One of my captains needs a clerk. You read and write?" Fetzer nodded. "You'll write up the papers for the cargo, then," Rilranef continued, "to avoid the tax. If the ship is caught, you're caught. Follow me? The job pays four faits a day plus rations and a Calbrian silver penny if the job goes smoothly. Be at the Eddengard docks by sundown tomorrow."

"Who shall I ask for?"

"Talk to no one but Captain Renaud. The ship is the Meurden. Here." Rilranef pinched a quill and scratched on a scrap of paper for Fetzer.

"A triangle with a dot?"

"It's all you'll need. Don't lose it and don't ask questions."

---

Fetzer found a crate in a quiet alley where he could write in his journal and sleep the day away. When night fell he ate from his pack, then started walking to Eddengard. He walked all night along the road, hiding in the bushes when riders approached. His mind drifted to his writings as he walked in the moonlight.

     ...can finally escape. My only regret is not seeing Fernon one last time. I imagine he has identified the charred remains of Uncle Laval. And the dead at Perilune are wet with their mothers' tears...

Fetzer smiled to himself, proud of the manner in which he had exited. He whistled in the dark, thinking of what it would be like to be out on the open sea.

     I have often dreamed of vast stretches of sparking water. The towers of Perilune tumbled down by the salty winds. The surrounding hills melting into the lake. It widens until the earth is pushed away and only the waves remain...