Chapter 42 – Kenku
Before SJ had returned home, she had diverted back to District 8. The note was scribbled on a piece of paper which SJ had torn from the notebook she always carried. She hoped that it wouldn't be ignored, as she had left it on the doorstep of a guard post. There was nothing else she could do without giving herself away as the being who had broken into the property herself, but she couldn't just ignore the body of the young man she had found in 'Threadbare'.
It was late morning when SJ awoke. The night's activities allowed her to sleep even after the city had come to life. Her priority today was to check back in with District 10 and to discover any beings listed in the ledger and in the agreement that she had found for all three locations. If the scheme was this widespread across the city, SJ wasn't sure she could handle it alone. She pulled on her dress before heading downstairs. The call of coffee was strong this morning.
"Morning," SJ called as she entered the workshop, a freshly brewed coffee in her hand.
"It was when we got up," Lurtew replied. He was sitting at a table sketching out plans, while Yawnee was sorting out the tooling bench.
"Yeah, I was a little late returning last night."
"Did you find anything out?" Yawnee asked nervously. They were both aware of her plans to investigate the scheme.
"I did. I think they still have an active location. I found a contract for three properties across the city and checked them last night. It appears that one is either still being set up or is definitely active. I also discovered a couple of names I need to look into."
"Who?" Yawnee asked.
"It looks like the properties were all rented from one being, whose name was G. Lapswing."
Lurtew turned on his stool. "Lapswing, you say?"
"Yes. Why? Do you know them?"
"I don't personally, but we both know someone who does."
"We do?" SJ asked, confused by Lurtew's response.
"Caperca. If it's the Lapswing, he has mentioned he is a Kenku. I've heard Caperca mention the name several times as one of the most successful of their kind in the city."
"Oh, that makes sense now, actually. Sally mentioned an avian when we spoke to her."
"I'd never given it a thought," Yawnee admitted.
"Nor I. I suppose there are so few Kenku in the city, and that Caperca probably knows most, if not all, of them."
"It also ties in with their background," Dave said.
What do you mean?
"Caperca said that they were often tarnished and associated with thievery. It would make perfect sense for him to be associated with the thieves' guild."
I think you're clutching at loose threads there, SJ replied. It looked purely like a business transaction; he may not even be aware of the tie to the thieves' guild's operations.
"Yet, he also may be very aware and using his property as a front to support them."
Do you always think the worst of everyone?
"No, not always," Dave replied casually.
"I think I will call in to see Caperca," SJ said.
"Can you ask if they are still on for tomorrow night?" Lurtew called after SJ as she was leaving.
"Tomorrow night?"
"Yes, we are due around for dinner. Did Yawnee not tell you? You were invited," Lurtew looked at Yawnee accusingly.
Yawnee's fur ruffled. "I hadn't got around to mentioning it yet, and I know you are usually so busy."
SJ smiled. "I can't guarantee I will be available. You know me, I never know what I am doing from one day to the next."
"The invitation is there if you wish to join us," Yawnee said.
"I'll keep it in mind," SJ said as she returned her now-empty cup to the kitchen before heading upstairs to finish getting ready.
I may have to involve the tower at some point, SJ thought as she finished altering the design of her dress.
"The chancellor and the caravan should arrive back tomorrow, if the journey has been unhindered," Dave said.
True, and I need to speak to Petunia when she returns anyway.
"You really think she will discuss the Master with you?"
I don't think she has much choice now that I am aware of the situation. I know she didn't wish to discuss Gallenshaw, but now that I know about the history, it changes things... I'm not sure how long Petunia has been in Asterfal, or whether she was around when it was first arranged. She may very well have been.
"Perhaps, but still, do you think it's wise to mention to her what your plans are?"
The more I consider it, the more it makes sense to involve the tower. Once the chief is disposed of, what will the fallout be? If she still controls so much of the city's streets and dealings, even now, then the repercussions could be significant. At least if the tower is aware, it can be planned for in advance. If anything, it may improve stability across the districts. We don't know how heavily involved the chief is in everything that goes on. My concern, more than the chief's threat, is the Master and his position. There is so much uncertainty about what he stands for. We have a city that is basically at the whim of a powerful vampire.
"You're not thinking of challenging the Master, are you?"
SJ didn't answer straight away.
"Don't even think about it," Dave said sternly. "From the brief sight I had of him at the Blood Bank, you wouldn't last a second. The aura he gave off was something I haven't seen in millennia."
Why haven't you mentioned it before?
"Because I didn't think you would be stupid enough to even consider it until now. You saw what Navina did to Fas. Imagine something with ten times the power, and you still may not have reached the same as the Master."
I suppose that if Petunia felt threatened by the Master, she would have dealt with him herself.
"What?" Dave sounded genuinely confused.
The level she is at. Aren't clerics able to deal with undead?
"Some, perhaps, but not all. It depends on their specialisations, and Petunia always comes across as a healer beyond anything else."
There was still so much that SJ didn't know about the other classes, and when she had the time, she would need to spend more time searching the Legionnarious for answers.
SJ removed the pouch with the earrings from her inventory. Every time she checked them, they felt unnaturally heavy. The pouch was still doing its job, protecting them from further deterioration. Satisfied, she returned them to her inventory.
Right then, let's go see Caperca.
The walk to Caperca's store was uneventful. There were no signs of any beings following her, and since her identification of Barquin, she was actively monitoring as she walked the streets. Also, now knowing that Fas had beings watching her added a level of paranoia to her movements. At least she was doing nothing that could draw attention to herself this morning. She wondered if Fas knew she had been to the Academy. She hadn't mentioned her equipment upgrades to him. After the discovery, her anger replaced her initial excitement to tell him about her growth.
Her growth was exceptional, and she was only now just starting to realise the benefits she had over so many. Dave had always called her special, an anomaly and exception being outside of the T's and C's, but the bonuses from the enchants, the attribute increases and skills she had learned were all adding up. It didn't make her feel smug, but it did allow her to start believing in herself more, and some of the uncertainty she had always felt was slowly ebbing away as time passed.
A woman struck a small child in front of her, her palm open and catching the child across its face. SJ stopped in shock at the scene. A man closer to them than SJ stepped forward, grabbing the woman's wrist as she went to strike it again.
"Stop," the man said.
"The brat tried to steal my purse," the woman screamed in anger. "Call the guard."
The child was trying to run, but the woman had hold of its collar, preventing it from fleeing.
The man looked at her blankly for a moment, deciding whether to do as the woman asked. SJ watched as he called to a young kobold working at the stall he had just walked past. "Go get the guard, will you, Halwin?" the man said.
"Sir," the kobold replied as he turned, hurrying off.
The young child squirmed under the woman's grasp and kicked out viciously at her ankle, making the woman yelp and loosen her grip on him. In an instant, he pulled away and turned to run.
"Stop him," the woman screamed.
The boy turned and fled into an alley. All eyes followed his movements, none paying attention to SJ as she triggered her shadow step, appearing in the darkness ahead of the boy.
"Argh," the boy screamed in fright as SJ materialised out of nowhere, turning to face him.
"Don't," SJ said in a warning tone. The boy must have been in his teens; he wasn't much shorter than SJ, and he immediately drew a knife in his hand, slashing out desperately at her. SJ didn't even bother equipping her claws, as she grabbed his wrist, squeezing hard enough for the boy to yelp in pain and drop his knife.
"You've got some explaining to do," SJ said as she turned the boy around and marched him back up the alley, where the man was appearing. SJ could still hear the woman screaming profanities out on the street.
"This city is getting worse by the day," she screeched as SJ handed the boy over to the man.
The boy was trying to struggle free again, but the man wasn't going to make the same mistake the woman had, holding him firmly with both hands.
"Thanks," the man said toward SJ.
"No problem," SJ replied as she disappeared into the gathering crowd. As she turned the corner heading towards Caperca's store, she heard the guard's calls and whistles as they neared the scene.
Dave asked a single-word question. "Why?"
Why what?
"Why hand over that boy to the authorities? You know how corrupt many of them may be?"
We are in District 11. Of all the districts, you know this has the best guard.
"It doesn't mean that there isn't any corruption. Never mind, you may have just made that boy lose his hand as punishment."
I doubt it. He didn't steal anything; he only tried. And if it means one less thief on the street, then, morally, that's the right thing to do.
"Says the assassin!"
SJ didn't respond to Dave's quip.
Caperca's store was just over the district boundary, as SJ crossed the canal that separated Districts 11 and 12, onto Lerwisk Street. This canal ran towards the inner city, fed from the mountains that enclosed much of the city. The mountains' high peaks were visible in the distance when SJ flew above the city. She had learned it fed the city's main water supply. There was what could only be described as a pumping station situated in the inner city. Not that there were any pumps, as it was all controlled by the water mages from the Mage Academy.
Lerwisk Street was always a hub of activity. Various wares were displayed outside many establishments, with traders calling for custom from passing beings. Some even attempted to guide passersby directly to certain establishments. Every opportunity was sought for a sale.
"Hi, Rafilla," SJ called as she entered the store. Rafilla looked up from where she sat behind a counter, an eyeglass covering one of her large avian eyes, as she worked on one of her charms.
"He's upstairs," Rafilla said, immediately looking back to her work.
SJ still hadn't got used to how direct the Kenku were when they spoke. "Thanks."
Caperca was busy with a customer when she reached the top, the usual clutter of vials, bottles and jars stacked precariously around the store. She moved between the shelves, browsing the various tonics, potions, and salves on display. Small, perfectly written labels identified each variant. From wart removals, to healing potions, to various health benefit supplements and even attribute boosters. There was something for everyone.
"Thanks. I'll be back next week," the orc said as he left.
"SJ," Caperca said.
"Hi, Caperca. I came to ask you a question, if that's okay?"
"What question?"
"Do you know a Kenku called Lapswing?"
Caperca nodded. "Yes. Very successful. He has secured his place in the city and established a strong nest."
"What do you know about him?"
"He isn't a friend, but we know each other well enough to talk."
"I see. I wondered if you knew where he lived or worked? I'm investigating a problem and believe he may be able to help."
"Problem? What problem?"
"I don't know if you know of the problem Yawnee had?"
Caperca shook his head, his feathers twitching. "I do. Poor Yawnee."
"Well, I believe that Lapswing may be able to help."
"I see. Well, he has his main business in District 4, but has secured properties all over the city. I believe he comes from a wealthy nest. His family line apparently goes back to the nestlings if the rumours are true."
"Nestlings?" SJ frowned.
"The original Kenku."
SJ knew nothing of the Kenku history. The only bits she was aware of were that they didn't originate on Axynllrewam and came from another continent, and that they were known as the magpies of Amathera. A much politer way of referring to them as thieves, which many were rumoured to be. It always made SJ think of halflings from fantasy games, created as thieves in the image of Bilbo the burglar.
"Where in District 4?"
Caperca walked to the top of the stairs before bellowing down.
"Where's Lapswing?"
Rafilla replied instantly. "Garland Plaza."
"There you go," Caperca said, turning back to SJ.
SJ shook her head; the pair's interactions always seemed so strange, yet SJ knew how strongly they felt for each other. "That's great. Do you know the name of the store?"
"No, but he owns a jewellery shop."
"I see."
"Are you coming for dinner tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure yet. I have several things I have ongoing currently," SJ replied honestly.
"Okay," Caperca replied. There was no meaning in his response apart from acknowledgement.
"Thanks for the information," SJ said. "I'm going to head over to see him."
"Bye," Caperca said as he moved to replace the bottle that the orc had purchased from a shelf.
District 4 was on the other side of the city, and SJ decided she would fly, as it would be much quicker than navigating the streets and crossing the inner city. She entered a nearby alley, then adjusted her dress and shrank. The sun beat down again today, much of the deluge from the recent rains at long last being cleared from the streets, and with the clear weather, the streets were packed. The number of beings that seemed to constantly be on the move always surprised her. She looked down from a rooftop, where a man was beating several rugs, releasing large swirls of dust with each strike. Beings were just going on about their daily lives, with little to no understanding of what lay underneath the city's surface.
The first sign of a problem was the explosion in the distance. SJ felt the concussive wave even where she was, making it hard for her to maintain her flight path. SJ had just crossed into the inner city when the sound reached her. She looked over in the direction of the sound, as she saw a large billow of smoke rising in the distance.
"That looks like District 6," Dave said.
I hope it wasn't another bombing.
"It seemed deep in the District, definitely not at a gate. Are you not going to investigate?"
SJ shuddered. No, I've been close enough to an explosion recently as it is. If it is a bombing, then I'm sure the tower will deal with it in due course. The chancellor did say they had discovered some information.
Flames were now visible, licking into the air, as the initial smoke cleared.
"That's a large fire," Dave said.
The flames were indeed clearly visible, and SJ wondered how quickly the mages would get there to put them out. She had witnessed several fires in the city, and the water mages did an amazing job of dealing with them.
"It's spreading quickly," Dave said.
SJ again looked over, her concern increasing; the flames were growing rapidly.
"Hang on," Dave said.
What? SJ replied as she continued towards District 4.
"Open your map. I think that explosion was near 'Threads of Glory'."
SJ hovered as she opened her map. Looking over where the flames were rising, it appeared relatively close to where 'Threads of Glory' was located.
Probably just a coincidence.
"Or a means to dispose of evidence," Dave said.
Why would they blow up a building they had deserted? And we can't confirm that it is even there without going there.
"It was just a thought," Dave grumbled.
SJ sighed. Okay, we will go look.
As SJ neared the scene, the absolute chaos on the streets below was evident. The fire wasn't from the market square, but appeared to have originated from a building a couple of streets over. Where the explosion had originated, the building had been virtually destroyed, along with at least three other buildings. It must have been a much bigger explosion than SJ had imagined. Debris littered the streets, wood and brick, along with clothing, linens, and personal possessions; nothing had been safe from the explosion's fury.
Dark clouds filled the skies around the area as water mages battled the roaring flames, some reaching at least twenty feet into the air from several properties that had caught fire. Guards had erected barriers to prevent beings from approaching from the surrounding streets, as many argued and pleaded to reach loved ones inside. SJ hadn't witnessed a fire like it before. Horns were blaring in the streets, and SJ could see a file of horses in the distance heading towards the area from the inner city. As they neared, the tower's colours became clearly visible. If the tower guard mages had been called, the District was concerned about its ability to control the fire.
SJ watched from a safe distance; even at the distance she was, she could feel the heat from the flames. They had a life of their own, taking to anything flammable. There was a scream from a building engulfed in flames, and she spotted a being leaning from an upper-floor window. The elf appeared desperate, its face covered in black soot, as it climbed out onto the lip of the window, holding onto its frame. There were cries from the street below as a wagon was moved under the window, and the elf jumped, falling into the straw-filled back. Cheers erupted from several nearby as the elf slowly struggled from the back of the wagon, his legs clearly injured, before a cleric started to heal him.
SJ watched as the fire was brought under control, some three hours later. SJ had remained at a safe distance throughout, feeling powerless amid such a raw, consuming element. She wondered what or who had caused the initial explosion as calm slowly returned. It hadn't been related to the shop; the market square was undamaged. Perhaps just an unfortunate accident, or was it tied to the wider concerns of the bombing in District 11?
The mages were still dampening down structures that had caught fire, shifts taking it in turns as others paused drinking potions to recoup their mana between spell casts. It had been an impressive performance overall, and without the mages' direct input, SJ could imagine half of the surrounding neighbourhood would have been consumed by the flames. It really brought home the uncertainty of living in such a close-knit, dense city.
"Looks like the excitement's over," Dave said, almost forlornly. He had been enjoying the spectacle.
SJ checked her display; it was now nearing four in the afternoon, and SJ still planned to visit Lapswing's. She could smell the smoke on her cloak and dress as she flew back across the inner city towards District 4. The dress would self-clean, but her cloak would require proper cleaning to remove it.
Let's go do what we were planning to do several hours ago. SJ sighed as she flew.
