KGWrites

Alyx

The Oasis, Winter District, Kingdom of Aldiron

The Oasis was busy, which meant that there were possible enemies all around them. In fact, Alyx felt a little like she had just walked straight into the spider’s web. A few steps ahead of her, James walked, held tall and confident. To anyone who didn’t know them, her brother looked as if he belonged in the Oasis, Alyx however, knew James better than that. His head would be on a swivel, scanning everyone in the small square, judging threats and subtly guiding Alyx away from them. Judging by the weaving line he was taking, James had apparently judged half the Oasis to be threats today.

The Oasis was a square, much like the secluded one where Alyx and James lived, only instead of houses, the buildings around the edge had been converted into traders, craftsmen and taverns. It was the hub for much of the criminal activity that the Winter District thrived on. The fact that almost every stolen item in Aldiron passed through this square was known to the city guard and was promptly ignored. The guards chose to ignore the obvious crime for one very simple reason, the ale in the Oasis’ tavern was cold, good, and cheap. The trade meant that the Oasis was one of the few places in the Winter District that had a steady source of income, however illegitimate and as such it was exactly that, an oasis in the desert of poverty, disease and death that was the Winter District.

The Oasis was run by one man, Sigmund Portsland, and had a very clear set of rules. Behind the walls, business was the only thing to be conducted, no criminal activity and no arrests by the guards. It was a credit to Sigmund that both the criminals and the guards respected this rule, without exception. That meant of course that leaving the Oasis was easily one of the most dangerous activities anyone could undertake as someone would always be waiting outside to cut your coin purse, or your belly if you were particularly unlucky.

Alyx snapped suddenly back to the present as James stopped in front of her, having reached the edge of a ring of people. Stepping up to James’ side Alyx could see what had happened, a group of some five or six men had gathered as their leader stood above a wiry, middle aged and haggard looking man who cowered beneath him.

The leader of the gang was tall, well-muscled, with dark hair shaved close to his head so he was almost bald and was easily one of the most dangerous men in the Winter District, possibly even in Aldiron. The man’s name was Spyder Xeros, which Alyx was convinced could not under any circumstances be his real name, but it didn’t matter. Laughable as the name was, there was no denying it was recognisable. People in the Winter District feared a different sort of spider than the little eight-legged creature. Spyder was the man who practically controlled the Winter District, thanks in part to his own intimidating way of dealing with people but also thanks to his benefactor and boss, Aaron Trident.

Trident was a vile man, and unfortunately also a shrewd businessman, Alyx wasn’t sure how he was able to be such a blatant criminal and not be caught by the guards. It was a common enough saying that Aaron Trident ran virtually everything illegal in the Kingdom, which meant that practically the entire city was caught in his grip. So far Alyx and James had successfully been able to slip between his fingers, mostly by the virtue of being completely unknown to him. Good thing too, if Trident knew that they were alive after their fateful last encounter with him, he’d hunt them across the entire world.

James’ hand gently moved across in front of Alyx, a silent command not to intervene in the situation in front of them. She tilted her head forward, the tiniest of movements but he must have seen her as he let the hand fall back to his side. The conversation ahead didn’t look good. It wasn’t as if Alyx needed to strain to hear it. In fact, she suspected Spyder was deliberately talking loud enough for the entire Oasis to hear.

“That’s the third payment you’ve missed this year Clay and we’re only three months in. Mr Trident is very disappointed, and compared to me, Mr Trident has the patience of a saint. So I’ll ask again, where is your protection fee?” Trident’s, and by association Spyder’s organisation worked on a system of paying monthly “protection” fees, or some completely independent vandals, thieves, cutthroats or any other less than reputable individuals would pay you a visit. There were some true horror stories Alyx had heard about people who hadn’t kept up their payment. Beneath Spyder, practically begging on his knees, the dishevelled man named Clay sniffled.

“Two days more, that’s all I ask, two days and you’ll have the money.” Spyder tilted his head and looked at Clay and Alyx held her breath. Spyder’s hand tightened on the heavy, dark steel mace on his belt, but he didn’t lift it, not yet.

“See, me and the lads here have a message from Mr Trident for you, he wants his money tonight, or he’ll be making an example of you.” His words made it clear that being “an example” was the worst fate Clay could ever face. Clay shook uncontrollably and muttered something, looking at the floor. Spyder leaned close, his grin mere centimetres from the cowering man’s eyes. He made a big show of lifting one meaty hand to his ear, as if straining to hear.

“What was that? I’m afraid I couldn’t hear what you said.” Clay took a long shaky breath and looked up at Spyder, although he still shook and Alyx thought she could make out tears brimming his eyes.

“I said I can’t get the money by tonight.” He said defiantly, his jaw clenched. Alyx shut her eyes. Another dead man, her thoughts whispered at her, mentally she waved them away. She opened her eyes again. Spyder hadn’t moved, in fact it seemed that no-one had, that time itself had frozen. Alyx simply waited, even if she had wanted to do anything, Spyder’s mace would be off his belt and through Clay’s skull before she could move, it was already far too late to help. Spyder grinned and in what seemed like slow motion, the mace left his belt and was swung back. Alyx suddenly felt sick as she realised that the way that Spyder was swinging the weapon wouldn’t kill Clay but instead would shatter his leg. Spyder wasn’t planning on making it quick, not with such a captive audience.

“Xeros!” The voice cut through the crowd like a knife, to Alyx it seemed like the loudest sound in the world. The commanding tone and recognisable voice made Spyder falter, dropping his mace arm to his side. Clay quickly scrambled back a few paces, showing what Alyx considered to be a surprising amount of thought considering he was a man who had just decided it would be a good idea to piss off Spyder Xeros. The crowd parted and a tall man strode through, his dark hair was thinning and beginning to grey, and he was beginning to look portlier than the muscled young man he had been in youth. Yet he set himself firmly between Clay and Spyder, staring the crime boss dead in the eye. Looking at the two it was clear that Spyder could crush the older man if he wanted but he didn’t, he simply stared right back, jaw clenched firmly in barely contained rage.

“Out of my way Sigmund, this is Trident’s business.” He snarled, but still he made no move to remove the obstacle. Sigmund Portsland scoffed and spoke loudly and clearly, well enough for everyone watching to hear.

“Frankly I don’t give a fuck whose business it is, in the Oasis it’s my business. And Trident doesn’t own the Oasis yet. So why don’t you take your wee gang of boys and fuck off.” Even from where she was standing Alyx could see a blood vessel in Spyder’s neck bulge with rage as his face nearly turned purple. But still he didn’t make a move, not even when Sigmund drew himself up to his full height and pushed himself into Spyder’s face, just as the crime boss had done to Clay only a few moments before.

“Unless you were planning on trading that lovely piece of steel in your hand there to help Mr Clay with his payments, I’m going to assume you were about to break the rules of the Oasis. And if you did that… not even Papa Trident will protect you. So, I’m going to be nice and say this once and it had better get through your thick skull. Get. The. Fuck. Out.” Spyder’s face twitched and his lips moved, saying something Alyx couldn’t make out from where she was standing, she guessed it was a threat. Whatever it was, Sigmund didn’t grace it with a response, nor did he move until Spyder turned and waved to his gang of followers who all stormed out of the Oasis, shoving aside a now defiant crowd that wouldn’t part to allow them through. In the centre of the now empty area, Sigmund stood tall until they had passed out of the gates of the small square then he spoke in that clear and commanding voice again.

“Alright good folk, the show is over, return to your business.” Around Alyx, the usual bustle and chatter of the Oasis returned. Next to her James nodded and together they started forwards, making straight for Sigmund. The older man had seemingly deflated, bending slightly and breathing long and deeply, it seemed to age him about a decade. He caught sight of the pair approaching him and smiled sadly, before holding up a finger, asking for a moment. Next to Alyx, James nodded, and they stopped, watching as Sigmund turned and crouched next to Clay.

“Leave through the back, now, before they have time to set up an ambush. And for the Gods’ sakes, find that money by tonight. Don’t even fucking think of running, you won’t make it out of the district. I don’t care what you have to do, by tonight you’re going to hand Spyder a full coin purse… and some extra.” Clay’s head snapped up, his eyes pleading, hoping that Sigmund had just made some jest.

“E-extra?” Clay asked. Sigmund nodded.

“You’ll say it’s a late fee, as an apology for your failings thus far.”

“Bu-Bu-But…” Clay stammered out. Sigmund sighed and placed a hand on the man’s shoulder.

“I know, but you’ve a family to care for, your wife, wee lad? You don’t want to know what Trident will have Spyder do. Trust me this is better than the alternative.”

A movement to Alyx’s left caught her eye and she turned slightly. James had lifted his damaged right hand and was looking at it closely, holding it so that Clay could see the missing fingers. It was a subtle movement, but it had the desired effect. The man’s eyes widened, and he nodded suddenly in understanding. Sigmund patted him on the shoulder and offered him his hand, pulling Clay to his feet before pushing him off in the direction of one of the houses at the side of the square. The thin figure of Clay seemed not to even touch the ground, he began to move towards it so quickly.

“Clay,” Sigmund called out and the man turned to face him again. “Don’t ever try and test Spyder Xeros.” Clay nodded in thanks and understanding and turned, disappearing into the crowd. James walked up to stand next to Sigmund.

“I give him three days before the guards find him in the gutter.” James said grimly, without taking his eyes from the fleeing figure. Sigmund didn’t move either, watching Clay intently.

“So confident? I doubt he’ll even make it home.” He was right of course, Alyx knew it and so did James, the Winter District wasn’t known for being a forgiving place to live, and angering Spyder Xeros was a very quick and reliable way to commit suicide. Which made Alyx wonder why Sigmund seemed so unfazed about his own life.

“And you? You didn’t exactly leave a great impression on Spyder back there.” She asked but Sigmund simply chuckled and shook his head.

“Spyder’s nothing but Trident’s attack dog, he does as his master wishes. Trident understands that occasionally a rabid pup needs a wee kick. And Trident’s business uses this place as much as any other. No, I’ll be fine.” Then he turned to face them and seemed to brighten up instantly.

“Anyway, I’m sure you’re here for business, not just to check up on this old man, so what can the Oasis do for the Cobalt siblings today?” He asked and James grinned. Seeing her moment, Alyx stepped up to Sigmund and reached down to her belt, producing the cloth wrapped candlestick she had stolen the previous night. Wordlessly, Sigmund took it from her and shifted aside the wrappings so he could see the contents. The flicker of surprise that crossed his face lasted but a moment. Then he pulled the cloth back over it and looked around carefully to see if any of the other patrons were watching them.

“I see, we’d best conduct this business inside.” Sigmund said simply, turning and walking towards the only building in the square that was still a residence. He waved for the two siblings to follow and they did so, falling into step beside him.

“We’re hoping we can make a good deal?” James asked him cautiously. Alyx understood the unspoken words James had said to Sigmund. We just want to trade, no traps or fighting. Sigmund said nothing until they were inside the dark interior of his home. For the Winter District, the building was a mansion, stone walled with a sturdy roof. The furniture was still simple wood, and the door was a rickety wood panel that creaked as it swung inwards. But it actually had a fire burning in a small alcove, filling the home with the strong smell of wood smoke, a smell Alyx had always liked.

As the door closed behind them Sigmund spoke.

“Don’t worry yourself lad, I’m not going to have anyone jump you, I’m an… honest businessman. Just don’t think the same goes for everyone out there is all, some would kill you for this, most actually.” The way he had said “honest businessman” told Alyx that Sigmund was fully aware of the irony of such a statement when coming from a professional fence.

“And that’s why we’re here, to talk to a professional.” James smiled, James’ smile was as effective a weapon as Spyder’s mace when it came to disarming situations. Sigmund sat back in a cushioned chair and James sat opposite, the candlestick, now unwrapped, was set between them on a low wooden table. Alyx leaned against the wall behind her brother and folded her arms, her part had been stealing the candlestick, James always handled the payment, he was simply better at getting what things were worth. Sigmund leaned forwards and motioned to the candlestick.

“To business then, from the weight alone I can tell that this fine item isn’t simply golden leaf on wood. Plus, the ornate carvings, the work of a professional, there’s no doubt about that. Taking all that into account, I can give you… forty-five silver falcons for it.” It was a deliberately low price, enough to easily buy nearly two weeks of food, but far below what the candlestick was worth. James simply smiled kindly in response and tilted his head to the side for a moment. Alyx recognised the signal and scoffed, shaking her head and looking at the ceiling. The movements were quick and deliberate, a silent form of conversation that the two siblings had mastered over the years. Satisfied that his sister was following his lead James spoke, his tone even and reasonable, all smiles.

“See, with all of that you’ve just said about this fine item, that would probably make it a collector’s piece really. And you’re right about the carvings, I did a bit of investigating, Evellien inspired. Only one carver works with solid metal and Evellien designs in Aldiron, Callon’s Crafts, up in Summer. So, we were looking for closer to… oh I don’t know, say… eighty-five?” It was a deliberately high asking price, designed to offset Sigmund’s lower offer and have them meet in the middle. And James had really done all that investigation, while Alyx slept off the chase with the guards the night before. Although the candlestick probably had cost that much, or more, but in the Winter District you always had to settle for less. Sigmund barked out a short laugh.

“Please James, be reasonable, I have a business to run here. I can’t just put all my money on one candlestick. I’ll say fifty-five.” James’ two fingers drummed out a short rhythm on the arm of his chair as he smiled back at Sigmund. The rhythm was a cue to Alyx, just like the head movements, she’d need to intervene later.

“Come now Sigmund, I know you’ll have plenty set aside for items like this. You’re just going to leave your old students out to dry like this? Seventy-five.” Sigmund smiled pensively and nodded; he even made his eyes glaze over as if he were recalling some long-forgotten memory. It was a feint of course, all part of the game.

“Tell you what then lad, just for those good old times, I’ll say, hm, sixty-two.” And here they were, the point where they met, the most Sigmund would pay against the least James would take. Alyx knew what she had to do. In a flash, she pushed off the wall and grabbed the candlestick from between the pair, then she turned and strode for the door.

“Sixty-two? Come on James, I’ll bet we can get a better deal for this with one of the others out there. A professional businessman willing to pay what we’re fucking worth.” James nodded grimy and stood, following his sister. Alyx reached the door, moving to grip the handle and tensed, making it look as if she was a split second from throwing it open.

“Alyxandra, wait!” Sigmund called suddenly and Alyx turned, carefully keeping the smile from showing on her face. Sigmund, or anyone who really knew her, only used her full name when they wanted her full attention. The older man had stood and was holding out a hand towards them.

“Seventy, it’s the highest I can go. I’ll give you seventy falcons for the candlestick.” James grinned back at him, joyous in victory.

“Done.” He said, his damaged hand gripping Sigmund’s outstretched one and shaking firmly. With that, the spell broke and Sigmund narrowed his eyes for a second, seeming almost confused with himself. It was simple really, the idea of the profit he could make just walking out of the door in Alyx’s hand had momentarily blinded him and forced him to raise the maximum that he would pay. It was an old trick but bartering relied on the two opponents focussing on one another intently, reading each other. So, when Alyx had entered the negotiation suddenly and James had sold that she presented a real threat of walking away Sigmund had been forced to act quickly or lose the profit from the deal, causing him to name a price higher than he had originally planned. It was a trick Sigmund hadn’t taught them, he always negotiated alone. A smile spread across his weathered features, eventually he began to laugh.  

“Impressive, you pair of gobshites.” He complimented them as all three returned to their positions from before.

“Not something I taught you.” Sigmund remarked and James nodded, but it was Alyx who spoke.

“Figured we’d get some new tricks and hold them back for higher value items like this, very hard to barter with you if you taught us all our tricks.” She grinned at him as she leaned over to place the candlestick back on the table. Sigmund made a face and nodded; it was clear he was impressed.

“Ah, it’s a shame you two couldn’t have stayed on with me, you’d have run this place brilliantly.” Both the Cobalt siblings smiled sadly and nodded, it still hurt, having to give up being Sigmund’s protégées. But…

“It was too dangerous for us to stay, for everyone. If Spyder worked out who we were, or worse, Trident caught sight of us on one of his visits…” Alyx began but Sigmund waved her words away.

“Aye. You two did the right thing, you protected everyone here when you left. I’m just wishing for a perfect world.”

“Dangerous habit.” James observed, but he still smiled. Sigmund laughed and nodded.

“Aye, it is, which is why I’m sure you two will be anxious to get moving. Stay here, I’ll get your money.” He stood and disappeared quickly into a side room, the sound of shuffling boxes trickling out a moment later. James turned to look at Alyx.

“Nice work. I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten my signal.” He drummed out the same rhythm on the chair arm as he had just moments before. She grinned back at her brother.

“Just waiting until the right moment, just like you taught me.”

“Oh? So you do listen to me after all? I’m shocked.” James chuckled and Alyx laughed and punched her brother gently on the shoulder. Sigmund strode back into the room, a heavy looking coin purse in his hand. He sat back down in his chair and upended the purse, letting the silver falcons inside spill out onto the table. Then he leaned forward and counted out the coins in groups of five, showing them that the money was all there. There had been no need to do that, the siblings trusted Sigmund’s word and his honest, if illegitimate business never cheated anyone. It survived on that reputation of fair play. But still he counted out the coins, ever the honest businessman.

Once he had refilled the purse Sigmund held it out to James who took it from him with a nod of thanks. Then the purse disappeared into the folds of James’ clothing, Alyx had learned everything her brother knew, yet she was still in the dark as to how he did that so smoothly and quickly. James stood and smiled to Sigmund, the two men shook hands and then Sigmund turned to Alyx, moved to hug her and then corrected himself, holding out his hand. Alyx took it and shook it firmly, smiling appreciatively at him. She wanted to hug Sigmund, like she had as a child, but this was business, and business couldn’t leave room for friends. Still though, he squeezed her hand and winked one of his deep blue eyes, giving her the cheeky grin she had loved so much as a girl. Then it was all business again as the three of them strode to the door of the house and stepped back out of the smoky room into the fresh, at least mostly fresh, air. Alyx and James thanked Sigmund again before striding off into the crowd, weaving around anyone who looked unsavoury with even more caution than before. Behind them, Sigmund stood to watch for only a moment before he moved on to his next customer.

An hour later, Alyx and James found themselves wandering back in to the city through the outer gates, having spent time bartering with the travelling traders at their stalls outside the city walls.

“Well, that’s forty of that gone already.” James said as he weighed the much lighter coin purse in his hand. Next to him Alyx nodded.

“But we do have food for the next three weeks.” She pointed out and James laughed, nodding as he shifted the pack on his back carefully.

“That we do.” The pack was filled with salted meats and pots of fruit jams, foods that wouldn’t spoil with time, along with fresh blankets for their beds and some firewood for their little cookfire. He looked at Alyx and smiled suddenly. Then he gently tossed her the coin purse. She caught it deftly and stared at him in confusion.

“I’ve split the money we have left, there’s ten falcons in there, I’ll add the last twenty to the rest of the money we have set aside.” He said, his tone suggesting that that statement explained everything. Alyx only looked more confused. James sighed, sometimes she just wasn’t the quickest on the uptake.

“I figure seeing as you got us the candlestick, and you were able to get us that extra money for it, you should get a cut to use for yourself. And honestly Alyx, you stink. I think it really was mostly shit you rolled around in yesterday. Ten’s usually enough for that place with all the marble and the hot water baths over in Autumn that all the sailors use, no?” Alyx’s hazel eyes lit up with understanding, followed quickly by joy as she clutched the coin purse tightly and nodded. James chuckled.

“You look like you’re about ready to dash off, so I’m just going to remind you that this pack is actually quite heavy, and I’d love some help to get it home first. And once you’re leaving from there, I want you to take your dagger, there seems to be a lot of tension out here today.” He said kindly. Alyx still said nothing, obviously lost in her imagination. But James knew she had heard him. Despite all he had said about her breaking his rules, James was proud of Alyx. Today had been a real victory for the two of them, the first time they’d had proper food in days, and they still had plenty of money left over for another day. So he was glad that he could give his little sister this small chance to relax.