Time moved on. They saw pirates from all the other crews filter in and out. Matty and Jak came in, made reports and left. Before long Frick and Ollie came in, reported and left.
The room was becoming more crowded. Merchants and traders started to come in to mingle. Prostitutes and thieves plied their skills.
The trader from the dock plopped into the chair facing Kraken. “The word is you’re looking to sell some unique items.”
Kraken looked back blank faced.
“Word is no one can handle what you have.” The trader paused, smirking. He glanced at Cousin and winked. “I can handle what you have.”
Cousin drew her dirk, and laid it on the table.
The trader laughed. “I’m the only one who can handle it.”
“It?” Kraken asked.
The trader quit laughing. “You’ll seek me out before it’s over. Some things are simply, how shall I say?, a greater Depth than you know.” The trader stood and walked out of the pub.
Cousin left her dirk on the table. Kraken had placed a hand on her leg. She liked the warmth and weight of his touch.
“Depth, he says.” Kraken took a drink. “Ideas?”
“Would rather gut the pig.”
Kraken shrugged. “Gabb would say the same. Then remind me that money holds no enchantment.”
“Aye, Captain.”
The maid returned with a pitcher. Kraken waved her away. She sat the pitcher on the table and asked about food. Cousin shook her head, and the maid left, leaving a paper where the pitcher had been. It bore a rune in the middle of a wet ring.
Kraken pretended not to see it. He rose and made his way through the crowd. The black staff tapped his shoulder. Cousin followed behind, the blade of the dirk against her forearm.
Outside they stopped to scan the street. Kraken stretched, arching backward, and throwing his arms wide. The staff stretched over Cousin’s head.
“Heading, Captain?”
“A walk I think.” And he started down the street.
Cousin fell in behind.
A scream came from The Lost Sailor. Someone had picked up the paper with the rune.
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