Startup 98: New Management

Lamashan 14

Later that evening, I lay in my bed completely at a loss. My fingers looked so pale, running through Sosima’s blue-black hair. She pressed her face against my chest, silently crying, and all I could really do was silently hold her as we lay together in bed. There was nothing enticing about the way she clung to me. Nothing calculated. She was like a scared child wanting comfort, and I felt absolutely unqualified to give it.

Dierdre had filled me in on what she knew long before I got the team back onto the Enterprise. I knew that Sosima had drawn upon more of Vishgurv’s power than the was normally comfortable with from checking her character sheet. Syl had practically pushed her into my arms. I needed absolutely none of that, because one glance was enough to tell me she was barely holding herself together.

She refused to look anyone in the eye, and she washed her mouth out with rum the moment she saw one of Sandara’s bottles. I was fairly certain I heard her tell one of the goblin maids to burn her bloodied dress when she stripped down to the enchanted gambeson she always wore under armor.

Sosima didn’t tell me anything, but I knew enough. I’d listened into enough classes on binding, treating them as background noise, that I knew the basics.

You hollow out a hole in your soul just for spirits, and when you use their powers they spread out beyond the hollow. She wasn’t just using magic, she was letting Vishgurv wrap himself more tightly around her sense of self.

“How is the bardsong going?” Sosima whispered into my chest. “Are you having any luck?”

“Is that really what you want to talk about?” I asked.

“No,” she answered, “but it’s what I can talk about.”

“It’s… fine?” I said. “I managed to whistle up a flash of light. Targeting is still going to take a while, but I’m managing a little progress. Not as much as Filli.”

“She dedicated herself to the craft.” Sosima said. “You appear unable to cross a room without finding some new task.”

She had a small smile on her face, but it was a sad one. She’d never said it out loud, but I was fairly sure she took me defaulting on my debt as a given. I didn’t blame her for being a cynic, any more than I did for Filli. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to let it stay unspoken, though.

Things don’t always go well, but if you don’t try, things don’t happen at all.

“Why did you choose war chanting as my backup magic?” I asked. “I mean, sure, it’s neat, but wouldn’t spirit binding be easier? I’m pretty sure you mentioned that teenagers in Cheliax learn how to summon spirits, not to mention the ones on the ship.”

“It’s unreliable in the extreme.” Sosima said, “Perhaps one in ten children can summon a spirit reliably, and it doesn’t get better as they age. For anything beyond the heralds and lesser spirits, the number is closer to one in fifty even with training. Anyone with the discipline can learn bardsong.”

“Wait, how the hell did so many people bind Vishgurv with those numbers?” I asked, “Almost half of my crew has managed to summon something!”

“Your crew.” Sosima said quietly, “The same crew who all know how to sail the moment they step on deck. You make people better, Emrys. I hope you’re right and that doesn’t go away with your magic. Maybe it’ll even let you help yourself.”

“I’ll manage.” I said. “I’d just as soon not find out.”

Sosima sighed, and tightened her grip around my waist.

“That would be best, yes.” She said, “Just hold me for a bit? I’m very tired.”

I did, and it didn’t take long for her to drift off to sleep.

••••••••••

Silk’s heart stopped when she saw Captain Matilde Laurent make eye contact and start walking straight towards her. She’d never met another drow, since her mother’s belief he’d come back any day now never panned out, but she knew that kind of detail didn’t matter at all to some elves. Nearly a quarter of Silk’s debt came from the healing she’d needed after the last time Laurent got close to her.

She and Hekla dove into an alley and around a corner, breaking line of sight as quickly as they could. They needed to hire a ship, but honestly they might just lay low until the Hippocampus set sail. Nothing was worth risking that bitch’s wrath.

“Not bad technique.” Laurent said, stepping around a corner ahead of them. “You’d have probably gotten away from most.”

Her voice sounded strange. Low, breathy, and quite unlike the strident captain normally sounded, especially when speaking to a half drow.

Hekla stepped forward silently, interposing herself between Silk and the Captain and holding up her blackjack. It was a brave gesture, stupidly so. Hekla could take the average drunkard. She’d barely slow a Free Captain down.

“Oh put that away.” Laurent said. “I’m not here to hurt you.”

The dark haired elf lost all color, becoming a matte gold mass. The blob shifted and regained color, becoming a pretty brown haired elf with eyes like smooth onyx. Even her clothes had melted into the mass, reforming as a grey robe cinched at the waist.

“Let’s talk, hmm?”

••••••••••

Lamashan 15

“We aren’t working on the deck?” Tuya asked, baffled. “I thought we were being hired to be extra hands!”

“You were, but the area immediately around Besmara’s Throne is extremely hard to sail.” Naomi said. “You would just be underfoot as things currently stand. You’ll get more training later, assuming we don’t find something better for you to do in the meantime.”

“Like what?” Sora asked.

“Like fighting, obviously!” Kiko answered. “Which we are super good at.”

“The best.”

“Yes, but also no.” Naomi said. “Everyone is expected to help if the ship is under attack, so you’d best get used to the idea. Most of your time will be spent making yourselves useful.”

“So… are we to see to the men?” Tuya asked.

She didn’t seem fearful, exactly. Nor did she seem eager. Naomi sighed and massaged her temples.

“The captain hasn’t said anything about that, and two of our officers used to be in a similar line of work.” Naomi said. “Maybe, if you’re actually interested, something like that is possible. What I’ve been trying to get to, however, is that you might learn magic while you’re here.”

The six ladies of the night perked up at that, and Naomi couldn’t fault them. If someone had offered her the same when she’d still been living with Dula and her mother, she’d have jumped at the opportunity. Magic was power, and to a girl who’d been trapped even a shred of power was a powerful lure.

Magic was also dangerous, however. Cave Mother had described it as being like fire. It could be tamed, it could be used, but it would still burn a bare hand.

She’d know. She was around when both of them were the hot new thing.

That’s what gets you to chime in?

You don’t need me right now. These girls want what you’re selling, and you know the limits even if they don’t.

“We know a handful of types of magic you all might be able to learn.” Naomi said. “Most of them involve dealing with spirits, but we also have a few built around illusions and disguise. If you can actually do something that seems useful, you’ll be allowed to focus on honing your craft. You’ll also be doing chores, mostly keeping the ship clean unless you have some other special skill like tailoring.”

“But we are amazing so we don’t have to do chores right?” Kiko asked. “Right?”

“I didn’t get any orders about that, so I’m assuming you’re still on the hook.” Naomi said. “We don’t actually fight all that often. More often than any of us would like, but usually there’s a week or two between any kind of violence.”

“But we can also do magic!” Sora said, transforming into her human form. “Definitely that’s something!”

“Yeah, we are so overqualified.” Kiko added. “You’re lucky to have us.”

“We are lucky to have all of you.” Naomi said, narrowing her eyes. “Unfortunately we are also understaffed. You’ll be earning your keep. Get those noses down to a believable size and maybe that’ll be worth keeping you focused on study. You’d still be working, just inside.”

“Can I work in the kitchens?” One of the others asked.

“Good luck with that.” Naomi said. “You can ask, but Salyar has already started complaining there are too many goblins in there with him. I don’t think the galley has space for more. If you really want a full time job, there’s cleaning, childcare, maintenance, and of course Sosima needs a new squire.”

She’d know. She was around when both of them were the hot new thing.

That’s what gets you to chime in?

You don’t need me right now. These girls want what you’re selling, and you know the limits even if they don’t.

“What is a squire?” Tuya asked.

“A personal aide, mostly.” Naomi said. “Her armor is hard to put on and take off alone, and it’s not very safe for her to fight without it. That’s the important part of the job, but you’ll also be expected to assist her while she manages the crew and the supplies.”

“Um… can I leave?” Another of the girls asked. “I don’t think I’m ready for a life like this.”

“We’ve already set sail,” Naomi said with a groan. “You’ll need to wait until the next port. Honestly I’m not sure when the next port is, but if you really want to go back you can find another brothel to work at there. I’m sure the captain will even try to help you find a place.”

Naomi was starting to regret that she didn’t drag Silk onto the ship. She may have been a snake, but at least she wasn’t a mouse. Naomi wasn’t sure what Emrys expected to get out of this lot.

Sure, dame. Didn’t the Lady say you ran screaming the first time you saw violence?

That wasn’t cowardice, that was good sense.

Right, right.

••••••••••

“Everyone still in that brothel is in danger.”

Shishe’s words echoed in Silk’s ears as they slipped in the back door. It was locked, but Shishe shoved a finger into the lock and that ceased to be a problem.

“You know Laurent. What do you think she’ll do to the people who were working with a drow that embarrassed her? Killed her quartermaster?”

They walked, barefoot, through the halls. They didn’t make a single sound. Most of the girls were probably in their rooms. It seemed like the crew of the Enterprise hadn’t returned, and Rawna hadn’t managed to find any new customers in the last couple hours.

“They’ll be lucky if they don’t end up joining the Queen’s Procession, one and all. She has the authority to do that you know. Who will stop her?”

Rawna’s quarters were off limits. Silk had seen her office plenty of times, but never the chambers beyond. The madam had always called them her sanctuary. A place to escape from the pains of the world. They smelled of Pesh, a drug some people said could enhance magical abilities. Silk doubted that’s what Rawna was using it for.

“I’ll tell you who can stop her. You can. You want that, don’t you?”

The door popped open just as easily, and the monster that looked like a pretty elf stepped inside. She said something about looking for a job, of being abandoned by her crew, and hearing about the shrine of Callistria here. Rawna was angry, then thrilled, then her words abruptly cut off into muffled cries and a heavy thud.

“Come in, girl.”

“Callistria can help you. She can help you and all of your people. You only need to do a single service in her name.”

Rawna was pinned against the wall, a length of cloth shoved into her mouth. Shishe held her arms easily, one handed, pinned to the ground with a knee.

“There is a woman who has wronged my lady. Used her name in vain. Broken trust with those who relied upon her. For this, there is only one punishment ordained by the savored sting.”

“I’d suggest here.” Shishe said silently, her words echoing in Silk’s mind. “Assuming you don’t want to draw it out.”

She tapped a spot on Rawna’s throat, her manicured finger leaving behind a glistening golden target. Silk stared.

“Do this, and your brothel will become the place it should have been. If you have the will to make it so, then you will also have the power. This I swear on my lady’s name.”

The knife went in. The crime was punished. The sacrifice was accepted. The blessing was granted.

The blood gushed out, forming a pool that soaked into Silk’s skirts as she fell to her knees. Tears mixed with the blood as it began to glow faintly, and something rose from the pool of blood: a crystalline golden wasp, as large as a hound. The wasp gently laid its head upon her lap, and Silk couldn't bring herself to care.

“I trust you can manage things from here?” Shishe said to the wasp. “You’ll probably be fine if the two of you can make it through the end of the week.”

Shishe turned to leave, her task complete. The wasp pressed against Silk buzzed, and somehow the half-drow understood the words.

“You bitch!” They said, “Did you explain the rite to her at all?”

“I’ll leave that part to you,” Shishe said, and then she was gone.

The wasp regarded Silk with sad eyes.

“Go ahead and cry, child.” She said in a gentle, motherly voice. “You’ll have precious little time for that later. A cleric of Callistria must remain composed before others, and this house will need to be consecrated.”

••••••••••

Lamashan 15, afternoon

“Yeah there’s not really much to see in Queen Bes,” I explained, “Once we got our hands on the horn and the pearl, we got going immediately. My crew is actually getting us out right now.”

Yael sat across from me at the small table, sipping at a cup of coffee that she kept adding more water to. It was apparently far too strong, and milk made it too sweet. She was also eating some plain brown rice, savoring every bite. Every time we had our weekly meetup, she threw me off with how she managed to be so alien and so normal at the same time.

I’m not saying there is no chance I’d ever seek asylum with House Ankari, but I’m pretty sure they must eat cardboard based on how she reacts to anything with flavor.

“Didn’t you say that the way in was treacherous?” Yael asked, “Have your men so quickly memorized the route?”

“Nah. Apparently once you get a pearl you’re entitled to a Cecaelia escort in and out.” I said. “I’m pretty sure the only way something that could go wrong at this rate is enemy action.”

“Speak not such things.” Yael said. “The gods may hear you.”

I wrinkled my nose.

“Fair point.” I said, “How’s the gear doing? Anyone asking where you and Isaac got them?”

“It is no mystery to them.” Yael said, “I fended off an entire horde of the undead with your armor, and have been asked to stop bragging about my prime plane connections.”

“Please don’t tell me you’ve been bragging so much you chased them off…” I said, wincing. “I don’t suppose your father has suddenly gotten dramatically richer, either?”

“I am afraid not.” Yael said. “He’s still interested in those golems…”

“I’ll let you know if I get that desperate.” I said, deadpan. “Fifteen hundred pieces per golem borders on extortion.”

“Indeed it is, but I will forgive you.” Yael said.

“What.”

“Fifteen hundred for a product you can make with naught but time, effort, and a bit of copper wire, and which you have no other buyers, is indeed an extortionate rate.” Yael said. “I certainly understand your need, but so too do my people have needs of our own.”

“I’ll have you know I’ve gotten a buyer secured. Some pirate lord on the mainland.” I said. “Even with Linu taking her cut, I’m coming out more than three thousand ahead of the game.”

“Congratulations, Emrys.” Yael said. “May you find equal success with the rest.”

“Gods I hope so.” I said. “I’m around halfway there already. If I can get Fairwind to give me that lease, I’ll probably be fine. Shame that means figuring out what the hell has Varossa so obsessed with this one treasure.”

“Could you not ask the spirits?” Yael asked. “They are very knowledgeable and your woman, the former hellspawn, has that ability, no?”

“Yael…” I said, adopting a warning tone.

“Sorry. Teethling.” Yael said. “I meant no insult.”

“How exactly is Hellspawn not an insult? It really obviously sounds like one.”

“It’s just a translation.” Yael said defensively. “Hell born? Hell forged? It’s not a direct equivalence.”

“Both of those sound better!” I said, “Anyway, no. She said she’s already asked around and none of the spirits she knows had anything to say about it. I don’t want to force her to waste more rituals on that just for my peace of mind.”

“A pity.” Yael said, “Has your plan to recruit borne fruit?”

“Oh yeah,” I said, smiling. “I hired out half a brothel, not to mention that a bunch of guys followed Sandara to the ship when they saw her shopping for a pearl cage. She’s been calling them her simps.”

“A brothel? You really do have a great deal of faith in your enhancement magic.” Yael said. “Also, what is a simp?”

“A simpering-“ I started, but was interrupted by a ringing bell from on deck. “Shit. There’s an emergency. I’ve got to cut this short. I’ll summon your assistant later.”

“Fare well, my friend.” Yael said, “Send along the measurements for your warrior’s mask, and I’ll see if something can be done.”

“Thanks.” I said, already rushing out the door.

I was on deck within a minute, and took in the environment. Time didn’t stop, so we weren’t in combat, but there was another ship dangerously close. It seemed to have been anchored near the exit, just beyond both the coral reefs and the Cecaelia’s jurisdiction.

The Magpie Prince? I feel like I’ve heard that name before.

Syl, spyglass in hand, rushed to my side.

“Emrys. Bad news. That ship over there has-“ Syl’s words abruptly cut off, and a new sentence started. “Dear husband! So you finally make an appearance. I’ve been waiting for you, and would like to parlay. I’d prefer not to fight; you could get hurt.”

It was her voice, but not her intonation or cadence. Syl quickly disarmed herself, eyes wide in something like terror, as Nendra seized control of her mouth to speak to me.

••••••••••

And I am afraid that that is where I must leave my free readers for probably around a month. Life caught up with me and I needed to delve deep into my buffer in order to be even as consistent as I have been this last couple months. Fear not, however, because I do have something that you can read from me if you feel like it.

Over the next few weeks, I will be hosting the first few chapters of the first draft of what I hope to eventually be a full original book by me. It is called “How to Romance a Succubus” and I hope you guys end up liking Kavros Darkstorm and Xorovamathandris half as much as I do.