The safe option

Brenan's mind whirled as he considered his options. The sum of money that Ambrose had mentioned for the smuggling run would pay his ship's expenses for over a month of exploration. On the other hand, he had a raw crew sailing a new vessel for the first time. This might not be the best time to attempt slipping into a secluded harbor under the noses of the Veertor coastguard to rendezvous with a party or parties that he had never met.

"What do you say Brenan" Ambrose leaned close enough to him that he could smell the faint smell of Reddust that hung on his embroidered high collar. "Fortune favors the bold."

"Maybe next time, Ambrose." Brenan's mood improved as soon as he made the decision. "I'd rather not have my ship taken from me on her very first run."

"Perfectly understandable my dear chap!" The ease in which Ambrose dropped the matter of his other cargo made Brenan suspect that he never expected him to take it on. In that case, why bring it up at all? Pushing aside the nagging doubt about Walter and his shady business in general, Brenan agreed to take shipment of several tons of perishable foodstuffs. Ambrose agreed to pay him 100 Cryn silver when he sailed and another 200 if he got to Telnon in less than eleven days. For every day he was late he would lose 50 silver and if he didn't get the cargo to port in two weeks time, Ambrose told him not to bother looking for cargo anywhere in this chain of islands.

Ambrose's threat irked Brenan, but he was confident he could make the run from Freeport to Telnon in good time. This time of year the prevailing winds were easterly and he could run true all the way into Telnon. In fact if the ship was as fast as Davy claimed he might make the run in eight days.

"Good” Said Ambrose as soon as Brenan shook on the deal. "The merchandise will be delivered tomorrow morning, and the clock starts as soon as it reaches your ship." Damn! Thought Brenan to himself, he forgot to tell Walter that he still needed a couple more days to finish gathering his crew. He considered trying to explain his situation, but as he watched the small man smirking at him he realized that Ambrose probably knew just about as much as he did about the readiness of his ship. Ambrose raised one of his plucked eyebrows in inquiry and asked:

"Is there a problem?" Brenan's smile was as insincere as the slimy merchant's and he tossed back the glass of port. The wine at least was excellent, even if everything else about the negotiation fell in Ambrose’s favor. The Merchant smiled knowingly at Brenan and left the inn with his men following closely behind. Brenan breathed deeply enjoying the last of his port much more now that Ambrose was no longer sharing the table with him.

As Brenan headed for the door the well dressed man who had been arguing quietly with his companion stood and stepped into Brenan's path to the door.

"Can my brother and I have a word with you?" Asked the young man, he wore a fine sword and main guache at his belt, but Brenan didn't get the feeling he was beening threatened. His brother didn't appear to be armed at all although a leather satchel sat open in font of him and could easily contain a knife ar even flintlock that could ruin Brenan's day in a hurry.

"I'm in a bit of a hurry sir, how can I help you two gentlemen?" Asked Brenan more polite than usual; for some reason Brenan decided he liked the young men. They were a breath of fresh air after having to deal with Ambrose.