The Chaos party stopped in Shipsister for only a few hours on the afternoon of 29 Sp'gin. Darius collected a hidden stash he had just outside of town. Everybody went to a public bathhouse, and later they enjoyed a half decent meal at a little diner Tom recommended; he hadn't been there in years, but it was just like he remembered. Darius suggested they also buy some new supplies and provisions, and they loaded up the wagon, which they flew down to the docks. There they booked passage on a ferry headed for Jump Village.
While they were waiting for it to depart, Tiejo disappeared. He said he wanted to talk to some old dock rat friends of his. Meanwhile, Jasp took a black t-mail bubble from his wagon's supply, disappeared himself, and called don Breakhead.
The don answered with, "Jasp, where are you? You okay?"
Jasp smiled inwardly. He had more cause for concern about the don's well-being than Breakhead had for his, concerning the state he'd been in the last time they saw each other. "Quite alright, don. How about you?"
"They've patched me up pretty good. Although I've heard some rumors that I'm dead. I think I'll let them keep floating awhile...."
"Fun. So, is it safe to speak freely?" He knew it must be, or Breakhead wouldn't have asked him where he was; still, always best to be cautious, in his line of work.
"Yes, yes, our Sorreters have checked it all out. In fact, chief RD assured me just this morning that there was no leak; both black and grey bubbles are still better than any purple. So, I let our spies contact those in Plist, and they explained it was just Manager's dumb rivalry with Chieftain."
"Yeah, I thought as much. Actually, I was so sure, I think I kind of forgot it was just an educated guess on my part. Anyway, we're in Shipsister; going to be heading for Jump Village soon. But, should I just head home? I mean, have Chieftain or the capo let you know whether there's even any reason for us to remain involved with these people?"
"Actually I haven't talked to either of them about the matter, yet."
"What? Why not? I thought you said you'd been in contact-"
"No no, not me. Not with them. Atwater talked to one of Chieftain's spies; I basically had her do it to reassure me that RD was right about our communications being secure. She asked if they had any idea why InterGang would be watching those adventurers, or how they'd even know we were watching them. Like I said, it was Manager's doing. Apparently his spies in Plist picked up on Chieftain's interest in those people, and he suggested to Mysshroudedtery that if other LandOrder branches watched them, then other InterGang branches should do so, as well. Though even if she agreed with his suggestion, I can't imagine she'd have authorized actual violence, at this point."
"No, well, I told my companions my guess, which is that don Illuminatus manipulated chief Bipolar into it, just to annoy Manager. I hear she usually does get irritated by Mysshroudedtery always going along with Manager's ideas."
"Ah, yeah, now that does sound like her, doesn't it?" He chuckled. "If that's true, I shouldn't wonder she'll catch a bit of hell from her capo for it. But anyway, to answer your earlier question... Carver Woodrat was dispatched the other night to Plist; Atwater contacted him soon after you flew off. He was told it was a matter of some urgency, so I'll assume he's not walking. Shouldn't be much longer getting there. And, since he's already been paid, and there's no way to contact him, I thought I might as well just let him deliver the message I sent. At this point, contacting Chieftain or Primus wouldn't save that much time, and I'm not sure the matter's really all that important. I mean, even if Illuminatus gets in trouble over all this, I think she'll still end up getting her way; InterGang's bound to drop their interest in those people, and most likely we'll do the same. Hopefully within a day or two I'll be recalling you to Tonad, but for now it's probably best to just stick with your new friends. Still, as I'm sure you'll have guessed, the police are plenty interested in them, and their connection with us. This is all getting out of hand, but I don't see there's much we can do about it. Even if we do sever our tenuous ties with them, it's not like we can just go down to the station and say, 'Hey, you know those adventurers? They're not with us.' Heck, any number of reasons that'd be stupid. So be careful."
"Aren't I always? Oh, by the way... how's Cabbit? You've mentioned her a couple of times already. Sounds like she's been busy. I guess that means she came out of the fight at the inn alright."
Breakhead grinned. "She's doin' pretty damn good. Practically runnin' your network, in your absence. She just sort of unofficially took charge when you left; something seems to have clicked in her head. I don't think she's even thought about it, nor has anyone said anything to her, or asked her what she's thinking. Mostly your people are humoring her, and finding humor in it all. But she's actually doin' a good job, way I see it. When you get back here and review her reports and such, you may just give her a promotion, make her your official second."
"She deserves it, or with a bit more confidence and experience, she will. But everyone knows how I feel about her. Except her. They might think-"
"They also know you, and that you wouldn't make a bad leadership decision for a reason like that. Or for much of any reason. And I think, once they're done chuckling about the current situation, they'll realize how good she is, or can be. ...Now, Jasp, about these people you're with. Like I said, I don't know how much longer you'll have to stay with them, but in case it's longer than I'm guessing, what can you tell me about them? Are they... okay?"
Underground took a deep breath, and paused to consider. He knew his don wasn't asking about their health; he wanted to know if they could be trusted, or if they might end up posing a threat to LandOrder. "Well... they seem okay, but I still don't really know them well. At least I feel safe in saying they're no friendlier with the authorities than we are. Apparently they're planning some kind of rebellion- the Chaos, they call it- but so far I think it's just the seven of them. Or eight, if you count the absent member of the Band. Anyway, this whole Chaos thing is just getting underway, and it'll probably be a long while before anything comes of it. I mean like years, if ever. And their leader... I mean, this Darius Lonewander has an air about him of being the leader, kind of talks that way sometimes. At least he seems reasonably intelligent, even if he doesn't talk much. But I also think he might be a bit unstable. I've heard him whimpering in his sleep, and sometimes he seems almost as morose as Thom Bipolar can get, even if it doesn't lead to violence. So I don't know how effective a leader he'll be.
"But then, I really haven't had much of a chance to see any of them in action, except for the tail end of their involvement in that fight at the Apple-Spruce. Although one of them, Cameron Piper, is apparently a Protestant Sorreter, and a pretty damned good one, from what little I've seen. Well, a standard fireball, a little scrying, and incredible stamina and accuracy in translocating. I think they try to keep his status a secret from most people, but they didn't have much choice in letting me know. I felt I should tell you, don, but as a favor, please don't go spreading it around."
"Of course, Jasp. I expect I'll inform capo Primus, but no one else. You have my word."
"Thanks. Well, unless you have any further business, I can't think of anything else..."
"Neither can I. I'll be in touch." They closed the connection, and Jasp headed back to the ferry.
"Tiejo, is that you?"
"Tiejo, yes. Still you are being my friend, George Dockrat?"
"Of course, Tiej, of course! Where the heck have ya been all these years?"
"Home have I been, yes, in old Plist. And where the hail hail all the old gang is being?"
"Here and there. Some have tried other villages, and I don't much if at all hear from them. Some are dead. Others are around, somewhere. Hey, you know the BiShip gang?"
"Having heard of them."
"Well, seems a dock rat from Ship is that village's don."
"Neat trick, but talented folk 'rats are being. Many in much the same line as gangsters."
"Yes. Well, things are fairly good now for dock rats in Ship, and through his partnership with don Longshore, things aren't bad here, either."
"Dock rats, only?"
"Well, mainly, yeah. Anyway, we're still 'rats, it's not like we've all got jobs or anything. But we're given a little more respect, y'know? Not so much kicked around by the general populace. They know we've got benefactors they're scared of. Well, we try to take care of our own, too. And some of us still consider street rats and the like about as good as our own."
"About," said Tiejo wryly. "So, some other 'rats of docks and streets may I be seeing?"
"I dunno. How long you gonna be around for, Tiej?"
Tiejo shook his head, "Not long, must a ferry catch. Friends I am traveling with."
"Not 'rats, I take it? Or are you hopping the ferry?"
"Good nice friends pay their way and think they pay mine, but surprise them I will! My own monies I am having. ...Going to Near Port we are, to free my master."
"Oh, wow... I thought sure you musta given up on that. You finally actually got some people to help you?"
"Is idea of friend Darius; mission of his own he is having, and takes a route of adventure for it. My goal becomes his as it is as good as any; no great planning, is his way. Chaos!"
"Oh...kay. Well, good luck. Listen, come back sometime and stay awhile longer. I know you've got friends in lots of villages you visited with that master of yours, but no village's 'rats can love you better than the ones in Shipsister."
Tiejo grinned and clasped his friend's arm. "Good friend you are, George. Good old friends I must see again. Will see you and others again, soon I am hoping. Must go now, find stash I stashed years ago! Help my friends. Goodbye!" And he ran off.
Tom looked at his pocket watch. "Gonna be leaving soon. Hope that kid's here before then."
"What the heck is that, Tom?" Darius asked, looking at the watch.
"This? Heh." He tucked it back away. "Pocket watch, one of my old masters called it. He was a spirit-talker, a smith, a tinkerer, and an inventor. Said a spirit told him about watches on Earth. Some like this, some for the wrist, or other types too. This was his favorite type, and frankly, the only kind he could manage to put together. Tell you the truth, I'd plumb forgot about it, 'til about an hour ago. Haven't used it in a couple years or so. But something musta jogged my memory, and I fished it out from the bottom of my old adventuring pack, then checked a clock to reset it by. Gotta keep these things wound up every couple days."
"Fascinating... I don't suppose he taught you to make them? Could you possibly make one for me?"
"I could give it a stab, but it's been say a decade and a half..." He rubbed his chin and looked off into space for a few moments, then returned his gaze to Darius. "Yeah, this is the last one I made, the last time I saw old Amestri, back in... '98, it was. So, fourteen years ago. Hard to believe it's been so long." For a moment, Darius almost thought he saw Tom's eyes start to water a little, but then he shook his head and smiled. "Anyway, don't know if I'll remember exactly how to do it. It's more than just putting the parts together, you know, you gotta make a lot of them yourself. Tricky things to make, too; something he called 'minismithery.' Also said someday things'll get smaller still, and there'll be 'microsmithery,' whatever that means. But anyway, if I ever get a chance to sit in one place for a while, I'll try."
"I'd be very grateful. You know, I used to have a magical timepiece, and in fact I noticed Emma had one, the other day, though it wasn't quite like mine. Anyway, I lost mine, a few years back, in the course of an adventure. And... I just felt it would be a bit too expensive to bother replacing, between the initial cost and the refueling spells. Most places in villages have mechanical clocks I can check, and when I'm between villages, the exact time seems of little importance. Still, a portable, mechanical timepiece would be really cool." Darius fell silent, and stood watching the gangplank. After a centhour or so, he said, "Ah, here he comes now."
Tom followed his gaze, and watched Tiejo scurry up the plank and then over towards the two of them. "'Bout time you showed up."
"Here I am now," said Tiejo. He turned to Darius. "Kind adventurer paid my fare, but surprise I am having now! Pay back I will, pay my own fare!"
"That's okay, Tiejo, you know you don't have to."
"Besides, fun it is to see Tom's face. Here, Darius." And he pulled out a little pouch and produced from it a few gold coins.
Tom's face did in fact register the surprise Tiejo had been hoping for. "Where the heck did you get that?!"
"Always said gold I had, didn't I? My help my master paid me for when travel with him I did. Never needed it, said I, but insist he did. So I stashed it always, whereverywhere we went. Most Plist is in, but some also heres and theres. Enough for fare this is being?"
Darius said, "This is a bit more than enough. Is that all you have in your bag?"
"No, no. One part this is being, a fraction I think you say. Mathematics not so much am I knowing. You tell."
He handed Darius the bag. After pocketing the coins Tiejo had already given him, he emptied the contents into his hands. "Looks like that was maybe between a tenth and a fifteenth of what's left. You should be all set if we take another ferry to Tanq, plus you can get meals and rooms and whatever else you might want, for a few days. Maybe a week."
"And you say you've got more, elsewhere?" asked Tom.
"Oh, more, yes. Everywheres master and I went. Never took me did he to what you calling Northern Alliance villages, but to um... Triscot, Tanq, Shipsister, Tonad, and First Village. Many more villages has he been to than have I. No farther east than home of Plist, have I been. Master went east. Maybe all the world's villages he's been to! No... he said, I think... not Port, not Ristar, not Near Port before as prisoner brought there he was... and not another, he laughed. I am not remembering what he called the last..."
"That's okay, Tiejo. Anyway, if there are only three or so villages he hasn't been to, that's quite a life. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone traveling to so many villages as he must have."
"If it's true," said Tom. "Which I doubt."
"Gruff and doubting Tom will see," said Tiejo.
Then the ship started moving, and they went to find their friends.
"Have I ever told you," asked Jasp Underground, when the entire party was seated together out on the sun-drenched deck of the Merry Faerie, "of the derivation of my Order name?"
They all thought this an odd question, one more likely to be asked by someone who'd known them a good deal longer than Jasp had. It also seemed slightly out of character, but they supposed everyond was entitled to be in different moods at different times.
Darius, in fact, had often noted that he himself was usually taciturn, yet occasionally downright garrulous, when the mood struck. So he rather liked the spy's sudden, unexpectedly casual and friendly disposition, and responded in kind. "No, I don't believe you have. And since we've some hours' travel ahead of us, why not regale us with the story, for whatever time it passes?"
"That I shall, my good sir, and glad I am to find you in such spirits. May you always be well, my friend. Well, of course you all know of Drop River, and whence comes its name."
"Of course," said Tom.
"Of course, of course. It's because of its course, yes? Well. It comes in from First Sea, down the Drop River Mountains, through the Drop River Forest, and then- poof!- it drops below ground for, say, 450 to 500 miles or so, before reemerging to the surface, and continuing on down towards Drop Lake."
"Yes," grumbled Tom, "I believe I said we knew that."
"So sorry, sir. I'm in an expository mood, I'm afraid. Well then, when I was a child growing up in Tonad, which was of course founded right by the spot where the river drops underground, I was quite interested in geography, and spelunking, and such and so forth. And so one day I ventured alongside the river, and underground..."
"And that's where the name 'Underground' comes from," said Tom.
"Well, yes, to make a reasonably brief story painfully short. Yes." He sighed. "Well, I suppose I didn't really have much of an adventure, down there. Just wandered around for awhile until I got bored. Aside from my encounter with an ogre, almost completely uneventful and boring. Never did get anywhere near the point where the river heads above ground again, either. Went maybe fifteen miles, in fact, before turning back home. Subsequent visits took me never more than twice that far, and usually considerably less than the original trip. Still, took up a fair part of a few of my teenage years, going down there did. Sometimes alone, sometimes with friends."
"Okay," said Ginger, "but perhaps you could tell us about the ogre you encountered? I feel like you glossed over a rather important part of the story."
"Not much to tell, really. But I'll say this: He was actually a fairly nice sort of ogre. I've talked to him once in a while over the years since I first met him. Said some of his ancestors migrated north a long time ago, but one was left behind unintentionally. Which was just as well, because that one ancestor eventually met a lovely, by ogre standards, ogress with whom he fell in love and had ogrelings, and eventually this descendant came along, my friend Jagshard."
"He told you all this, did he?" asked Ginger. "I mean, I'd always heard ogres were semi-intelligent, at best. I was never quite sure if they even could speak."
"Oh, well, they can. True, their intelligence seems less than ours, and many stories make them out not to do more than grunt. But they were created with the potential for speech. It was necessary, as apparently they were intended to be used as an army, by some mad schemer who wanted to take over the world. Or so their lore holds it. Actually, Jagshard wouldn't tell me too much about that, because it was a subject rather taboo among his people, and certainly not to be spoken of with outsiders. But I got the impression whatever happened all that time ago had something to do with the ogre migration. And that migration, sometime in the 600's I think, was how there came to be ogres in what would later be called by humans the Kimrin Mountains."
"So, you weren't ever really scared or in any danger from Jagshard?" asked Emma.
"Well, we didn't exactly walk up and introduce ourselves when we first spotted each other. After all, we were both far from home and our own kind, and neither of us had ever met each other's kind before. And of course, we'd both heard little if any good about each other's kind. No, we were both amply cautious. But eventually we worked out that we meant each other no harm, and we had fun sharing information about our respective races, and families, and so forth. Of course, we never told our families about each other, for fear of endangering each other. People can be pretty stupid about things they only think they know about, you know."
"You can say that again," agreed Darius.
"Anyway... I don't quite know what else to say. Yes, I went underground often, along Drop River. And that's how I chose my surname, years later, when the Order passed the surname law when the Coming was completed."
"Did any of your friends who went with you ever meet Jagshard?" asked Ginger.
"One did. A girl about nine years my junior. Cabbit was her name- and still is, of course. When I was I think sixteen, on one of my last trips underground, she must've been about seven, she followed me down. Oh, quite unbeknownst to me. I never let my friends find out about Jagshard, for various reasons, including the one about not telling my parents about him. But anyway, the entrance I took to the underground tunnel the river followed was actually on her family's property, though not in obvious sight.
"Our families were neighbors and friends, and there was some little get-together that I ditched one afternoon, and Cabbit followed me. I figured that out just after meeting Jagshard; when she saw him, she just walked right up and introduced herself to him. She wasn't afraid or anything, just curious. Well, he introduced himself, too. I was just very embarrassed, and brought her home as soon as I could drag her away from her new friend. I told her never to tell anyone about him, and as far as I know she never has.
"Still, her parents were terrified she could have been hurt, when they found out where she'd been, even without knowing about the ogre. They boarded up the entrance, after forcing me to show it to them. They also sat Cabbit down and gave her a stern talking to about taking risks. She sort of built up a protective mental wall after that, but I think she's finally starting to come out of it, after all these years. Anyway, I hope so. But back then, she definitely changed, got a lot shier and less fearless and impetuous. I kind of made it my mission to try to tear that wall down, and over time I've had a little success. I gave her a job as a spy some time after I'd become LandOrder's chief spy in Tonad. That helped a bit, but she's still improving.
"Oh, of course I found another entrance after the old one was boarded up. It was a good bit farther away, and this time on no one's property. I couldn't just leave my friend and never see him again, with no explanation, could I? Anyway, as I said, that was near the end of my visits. Haven't seen him in years, but at least we got to say good-bye. Cabbit never went back down there, and now I'm not at all sure she even remembers."
"So... you think of her as a little sister, I take it?" Ginger asked.
"Um... no, well, not really. I mean, for some years I guess I sort of did, but now... she's a friend, and a coworker. Mostly a friend. Maybe... well, nevermind maybes."
"Ah. Okay." Ginger hid a grin.
"Are we there yet?" asked Tiejo.
"No," said Tom. "You'll know when we're there. The boat will stop moving, and the crew will yell at everyone to get off."
Tiejo sighed. "Then has anyone more stories to be telling?"
"Well," said Tom, "I suppose I could tell you all of my master Drexl, who taught me the fine art of masks. The making of, and performing with. I always thought of it as an interesting counterpoint to Stemin, who taught me to read faces... although actually, the two arts have both differences and commonalities. For example...."
Tiejo and Emma both listened to Tom for quite some time, though everyone else soon drifted off to their cabins.
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