The Riftwar Legacy: The Complete 4-Book Collection. Raymond E. Feist

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СКАЧАТЬ as a few people seemed to think I was you. As to how we came to your rescue, that was pure chance, though we were on the lookout for just the sort of trouble you found yourself in.’

      ‘You recognized my assailants,’ Riggers said, lowering his voice. ‘Obviously you know more than the average mercenary.’ He jerked his head toward Gorath. ‘His kind have been seen around here in increasing numbers lately, though rarely openly walking around with humans. All of which leads me to think you’re someone about whom I need to know more before I launch into my long story.’

      James grinned. Riggers returned the grin and again the others were struck at the resemblance. Owyn said, ‘If you’re not brothers, the gods have a fine sense of whimsy.’

      ‘That they do,’ said Riggers, ‘irrespective of any other thing.’

      James said, ‘Here’s what I can tell you. I’m working for people who presently have no reason to want you dead, Riggers. Let’s not give them one. They are also people who are at odds with those employing your would-be killers.’

      ‘And the enemy of my enemy is my friend,’ said Riggers, quoting the old truism.

      ‘To a point,’ said James. ‘At this time I like to think we may have more reasons to help one another than not.’

      Riggers was silent for a minute, then the food arrived, giving him another moment of respite as he took a slice of cheese and laid it over warm bread. After the ale arrived and he took a long pull on his mug, he said, ‘Allow me to be a little circumspect, and I’ll tell you what I can.

      ‘I represent interests in Krondor, well established and well connected. They have trading relationships throughout the Kingdom, and into Kesh and across the Bitter Sea to Natal. Lately they’ve been harried by a new competitor, who seeks to disrupt established business relationships and carve out a new trading empire.’

      James considered this a moment, then said, ‘Care to name your principals or your new competition?’

      Lysle’s grin stayed in place, but the humour left his eyes. ‘No, to the first, but the second is a personage of some mystery. He’s called “the Crawler” by some.’

      James leaned forward and spoke low enough that only those at the table might hear him. ‘I’m Seigneur James, of the Prince’s court, so I’m the King’s man. But I was also known for a time as Jimmy the Hand, so I know of whom you speak. “There’s a Party at Mother’s”.’

      ‘“And a good time will be had by all,’” finished Riggers. ‘You’re Jimmy the Hand? I never would have believed it.’ He sat back. ‘I don’t visit Krondor much. My … employer prefers I stay out here in the east. But tales of your rise have travelled far and wide.’

      ‘It may be we have more in common than you know,’ said James. He told of the false Nighthawks in the sewers of Krondor and the suspicion that someone was trying to finesse the Prince into raiding the Mockers’ hideouts in an attempt to find those false Nighthawks.

      ‘That sounds like the Crawler,’ said Lysle. ‘He would happily set Crown against Mockers, and sit back and watch. If the Mockers somehow survived, they would be weakened enough that they couldn’t oppose him; if they were destroyed, he could move in and take their place.’

      ‘That’s unlikely as long as Arutha’s in Krondor,’ said James. ‘He’s too savvy to get sucked into that obvious a ploy. What is of real concern to us is the existence of these genuine Nighthawks, the ones who were seeking to separate your head from your shoulders.’

      ‘I won’t even ask why,’ said Lysle. ‘I’ll assume that it has something to do with the good of the Kingdom.’

      ‘They had a strong hand in repeated attempts to kill Prince Arutha ten years ago. If they’re the survivors of that first bunch, or someone else is attempting to trade on their reputation, either way they’re a menace. What can you tell us about them?’

      Lysle sat back. ‘I’m off for Tannerus in the morning – to put right that little matter that almost got you beaten to death when you were last there – so I’ll tell you what I know. There’s two places this Crawler seems to have taken a foothold. I hear he’s got a lot of the crime on the docks in Durbin under his control, and he’s dislodged the locals over in Silden. The Mockers were never strong outside Krondor, but they always had good working relationships throughout the Bitter Sea, and a lot of influence in Silden. Lately problems in several Bitter Sea ports have put a crimp on Mocker business and those friendly to the Mockers have vanished in Silden. But the real pot about to boil over is up north; there’s a lot of confusion in Romney right now, and from what I can gather, a lot of this Nighthawk business is being run through there.’

      ‘We’ve heard of some problems there.’

      ‘The Riverpullers’ Guild?’ asked Lysle.

      James nodded.

      ‘That’s the Crawler,’ continued Lysle. ‘He starts at the docks, making it difficult for cargo to get in and out of a city, and wears down both the merchants and local thieves. After a while, people start paying protection to get their goods in, and once he’s in their pockets, he never leaves. Damon Reeves is the head of the Riverpullers, and he’s an honest man, but someone near him has been whispering in his ear.’

      James said, ‘You think this Crawler is behind the revived Nighthawks?’

      ‘I don’t know what to think. He may have tired of me flitting around causing him troubles and put a price on my head. Or he might be behind them. Or it might be someone else wants me dead for entirely different reasons. I’ve made a few enemies in my time.’ Lysle grinned at that.

      ‘I have no doubt,’ said Gorath, dryly.

      ‘Where should we start?’ asked James.

      ‘Start with a man named Michael Waylander. He’s always at the centre of these problems, it seems. Arle Steelsoul, of the Ironmongers, is leading the opposition to the Riverpullers. Both sides, at least, will talk to Waylander. It’s rumoured he has his hands in a couple of shady things; nothing too important, but enough to make him dangerous.’

      ‘Anything besides that?’

      ‘Nothing I care to share with you, but also nothing that kept from you will hinder your efforts.’

      ‘Well,’ said James, ‘it’s more than we had before we ran across you. If you’re off for Tannerus tomorrow, we’ll know where to find you.’

      Lysle grinned and James felt as if he was looking in a mirror. While Lysle was two or three years older than James, the likeness was uncanny. ‘That’s where I’m heading now. Who knows where I’ll be if you come there looking for me?’

      James fixed him with a knowing gaze and said, ‘Trust me, my friend. Now that I’ve made your acquaintance, I’ll be keeping an eye on you. We’ll meet again, have no doubt.’

      Lysle finished his food, excused himself and left the three alone. ‘I’ll see about a room,’ said James. He made arrangements and the three retired for the night.

      In the morning, they headed for the stabling yard of the inn and discovered a confused stableboy. ‘Horses, sir? But last night you took one, and sold my master the other two.’

      James СКАЧАТЬ