Chương 189: Arc 3 - Chapter 61

"Starting tomorrow, we will spar every day," Fritz told his brother as the carriage rolled along.

"I'll see if Sir Needle will agree to let you join our training. If not, we'll just have to refine our skill without his help."

"Sir Needle..." Elliot said.

"Isn't he amongst the best blades in the city? Have you actually managed to retain him as your tutor? Was that not just a falsehood to scare those Lords?"

"Oh, my sweet, mistrusting brother, do you think I would lie about such a thing?" Fritz asked his words dripping with self-satisfaction. His renewed glibness revealing his well earned cheer. Now that the hearing, and all its ordeals and ambushes, had been endured and survived, he felt a giddy relief. It was tempered by the knowledge that he wasn't truly out of peril, though he couldn't help that some of the terrible weight had been lifted from his shoulders. It was a temporary respite, but one he much needed.

While the appeal hadn't gone exactly the way he wanted, at least he had recourse and he couldn't fathom losing in a duel to those two nobles, not with his higher level and hopefully his greater skill.

"You would lie about such a thing," Elliot challenged.

"Oh, please," Fritz said with some mock exasperation.

"Adam would have my head, then would pierce my heart for good measure if I used his reputation in such a manner. Though, now that I think about it, maybe not. He doesn't love the King, so anything I did to thwart him might make him laugh."

"The King did not look pleased either," Thea added.

"I wonder what the story is there. Do you think it was romantic?"

"I didn't get that impression," Fritz said.

"Wait, so it's true that Sir Needle had been teaching you? Is he really instructing you in swordsmanship?" Elliot asked swiftly, interrupting and leaning forward in his seat.

"It is true and yes. Bert, you tell him," Fritz ordered.

"That's right. Climbing training for all six of us, and private sword lessons for Fritz and George," Bert provided.

"But I heard he only teaches the wealthy and talented," Elliot said.

"What I lack in one is made up mightily by the other," Fritz boasted.

"Yeah, we found a lot of gold on our Climb," Bert said with a grin. Fritz gave the man a false frown.

"Enough to pay off the ten thousand gold debt that will stand if you win or lose the duels?" Mr. Worth asked.

"Not quite so much," Fritz said.

"Though we have ample Treasures. We'll have to visit the Treasury and sell off the least useful ones. Depending on how great a price they command, I can safely assume I can pay off that debt." Fritz spoke confidently, though he wasn't truly as certain as he professed. Still, his carefree tone set the others at ease.

"What did the Duchess want with you after the hearing?" Thea asked.

"I don't rightly know," Fritz admitted.

"Something about making sure I'm not a threat to the King."

"I would be careful of the Duchess, if I were you. Avoid becoming entangled in her affairs," Thea said, as serious as he'd ever seen her.

"Why? Who is this Duchess?" Bert asked.

"Is she dangerous?" Fritz followed. His sister pursed her lips and a light frown adorned her brow as she thought.

"I only know rumours, but yes, she is a perilous, powerful woman," she hedged.

"I heard the title of Minister of Aquatic Oversight is merely a euphemism and that Duchess Blackbrine is the King's spymaster."

"Where are you hearing these things?" Fritz inquired, wondering if her sources were to be trusted. Though he didn't doubt the conclusion, it aligned too well to what he'd already seen and subsequently theorised.

"My clubs and societies," she admitted.

"Clubs?"

"Oh, you know. My book club, bridge club, the Embroidery Association. As well as the Tea Appreciation Society and the Sorority for Fine Fashions. There are a few more I visit on occasion, though, I'm not a full member to those ones."

"Our dearest sister is quite the socialite," Elliot said, smiling teasingly and nudging her.

"Despite bearing our unfortunate name, she's quite well regarded and welcomed in the noble circles in which she's inveigled herself. It is, as I always say, that she inherited all of Mother's charm, leaving none for me." She blushed only slightly.

"Don't be foolish, both my brothers are just as charming. And it's only a few of gatherings of young highborn Ladies. Not exactly the vaunted company you suggest."

"Doesn't Princess Rain attend your book club?" Elliot asked, contradicting her.

"She does not presently attend. Now that she had her Tolling and she's come of age, she's had to resign from her place as the vice-chairwoman of the book club. The Princess has many duties and she needs to prepare for her Climbs."

"What's she like?" Fritz asked, feeling a strange curiosity stir. Thea frowned slightly at the question.

"Dignified, intelligent and reserved. Every time I met her, I was left in envy of her poise and impeccable insight. She has a keen interest in ancient histories and languages."

"Sounds boring," Bert said.

"The Princess is incredibly learned, passionate even, when it coincides with her interests," Thea said, not disagreeing.

"Her choices for what we should read on her weeks could be considered... dry. Though I shouldn't complain, her presence and patronage allow us to acquire many rare stories and accounts from the Archives."

"How kind of her," Fritz said. Thea slightly shrugged one shoulder.

"Why the interest in the Princess? Do you have a mind to court her?"

"No, of course not," Fritz replied, both appalled and oddly intrigued at the thought.

"Could you imagine? If the King got wind of something like that, I would be executed on the spot."

"I can imagine that," Thea said.

"So can I," Bert agreed.

"What low, or is it grand, opinions you must have of me," Fritz falsely lamented.

"I just know that if there's trouble to be found, you will find it, Fritz," Bert said.

"And that's why I'm the greatest Scout one could hope to have," Fritz stated.

"If only that were true," Bert said, shaking his head. Elliot chuckled and Thea tittered. Mr. Worth looked between the two, not sure if he should join in the laughter. He managed a weak smile. Eventually, the carriage went quiet, and Fritz retreated into thought. Though the hearing had tired him, he had the luxury of quite a long rest that morning and he had skipped training, so he felt more alert than he would have on any other day.

In fact, Sylvia's request to sleep in had probably left him far more capable of drawing up plans and dealing with the dilemmas he'd been presented with. He quickly catalogued what he knew and what he guessed, and planned his next couple of moves accordingly. He knocked upon the wood of the carriage and it slowed to a halt. Soon after, the door opened and Master Quickjoy asked if anything was amiss.

"Nothing too troubling, I was just wondering if you could alter the route. I would like to show my siblings where I reside, so they can visit me at any time," Fritz said. Stolen story; please report. That wasn't the whole of this small ploy. While he had use of a Royal Carriage he wanted to be seen in it, so as to be seen as acknowledged by the crown. Or at least to be of passing interest. There were a few reasons for this, though he didn't explain them to the carriage at large.

Who knew what kind of methods the Duchess had access to? Or if there were spying wards that could store words mingled in with the protective ones that enclosed the cabin. First of all, he wanted it to be clear that the King hadn't wholly condemned House Hightide; second, he wanted a certain guardswoman to see him. He even adjusted how and where he sat so that he'd be in full view through the window. There was also the fact that the more he was observed, the more people would gossip.

That could be a boon for the upcoming duel, especially if there were a way to wager a small or perhaps large sum on his victory. Fritz wouldn't have normally attempted to draw so much attention to himself, preferring, as he did, to lay low. However, as he was embroiled in a conflict with the crown and other prominent nobles, he knew that it was a fool's errand to try to hide away or avoid those avid, if ephemeral, attentions of the political populace.

"Francis?" Elliot asked.

"Hmm?" he responded absently.

"Are you sure about all this?"

"Sure about what?"

"Are you actually planning on going through with the duel?" he pressed.

"I am," Fritz said.

"You're not going to flee from justice again?" Elliot accused.

"No. I won't make that mistake again," Fritz said.

"How can you say it was a mistake?" Bert cried.

"It led you right to me, remember?" Fritz smiled, he did remember.

"As your advocate, I would like to be informed of this previous escape from the law and what it entailed," Mr Worth interjected.

"I could find a way to discredit the testimony from the Captain of the Storm Guard. It would help demonstrate your innocence."

"Won't my triumph be enough for such an outcome?" Fritz asked.

"Every advantage counts," the advocate said.

"Especially if you could prove his claims slanderous and spurious." Fritz nodded and recalled what he could of that night. How he had found his and his siblings' tormentor at the top of a set of stairs, she had been distracted by some bauble she had probably stolen from one of the other orphans. In that moment, he saw an opportunity to act, so he did. With a heart full of barely controlled rage, he had pushed her. She had tumbled, horribly.

That same hatred and fury simmered to the surface of his spirit again, proving it wasn't just childish spite that led him down the path he took all those years ago. No, it had been to protect his family. He told all this to the advocate, and the rest listened without comment. It wasn't the first time Bert had heard the story, so he was soon bored, he began playing with the cuffs of his coat. Fritz's siblings, however, hadn't heard the full tale, judging from their faces.

Elliot, though he hid his thoughts well enough, gave off conflicting motes. Anger and doubt warred with shame and trust. Thea simply hung her head and looked at her hands. Mr. Worth nodded along.

"And you say she was the Storm Guard Captain's daughter? What was she doing at the orphanage?"

"It's a bit of spare coin I suppose. Though some homed at the Guides Hall for Fallen Fledglings were to inherit noble titles, once they came of age, like us. It would be a good idea to become friends with the young Lords and Ladies while they are still naive and impressionable," Fritz theorised.

"However, now that I think about it, perhaps it was just that orphans make perfect, powerless prey."

"Do you know what became of her?" Mr. Worth asked. Fritz shook his head.

"Well, I'll see what I can find," Mr. Worth promised.

"There is another thing I must address."

"Yes?"

"It's has to do with my remuneration."

"Right, of course, how much do I owe you for your time and inconveniences?" Fritz asked. The advocate swiftly outlined his fee and a further estimate for retaining his services. Fritz easily agreed to the expenses; he knew he didn't haggle as much as he should have. But he couldn't bring himself to quibble over a few gold triads. Not when the man's apt advice had saved his House, for now, and perhaps his life in the long run.

There was also something to be said for being in the good graces of someone you would have to rely on in matters of law. That, and he could tell that Mr. Worth had a sense of justice that would make him hard to intimidate or bribe. His advocate had the light flickering of ambition hovering above his head. Apparently, he thought that this duel and hearing were key to building a good, or rather, formidable reputation. They rolled to a stop near the Thoroughfare Market. Mr.

Worth took his leave, assuring Fritz he would work hard for House Hightide, and he would send a letter in three days' time, sooner if he discovered anything useful. Fritz thanked the advocate, as did his siblings. The neat man bowed deeply, then strode away.

"Bert, could you fetch some Know-notes? I have some Treasures that are in need of classification," Fritz casually requested.

"You know I'm not actually your butler, right?" Bert said, brushing a bead of rain from the black lapel of his coat.

"No matter how I'm dressed."

"No, though you are my greatest friend and staunchest ally," Fritz stated.

"The most handsome, too," Bert added.

"If you insist," Fritz allowed.

"I do," Bert said, grinning.

"How many do you need?"

"Well, considering we have a pile of Treasures. You should purchase nine. So we have enough to spare if we have any further windfalls," Fritz said.

"Finally," Bert said.

"I've been itching to see what you've got hidden away. Honestly, if I had to wait any longer, I would have had to steal them and Note them myself."

"I applaud your restraint," Fritz replied easily.

"You should," Bert said. Really, Fritz had mostly forgotten the stash of Treasures and the sudden debt had reminded him of all the wealth he had to consolidate. Though he did have the excuse that his attention had been terribly stretched. Now, with Sylvia returned to the Refuge and taking charge of it once again, he would have far less of his time occupied by its defence. That would help his distracted nature, or so he hoped.

"Well, hop to it, I'll meet you at the vault," Fritz ordered.

"Yes, Milord," Bert said. He nearly leapt to the task, bounding out into the rain and making his way into the crowds. They parted before him, thinking him someone important's servant. The carriage door closed and they began to move again.

"He's a strange man, though you seem fond of each other," Thea said.

"He is odd and impertinent," Elliot said.

"A thug and a fool."

"He's a brutal, brilliant maniac," Fritz stated, smiling, then his voice took on a more serious tone.

"But he is as much a brother to me as you are. He saved me out there in the streets and gutters, then again in the Spires. I consider him family. You should, too." Elliot's expression darkened and his eyes flashed with something unpleasant, but he nodded. Thea merely tilted her head in interest, her gaze far away, imagining some distant future. Fritz didn't like either reaction, though he also chose not to speak those worries into reality with some rash or unintentionally prophetic words.

Soon, they were before the Climber house which Fritz currently called home. He had been meaning to invite his brother and sister to the residence, but the opportunity always eluded him. He bade them come take a tour, have some tea and meet any of the team who was present. They agreed initially, Thea eagerly, Elliot reluctantly. Though they quickly realised that they couldn't, the sun was beginning to set and they had to be back to the orphanage.

The wait and the hearing had dragged on longer than they'd assumed and it was nearing their curfew.

"Well, you can visit at any time," Fritz said, both resigned and a little relieved. Though he had wanted them to meet his team, he didn't know how they would react or regard each other. If their first exposure to Bert was anything to go by, it wouldn't be too terrible, but he still didn't want to risk any potential feuds or indecent liaisons. It took some minutes, but he said his goodbyes and coordinated a training schedule with his brother.

It was with a sigh that Fritz climbed out of the Carriage and watched it roll away into the rain. While it hadn't been under the most pleasant circumstances, it had felt good to stand with his family again, to face things together. He wished that they were older, that they too had endured their sixth toll and could enter the Spires. Fritz could lead them to be great Climbers, just as he had his current team. A woman's scream sounded, then a gout of steam billowed from the yard behind his home.

Fritz sighed again and hurried to see what the trouble was. The trouble he discovered wasn't one that he was needed to mediate. It was simply Lauren letting out some pent-up stress and her frustration at the difficulty of her Intensity Patterns she had been taught recently. It was quite the sight, seeing all that rain consumed by the fiery breath she loosed into the air.

Jess had been startled by the display, but Fritz and the others of the team soothed her misgivings, having seen Lauren pour out her frustrations before.

"It's the fire magic," Cal said.

"It's the Intensity and the lack of proper progress," Fritz agreed.

"Most times she's just a bitch. But you get used to it," Rosie summarised, slapping Jess on the shoulder in that rough, but friendly, manner she had. Cal sighed wearily.

"Rosie, don't call her that."

"Why?"

"It is unkind, for one," Jess lectured.

"For two, reciprocity. Would you not be upset if she said the same of you, calling you such vulgar names?" Rosie shrugged.

"I am a bitch. Don't hurt me none." Jess pursed her lips, though she seemingly had no response for the woman.

"Listen to Ms. Redoubt," Cal said to his sister.

"She hasn't taught us wrong yet."

"Alright," Rosie agreed. Jess smiled politely at Cal, which caused him to beam, annoyingly.

"Lauren should calm down soon," George said.

"I'll talk to her when she has. She shouldn't be so free with her power. It's dangerous."

"I should be doing that. I am the Captain, after all," Fritz said, almost adding a sigh.

"No, it'll be better from me," George said.

"No offence intended, Fritz, but you do tend to aggravate rather than remedy."

"How could one possibly take offence from such words?" Fritz asked sharply, irritation evident. George frowned only minutely and didn't speak, but Fritz could read what went unsaid plainly.

"You're doing it right now." Fritz let his anger abate. He wasn't truly mad at the man; he realised it was misplaced rage from the new complications that had arisen.

"Perhaps you're right," Fritz allowed.

"Did the King thing go bad?" Rosie asked bluntly, and seemingly out of nowhere.

"Oh! Right! The King," Jess said aghast.

"Did he really summon you?"

"Indeed, he did," Fritz said.

"But I won't speak of it in the hallways. Gather the whole team to meet in the lounge. I'll tell you the tale there and what I intend to do." There were nods and agreements and they soon sat on the plush couches and armchairs. George was as good as his word, as he always was, and brought Lauren after speaking to her. She looked put out, but suitably apologetic. And to his surprise, she did beg forgiveness for frightening Jess with her torrents of flame and screaming rage.

It was accepted amiably, though they didn't sit together afterwards. Before he began, Fritz first pulsed his Awareness and searched the room for spying vermin. The impression came back clear; there was no sign of any rodents, and there was little lingering dread in his heart. He came to the quick conclusion that he wasn't being watched, for now. It was always good to be sure of such things. Fritz told his tale with all the appropriate aplomb, which in this case meant he made it quite the performance.

He even caused his audience to jump when he imitated the King's thundering shout, and to jeer when they heard the outrageous debt that had been placed upon the House of Hightide. Soon enough, the story ended.

"Ten thousand gold!?" Lauren seethed, her nails pressed hard into the soft arm of the couch.

"That's a fortune," Cal groused, stomping one foot.

"What a prick."

"Kings, hate them bastards," Rosie said. She was about to spit on the floor, but upon noticing Jess's narrowed eyes, she swallowed instead.

"It will take some time to raise so many triads," Jess said, taking to her feet, then pacing.

"Perhaps you could visit a gold lender? No, you have little standing and even less collateral." Fritz felt a warmth spread in his chest; none of his team even questioned if they were going to aid him. He expected it of Bert, but seeing the whole room of people, even Cal, who had the least love for him, begin to think of solutions, hammered home just how close they had become. It was humbling in a way. It almost brought a tear to his eye. Luckily, he was spared weeping by an interruption.

Bert burst through the lounge door dramatically. Rosie's eyes lit up when she saw the butler outfit. She grinned and whistled.

"Best admire me while you can," Bert said.

"This suit is incredibly uncomfortable and I wish to be rid of it." George nodded appreciatively.

"Better get you out of it then," Rosie said.

"Not now," Fritz and Cal said at the same time.

"Fritz, I have what you desired," Bert announced, which elicited a number of sly glances and small smiles. His team had overactive imaginations at times.

"Give it to me then," Fritz said, playing along for now and holding out a hand. Bert placed a stack of Know-notes in his outstretched palm.

"What's that?" Cal asked.

"Know-notes," Rosie said.

"Quite correct, we have quite a number of Treasures to Note." Fritz said.

"To the vault!"