Family Matters

[00:00:00] The Thieves Guild by Jake Care, Episode 94, Family Matters. It wasn't exactly how he wanted things to go, but the idiot Larson had proven to be dumber than even a Ryan's lower opinion. The good news was that everyone in this hated Larson, so the investigation into his death

[00:00:39] would not go much further than Keras story. When confronted with the widespread discontent over his plan to relocate the harvest guild, and his own guild mates unhappiness with it, Larson hurled himself to his death. The implication was that he committed suicide rather than face execution, which was

[00:01:00] the most plausible part of the entire story. While Ryan wasn't stupid, however, he knew that this didn't improve his position. Polo was still going to be a thorn in his side, and while the dumb Oath Sacks could

[00:01:15] be maneuvered into doing whatever Ryan wanted, he was not to be trusted. Ryan was just glad that Sacks' deputy was the even dumber-john, so his nephew was now running the merchant guild. That was at least a significant benefit and calm things down significantly, but it wasn't

[00:01:36] to be gain. For that, he needed to have Polo or Raylan, dead or replaced. Raylan, the thieves. Ryan was shocked to hear of the existence of a secret guild and army in the wrecked quarter, but in hindsight it made sense.

[00:01:53] While Ryan had been fooled by old Pietro's acting as much as anyone, but it was now clear. Pietro had used his force of personality to hide decades of development and building. The good news was that Pietro's personal guild had started with him, and it would end with Raylan.

[00:02:14] Of that, a Ryan was certain, with the appropriate pressure he would easily squash the ill-prepared miscreant. Raylan's ill-hard was a problem, but he was also an asset. As long as Al-Ard was a thief, Sacks would be in a Ryan's pocket, so all Orion had

[00:02:31] to do was stabilize the mess that last had created, and then focus the attention of Ness on the evil thieves. Building their secret army in the wrecked quarter, the populace would consider them even worse than the outlanders.

[00:02:49] In once Raylan was disposed of, the vote to consolidate the harvest and merchant guilds would go on again, and this time there would be no last and disastrous. Being the careful sort, Orion had a second plan, and to work toward both plans, Orion

[00:03:08] had called his nephew to visit him at the craft tower. To the public, it was a clear indication that Keras was the new rightful guild master merchant, to Orion it was a first small step to his being the ruler, no the emperor of Ness.

[00:03:27] Being in a particularly good mood, Orion met Keras in his private quarters which covered the entire top floor of his tower, in an intimate living room that contained a small fireplace and two wingback chairs, Keras sat with Orion, and opened bottle of wine between them.

[00:03:47] Keras had just described Larson's final moments, which Orion found enormously amusing, Orion shared Pates' death, and then added, With Larson's blade also gone, that only leaves Karch. It would be foolish to kill Karch, but you can certainly hide him in the dungeon and make

[00:04:07] some excuse that he is on a mission somewhere. We could then take care of him when you are more secure. Um, Keras hesitated, and Orion frowned. You haven't given Karch an important responsibility, did you? I told you to wait on him, not do anything with him.

[00:04:29] Well, sped it out you idiot. Karch is missing, he is not in the guild, and no one seems to know where he has gone. He met with Pates, and then secured a guild carriage to head to the night tower.

[00:04:40] He was dropped off there, leaving his guild colours behind. What is this? Why did no one tell me? Orion tried to think what this could mean. We didn't know until I went to look for him. There is one other thing.

[00:04:56] Orion was not in the mood for any more surprises, but prepared himself for the worst. What is it? He left his cloak behind, as I said he exited the carriage with no guild colours. Interesting, thought Orion. Is it possible?

[00:05:14] He was dropped there, but left via the great gate. Orion had an idea. It is possible, we are still investigating. Find out for certain, if he went to sex that could complicate things, but if he saw

[00:05:28] the writing on the wall and abandoned last until flee the city, that would be a boon for us. So Orion nodded, as he thought. Yes, carches clever. He would know Larson was building both of their gallows, and he would want out. Was Larson alive when he left?

[00:05:46] I believe so. Then that is it. He knew he had no hope of living, if he abandoned Larson Larson would hunt him down, and have him killed immediately no matter where he went. So carched it all he could do, he abandoned the city.

[00:06:02] Moving a hand he concluded, don't bother asking sex. The imbassil will tell us if something so strange as carched, showing up on his doorstep happened, and I find it unlikely regardless. Carched has fled. Orion lifted his cup. This is wonderful news.

[00:06:21] I will need a deputy and a blade then. Carous was respectful, and Orion appreciated that. Carous was a sinister little bastard, but he knew that his future was still in Orion's hands. Let me find a deputy for you.

[00:06:36] I have some ideas, but want to make sure they will work with what I have planned. Talk to Vesper about a new blade. He will not guide you wrong. Yes Uncle. Okay. You know your immediate goals then.

[00:06:51] Issue a statement that I will atone for Larson's sins by inviting back all the harvest guild members. I will not only guarantee their safety, but the merchant guild will rebuild all the burned down homes and businesses. I have another idea. Orion said excitement sneaking into his voice.

[00:07:13] You will furthermore give some of the upper triangle to the harvest guild as a gesture of reconciliation. Orion paused and then added. The Miller family estate. Carous grinned. I know the ancestral home of the guild master thief, and the disgraced and dead guild

[00:07:32] master merchant will be given to the harvest guild. I like that, but Rayland's parents will not. Larson is dead, and Rayland's parents disowned him a few years ago. You will do it. Of course. Is there anything else I need to know? Carous took a long drink of wine.

[00:07:49] He appeared relaxed, which made Orion feel good. He needed Carous to be confident and able to handle potentially complex plans while remaining calm. Orion scratched his head and stretched his legs. There are many complications.

[00:08:06] The thieves are currently hosting the harvest guild from the lower quarter, and who knows what lies they may have shared with them. If the thieves turn the harvest guild members against us, it will embolden Polo. I have an idea. He was arrested.

[00:08:22] He looked nervous, and his words were spoken tentatively. Go on. You travel to the wretched quarter to deliver the message. Me? Have you lost your senses? We are at war with the thieves, and you would send me into their midst.

[00:08:38] For the first time, Orion questioned his nephews wisdom. Did he not understand the danger? I apologise uncle. I was simply thinking that the most beloved and trusted man in Ness is you. We need the harvest guild members to trust those who kicked them out to welcome them back.

[00:08:56] They may not trust me. I'm too new. But they see you as harmless. Perhaps even a pushover, your appearance will make them understand that you are committing to them. Orion paused. He took a drink of wine to ponder carousels idea.

[00:09:17] It was a good plan, but the risk was too great. The spas spying had paid huge dividends. No. Orion held up his freehand. But it is a good idea. We need to send someone with a position of authority to the wretched quarter

[00:09:33] to meet with the harvest guild members and win them over. You are too new. Carch has abandoned his post. I'm too risky. Orion smiled. We should send sex. Sex? Carous looked confused. Yes, he is a man of authority. He has the force to both intimidate and inspire.

[00:09:55] He loathes the thieves as much as I do. He will see it as a challenge. And in his own stupid way, his sending the message will underscore its sincerity. Someone as transparently violent as sex wouldn't bother with subterfuge. Will he do it? Leave that to me.

[00:10:14] Orion looked at Carous' glass, which was half empty and his own, which had a few drops left. Reaching over, he grabbed the bottle and topped off Carous' and refilled his own glass. The replacement window in your office will be extraordinarily difficult to craft and complicated to install.

[00:10:34] It will be expensive. Carous noted, clearly not understanding Orion's point which was fine. The accounts would now swell further in money owed to the craft guild. At some point it wouldn't matter what happened. Orion would own the merchant guild.