Book 2: Chapter 13

Book 2: Chapter 13

The room was filled with the afternoon light, and Gavon was filled with the disconcerting sense that something strange hovered just outside his line of sight. Garrett was sitting behind the big desk, his thin form and smiling face presenting a non-threatening picture that belied the truth that Gavon was coming to understand. For the briefest moment, the Delver gang leader felt like he could see a large shadow stretching around Garrett like the petals of a flower and a cold spike of fear shot down his spine as the petals transformed into sharp fangs that bit at him. Jerking back, his vision returned to normal and the reality of the situation settled on him.

I guess we dont have much of a choice, do we? Gavon said, breaking the silence that had filled the office after Garretts question. But Ill warn you, we wont agree to anything that takes away our autonomy.

Nodding, Garrett pushed the agreement that he had drafted across the table for Gavon to examine.

We dont want to take away your autonomy. The truth is, we dont even want to tell you what to do. We dont have time to manage you, or anyone else, and Id much rather you continue to do your thing. You might even think of this as a defensive alliance. Youll be part of the Family and will receive the benefits and protections that come with that. However, youll also operate as an independent group and will be responsible for managing yourselves. As you highlighted, well be using a syndicated structure, and as the Family continues to grow, that will mean that more semi-independent groups will be added.

The rules are fairly simple, but will be enforced strictly. Do not make deals with anyone outside the Family without my permission. Do not harm the interests of the Family. Treat the members of the Family as you would your own kin. The flip side of the rules are the privileges. The Family pledges to support any deals you make and protect you and your assets from any outside force that would threaten you. Like I said, its a simple agreement. Finally, we do not encourage illegal activity, but if you would like to engage in something outside of the scope of the law, come and talk with me. If it can be done in a way that does not infringe on our rules, it will be considered.

Reading the contract slowly, Gavon seemed to be struggling a bit, but he managed to get through most of it. Shooting a sharp glance at Garrett when he reached the last page, he put the papers back on the desk.

Is something bothering you?

Smirking, Gavon nodded.

Yeah. Are you really going to stand against the Grave Walkers? Theyre one of the ten seats. They have power and influence you cant comprehend. The only reason that the Howlers could make them pause is that Howler had his own connections. But now he is dead. Do you really think that a small gang like yours is going to be able to stand against them?

Not a gang, Garrett said gently, but a family. And I dont intend to go up against them directly, no. But even if they start throwing their weight around, Im confident in being able to defend. At the worst, well drag them down with us.

Shaking his head, Gavon looked down at the contract and then back up at Garrett.

You know, Im not sure if Im crazy, or you are, but even if this is a long-shot, its better than what well get when the Grave Walkers come and make us an offer. Fine. Well do it. But if you dont live up to your end of the bargain, expect to find our cleavers added to your list of problems.

Thats fair, Garrett said, leaning forward as he handed the quill to Gavon.

Hesitating for a moment, Gavon appeared to gather himself before taking the quill and adding a shaky signature to the bottom of the document. Taking the paper, Garrett blew on it and stored it away carefully.

Welcome to the Klein Family, he said, his expression growing serious. Now that you are part of us, there are a few things that we should do. We have badges that we use, and I would ask that each member of your group take one. There is no rule saying you have to wear it constantly, but it is good to have. We also have plaques that can be hung up by your doors that will serve as identification. This will let people know that youve joined us, and will help our patrols know where to go.

I dont know that we need help patrolling, Gavon said, the corners of his lips curling down in a frown.

It took a moment, but Garrett quickly realized why Gavon was reacting negatively. Holding up his hand, Garrett shook his head as he explained.

He was still maintaining the prison that he had created, and didnt have plans to get rid of it right now, so the space that he had to work with was limited, but he knew that as he grew in strength, those constraints would continue to loosen. Climbing the stairs, he added touches here and there, adding decorations and lights to give the platform a mysterious ambiance. Looking around, he chose a spot next to the bar and concentrated for a moment, creating a wide board that was split into two sections labeled Quests and Map respectively. On the left side of the board he conjured a single piece of paper that he pinned up under the word Quest.

The next step took a bit more effort, and five experience points, causing him to wince. But the result was a large map of Insomnium. Almost all of the map was covered by fog, but there was a small spot that showed Dreamers Rest and the areas around the inn that had been explored already. Small colorful flower markers revealed the placement of dream flowers, and gleaming stars showed the awakened dreamers who had just begun entering the dream for the night. Pleased with his creation, Garrett stepped back and got ready to welcome them.

Maren and Kinsley were the first to arrive, and Garrett went down to meet them, inviting them up to the new area of the bar. Up the stairs they found six chairs arranged around the table, each with a symbol carved into its back. Excitement filled their eyes as they examined them, looking for their symbols. Kinsley spotted the flame with a bolt of lightning in the middle almost immediately, and after looking over the others, Maren pointed at the tower with an eye in its center.

That looks like mine.

Yeah, I think that makes the most sense. Lets see. We have a sun with a feather, that is probably Estel. And the creepy ghost thing is Asher. Isnt this cool? Its like were members of a secret society, Kinsley said with a grin, taking his seat.

Or a cult, Asher said, walking up the stairs. We dont know anything about this place except that weve been pulled into it by a strange man in a mask who is using us to clear the dream. What are the chances that he has our best interest in mind?

Listening from the bar, Garrett coughed lightly into his fist, realizing that his questioning earlier had caused Asher to start wondering about the whole situation. Thankfully, the others were not as concerned. Estel, ever the pragmatist, took her seat as she addressed Ashers concern.

Were already working for the Family, and this place is clearly tied to the Family as well, so if its a cult, were already in deep. But be realistic, Asher. Even if this was some sort of cult, would you give up your chance to enter the dream?

No, of course not, Asher grumbled. But I think we should know what we are getting into.

Viper and Pax were the last to arrive, and as soon as they had taken their seats, Garrett walked over.

Welcome, everyone, to the evolved form of Dreamers Rest. The layout has been rearranged for your convenience, and youll find two new items on the wall. The first is the quest board. Here, occasionally jobs will appear. Some of them are time sensitive, and must be completed within a time frame. Others are general, and can be done at your convenience. Next to the quest board, youll find the map. This will show you not only the areas that have been cleared of fog, but also where the safe zones are and where dream flowers are planted.

Glancing over at the board, Kinsley saw that there was a quest on it so he jumped up to get it, returning a moment later with the paper.

Quest. Clear the fog past Heifer Street. Time limit, two days, he read.

Heifer street is north of here, right? Pax asked, looking at the map.

When Kinsley had picked up the quest paper a small yellow mark had appeared, outlining the area that the quest was referring to, and the group all got up to crowd around the map.

It seems doable to me, Maren said. Its a four mile stretch, but if we drop flowers along the way, I think we should be able to do it in two days.

Well accept the quest, Viper replied, taking the paper from Kinsley. It will be a good chance to kill nightmares along the way.