Every day that passes here at the mine is another day I want that stronghold to fall. I went to work the first day and met a man who worked so hard he rubbed the skin off his hands. All for a copper. I made a deal with him so I could gather information about the guards of the keep. For a copper.
The man has been worked so that he can only deal with men by the flow of money. He seemed like things hadn't gone his way, that he hadn't been surprised by anything in a long time. My mother always said that a life without pleasant surprises was indeed miserable. So I slipped him a silver. Maybe he'd leave this nightmare and move toward a more successful life, away from the stealers and takers. Maybe.
I feel like I have been too careful these past weeks. When I was in Freestone I knew the rules. I knew the limits and the consequences. Since I have left the city I have been fearful to test my skills to their limits, I have barely used my magics even though I feel my power growing. I have a job here in this mine. The Salt Tribes are counting on us to infiltrate and probe the stronghold. They expect us to signal them, they expect us to help them get their lives back. Back from the takers.
Mosholu watches the stronghold.
Linear has come up with a quite brilliant plan: the workers here at the camp are being exploited, and Linear wants them to take control of their fates. Surely the mine is running at a great profit, and the owners could afford to pay the miners a wage on which they can survive. These men work hard. I met a man at the Cantina who was working to send money back to his wife and family back in Irawaddy. Linear's plan is for the men to ask for "two hands, two coppers." It's perfect.
For me, I plan to continue working the red-nosed supply officer I met on one of my walks. I have traded him wine for information already and he seems eager to talk. He told me the caravan would be arriving on or about Day 75 of the Rain Quarter. I will be talking with him soon, and if Angry Pipe (the Smoking Elf) is willing to part with some of his tasty wine I expect that I can trade him for some supplies I need (it was at this time, reader, that I had enough ink and time, but not enough vellum--if it's not one thing, it's the other) and perhaps, more information.
I am also eager to explore the remaining store-houses. I hope to find weapons for the miners.
Bruno Del Gato
As I wrote earlier, my skills as a mage have become stronger, so strong in fact that I was able to meet an animal and bond with it. Linear and I were walking in the small mining town and stumbled on a small group of kittens. I looked for one to match the image in my mind, trying to remember the stories of the more experienced mages back in Freestone. Wrestling with a large tabby was a grey-and-white kitten. I watched them fight for a minute to see how the little one would fare. A swat to the nose convinced the bigger, orange cat to quit and I approached the kitten. It seemed as if he was waiting for me, and I was soon walking away with him in my arms.
The next day I skipped work and made a formal, magical introduction to the cat. I learned its name is Bruno Del Gato. We conversed through the day, in images and feelings, and by the evening we were both ready for a walk. I expect Bruno to be with me for a long, long time and he seems intrigued by the prospect of experiencing magic. I also think he is as eager as I am to infiltrate and explore the workings of the stronghold.
