Tamrooh was not hard to find. He had only been a ‘runner’ for those who destroyed my father. As such, he was low on my list, but it seemed he was high on any list Captain Naraal had. Dealing with him would be no great inconvenience to me, especially as I could not travel from the Great City at present. The Shakilgimil was fully ready to sail on the Captain, or the King’s command. Without her first mate, I would necessarily sail too. There would be no time to pay a visit to anyone outside Umbar Bahrabel. And I wondered, would our crew be sent out on some mission alone, or would our King be with us? I fervently hoped it would be the latter. I wanted to know more about him, to observe him and his ways. I wanted to be there if he drew on crafts learnt from the Great Sauron. He would want naught from me, I understood that, but may it be that at some point, he would recognise a kindred spirit burned in me? No King was I, nor ever would be, but learned in Lord Sauron’s arts, ah, that was another matter.
So it was that, later that day, as the stars were out and the markets and bazaars were humming with customers, I replaced my eye-patch and took up a hat and cloak, and left the ship.
“Take a care there, and mark my words, sir. There are some troublesome folk abroad in the city tonight," one of the recently returned crew called after me.
I would ‘mark his words’, but what he likely did not know, was that I would be one of them. Mabas gave me a lopsided salute as I disembarked. He offered no words of advice, but his eyes also held a warning.
“I am on the Captain’s business as well as my own. If I am not returned by this time tomorrow, let him know.”
Another lopsided salute followed. Bah, we were Corsairs, not Navy. Mabas and the others were smart and effective where it counted most.
A small dog barked excitedly as I descended the gangplank. “Away, cur, I have naught for you to eat.” Once out onto the pavement, I headed to ‘The Bloody Eagle’, and Akalam, the barkeep. The place was a haunt for several factions active in Umbar Baharbel, not least the heirs of Castamir. If there was any real concern of finding the slayer of Ghala, it would be mentioned there.
Indeed it was a busy place already. I saw several Corsair captains sat at various tables, a few off-duty guards I recognised, Darwaas the builder was one. He would have to wait awhile for my personal attention. It was Tamrooh I wanted information on.
I beckoned Akalam over and ordered wine. He raised a brow, but brought me a goblet and an opened bottle or rich red.
“I hear the Shakilgimil ran into some trouble?” he said, conversationally.
I poured my wine. “Nothing serious. An over vigorous storm.”
“And an Elf-ship?”
Ha, he was a good listener, but not a general tell-tale. Anything of value he knew would cost coin or favours. I could provide either if necessary.
I took my time, so he was called away by another customer, but he returned quite quickly, with a bowl of fresh olives.
“You hear correctly,” I spoke slowly, time was on my side. He was curious about something, and it was not the pursuing ship.
“So how did you manage to run foul of Elves? Naraal is an experienced Captain.” Akalam scratched at his red dyed beard.
“Captain Naraal also has a feud of long standing with one Gaerion, of the Uinenlinde, out of Mithlond.” I replied, thinking he would rise to the bait.
“Mithlond! You were that far north? He asked, his expression giving him away.”Last I heard Naraal and that first mate of yours were, eh spying in Gondor?”
“They were spying, though not in Gondor.” But that was all I would give him. He would not hear of the plans for Breeland, and most certainly not of our King from me.
He caught my mood. Information for information. A fair trade. He refilled my goblet. “Any news in the ‘Eagle’ of late?”
A wide grin spread over his face. “The usual from the Heirs. Planning to attack Gondor.” Everyone in the city knew that. It was no secret.
I nodded in a disinterested manner.
“You do not support them?” like a flash that accusation was thrown at me. Now I happened to know Akalam had no time for them himself, so his implied threat was meaningless.
“I am not for, nor against. I support those who support me.” That was mostly true. I picked at the olives and sipped the wine.
A burly guard walked up quite close to me. “The Heirs will be plain about their intent soon enough. Mark my words. But there are traitors in our midst, even some from this city. “His tone was questioning, though not out rightly hostile.
.“Are you a traitor, sailor?”
Yes, he could probably have crushed me to death, but I was fast, very fast. I had his dagger from his belt and was behind him, holding it to his throat before he moved. “Thankfully for you, I am no traitor.”
He grunted with frustration, and I lowered the blade swiftly, handing the hilt to him. There was some small applause from the patrons.
“I am loyal to the true heir of Castamir.” I said. “I shall not slay an ally.”
Akalam made a slow clap, then moved on to serve others for a moment.
“I have been at Sea, my ship only recently docked. This is usually a good place to find out what is happening.” I pushed the olives in the guard’s direction. He frowned a moment, then helped himself.
“Only more of the usual in the past couple of months. More deaths in the Gut, some troubles in the Arena, but that gladiator, Rothog, sorted it out. Another murder by the Shadow Man, Ghala the Tavern keep, and a large fight in The Rovers Yard. Are you expecting more?”
I shook my head. ‘Careful’ I thought, the Man was not convinced I was no enemy. “I am glad we have Rothog. We could do with a few more like him to keep order.”
“A half-Troll? We just about tolerate him, because the crowds like him. But any excuse and he will be carrion food.” He gave me a hard stare, and moved off. I would have to keep an eye on him.
Akalam returned. “Not everyone is friendly. I would have thought you were old enough to know that.”
“Ah, some folk have just had a bad day.” I poured myself some more wine from the bottle. “But I could do with some advice.”
“Oh yes. Now why would I help with that?”
“Because you know a good deal of folk, and because I will make a point of sending my crew here for drinks. Because I can give you gossip of the North. Oh, and I have a gold coin for a good recommendation.”
Akalam leant on the bar, his eyes twinkling slightly. “That’s good payment for a few words.”
I smiled. Of course it was. He needed to think I was working for someone wealthy.
“The North?” he said.
“Dreary place, cold and frosty of an evening. “
He laughed.
“There is no effective navy past the Elf Haven. The men do not sail that far unless for very good reason, and there is none at present. But there are areas with clans of Hillmen, just ripe for picking for the slave markets. They are strong and cunning, but not learned in any meaningful way. Unless in very large numbers, one crew could fetch at least fifty home.”
“Worth knowing, though I have heard a few others speak of Northern hill tribes. You can give locations?”
“Some.”
Akalam nodded, his fingers drumming the bar as he appeared to calculate what profit he could make from what else I would give him.
“Well…the Man I represent has a goodly amount of wealth. Alas, he has less time at his disposal. I am looking for something particular.” I pressed my case. “My ‘sponsor’ is looking for a very fine set of armour for his seventeen year old son’s birthday. Something of the highest quality, original but practical. It needs to be for a tall but lean build as the boy has not yet grown into his full strength.”
“Why not have it made?” Akalam snapped back.
“Time,” I replied. “The birthday is rather soon. He has left it late to decide on his gift, and expects me to deliver. I will purchase one already made if I can.”
Akalam stoked his short beard. “You don’t need me to tell you there are several good armour sellers set up in the market. Jaani or Tamrooh are probably your best bets. Both carry a good range of sizes in armour and individual pieces. In fact Tamrooh had a piece that sounds like what you are after. Elven made, I think he said. A chest piece and leg guards only, but for a slender build. Not everyone would want something Elf-forged though.”
“Had?” I felt disappointed .
“He sold it last week. Probably brought him a goodly amount of coin.”
“Do you know who to?”
He shook his head and took up a cloth to wipe the bar with. “I was not privy to that, neither do I expect he shouted it out to all. It may be suitable for some lad, but some folk might suspect Elven sympathies, and that could be a problem.”
“Well,” I finished my wine, leaving an empty glass and bottle. “I shall go and have a word with both Jaani and Tamrooh. One of them may have something else suitable. My thanks. “ I covertly placed the coins in Aklam’s hand, and nodded again. “One of my crew will be buying your khorob while we are in port. He will give you a map with Hill Tribe locations. Do not sell it to many. My thanks for your advice and news.”
Akalam looked at the coin in his palm. “It is a lot for my few words. I have a feeling I have told you more than I yet understand.”
I laughed, rare for me, and clasped his arm momentarily. “You told me enough to please my Patron."
And I left. There were a few Guards that viewed me with mistrust. They were wondering about me, and I knew one at least would follow me. No matter, I would head to Tamrooh’s stall.
As I left the Bloody Eagle I was almost tripped up by a small dog that wound itself in and out of my legs. Drat the creature! As suspected, the door opened again and one of the guards also left. He took to speaking with a group of men sitting outside, but I knew he would follow. Very well, I would show him one of my ‘normal’ evenings.
