As a collaborator, Aylo’s life should have been at risk every time he left his house. However, there were enough people- with enough influence- in the neighbourhood who knew the truth. He could even enter this darkest of the dock drinkeries without fear and talk to two of the toughest gang bosses. “I think he is conflicted.”

“He is a Southerner.”

“His mother was of the city, and he grew nearly twenty seasons here. I also think he is the type that is attracted to men, me in particular.”

“Pfah! That is the sort of arrogance that got your brother killed.”

Aylo struggled for a retort. The old man across the table put a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I knew your husband. He was only doing what he thought was right.”

“We were lucky he was unidentified.”

“Maybe one day he will be recognised as a hero of the resistance.” Aylo offered weakly.

“As will we all, hopefully. What information do you have?”

Blessed with a photographic memory, Aylo could do without carrying incriminating copies around. “They are sending two hundred troops out onto the Plains to search for the people sabotaging the railroads.”

“Who is sabotaging the railroads?”

“I think they are chasing shadows. It removes troops from the city.”

The man nodded, “Anything else?”

“Paper and a scriber.” Both appeared from the woman’s direction. Aylo drew a plan of the marshalling yards. “There was a report, about an air raid in the mountains. At a training camp for mountain troops. There have been a number of air raids in the region recently. None of them knows what it means.” He circled the most vulnerable junctions, the ones where traffic was too high.

“Neither do I. If I did know, it would be unwise to tell it to one who walks into the enemy’s offices every day.”

“You are right. Of course.” Aylo downed his ale. “I am just inquisitive. There is talk of naval manouevres along the coast. The dredgers in the channel south of Stran are working double shifts. They only do that when the truly large ships are due in. I should go.” Aylo passed the paper and scriber back across the table. Turning to the woman, he finally asked, “How is my nephew?”

“He misses his father.” She looked directly at Aylo to add, “And his uncle.”

“Yes. Well….. With luck, this shall be all over soon.”

Heavensent 3.9
Heavensent 3.7
Heavensent 1.1

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