Winter Savior
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Drusbury
Drusbury
Author's Note
I was supposed to write a short story for class and I think I mentioned before how Malso Nazore is my favorite character and great to write, so I chose him of course. The duo of Lars and Malso could perhaps when I finish, be some sort of super team that everyone loves. Right now they are still plotting and doing their own thing, but since I wrote this without any prior chapters leading in to work on, I couldn't add much of any plot points for them because I don't have any at this point in the story for them. It's a completely random chapter but one that may be my best yet. Also the city Drusbury is an easter egg of sorts from a conversation back in maybe Chapter Five between Commissioner Destnol and his cousin Detective Paul Rager, who came from Drusbury's department. Oh and this is my longest chapter in a long time, 4366 words total.
Malso Nazore was well into his third drink. He and Lars Vikaeli were in Drusbury to meet with his old running mate Simeon Colbern. A member of a lesser branch of House Colbern, Simeon had spent some time in Alter City working with House Vikaeli as part of a deal between House Vikaeli’s leader, Dux Nikita Vikaeli and Simeon’s late father. It was no secret that Nikita Vikaeli held great disdain for House Colbern’s Head, Dux Seeroh Colbern, for his part in Nikita’s downfall all those years ago. Malso had been let in on the old plans before making the trip. Simeon’s father had brokered a deal with Nikita to place him as House Head once they’d dealt with Seeroh and his lot. It was believed Dux Colbern had a growing suspicion about his kin, but cancer took Simeon’s father before Seeroh could. With his father dead, Simeon left Alter City for Drusbury to consolidate his power there as the new Citepa. In doing so he’d gotten in bed with Seeroh while still hoping to get the Head seat Nikita promised.
They’d gotten a table in the back of a small restaurant, furthest from the doors or windows. It was a midday crowd when they arrived. The patrons had been lively enough. Malso had gotten but a glance when he passed, yet on seeing the crest pinned onto Lars’ tie the place had become rather subdued. A V wrapped in vines with a crowned eye resting between it was only worn by blood members of House Vikaeli, and of course, this wasn't Vikaeli territory.
“What do you know of this guy Simeon?” Lars asked as he ran a thumb along the beard he had been growing as of late.
Malso shrugged. “Back when we were starting out we were a lot alike. Both of us wanted to advance, wanted to make names for ourselves. Climb that ladder and what not. I kind of hated him at times because even though we were at the same place now, I knew he’d go further simply because of what his name was.”
“Hate or jealous?” Lars quipped.
“Jealousy, hate, it’s all the same,” Malso replied. “As are all of you people for that matter.”
“You people as in who?”
“You people. Vikaeli, Colbern, Starling, Holdridge, etcetera. Nobles in all but name.”
Lars chuckled. “Having another one of your moments.”
“Maybe,” Malso pointed a finger across the table. “But the jury’s still out on you. You’re too dirty to have an ounce of noble blood in you. I’ve got half a mind to think they just found you in some back alley and just threw a V behind your name.”
Lars slapped the table as both men guffawed at Malso’s remark causing some of the other restaurant goers to give hesitant glances back at them.
Malso steadied his laughter and took to looking at the well-endowed serving girl as she made her way about the restaurant. “Simeon was hot headed and had a temper about him to be sure, but he was also a funny guy and great to be around most of the time.”
“What about the times he wasn’t?”
“Those were the times his temper and his humor decided it was time to party.” Malso gave wry smile as he sloshed around the dark contents of his glass. “I laugh about it now but it was…Maybe he’s different now. These years in charge, they’ve done something for him.” After a moment, Malso looked over at Lars expectantly. “No prophetic words from the life learned veteran?”
“Sure. I’ve got to piss.” Lars pushed back his chair and made to leave for the head. Malso heard a door opening behind him where there wasn’t one. Lars turned back to him as the familiar steel pressed through long curls to the back of Malso’s head.
Lars hand went for his pistol and the one at Malso’s head cocked. “Sit down,” ordered the person holding the gun. “Hands on the table and away from the heater.”
He did as instructed. Malso dared not turn his head, but from Lars’ scanning eyes there was more than one person behind him. Some of the restaurant goers began to make themselves scarce in apprehension of what was to unfold. Others simply kept their eyes upon their meals.
“You’re a long ways from Alter City alderman,” came the voice from behind.
Lars had set his glare on the speaker. Malso caught a look into Lars’ eyes and gave a slight curl of the lip. “Decided to stretch my legs, take a break.”
“What’s your business here?”
Malso slouched and moved to lay his arm upon the back of his chair but the pistol pressing hard into the back of his skull warned him otherwise. “I’d love to know whose asking.”
“I know what you are.”
“And what is that?”
The man drew close to Malso’s ear, his breath hot against his face. “A daft fooking c*nt!” The laughter breaking through in his voice.
The gun was removed from Malso’s head as laughter broke out behind them. Simeon Colbern stepped from behind Malso and around the table into view, hooting in laughter all the while. “Malso yous guys faces! Got you with that sliding wall shit. Woo!” He slapped Malso on the shoulder with a grin. “Didn’t scare you too bad did I pal?”
Malso rose from his seat and shook Simeon’s hand with one arm while embracing him in a hug with the other. “Hardly, but I’ve got little doubt you’d have me shitting my pants if you retold this story.”
They broke apart and Malso stepped aside to allow Lars forward, but Simeon turned and called to the owner behind the bar instead. “Get some booze over here my buddy’s thirsty!”
Malso and Lars glanced at one another as Simeon dropped into a chair. They took the seats across from him. Simeon looked to Malso like he was moments away from rubbing his hands together in glee.
“When Vikaeli said he’d send help my way I didn’t expect you,” Simeon said. “It’s been too long. How you been?”
“Not long after you left I was named as a District Supervisor,” Malso answered.
“And now alderman,” Simeon spoke appreciatively. “Maybe mayor soon.”
Malso grinned. “I’m a humble creature who is content with his station. I would never dream of reaching so high.”
“Humble my ass! I heard you’re getting cozy with the princess. Sure you’re reaching every which way with that one!”
“The princess and I have a relationship that knows many bounds,” Malso commented, “such as palace walls, royal guards, a brooding adolescent son, and a vagina sealed shut with the key thrown in the tall grass.”
Simeon was overcome with another fit of laughter while Malso allowed himself an acknowledging chuckle. Simeon slapped a hand on the table and pointed it at Malso.
“This is why I missed you so damn much!” he exclaimed. “You don’t get that a lot around here. People don’t know how to laugh as much.”
The serving girl arrived at the table with glasses and a bottle of Whilstrum brandy. She placed the glasses down and began to pour when Simeon reached out and grabbed her by the arm. He yanked her down to him, the liquor sloshing onto her dress.
“What in the hell took you so long?” he asked. His grip tightening on her arm and her, unable to meet his glaring eyes, looked about the room for help. Her eyes found Malso. His eyes were on Simeon. The owner made to come over but Colbern’s men stepped out in front of him and kept him at bay.
“I—I was in the back when I found out what you needed,” her words jumbled as if a sob was to come upon her.
“This is the second time I’ve had to tell you about taking your sweet ass time with me,” Simeon growled. He grabbed her by the face and forced her to eye level. His tone changed, soft and consoling. “Remember the last time we had this little problem? Show me that smile, come on.”
The girl’s lips twitched with uncertainly but she obliged and smiled. She had a beautiful smile, save for the two missing teeth on her upper right side.
Simeon threw her to the floor and came out of the chair unbuttoning his coat. “We’re not gonna have this problem again.” He tossed his coat upon the table and began to yank his suspenders off.
The girl started scooting backwards on the floor shaking her head. “No, no, I’ll get it on time. I promise.”
Simeon nodded his head. “You damn right you will.” He took hold of his suspenders and reared back his arm. The girl screamed and tried to scramble away, but Simeon caught her leg and pulled her away. He caught her in the face with a right and a swipe across the face with the suspenders to follow. “I’ve told you one too many ****ing times, you hear!” He rapped her across the face with the suspenders as she struggled to get away. Colbern’s goons were blocking any chance of her escaping.
“I’ll come on time!” she cried, shielding her face as another blow whipped against her arms. “Please!”
Lars reached for his pistol and started to rise, but Malso pulled him back down into his seat before anyone took notice. He whirled on Malso, who stared back at him, his hand tight against Lars’ coat. The remaining patrons in the restaurant looked at this as a good a time as any to finish their meals and made to exit. A gunshot sent them all cowering to the floor.
Simeon slowly drew his hand from the air and let his arm fall back to his side. He looked around the room while tapping the pistol against his thigh.
“Where do you folks think you’re going?” he asked the room. “Are you done eating? I still see some damn food on that plate. Everybody sit the f**ck back down. Enjoy your supper.”
The owner ushered everyone back to their seats, often stealing glances at the serving girl cowering on the floor. Simeon holstered his pistol and flicked his nose.
“Now where were we?” turning his attention back to the girl with a kick to her face. She was well bloodied now, flecks of it mingled with spit flew with each strike Simeon delivered. Her screams and pleas for relief were answered when Simeon came up at last and began to pull on his suspenders once more. He looked down on the girl and with a wave of his arm, his men pulled her to her feet. She couldn’t very well stand and collapsed to the floor in tears. The owner came over and helped her to her feet again. They started for the back.
“Excuse me,” Simeon said as he sat back down. “Where do you think you’re going? There’s still customers in this place that need to be served.”
The owner put a hand on the girl. “I’ll finish up the people here.”
Simeon shook his head. “Is that how you wanna run your business, taking over the slack of shitty workers?” He returned. “She started, she’s gonna finish.”
The owner nodded and led the serving girl to the rest of the patrons. Simeon put a hand up.
“Woah hold up,” he said. He gestured to his table. “She hasn’t even finished pouring our drinks yet.”
The girl bowed her head and shuffled back over to their table. She started to reach for the downed bottle of Whilstrum, but thought better of it and hurried to bring a new one from the counter. Her hands trembled as she poured, but she dared not spill a drop. Minutes before, Malso had sat admiring the lovely girl. He looked at her now as she poured his drink, the whelps bled in places, her face was lumpy and discolored, and eyes were black pits.
“That’s enough,” he said gently. She jumped. A drop of the brandy slipped over the slide of the bottle. Her eyes grew wide. Malso caught it with his finger. “That’ll be all. Thank you.”
He smiled up at her and for a moment her broken lips threatened one of return. Simeon pulled his jacket from the table and she hurried off. She was missing half a tooth.
Simeon brought out a pack of cigarettes and passed one to Malso. He lit it for him and both men let the smoke fill the air.
“What’s the story here?” Malso asked.
Simeon sighed. “Same old business with the Terragotto,” he began, “but we’ve got these Sally gangs and their knock-off sand dust. So we’ve been fighting both the Terragotto and the Sallies, some of who are allying with the Terragotto against us. They’re all a bunch of rock eaters, but they aren’t the problem. Couple months back there was a falling out with me and one of my lieutenants. He didn’t like the way I was running things around here. Pretty much said he could do it better. I would’ve killed ‘em right there but he’s been with me a long time and I’m fooking his little sister. He had some balls though. So I sent him some more along with the head of the pal of his they belonged to.”
“Was this before or after he took half your men with him?” Malso inquired.
“I don’t f***king know,” Simeon replied. “It all happened so fast. One minute we’re fighting the sand sniffers, next minute we’re fighting each other.”
“That’s where our problem lies,” Lars declared. “What makes the Aduri Syndicate stronger than the other Orgs is our unity. Internal power struggles, even at a local level like this, will have us losing ground in an already defensive war.”
Simeon turned to Lars and looked as if he had only just now registered that someone else was at the table. Its then that his eyes set on the crest.
“Who the f**ck are you?”
“Citepa Lars Vikaeli is the leading Aduri in my district.” Malso stated.
Simeon looked from one to the other. “What you guys butt buddies or some shit, answering for one another and what not? He’s got a mouth, he just used it.” He turned his attention to his fellow Citepa. “Lars Vikaeli? I was in Alter City a long time. I met a lot of Vikaelis and know of a lot more. Why is it I’ve never even heard of you?”
Lars puts his arms on the table and claps his hands together. “I spent some time in the war. A lot of time. Left the east and came west. Hot blooded I ****ed around a bit. Just ask your mother how she liked it in the ass.”
Simeon took his glass and went across the table to smash it into Lars’ face, but Lars came out of his chair and pulled Simeon’s arm with him. Lars took Simeon by the head, smashed it into the table, and began raining down unrelenting punches upon the Citepa. The Colbern men in the room rushed over to help. Lars left Simeon lain over the table and grabbed the nearest chair and smashed it across the head of one of the oncoming men. He threw the broken remnants at another, catching him in the face. Lars stepped back as the last was upon him and came forward with a kick square to the chest sending him flying over the table onto Simeon.
Lars surveyed the heap that was the Colbern crew. “Looks like the other guy took the better men.”
Simeon dropped from the table and reached for his piece, but Lars had his own pistol on him. Malso, having remained seated throughout the whole ordeal, rose from his chair.
“We’re holding a sit-down with the Aduri offshoot tonight.” He informed the kneeling Simeon.
Lars put his gun away and Simeon slowly got to his feet, though sure to give one last distasteful look at Lars before addressing Malso.
“You setting up meets with the enemy?”
“They still call themselves Aduri,” Malso said. “As far as who they work for, well that’s yet to be decided.”
“They work for me,” Simeon insisted. “This is my territory and you can’t be making moves like this on my turf.”
“It’s on the record.” Malso said.
“By who?”
Malso gave an incline of the head. “Who do you think?”
“I don’t like this,” Simeon shook his head. “None of this. We have a sit-down and I’m blowing that traitor’s brains out. I’ll listen to ‘em talk, see what he has to say, then I’m putting a stop to this once and for all.”
The corners of Malso’s lips turned up. “That’s all we want, for this to stop.”
“Then we’re on the same page there,” Simeon replied, nodding. “I’ll get my men ready and you get yours. How many you brought with you?”
“None,” Malso said with a look to Lars. “It’s just us.” Simeon started to reply, but Malso cut in. “I’ll see you tonight.”
The meeting was being held at the Harl Weldon Hotel, something Simeon was annoyed of in the chance of a gun fight. He’d brought five men with him, none being the three from earlier in the day. The location of the sit-down was the fourth floor of the Harl Weldon. They’d need to take the elevator up. The elevator operator in his red and black uniform was a fair haired beneath his fez and freckled about his young cheeks. He smiled as they filed in.
“What floor sirs?” he asked.
“Four,” Malso answered. When they began to move he looked over at the boy. “How old are you?”
“Fourteen,” the boy answered.
“Nice job for a kid your age,” Malso said. “How old have you been working for Mr. Weldon?”
“Five years.”
Malso glanced over at Simeon, his back was facing him. “And how long have you been working in the hotel?”
“One.”
The elevator gave a ding to signify that they had arrived. Simeon turned around to Malso as the doors began to open.
“If you’re done playing guess who with the bellboy Malso, let’s get this over with.”
Simeon was the first out and Lars behind him. Malso led the rest of the lot out.
“Shit.”
They turned around to see one of Colbern’s men had gotten his coat caught against something in the elevator. Simeon shook his head.
“Get your shit together buddy.”
The big goon struggled to free his coat. “Just a minute sir.” The elevator started to close and he turned on the boy.
“Hold the damn elevator!”
“Catch the next one,” called Simeon and threw a hand up in annoyance as the doors shut. Simeon took a step in the other direction and looked down. “What gives, where’s the carpet?”
Beneath their feet was only worn hardwood, the carpet looked to have been a recent removal. To their left was a wall of paneled glass forming a broad arch from one end to the next. Down below guests milled around the foyer with a party in full swing. He tapped the glass. A few layers thick, to be sure.
Malso couldn’t help but admire the mind of Weldon and his hotels. Each one somewhat different, but always, the necessary requirements were there. The floor only held the one hall and the door to the place of their meeting. Down the way was another elevator. It was then as the clack of their shoes on the hardwood floor began that the elevator down the hall pinged.
“Don’t tell me this numbskull ran around and caught the other one that fast,” Simeon joked. “That’d be a first.”
The door opened and another group stepped into view. First out were a pair of desertborn, dark and olive skinned between them and suited. Behind them was one more traditionally dressed old Sallorman, clad in his brown and white striped robes and laced sandals. Two members of the Aduri offshoot were led by Asil.
Simeon had his gun out at the sight of him, the others in his party following suit.
“What gives here Malso?” Simeon asked. “You said only the traitors would be here. I’m not having a sit-down with some damn towel heads.”
“Put your gun down,” Malso said. “Everyone’s here to talk, and also I don’t even think any tribes in your area even wear those things.”
The door to the room opened and two male attendants came out. They paid no mind to the scene before them aside from an acknowledging smile to whomever looked at them.
“The room is ready when you’re ready sirs,” declared one.
Malso and Lars walked past Simeon and their guns to enter the room. Simeon put his gun away, but wouldn’t come in until Asil and the Sallorman went first. Colbern the last in, the attendants closed the door behind him, the pings of the elevators cut when the door shut. The room was small and lightly furnished. A round table sat in the middle of the room and under it, a large rug. Liquor was in abundance about the room, bottles lines cabinets and a select few grander brands were on the table itself.
Simeon picked up a bottle from the table. “What do they think we’re gonna party in here or something?”
“If all goes well a lot of people should leave here happy tonight,” commented Asil, though not a smile crossed his lips.
Simeon’s fingers tightened around the bottle in his hand. Malso took a seat at the table and gestured for the others to do the same.
“We came here to talk,” Malso began. He turned to the Sallorman. “Simeon tells me you and yours are trying to take control of this city”
The Sallorman shook his head, “We have no such intentions. All we want is to be treated fairly, but the Sallormen community has seen constant discrimination and abuse in this city under Colbern rule.”
“A lot of your desert people have been making noise throughout Alterus with that Vitroyos styled half-dust,” Malso said. “They also talk about discrimination and the short end of the stick. Thing is, they’re saying this as they collect on the other races and engage in wars to increase their power.”
“I cannot speak for every sandborn,” the Sallorman reasoned. “But unlike those of other races, we have no true nation. Ours is a collection of self-governing tribes who can do little to protect their people once the desert is behind them. Without proper representation in government or an Organization to champion our cause we had need to take up the mantle ourselves against such injustice.”
Malso leaned back in his chair. “What kind of injustices have been done to your people here?”
“Some time ago, a bar owner was late on his payment to the Colberns,” the Sallorman began. “As punishment a group of them kidnapped his wife and daughter and raped them repeatedly. Afterwards they robbed his establishment of all its liquor and demanded he have double by the end of the month. He didn’t. How could he when all of his alcohol was gone? They hung him and the wife from the top of their building like slaughtered pigs. The daughter went off that building not long after to join them.”
“I ****ed her.”
The Sallorman blinked back tears. “Excuse me?”
Simeon took to pouring himself a drink. “That girl you’re talking about, the daughter. Long hair, bronze skin with those freckles on her titties. I ****ed her, then my men ****ed her. Then I went to their house and made her family serve me dinner. I ****ed her on the table before her mom could finish clearing the dishes away.”
Simeon finished his story and downed the glass of brown looking right proud of himself. Asil looked to be rubbing out a mark on the table while the old Sallorman had his eyes clothes in silent prayer to whatever child of Deva the Allfather held as god for the desert. Malso and Lars shared a glance.
“Dux Nikita Vikaeli had a place for your father when we finally unseat Seeroh Colbern,” Malso said, ending the silence. “It’s a shame cancer took him. Lars, a moment.”
Malso allows Lars out first and follows behind, sure to avoid the blood on the floor. The bodies of the living were more of a bother than the four dead on the floor. The hallway had filled up with Org members in anticipation. They made room for the two of them though as the sea parted from door the glass paneled wall which now bore a number of bloody streaks and hand prints, bullet wound or two. The boys out front still had the knives in hand, their black and red uniforms a darkened mess. Lars gave Malso a nudge on the arm and passed him a cigar.
A single gunshot came out of the room. The hush fell over those in the hall as the doorknob turned. The attendants gripped their knives. The door opened and the click of his footsteps upon the hardwood was overcome by the clapping of those in the hallway when Asil emerged.
Once the Sallorman was out Lars waved his arm and the Aduri rushed into the room. The hall was empty now but for the three Aduri.
“You understand why it had to be you,” Malso asked, “and not me, his old friend, or Lars, the Vikaeli representative?”
“For the respect…and the blame.”
“House Colbern is going to seek reprisal on you and your lot on the latter,” Malso stated. “Dux Nikita is near done setting the pieces. He’ll soon make his move and seat himself once more as the rightful Kontikoff of the Aduri Syndicate. What you do in the aftermath of this will determine your place in his new world. Until then, I’ve got a plane to catch.”
A handshake in farewell, Malso and Lars made for the elevator they’d come up in. The fair haired boy was still there. So was the big goon. Malso made sure not to step in the blood.
I can't tell for sure, but who all died near the end? I didn't Simeon's name mentioned, so I'm hoping it's that prick. lol
