Chapter 53 – Business At The Table

The usual drilling noise was gone. Ren noticed it immediately.

Two possibilities, it's either the job was done or the drill had broken again.

But he already checked it just last night. It was working fine.

He climbed down the tower. Below, workers were already lined up at the tents, exchanging vouchers for food.

Tobren spotted him and walked over.

"Ren, what happened?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Ren said, a flicker of tired humor in his voice.

"Not really," Tobren said, watching him. "I just know you well enough by now. That look means something's in your head."

Ren smirked. "How's the water?"

"They're done."

"What? Already?" His voice rose, more surprise than doubt.

Tobren nodded. "Seems so. Let's eat first. We'll check it after."

They sat beneath the tents. As Ren waited for his food, his thoughts raced.

Can we finish the pump this week? Or should I buy a manual one for now?

Funds are running low. The king's coins nearly gone. And I've got guild members to pay.

Tobren noticed the way Ren's gaze drifted past the food. "Let's eat," he said quietly. "Everything's fine for now."

Ren gave him a faint smile.

The meal was simple. Grain porridge, a slice of flatbread. But it settled his nerves enough to move.

When they finished, Ren rose without wasting time. Together, they walked to the pump.

The water system functioned as intended. No leaks, no clogs. Yet something felt wrong.

Their rate of spending was falling behind the scale of what was needed.

The current pipes are far from enough.

Ren sat on a rock near the main line, elbows on his knees, fingers steepled under his chin. His mind churned.

I need a fix. Fast.

"Has the mechanics team left for Ironpeak yet?" he asked, not looking up.

Tobren shook his head. "Not yet. They're still finalizing the supply list."

"I'll take Doro. Let them take the Union wagon."

Tobren frowned. "Where are you headed?"

"Ironpeak. Maybe I can get a blacksmith… or at least better piping. And I need to collect the mining revenue."

A pause. Ren added, softer, "You coming?"

Tobren raised a brow. "Why should I?"

"In case something happens to me. At least you'll know who to talk to."

Tobren sighed, brushing dirt from his pants. His voice softened a notch. "Alright. Let me check in with the group leads first."

"Good. Meet me at the tower. I'll grab some stones and plan the Ironpeak visit."

As Tobren headed off, Ren packed quickly. One palm-sized stone, one quarter palm-size stone, the map, satchel.

They could travel light now, with the tunnel.

***

No bandits showed. No monsters.

The tunnel held steady, as it always did.

They reached Ironpeak without issue. The city rose out of the dust and rock, smoke curling from its chimneys, noise carrying faint on the wind.

Tobren glanced around, unimpressed. "I've seen bigger."

Ren just smiled. "We're not here for the view."

They made for the Ashborn Guild. Inside, the air smelled of sweat, leather, and ink. But the counter was manned by someone he didn't know, not Annie.

Ren approached. "Where's Annie?"

"She's on leave. Family vacation."

Ren raised a brow. "With her whole family?"

"Yes," the receptionist said, patient but distracted. "Can I help with something?"

"Just tell the Guild Master, Ren is here."

Moments later, they were called in.

Garran stood to greet him. "Ren."

"Garran. How've you been?"

Garran's gaze flicked to Tobren, curious. "All good. And who's this?"

"This is Tobren. He leads when I'm away."

Garran shook his hand, firm. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Tobren said. "I'm from the Wasteland."

Garran chuckled. "Must be tough working with this one. He's intense."

Tobren smirked. "He's organized. Makes life easier, not harder."

The warmth faded slightly as Garran lowered his voice. "You felt it, didn't you? Three days ago, that shockwave."

Ren and Tobren exchanged a glance.

"Yeah," Tobren said first. "But it wasn't from our side."

"Then it came from further east," Garran said grimly. "That kind of power… even the Top Four couldn't have stopped it."

"Top Four?" Ren echoed.

Garran nodded. "Serap, the Best Magician Alive. Ashton Reive, the Blade-Saint. Bjorn Stonebird, the Bear of the South. And Thalen Mire, the Living Grace."

Ren's brow furrowed. "So, I really don't know half of this kingdom's story yet."

"There's also the Heroes," Garran added, leaning back. "When the Watchtowers stir, it means they're summoned. The Top Four are legends. But the Heroes? They're something else entirely."

Ren let that sit for a breath.

"For now, I just wanted you to meet Tobren. If anything happens, he's in charge. And I need him to meet the Trade Union."

***

At the Trade Union gates, two guards stepped forward, spears crossed, but their expressions weren't unfriendly. Just doing their duty.

"We need to speak with Master Thomas Kehr," Ren said, voice firm but polite. "My name is Ren."

Recognition flickered in one guard's eyes. Without a word, they lowered their spears and stepped aside.

"Go ahead, Mister Ren."

As they walked through, Tobren leaned close, keeping his voice low. "That was easy. Last time they made you wait, didn't they?"

Ren gave a small, amused huff. "Maybe they like me now. Or maybe they're hoping I'll spend gold."

Tobren smirked. "Probably both."

Inside, Darik Coalborn was already waiting near the entrance hall, posture straight as ever.

"Mister Ren," Darik greeted, offering a small nod. "And guest."

"Darik," Ren said, shaking his hand. "Things running smooth?"

"For now," Darik said, with that practiced, neutral smile. "How can I help?"

"I need to see Master Thomas. It's important."

"Of course. This way."

He led them down the hall.

As they passed, workers glanced up, some nodding in recognition, others too focused on ledgers and supply crates to notice.

Thomas kehr, the man himself stood as they entered, towering and broad, his handshake warm and firm.

"Ren," Thomas greeted, his deep voice filling the space. "Good to see you. And who's this?"

"This is Tobren," Ren said. "My second, the one who keeps things from falling apart when I'm not there."

Thomas grinned, releasing Tobren's hand after a solid shake. "Then you've got a harder job than him."

Tobren gave a modest shrug. "He keeps me busy."

Ren reached into his satchel, drawing out the small stone and placing it on the desk between them. "Do you know what this is?"

Thomas picked it up, brow furrowed. "Looks like some kind of ore... but no, I don't recognize it."

"It's part of a relic," Ren said. "Power source for my detector. If it ever stops working, open it up, swap this in. It'll keep things running."

Thomas set it down carefully. "And you're just giving this to me?"

"Only for that device. Too rare to sell. But if I'm not around, I want you covered."

Thomas eyed him for a moment. "You're a strange one, Ren. But I like how you think. I doubt that's your only reason for coming?"

Ren smiled, leaning forward a little. "You know me too well. I want to talk about contracts."

That got Tomas's attention. His expression sharpening with interest.

"Go on."

"You know the water pumps used in the cities… crank-operated, manpower, heavy?"

"Of course. Ironpeak supplies parts for most of them."

"I'm working on something better, a pump that can work by itself, you just need to sit still."

Thomas said, the words slow, as if tasting them. "You're serious?"

Ren nodded. "Serious enough to offer you the rights. Exclusive. You help with everything needed. When it's done, the Trade Union controls the sales."

Thomas let out a low whistle, impressed. "You don't think small. Darik. Paper. Now."

Darik was already moving, neat and efficient, returning with parchment and ink. Thomas uncapped the pen.

"Dictate it."

Ren spoke clearly, his tone steady:

"Ren Arendra of the East, offer exclusive access to a prototype automatic water pump. The Trade Union will provide necessary blacksmithing, piping, and materials. Once completed, the Trade Union has sole sales rights. Ren cannot make similar agreements outside Ironpeak."

Thomas paused, pen hovering. "No mention of price?"

"Later," Ren said. "Right now, I want it in writing that we're working together. That's what matters."

A grin tugged at Tomas's mouth. "I respect that. Alright. Tell me what you need."

"My mechanics should arrive this afternoon with the wagon. Just make sure they're supplied. Tools, steel, whatever they ask for, within reason."

"You have my word," Thomas said.

Ren glanced at Tobren, then back at Tomas. "And the mining payment?"

"Not due yet," Thomas said. "But if you're low on funds, we can settle early."

Ren shook his head. "Not necessary. I just wanted Tobren to hear it from you. He'll handle it if I'm away."

Thomas extended his hand. "Done. And good choice, you need someone to trust."

They shook, firm, respectful.

Ren and Tobren leave the Trade Union building.