Rising Tides

A moment later, Alger lowered his hand and rose as though nothing had happened. He hurried away from the docks through the alleys, taking a route meant to shake off any pursuit or surveillance as he headed for the Wave Church.

Whether or not they intended to follow him, he planned to use the church to eliminate that risk. Compared with having his residence exposed and leaving himself open to an ambush at any time, letting them know he belonged to the Church of Storms was a minor problem. Besides, he had deliberately revealed that connection to Sharff long ago to make himself seem more trustworthy and sustain their trading relationship.

Meanwhile, he kept replaying the brief conversation he had just overheard, analyzing the information it contained.

There was no doubt that the Artisan Sharff had been brought under someone's control, or had simply chosen to work with them. Judging by the tone of their conversation, the latter seemed more likely...

Alger frowned. A reliable artisan was hard to find. If Sharff was merely cooperating with others, that would not affect their dealings. But it sounded as though they intended to take him away from Bayam, turning an artisan available to everyone into one who worked only for them.

And when the conversation turned to the Puppet Beyonder Characteristic Alger had mentioned to probe Sharff, the person directing Sharff had shown intense interest. They had immediately changed their mind and told Sharff to stay for now and investigate who possessed the Puppet characteristic.

The Puppet characteristic belongs to the Empress...

Still thinking, Alger entered the Wave Church, quiet now that mass had ended. Before the doors closed, he glanced back but saw no sign of a pursuer.

*Are they so short of people that keeping Sharff under control leaves no