[ IP ] Hidden Harbour by Max Hugo

`` Only someone who has been there before can guide you in.'' The ratty little man sucked at his teeth while reaching forward to move a blue token on the board, “ and I've been there. ” The token was now only two spaces from the white tower. 
 
 “ Of course you have. ” Greiger eyed the board, “ so has everyone here and their mothers. ” He touched one of the red tokens, but did n't move it, as he eyed the little man across from him. Sizing anyone up in a place like this was either impossible or pointless, they either belonged or did n't, and the little man definitely belonged. He kept his right hand under the table while his odd green eyes never seemed to rest in one place for longer than a second. Except for now, as they rested on the red token that stayed alongside the black bridge. 
 
 His eyes began to move about once more, “ but I can do it for cheaper, and I won ’ t need a return trip; go where you will afterwards. ” He moved the blue token one space closer without even glancing at the board. 
 
 Greiger saw one of his men look through the door at him, he tried to nod without letting the little man across from him know, just a lowering of his head as he reached forward to touch the same red token. “ How cheap is that, exactly? ” 
 
 The little man looked to the pile of coins in the bowl next to the board, “ say, a hundred eighty bits. Anyone else would demand, *demand*, at least two hundred. ” He pushed the token next to the tower. 
 
 “ One sixty. ” Greiger moved the token on top of the bridge. Looking back through the door revealed that his man was now gone. 
 
 The blue token was moved to the top of the tower as the man said “ a hundred seventy. ” 
 
 Greiger smiled as he began turning the red tokens upside down, “ looks like you win. ” He counted the coins in the bowl and removed three of them. “ If we leave now we should get to my boat in time for it to be ready to leave, unless you need to gather belongings? ” A shake of the little man ’ s head was all Greiger needed before he stood up. “ Then let us be on our way, ” he held his right hand out, ” my name is Greiger. ” 
 
 The little man glanced at his hand before grasping it, revealing that he was missing the last two fingers on his right hand, “ Lkaro. ” 
 
 A glance at the bowl showed it was empty. The little man had swift fingers, best to keep an eye out for mischief and warn the others. They both stood and gathered the cloaks they had been sitting on. On the way to the door, Greiger dropped a five bit coin on the Pub Master ’ s table with a smile, “ thank you for the seat out of the cold. ” The master mumbled something incoherent. 
 
 They left the pub, with cloaks now shielding them from fog and cold, and wound their way through the well-lit streets, only taking a few moments before being in sight of the wharves. Several boats were about, but only one had the red sails. “ The red is mine. ” 
 
 Lkaro stared wide-eyed at Greiger, “ who are you? ” 

