Chapter Text
Vimes was sat in the watch house, sipping his tea when Sam knocked on the door and stepped politely in.
“Why are we helpin’ him, sarge? I mean, he hasn’t done anything for us.”
“We’re helping him, lad, because he has done something for us. Do you remember the news that came in about the cable street particulars a few days ago?”
“Yes, sarge, But- how could one man do that? It would take the whole Watch to free all those prisoners!”
“I suppose he’s just one remarkable man. Now, how’s the search going? Find anything?”
“Not yet, sarge, but I heard from one guy on the street that Lord Winder’s got a new antique item added to his collection. Could be that Blackstone you were talking about? If it is, how are we meant to get it? It’s not like we can just waltz into winder’s palace and take it!”
“Calm down, lad. Before we go making plans, we’ve gotta confirm that it’s the Stone first. Look in the newspapers, ask around, that sorta thing. I’ll ask Nobby too.”
“Alright sarge. We’ll keep looking.” And Sam turned around and went back out the door, shutting it behind him. Vimes let out a sigh, things were alright at the moment, but sooner or later things were going to go downhill.
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Arthur was too restless to sleep, so he and John decided to take a walk around the city, careful not to get stabbed in an alley. As they were wandering, John was describing the places around the city in amazing detail, it was lovely how even the worst places seem beautiful when described by John.
High above them, crouched on the rooftops, was Vetanari. Silently watching as the strange man below him talked and laughed to himself, his shining yellow eyes catching the street lights and seeming almost to glow. Vetanari watched for a moment longer before creeping away.
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“Oh Vetanari, how long have you been there?” Lady Meserole startled as she saw her nephew step out of the shadows, a trick he had no doubt been utilising often.
“Long enough. I was observing that man Keel, but another man caught my eye. He appears to have dealings with Keel, and I have reason to believe he was the reason Captain Swing was murdered. He is quite interesting; he talks to himself as if there is another person with him, but I can never see such presence. I think he could be our way to convince Keel to work for us.”
“Interesting observations, Vetanari, find out where he is lodged and bring him here. I would like to meet with him. Possibly he could be our ‘Plan B’ of sorts.”
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Arthur was just drifting off to sleep when John started violently shaking him. He startled and sat up, waiting for John to tell him what was wrong.
“Wha- John- what's-”
“Arthur! Arthur! Theres a man in the room- I think he wants-” Before John could continue, Arthur suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head, blooming from where a blow had hit him, and he scrambled to get a good hit on the attacker. As he swung his arms in the direction John said, he felt a fist collide with his head, and it all went black.
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John’s voice slowly emerged from the void of unconsciousness, and Arthur groaned. God his head hurt...
“Arthur! Wake up goddamnit! You got knocked out and I wasn't sure what they were doing because your eyelids closed-” It was then that Arthur became aware of more voices in the room. He tried to sit upright but soon realised his hands and feet were bound to a chair. Fuck. He silently cursed himself for not being able to defend himself.
“Ah, it seems someone is awake. What's your name, then?” Arthur heard footsteps come closer, and the air shifted around him. Whoever this was, they were trying to intimidate him. Arthur scrabbled his mind for a fake name.
“W-Wallace Stevens. My name is Wallace Stevens.” Arthur blurted out, cursing himself again for the way his voice shook slightly.
“Arthur you fucking idiot.”
“Hmm. And what might be wrong with your eyes?” Fuck.
“M-my eyes? Nothing.”
“Arthur, do NOT tell them anything!”
“Well, I for one, have never seen eyes like yours.” Another step closer. Arthur knew they were looking him over.
“Maybe you just haven't seen it all.” Another hum.
“I suppose you're right. Now, what do you know about Keel?” The question caught Arthur off guard, why would these people want to know about Keel?
“Nothing. Never heard the name.” Arthur turned over all the reasons why someone might be interested in Keel. Nothing jumped out, unless they knew about that monk in the cell.... but they couldn’t have, because time was frozen for everyone else. Curiosity fought to overtake his reason. He could ask Keel later, no need to reveal their dealings just yet.
“Is that so? Well, one of my associates saw you talking to Keel earlier. Why is that?”
“I was just reporting something to the Watch. Got robbed, you see.” The lie slipped easily from his lips, and he felt satisfaction at how easy it had become.
“The woman before us is probably around 50, though she doesn’t act like it. Her stride is confident, and she regards you with an air of importance. I wouldn’t trust anything she says. Our bag is out of our reach, on a table a few paces away. It looks like she and a couple other people were preparing to search it when you woke up. We need to stop them searching it, the things in there could be quite showing to who we are.”
“Whose side are you on? Because I have a suspicion that you're not on Lord Winders, seeing as you killed his lead unmentionable.” Eyes looked him over again.
“I don’t know much of this city’s politics, but I would say I’m not on any side.” Arthur played his cards carefully, he was trying to not get killed, here. These people were obviously important, or rich, judging by the soft laughter that leaked into the room around the door.
“Would it change your mind if I told you that Lord Winder is insane?” A loud, humourless laugh escaped him, just the sheer normality that statement held compared to all the shit he’s been through.
“No, not really. I’ve met plenty of insane people. Unless this Lord is about to end the world, I’d say that an insane leader is the least of my problems.” Arthur heard the woman step back. She laughs, a high-pitched almost cruel sound, that would sound forced if it wasn’t so loud.
“Yes, I suppose from your perspective it is an incredibly small problem. Still, would you reconsider if we did you a favour?” Arthur thought for a moment, he could join their side, and having friends in high places might be just what he needs to find the Blackstone. Even if he didn’t join, he might as well ask... And in the matter of seconds, he had made up his mind.
“Arthur... Don't you fucking dare-” Arthur didn’t even let hm finish.
“Would you happen to know what objects have entered Lord Winder’s oddities collection?”
"Jesus christ."