“You are to put them out of business. They will run out of parabata leaves and will be unable to make more ink. Rumor will be spread that no additional ink supplies will be available in Justain. You will steal the remainder of the processed drug and hand it over to the Diamond Claws. They will sell the drug to those who are already addicted, while enforcing a systematic rationing. None will be hoarded.”

Adsden looked at the Raven in confusion. “What is the point in that?”

“You should know that long-term addicts cannot simply stop inking. The withdrawals can be deadly. If the people know they will be receiving no more, they will have to wean themselves from it. If they choose not to, they will suffer the consequences for their own folly.”

The Guildmaster ran a hand over his face. “Okay, I understand, but that is a hefty profit from the sale. Why the Diamond Claws? Especially since we will be doing the dangerous work of stealing it.”

“The Diamond Claws are better suited for brute enforcement. Besides, you will be busy with other tasks. The two guilds will split the profits from the sales. I will ensure the split is fair,” Rezkin said.

“What about the Wolf Pack?” the swordsman said from the doorway.

The Raven grinned with unparalleled cunning alight in his eyes. It was an unnatural, feral grin and more frightening than the man’s former cold stoicism. Adsden nearly groaned at its masculine beauty. “Surely two unified guilds can work together to undermine a third. The Serpents and Diamond Claws will make it clear that the Wolves will either concede to my authority or they will be crushed between you. Absorb their personnel if you like, but leave no question as to who is in charge.”

The swordsman smiled in return, although his was one of genuine excitement. “We can do that.” Adsden knew his guild mate harbored no love for the Wolf Pack. Neither did the rest of the guild, for that matter. This was one task they would undertake with satisfaction.

The new guildmaster looked down at the lists in his hand and swallowed tightly. “This is all very complex, and some of these targets are nearly impossible,” he said. The undertaking was ambitious and intricate, and Adsden could not even speculate as to the overall plan.

“Then you had better be up for the challenge,” the Raven replied.

Chapter 7

Rezkin left the Serpents’ Guildhouse with Benni close on his heels. The young man was clearly shaken but could not contain his excitement. “Am I really gonna train with Adsden? I mean Guildmaster Adsden? He’s a legend!” Rezkin glanced at the young man with raised brow but did not reply. “So … what now?” the young man inquired as he bounced along. Somehow in his excitement, it seemed, Benni had forgotten his fear of the Master.