Nathan either got drunk on his own plan or had other strong reasons, because Bruno very quickly got everything he requested. All the ingredients he has been asking for before, and all the necessary items to produce petards. Even the saltpeter, which was quite a rare thing in those parts of the world.
More importantly, he also got the books he needed. More positions focusing on alchemy, but also the history and geography ones.
The creation of the explosives was quite a simple thing, but he prolonged it, to have more time for writing, as well as to make sure his product wont be too strong. He wanted the bombs to be more focused on rising flames, than blowing things up, which needed a bit of experimentation.
Dangerous experimentation.
After few days he was finished, and the product ended up in Nathan's hands. Later that day Bruno went back to the harbor, to watch the stars after nightfall. After a couple of minutes, he heard footsteps on the pier. He didn't have to look over the shoulder to know who it was.
- Nathan just send few boys to burn the hideouts of the three competing crews - Viki informed.
- I know. He couldn't wait to do this as soon as I gave the petards to him. I figured this would happen after the nightfall - he said, looking over his shoulder.
The city was dark, which meant the boys still didn't finish their jobs.
- So... What now?
- I'm not sure - said Bruno with a completely calm voice. - How much do you know about the history of Blackrock?
- Nothing - she shrugged her shoulders.
- A bit over fifteen years ago this city was still belonging to the Hanza kingdom, but it was always a strange place since the swamps are cutting access to the peninsula. There is a river further west that splits in two and provides the water to that part of the land. It's called Ravena.
- I heard that name before.
Bruno nodded slowly, but she didn't see that.
- You see... Everything was rather fine between Blackrock and the rest of Hanza until princes Valeria didn't get pregnant. She was the sister of the current king, Gerhard, who back then only recently became king. They are from the Werner dynasty.
- The pregnancy was the problem?
- Yes. You might not understand that, but for nobles, their lineage is very important, and the prince's lover was a peasant. Very well known and respected, but still peasant. Hugo Wagner.
- The Pirate King?
- At that time he was the commander of the third fleet. A genius that managed to reach his position despite his upbringing. He never lost a battle. The only man whom Edward Samson feared. He managed to rail up half of the kingdom's fleet and make them follow him in the biggest mutiny the world has ever seen. They committed treason and took the princess with them. Then joined forces with One-Eyed Shark - Bruno chuckled. - Quite an achievement, wasn't it?
- But what does that have to do with Blackrock?
- They came here, and convinced local nobles to rebel, just as they themselves did. Because of the swamps, an army couldn't get here by land, and with the protection from them, nobody could invade by sea either. In exchange, this place became a hub for the trade of stolen goods. Win-win.
- So... What happened to the princess? - she asked, just when a bit of light flickered at her from the distance.
Viki turned around to see a glow over the buildings in the docks. The screams from the distance also got Bruno's attention, who looked over his shoulder. Another glow appeared in a slightly different direction, and shortly also the third, indicating that Nathan's request got fulfilled.
More fire caused more ruckus, and even despite the fact that they were quite far from the incident, they could clearly hear the shouts of those who were fighting to put the flames down. Unfortunately for them, his petards were quite good at what they were supposed to do.
- She died during the labor - said Bruno, as he turned back to look at the stars - but her daughter survived. She is now a very important figure as king Gerhard can't have children, so according to the law, she is the heir to the throne. But only the Pirate King knows where she is, and I bet he will bring her back to take over the kingdom as king Gerhard finally dies.
- It's like the children's story my mom used to tell me - sadi Viki, still looking at the light. - From rags to riches.
She finally turned back, after she finished her words.
- Yeah - Bruno agreed. - Exactly that. For people like us, it might be inspiring but for the nobles, it's a disgrace, that's why the Hanza is constantly clashing with the pirates, and that brings me to the 'Blue whale'. A ship under Billy 'The Razor' Fisher's command. The man behind Nathan.
- So what now? Are you gonna talk with that man?
- There is no way for me to talk with that man V, but if my product works, I'm sure he will hear of me. I just hope it will be before Nathan manages to put us all into too much trouble.
- And then what?
Bruno shrugged his shoulders.
- I'm not sure. I have no idea about the relationship between those two, but if I had to guess, I would say we will have a conversation about the potential outcomes of Nathan's actions. Maybe we will even come up with a way of resolving things. If not, I will have to find a way to leave this city.
She didn't say a thing after he finished speaking. There was a moment of silence between them.
- Let's go back. It might get dangerous - he finally spoke, as he picked himself up.
The additional source of light provided by the burning buildings, was enough for him to notice her expression. She was sad and concerned.
- Everything will be fine - he assured her. - Even if I will have to leave the city, it doesn't mean that we won't see each other when I get rich.
His statement made her smile.
- You promised me a lot of money.
- You will get it all. You will get it all...