Ch 42: Diversions

As I laid my cards on the table I knew he would draw his dagger on me. Luckily, I was quicker

• The Endless Gutter, Emeril Farlow

Solomon found himself riding in a two wheeled carriage with heavy curtains. James was sitting next to him and in front of them was a driver dressed in much plainer clothes than all of the butlers had been wearing. They moved swiftly through the streets, and Solomon watched as their surroundings became seedier and seedier.

James hadn’t said exactly what the plan was, and Solomon was finding himself regretting agreeing to it. Normally he’d have refused, but he’d found himself curious. Now he was worried they’d be finding themselves at some horrific brothel, or watching a dogfight.

After a few more turns they reached what appeared to be a corner pub. James climbed out first, patting his driver on the shoulder as he exited and Solomon walked closely behind. They walked up to the main door of the pub and dozens of eyes immediately moved in their direction. Men and women worn down from a long day of work were staring at them, but once they saw James they averted their eyes.

The Viscount didn’t acknowledge them as he walked forward, straight toward a large pair of doors in the back. A man was sitting in front of them on a stool, but when he noticed them he quickly opened the door and held it for them.

Solomon could hear the sounds of laughter and the clinking of coins as they walked down a series of steps. At the bottom was a brightly lit room that was so sharp a contrast with the pub above that he was concerned he’d walked through a magical portal of some kind.

The floor was covered in rich red carpet and there were a half-dozen tables filled with card games, dice, and marked sticks. Men and women cheered and jeered as they won or lost piles of silver and gold. Women in tight corsets walked around serving drinks and occasionally blowing on a pair of dice for luck, and in the corner was a bar that was far better appointed than the one in the pub above.

It was a gambling hall, and judging by the manner of dress of those within it exclusively catered to the richest merchants and nobility. Gambling was legal within Drakthiss, but not for the nobility. It was considered unseemly, and one could be punished by hefty fines for taking part in it. He’d heard rumors of places that skirted such laws, but he hadn’t expected to find himself in one.

James led the way, exchanging a few nods with some of the other men and women there before reaching the bar and holding up two fingers. The bartender poured something strong and brown into two glasses and slid them over to them.

“Not what you were expecting?” asked James with a smile. He seemed, looser, more relaxed than he’d been in his manor.

“Better. I was concerned you were taking me to a brothel.”

James laughed and patted him on the back. “The night is young.” He gestured at the tables. “Is there a game you favor?”

Solomon glanced around. He was unfamiliar with everything except for one of the card tables at which they were playing Strange Fate.

“I’m afraid I didn’t bring much coin,” he responded. He didn’t particularly wish to gamble. He found it unseemly. In his mind his coin was meant to be spent on improving his station and those of the people he had a responsibility for.

“I’ll spot you a hundred gold coins,” responded James. “If you win anything I’ll take half the winnings, and if you lose I’ll only ask for half repayment.”

Solomon frowned, seeing no way to refuse without being rude to a man who had taken him to a strange gambling hall.

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“Fair enough. I suppose I’ll try a few hands of Strange Fate at that table.”

“Good choice,” responded the Viscount, pulling a lean case from his jacket and handing it to him. It was jingling pleasantly.

Solomon took it and walked to the table. They’d just finished playing a hand and so he slid into one of the chairs. There were three others aside from the dealer. One was a merchant wearing an obscenely showy black vest with real gold buttons, another was a woman wearing a white fur stole who winked a green eye at him, and the last was a short man with a pinstripe suit and spectacles. Solomon was at the far end, next to the woman.

“Shall I deal you in?” asked the dealer. “Buy in is five gold draks.”

Solomon nodded, opening the case and sliding the coins across the table. The others followed suit, their motions more relaxed and casual. This was not an unfamiliar setting for them.

The dealer drew all of the coins into a neat pile before lifting his tarot deck and shuffling it expertly. His hands were a blur of motion and after just a moment he threw out one card to him, and then to the others, repeating the process until each of them was holding five cards in their hand.