Page 73 of A Thief to Die For

I blink. ‘What sort of competition?’

‘An archery contest. You against one of my men. The winner gets their wishes.’

I resist the urge to laugh. Archery? The skill I’ve been best in class in since I was sixteen? He must not know. Still – be smart. He’s absolutely working some angle. Although, his last contest did work out, incredibly, in my favour. I could win this.

‘I’m listening. What are the terms?’

‘If you win, I’ll take into consideration your working conditions for the Dresden.’

My eyes narrow. Consideration? ‘If you’re talking about the changes I want to improve safety in the mine, yes, I have some. And everything would have to be in writing and guaranteed. But continue.’

‘Ah, good idea. Go ahead – what are they?’

I think fast, not really prepared. ‘I’d want continued mandatory use of safety lamps. Daily structural inspections of the mine. Shift work reduced to eight hours … but on the rare occasion, no longer than ten. And those rare occasions can’t be more than twice a week.’ It hits me that this will result in a loss of wages for the Dresden. ‘And … I want better compensation for the miners. From the cattle you’ll get from our coal deal, you’ll gain incredible wealth; so twenty-five per cent of our payment in animals goes to the Dresden.’

Atlas drums his greasy fingers on the table. ‘I could agree to safety lamps and weekly inspections. No cap on working hours, but I suppose the Dresden could have twelve per cent of the cattle you give us, which will result in fewer mine hours needed to meet their obligations.’

I shake my head. ‘I thought you’d be more certain of winning.’

His eyes narrow. ‘You think I fear losing to you?’

‘I know you don’t, which is why I’m surprised your offer suggests that.’

His lip twitches.

I soften my voice. ‘You’ve always been three moves ahead, so I don’t need to tell you that aid to your people is a defensive strategy – hungry people go where they’re fed. Protected. My terms will only benefit you.’ I try again. ‘Daily inspections. And by trained supervisors who will shut down the mine in unsafe conditions. That’s non-negotiable. And twenty per cent of our payment goes to the Dresden if you give them two wells for drinking water in the Dresden Circle.’

His eyes flash dangerously. ‘Weekly inspections, but the miners can report concerns. One well in the Dresden Circle, and the Dresden get ten per cent of your payment. Keep going and my next offer will be five per cent.’

I bite my tongue.

‘Good.’ He sinks lower in his chair. ‘And if I win the contest, I want a guided tour of your settlement.’

‘No. You’re asking too much.’

He purses his lips. ‘Am I? Perhaps. I still want it, though. So if our coal-for-cattle deal is set in stone, and I won’t budge on any more changes for the Dresden or the mine, is there anything else you might want from me? Something big enough to make this contest worth it for you?’

I cast my gaze to Marian. Her eyes are wide with expectation as she gives the tiniest of nods. ‘Yes. I want to marry your daughter. Immediately, if I win.’

The Commander slowly wipes the grease off his fingers before responding. ‘Are you sure? Marriage is very serious. What happens if you change your mind?’

‘I won’t.’

He studies me. ‘I’m not just talking about a commitment. I’m talking about our deal – breaking it would be an offence punishable by death. Whoever wins must live or die by the results.’

Meaning, if he wins and I don’t take him to Kingsland, he’ll kill me.

But if I win, not only can I fix some of the terrible working conditions for the seven or eight dozen Dresden working the mine, but Marian and I are married within the hour.

She’ll be free of him. For good.

‘How does the competition work?’

He smiles, pleased. ‘Three rounds. And the arrows will be shot at targets with increasing difficulty. Do you accept?’

Something in me knows I need to be cautious. ‘I use my own bow and arrows, although I’m not limited to that.’ What else? ‘Distances are standard – we start at fifty yards and work up.’

Levi stares at me, concern leaking from his pores. He’s worried I’ll expose Kingsland.