Chapter Four

On the way back, Sqweky wasn't sure where to, Sqweky assumed that it was going to be a silent trip, as it normally was, as Sqweky liked it. Silence allowed him to think, and thinking allowed him to outsmart people. So many people never stopped to think, it was both discouraging and encouraging. Discouraging that so many people were ignorant, (a pity and a waste Sqweky thought,) and encouraging to thieves, as it allowed them much easier access to the ill-gotten gains they need to survive.

Sqweky's pleasure was short-lived, though.

"Sqweky, we need to talk..." Surmas used his matter-of-fact voice, which never left room for argument.

"What?" Sqweky asked.

"Sqweky, you're a smart boy. You're good at what you do. You think everything through, and always have a plan. But..." At first, Sqweky thought Surmas was going to leave it hanging, but then he continued. "You don't question enough. And without sufficient curiosity, you cannot survive. I need to teach it to you. We need to find someplace private." And with that, he turned down an alley, lifted up a sewer cover, and jumped in. Sqweky took the ladder, for convenience if nothing else. Surmas led him a ways, farther than most sections usually allow one to, and stopped before a grate, one of those cage-grates that lets most things through, but not people. He took the middle, longest bar, and lifted up on it, twisted it a ways, and let it fall. What remained, was a space in-between two of the bars that most people could comfortably slip through. Surmas let Sqweky go in first, and then put the bars back in place when he got through. Sqweky never liked not knowing where he was headed, and right now, Surmas was the only one who did. Good thing for Surmas, that Sqweky trusted him.

Surmas squeezed ahead of Sqweky and re-took the lead. They didn't move far, though; after only one turn and fifty feet, a wooden door appeared, almost magically, right in front of them. Surmas, of course opened it up, and they let themselves in. It seemed like some sort of story, for, there was a small, comfortable room. One was standing in a sewer one moment, and then in a room that seemed to belong in a cabin in the woods. Chairs, a table, a RUG! The only thing missing was a fireplace.

"Very few people know about such places as these. There are only four that I know of in the city. And even less people who know about even one of them. Not including us. Those that do know of them don't know why they were made. But, it is estimated that they were made when the sewers were. The other thing; is that they are completely safe." Sqweky listened to the small speech almost intently. He would have been completely intent, but the surprise of this place was still with him.

Surmas, when satisfied that Sqweky was indeed paying attention, continued what he started outside: "As I was saying: You need curiosity. When I came home, you were suspicious, but didn't question me at all."

Sqweky felt the need to defend himself, and countered with: "No need."

"How so?"

"Granya."

"Oh, and what did you learn from her?"

"Randolph's work with Hammer's. Stopping his rival."

Surmas just sighed in such a way that Sqweky was wondering if Granya had been telling him the truth. "Listen, I haven't a clue what you're talking about now, but it wasn't what I was doing." Surmas looked around the room again, as if expecting someone to be there. And motioned Sqweky closer. His voice was practically a whisper, as if he didn't want ANY risk of being overheard. "Have you ever heard of a group of people known as the Keepers? Ever?" Sqweky just shook his head. Keepers? What did this have to do with anything? "Basically, they are a group of historians. They train people to become invisible and see things of importance. Things any normal person shouldn't or couldn't see. They are one of the most powerful groups in the city, but most people have never heard of them, and most never will. Many who do hear, think that they are fairy-tales, like Haunts underneath a cathedral, or Zombies in a mine."

Surmas stopped, as if expecting something from Sqweky. When it was apparent that nothing was going to happen, Surmas continued: "Well, with people with such skills, they keep strict rules to make sure that none of their kind are abusive in any way. Not many people can leave them, but a few in the past have been able to. Unfortunately, for those who leave, they are always kept a strict watch on. Occasionally, the Keepers even find 'uses' for them."

Sqweky finally had to interject. "Why? What do you mean?"

"Surmas actually looked slightly relieved, as if he had gained a small victory. "The thing is, the Keepers believe in balance, and keeping balance. But, their belief in non-interaction conflicts directly with keeping balance. So, when they feel the need to restore order, or if chaos needs to be added, they must find someone who can accomplish their needs. Do you understand?"

Sqweky nodded. Surmas wouldn't take that. "Tell me then."

So Sqweky said in his best manner: "You were one once. They had a use for you when you were gone."

"Yes." Surmas sighed. As if he didn't want to continue, but had to.

"There is much about myself that I have kept from you, too much. How old am I?"

Sqweky wasn't sure he understood, but realized Surmas wanted him to guess. "Old. Grandparent age, maybe?"

"Why do you think that?"

"White hair. Only grandparents have it."

Surmas chuckled and shook his head. "I was born with white hair. I am only thirty-one." Surmas almost laughed out loud when Sqweky's usually emotionless face lit with surprise.