Solo: Beyond the Pale (4)

I decide to follow Kivyer's directions. Maybe there is work here for a kettlewright that would keep me out of trouble for a spell. Outside the Holz Company building a burly man is trying to hand out fliers. He's eager, recommending the workers passing in and out join his union. 

Oracle: Is the Bundist having success? I think it's unlikely, 25 or under. 15. He's getting the message across.

A small group of workers are gathered to listen to him. I join them.

"The Blue Forest has been opened up to Holz. It's a treasure trove to them! How much of that profit do you expect to see?" He's fired up. A couple of younger workers, looking like they're returning from a dawn shift, are warming to it.

"You're new here, right?" the Bundist looks to me. I nod. "If you walk in there and sign up without the Bund behind you, they'll work you to the bone and pay you a pittance!"

An older man laughs. "Walk in after joining the Bund and you'll leave with nothing but a kick in the arse!"

They toss arguments back and forth. I don't need this. I slip away while the debate continues.

Before long I've found my way to the tavern. One of the newest buildings in the Shtetl. A staircase leads up to a bustling room on the upper floor. After glancing across the unfamiliar faces nursing their drinks and plates of chicken, I see Cousin Ella at a table, clearing up.

The place looks decent, popular, a success for her. I smile and approach.

"It's been too long El," I say. She turns and looks confused, like she was expecting someone else. "Berek!" She pulls me into a hug. Something's wrong.