Brendell: Rogue Thief Read online

  I sat back and drank some water before answering. “Your enemy is Kastikaan, not me. The dam they built put you in this situation. I provided you a temporary solution to your problem. Now I can provide a more permanent one. Or you can do nothing and watch Houff wither and die around you. Your choice.” I immediately returned my attention to my meal.

  "What are you planning to do?” she asked after a prolonged silence.

  "Remove the dam, of course."

  "How?"

  "You don't need to know."

  Her eyes darkened briefly. “Do you need assistance?” she asked after another pause.

  "No. Best I do this myself.” Especially if my plan doesn't work. Then I sighed and sat back. “If I succeed, I won't be coming back for quite some time."

  She favored me with a slight smile. “I thought as much. Your debt to me would be more than fully repaid if you do."

  Perhaps. But not my debt to the Assassin's Guild or Thief's Guild. “What I'll have to do will require some time. If I come back, we may have the power to completely discourage Kastikaan and the Assassin's Guild."

  "If you come back,” she whispered. “Why are you doing this, Gastinell? You owe no real allegiance to me or to Houff. I consider any debt of yours paid in full."

  "Perhaps. We're both at war, your highness. The Thief's Guild stole my life, the Assassin's Guild stole my name. I want them back. You've helped me get what I want. Now I'll help you get what we both want.” Then I shrugged. “Or you can say no and I'll go on my way.” I rose. “You can give me your answer in the morning."

  "No need for that,” she said and smiled grimly. “Houff will help you as best we can. Good luck, Bourherr Gastinell."

  I paused at the door. “Brendell. My name is Brendell.” And I am going to get it back!

  "Here is your sulfur.” The pharmacologist set the bag on the counter. “Three lead coins."

  "Excellent.” I dutifully counted out the coins and handed them to the Kastikaan merchant. “Thank you for your prompt service."

  "That is quite a supply. That would last most of my customers a full year."

  I shrugged. “I have a great problem with insects in my fruit cellar during the winter. I find that burning it helps keep them away."

  He said nothing else and I left whistling to hoist the bag on the back of my horse. He was probably just grateful to have a customer and only wanted to chat, not pry, I decided. Being a lumbering town, Kastikaan was a slumbering town in the winter. Only one inn remained open and the presence of the Assassin's Guild was drastically curtailed. I had been stopped when entering, but whether due to my alibi or the weather, the Guild guard quickly let me continue. So I did, to three different merchants for the three ingredients used in Baron Vinci's recipe for fire salt. Then it was directly out of Kastikaan and east toward the lumber camp.

  That wasn't entirely closed. They would still do some logging in the winter, but with the river frozen and the main roads snow-covered, felled trees would just be left to harvest later. The real work was probably getting the equipment ready for spring. I noticed lights and smoke rising from the chimney of the cookhouse and I wondered briefly if I should stop and perhaps cadge another meal from the friendly head cook, but quickly changed my mind. I wanted to get this done as quickly as possible because the Assassin's Guild would soon be after me.

  So I continued east, my horse protesting constantly as we made our slow way along the frozen river until we reached the dam. It was open now; Fess had told me the river was only blocked off for several months. Which was sufficient to once again nearly destroy their crops. I had already pitched a tent and went directly there. It wasn't much of a tent, more a windbreak that blocked the wind but not the cold. I already had four empty casks waiting. I secured my horse, then opened the sacks and started mixing.

  The instructions weren't complicated and I was trained in making and blending paints for counterfeiting, so getting the right proportions for Ensten's/Vinci's fire salt was no problem. I had practiced while in Houff, but never with quantities this large. Within the hour I had the four casks filled, plus some powder left to ignite them.

  One more thing to do. I led my mount up the gently rising slope to the natural basin above. There were no barges on the small lake now. It and the section of rapids beyond were ice-covered. I had debated setting my fire salt here, then determined there would be more damage wrought at the base of the wall. I tied my mount to a tree, then walked a good distance into the woods before returning, careful to step in my own tracks. I did such side trips several more times as I led my horse up along the rapids to the level section above. The Assassin's Guild was going to be after me and they were going to be very determined, so anything I could do to distract them—such as laying false trails into the woods—could only help.

  But I had no intention of traveling through the forest, not immediately at least. Instead I tore the now-empty sacks of sulfur, saltpeter and charcoal into strips and tied them around my mount's hooves. Since the river was frozen over, we were taking that route. The rags would give my mount better traction and help hide our steps as I led him on the ice. It would be slow going I knew, but not much worse than trying to ride through a snow-burdened forest. I tied him to a branch overhanging the river and patted his muzzle. His eyes were wide with fear and recrimination. “I know,” I tried to reassure him. “But it's the only way. I won't be gone long.” Then back for my casks and to the base of the wall.

  I had practiced this as well. The fact the river was frozen over was a benefit; the fire salt burned as easily and quickly on snow and ice as on bare ground. It was a simple matter of placing the filled casks where I assumed they would do the most good, then pouring more fire salt from each to one central point. Once lit by my torch, the strands of fire salt would burn all the way to the casks, setting those on fire. Those would catch the dam on fire and that would be that.

  Or so I thought. I ignited the fire salt and it burned merrily just as I expected. I started running up the slope, all the while watching the rapid progress of the fire. This is going to work, I was congratulating myself as the fire reached the casks.

  And then I thought the world ended. There was a sound like thunder, but louder and closer than I have ever experienced. Then it was as if a tornado had seized me. I found myself flying through the air, landing a good ten feet away in snow covered bushes. It took several minutes before I recovered. What happened? I looked back at the dam, expecting the great wooden wall to be burning.

  It wasn't there. At least most of it wasn't. Smoke and snow were rising in great plumes from the base of the wall. Only the bottommost ends of the wall remained, the rest having just disappeared like chalk erased from slate. The ice was shattered on the small lake and river and water was once again running freely down the gentle slope to the valley.

  I staggered to my feet gasping for breath. This had never happened in my tests. A pop and flash of light, yes, but nothing like this. I had watched Ensten develop his fire salt and it had burned, but nothing else. Baron Vinci never suggested this would happen either.

  But I didn't have time to ponder these unexpected results. There was absolutely no doubt the Assassin's Guild would be here shortly, so I scrambled up the slope to where my mount waited.

  The poor creature was terrified and it took all my attention to untie him and begin leading him up the river. I was relieved that the mountains that surrounded us were not heavily burdened with snow. That roar caused by the erupting fire salt would surely have caused an avalanche.

  Leading a terrified animal up a frozen river was slow going, as I knew it would be. But I continued until night began to fall, stopping only long enough to wrap rags around my shoes for better traction. Only when it was dark did I finally leave the river for the forest. Even then I eschewed a fire, instead wrapping myself in heavy blankets and tried to get some sleep.

  But it wasn't just the cold that kept me awake. I had planned to destroy the dam, but I never expected to be so succe
ssful. This isn't the first time your plans have gone astray, Brendell, I reminded myself. The merchant Greymark, destroyed by my actions. The mad genius Ensten, hunted down by the Guilds after I revealed his secrets. Meriz UllMerr, Lord Bandikane, even, to some extent, my own father. And now I had surely brought about the possible destruction of Houff ... and my own. Enough, I scolded myself. You know what you have to do now.

  Which was simply to break into the Guild Archives. It was not a comforting thought.

  Mohantasset

  I didn't reach Mohantasset until late spring. Monhasset, capital and largest city in the kingdom of Surkarii. Trading and shipping center of the entire region. Every Guild had its headquarters here and I now found myself standing before the impressive edifice housing the Thief's Guild. A statue of Braznell, the founder of the Guild, stood proudly outside the entrance. At an earlier time, just hearing his name had filled me with awe. Now it merely symbolized betrayal.

  I walked across the crowded street to an inn and found a seat near the window so I could study the headquarters in comfort. Somewhere within were the Guild archives. Actually all regional offices had archives, where items both valuable and profane were held. The most valuable or dangerous, however, were kept here. Including the Dragon Clause, the contract I had stolen from Lord Bandikane. The contract which gave the holder total control over the evil dragon Madnizaroc. To save Houff, and myself, I had to regain that contract.

  I sipped some root tea and sighed. I didn't know where it would be. Didn't know even if the Guild still possessed it despite my warnings. They were not above selling such items to the highest bidder. And I had to break into Guild headquarters, something much more difficult than robbing a small district office. I finished my modest meal quickly. Time to find a room and begin my surveillance.

  My accommodations were well-appointed, which was a refreshing change. I had spent most of my journey from Kastikaan living off the land, only twice staying briefly at friendly farmholds. When I finally reached the nearest port, my beard was fully grown, my clothing ragged. I retained the beard but replaced everything else from money obtained by some judicious thievery. Just a coin or jewel here and there, not enough to catch the attention of the Assassin's or Thief's Guild. I arranged passage on one ship by trading transport for deck hand, not the most enjoyable way to travel but the least conspicuous. Then overland to another port, another ship, making my slow way northwest to Mohantasset. In all that time I had no contact with Houff, heard nothing about what repercussions my destruction of the dam had wrought.

  That was the frustrating part. My efforts to protect Houff may already be in vain, but I couldn't know until I finally returned. If I finally returned. I should have brought a magical tether, I scolded myself. Attached it to a note or something so Pipo Fess would know I was doing everything I could on her behalf. Or the birds Ensten had used to communicate with Baron Vincin. I could only hope Pipo Fess could prevail until I was ready.

  I had dinner at the same inn. The streets of Mohantasset remained lit and crowded long through the evening. I noticed that every room within the Thief's Guild headquarters remained lit as well. That didn't necessarily mean every room was occupied, as a lit room could prove a deterrent to inexperienced thieves. But there was a slow and steady stream of people in and out of the building long after sunset. Most I assumed were successful thieves reporting in after fulfilling a contract or the occasional customer hiring the Guild.

  After the inn closed, I spent an hour walking the streets around the headquarters. The buildings were packed solidly together with only narrow alleys between each to allow deliveries in the rear. I noticed guards patrolling the Guild rooftop as well as stationed near the entrance. If they were in the front, more were probably in the rear. Not impossible to avoid, but a consideration nonetheless. When I finally returned to my room, the streets were emptying and a light rain was beginning to fall.

  Still I was satisfied. That many guards meant the true treasures of the Guild Archives were stored there, not somewhere else. There would be no such reason for so many guards otherwise. Of course it also meant guards would be inside. But then the Guild had taught me how to avoid guards. I was going to make them regret that.

  The following morning found me once again standing outside the Guild headquarters. Today I was clad in the rich robes and adornments that would befit a wealthy baron. My head and beard were shaved, my body anointed with aromatic oils. All that I was lacking was an entourage, but that could not be helped. I walked to the massive door and took a deep breath. If anyone recognized me...

  I forced the thought aside. The appearance and promise of wealth was still the most effective means of deflecting suspicion. I opened the door and entered.

  The Guild headquarters was as well-appointed as any castle or manor. Marble floors and columns, rich tapestries on the walls, gold and silver statuary resting on hand-carved tables, ornate vases filled with fresh flowers. Everything was designed to convince prospective clients that the Guild was always successful in its contracts, and I wondered how many of these items had been stolen and purchased by the Guild at a mere percentage of their true value. There was an attractive young woman seated behind a desk at the end of the hall. I approached her as if such a duty was unworthy of me. “I am Regent Horis Tykonnu. I need to speak to whoever is in charge immediately,” I said to her welcoming smile.

  "Good morning, Master Tykonnu,” she said warmly.

  "Regent."

  Her smile quivered. “Regent Tykonnu. How may we help you?"

  "I need to speak to the man in charge immediately."

  "The Guild master is very busy at the moment,” she said after a pause. “Perhaps if you would tell me why you are here, I could direct you to someone else who can assist you."

  I straightened myself and glared at her. “My intentions are none of your affair. I have traveled a long way at great inconvenience and expense to Mohantasset. I do not have the time to waste talking to underlings. Summon the person in charge immediately!"

  "Sir,” she pointed down the hall, where others were sitting patiently for their own appointments, “as you can see, others arrived before you did. If you would just take a seat..."

  I slammed my fist on her desk. The sound echoed off the wood and marble and caught everyone's attention. “I wait for no one! I am Regent Horis Tykonnu. Tell your master I must see him now!"

  "I will see what I can do,” she said after long consideration. “Please have a seat."

  "I will wait here."

  "If you wish.” I suppressed a smile as she reluctantly entered a side room. During my years as an apprentice, I had often dealt with the insufferable rich. It was enjoyable to play one for a change.

  After a few minutes she returned, not at all pleased. “The Guild master will see you, Regent Tykonnu."

  "Excellent!” For the first time I smiled at her. “For your efforts,” and I dropped several lead coins on her desk before entering the office she had just left.

  The Guild master was waiting at the door when I entered. “Regent Tykonnu. I am delighted to meet you,” and he held out his hand.

  "As well you should be,” I said, ignoring it. Instead I took a seat at his desk. “Let us get down to business. My ship leaves this afternoon."

  The Guild master's smile never wavered, he being long accustomed to dealing with surly clients. “As you wish.” He sat behind his desk and picked up a quill. On his desk was a standard contract waiting to be filled out and signed. “What item are you interested in us procuring for you?"

  "I have been told it has already been procured."

  He frowned. “I don't understand."

  "I wish to purchase the Disk of Gnarunia. I have been told it is in your possession."

  He set down his quill. “I wouldn't know. Why would you think we own it?"

  I pretended to be controlling my anger. “I have spent many years searching for the Disk. I know it was once owned by the magician Coberan, then obtained for the mercha
nt Greymark by one of your members. After that, the Disk appears to have disappeared. I have been told by others, however, that your Guild purchases certain items of interest. I am here to buy it."

  The Guild master sat back. “It is true we occasionally purchase items acquired by our members. However, I cannot be expected to know of everything we may have stored in our archives."

  I leaned forward. “Then bring me someone who can."

  He forced a smile. “Regent Tykonnu, you must understand that what you are requesting is highly unusual. The Guild must value the privacy of both its members and its clients."

  "Your protocols are no concern of mine.” I pulled out my purse and set forty gold coins on his desk. I had lifted the purse earlier that morning from a rich traveling merchant while he was enjoying breakfast. “If you have the Disk, I will pay you fairly for it. Plus,” and I set ten more coins on a separate pile, “extra for your assistance."

  Although he tried to remain calm, I noticed sweat forming on his forehead. He took the ten coins and put them in his pocket. “I will arrange to have an archivist meet you. Please wait; I shall return shortly."

  After he left, I took the remaining coins and returned them to my stolen purse. I would have other uses for them later since I had no intention of purchasing the Disk. After a short wait, the Guild master returned with another in tow. “I've made arrangements, Regent. Chistano here will take you to the Archivist."

  Excellent. “Then perhaps we can do business. You,” I pointed at the aide, “lead the way."

  I followed my guide silently down the hall and into the cellars below. I noticed a few of the patrolling guards study me with surprise and suspicion, but the presence of Chistano got us swift passage. I pretended to be bored but I was far from it as we made our way through the twisting stone corridors. Light was provided by torches on the wall. Doors leading to side rooms were frequent—and locked. Occasionally I heard unrecognizable sounds coming from the locked rooms. Animals or demons? I wondered. If the latter, then doubtless some of the rooms were protected by magical as well as physical locks. That was not encouraging as such locks are often individually prepared by magicians and can only be removed by the same. If the dragon clause was protected by such a lock, my task became even more difficult.