Brendell: Rogue Thief Page 19

  I should have felt the same, but I knew better. The Assassin's Guild may have been assuaged, but not the Thief's Guild. Sooner than later, they would send someone to investigate. And unlike the Assassin's Guild, they would not be dissuaded by a dragon or demon army. I knew I would have to leave Houff one more time. So one morning after breakfast, I made my way to Fess’ manor.

  I found her in fine form. She was in her study, plucking a jaunty tune on a harp. I politely sat and listened until she finished, then applauded. “Very nice. Perhaps Cordita could have you entertain at her inn some evening."

  She blushed. “I only play for my own enjoyment. What brings you here, Brendell?"

  "Our troubles are not over, you know."

  She sighed and pushed the instrument aside. “I know. But couldn't you mention that on a more appropriate day? The sun is shining, the butterflies are everywhere. This is the Houff I grew up in. We used to be a happy land and happy people."

  "And you will be again. When we're finished."

  "So what is our problem this time?"

  "My Guild. It is a point of honor among them, as well as good business practice, to punish unlicensed thievery. Now that the siege is over, I strongly suspect they will be turning their attention on us."

  She pushed a stray strand of hair aside while sighing. “And what do we do about that?"

  "All you can do is be alert, be suspicious of any strangers. Move your valuables to other locations. I can give you advice on that, but believe me when I tell you that they can make things very uncomfortable no matter what you do. You won't be able to stop them, but I might be able to."

  She smiled sadly. “Let me guess; you'll be leaving us again."

  "I'm afraid so."

  "Are you going to tell me what you're planning? For a change?"

  "Basically, I have to break the power of the Guilds."

  I rested in my bed and watched a spider make its slow progress across the ceiling. One kingdom taking on the power of the Guilds; one man taking on the power of the Guilds. Ridiculous, and Pipo Fess had said as much before I left Houff. “This isn't necessary. We can't declare war on the Guilds and win. We've come to an agreement with the Assassin's Guild; what more do we need?"

  It's what I need. “We can stop the Thief's Guild as well. If you'll let me."

  We were in her study, and she sat back in her chair and studied me. “This really doesn't have anything to do with us, does it?"

  "I admit I hold a personal vendetta against my former Guild. But you are a target as well. I'm helping both of us."

  "Just don't confuse the two."

  "I won't. What I'm doing will protect you."

  "So be it.” She rose. “I have much to do, so I must bid you leave. Your supplies will be ready in the morning."

  Three days later I was relaxing in this Trevis Harbor inn. I turned my attention from the spider to the Far Glass sitting beside me on the bed. An excellent copy of Ensten's original creation but with an interesting addition: a spell, courtesy of Fess, which made it unusable without the proper incantation. This would prevent others from copying it, a simple feat otherwise. Such a modest device, I mused as I rolled it in my hand, yet also dangerous. It had led to the death of Ensten, a death directly caused by my actions. I had brought it to the Guilds because I saw the potential threat it presented. My Guild and the Assassin's Guild in particular had felt the same, and their votes and arguments had swayed the other Guilds during a council meeting. Thus Ensten had to die. Now I was trying to garner support and protection from several of the Guilds against Houff's enemies ... and mine. My hope was that the renamed Far Glass would help do that.

  So the next morning I was the first one on the ship bound for Mynosia. Mynosia did not even have a Captain's Guild office, but it was home to the Miner's Guild. I suspected they would have no interest in the Far Glass. But I did have something else they might find useful.

  As soon as we left port, I found an excuse to meet with the ship's captain. “Is there a problem with your quarters. Mister Bourherr?” he asked me brusquely when I entered his stateroom at the appointed time. “If so, you should take that up with the steward, not me."

  "Not at all. They are quite satisfactory."

  He frowned. “Than what is it?"

  If I could have claimed Guild membership, our meeting would be more cordial. So I wasted no time. “I am a traveling merchant. I was recently in Houff and discovered a device that I believe you might find interesting."

  "I am not familiar with Houff and I certainly have no time to look at trinkets. Now if you'll excuse me..."

  He began to rise so I put the Far Glass on his desk. “No bauble I assure you. Instead, this is a device they call the Long Eye. I am confident you would find quite useful."

  He picked up the simple brass tube and studied it. “Long Eye you call this. And just what is it for?"

  "Just look through the end.” He complied. He reacted just as I expected. First surprise, then suspicion. He set it down to ensure I hadn't moved closer, then looked through it again. I smiled as he placed it carefully on his desk, then stared at me. “Interesting, isn't it?"

  "Very.” He ran his fingers across the brass tube. “You say you got this where?"

  "From Houff. They invented it. I suspected the Captain's Guild would be very interested in it."

  "Yes,” he said softly, his gaze once again on my gift. “This would be very helpful."

  "Keep that with my compliments,” I said, rising. “Introduce it to your Guild. Houff will be delighted to provide more at a reasonable fee.” I started toward the door, then paused. “Just so you know, there is a spell applied that will render the Long Eye useless if anyone endeavors to uncover its secret. They will even attune the Long Eye to each Guild member if desired. At a reasonable fee, of course."

  He nodded, his attention still focused on the tool. “I will bring this to the attention of my Guild as soon as possible."

  "Thank you.” I left him still studying the inspired invention of Ensten. The Captain's Guild had bowed to the will of the other Guilds once; my hopes for Houff depended upon them not doing so again.

  I was able to relax the remainder of the voyage to Mynosia. In fact, I was quite satisfied with myself and feeling very confident when we finally arrived. Which turned out to be a mistake.

  It was my own fault. I had been taught never to let my guard down, to be suspicious of everything and everyone. Even the best-laid plans and so on and so on. So I had allowed myself to become careless when I left the ship and started down the crowded street leading to the heart of the city. I was being jostled constantly—an advantage if I were in the mind to lift some purses—and I found myself constantly sidestepping approaching pedestrians or dodging coaches and wares piled on the sidewalk.

  Thus completely distracted, I didn't notice the three men in uniform walking straight for me. I did notice, however, the pointed object that suddenly was pressed against my side. “Be still, Brendell,” a harsh voice whispered in my ear. “Don't make a sound."

  The sudden chill engulfing me had nothing to do with the knife. Someone knows who I am. “What is this?” I asked the unseen voice. “Who are..."

  A sharp jab in my ribs stopped the rest of my protest. “Do what I say or die."

  No arguing with that. I stood still as people continued to walk unmindful by me. I couldn't even turn to see who was threatening me. But I couldn't miss the three men who walked up to me.

  I didn't recognize their uniforms, but there was little doubt they were the Mynosian police. “This is the man?” one asked.

  "Yes.” My attacker stepped beside me. I studied him out of the corner of my eye, but I didn't recognize him. I could only presume he had been following me for quite some time, probably since I had left Houff. He had to be employed by the Thief's or the Assassin's Guild. “Yes, commander. His name is Brendell. He is a former member of the Thief's Guild, now no longer working under our aegis."

  The commander glared at m
e. “Is he correct? Is your name Brendell?"

  I forced anger into my voice. “My name is Bourherr Gastinell. As you will see from documents in my bags. This man is mistaken. I have never heard of this Brendell."

  "This man is a professional thief,” my accuser said calmly. “Of course he would have nothing on him that would betray his true identity. He did, however, have this. Which I discovered and removed from his stateroom while aboard ship."

  I winced as he handed the commander a document, one I recognized immediately. A valid Thief contract. I needed no prognosticator to tell me whose name was on it. “I've never seen that before! This man is the thief, not I."

  So much for the truth setting me free. The commander read the document. “Just as you informed us in your letter,” he said, folding the contact and placing it in his pocket. “Mynosia owes you much this day, Peron Grimmire."

  Grimmire? My mind raced frantically between this news and my immediate predicament. Was the man related to Professor Grimmire of the Thief's Academy? Perhaps his son? If so, the highest echelon of the Thief's Guild had to be involved, which was not an encouraging thought. “I am innocent,” I said weakly.

  The commander glared at me. “We will discover that soon enough. A night in the chambers has loosened many a stubborn tongue."

  "I know nothing of what this man is talking about. I am a businessman here to see the Miner's Guild on matters most urgent."

  "He is a rogue who must be stopped at all costs,” Peron said. “For the honor of the Guild and the safety of all Mynosia.” He turned and glared at me. “This man has no conscience and is beneath contempt."

  "If I am no longer a member of the Guild, then how could I obtain a legal contract?” I pleaded with the commander as his men seized me. “That's impossible! You must know how the Guilds work."

  "He accepted a legal contract illicitly,” Peron said with a smug smile. “Fortunate we discovered his treachery before anyone could be harmed."

  "Then someone else will fulfill the contract,” I said quickly as I was being pulled away. “Whoever's name on that paper is still a Guild target!"

  "Let them try,” said the commander. “The prince will be well-protected now that we are forewarned."

  "Wise that you do so,” Peron said as I was being led away. “His benevolence is famous even in my land. I would dearly like to meet him while I am here."

  The commander smiled and shook his hand. “I'm sure that can be arranged, Master Grimmire."

  "I am humbled by the honor. You can reach me at the Cock's Crow.” Then he glared at me one more time. “You have earned your fate, Brendell. May the buzzards feast upon your bleached bones."

  "Grimmire is going to steal from the prince,” I said as the guards led me away. “I can help you stop him!"

  "We have stopped you, that's all that matters. Now quiet; save your breath for our inquisitors. They have some new devices they've been desperate to use."

  The crowds gave way as we made rapid progress down the streets, too rapid for my peace of mind. One man was on either side of me, holding one of my arms and supporting most of my weight. Fortunately they were using both hands so neither held a weapon. The commander remained several steps ahead, ignoring us as he cleared a path through the throng.

  I waited until we reached an uneven patch of sidewalk, then went limp and dropped to my knees. Both my captors lost their balance and loosened their grips. When I jumped up and flipped backwards, they lost hold of me completely. I grabbed one and threw him into the other, then turned and ran as best I could down the crowded street.

  The heavy traffic was now an advantage. My pursuers couldn't chase me any faster than I could run and they had difficulty keeping me in view. I ran by several stores but decided I couldn't hide inside one; the customers would see me and could point me out to the guards.

  Instead I ducked down an alley. It led to another main artery, but I decided not to risk it. If there were more patrolling guards, I would probably be caught. Instead I searched for a hiding place, and the balconies that stretched above me gave me one. I leaped and managed to grab the bottom decorative railing of one. I pulled myself up and wedged my right foot into the other end of the railing, then flattened myself as best I could against the bottom of the balcony. The railing, besides giving me something to hold onto, also helped hide me from searching eyes.

  It wouldn't hide me for long, of course, not if they did a thorough search. I had barely situated myself when I heard the yells from the guardsmen and, soon after, approaching footsteps. I held my breath and willed myself still as they approached. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see them run past me, hardly glancing up. They were certain I had fled to the street beyond and headed directly to it.

  As soon as they turned the corner, I climbed onto the balcony. I didn't dare go back the way I had come as other guards might be alerted and waiting, so, hoping desperately no one was inside, I opened the glass door on the balcony and entered the building.

  It led to a lady's bedroom. I went to the far door, pressed my ear against it and listened intently. No sound. It didn't mean this residence was empty, but at least I should have time to don a disguise. Fortunate, I thought as I studied the owner's closet, that I was clean-shaven. That had been hammered into us in Disguise 101 at the Academy; a false beard could easily be added, but removing a beard could be impossible if the situation was dire. This one was. I removed my jerkin and rolled up my trousers, then threw a nondescript blue dress over myself. A shawl to cover my arms and a hat would help hide my more masculine features. Then I looked at my shoes and sighed. No chance hers would fit me and mine would betray me if anyone looked closely, so I would have to dispose of this disguise and buy new clothing as soon as possible. Finally I grabbed a purse—I emptied it as I had no interest in stealing more than necessary—and I was ready for the Mynosia streets.

  I reached the outer hallway easily enough, but I stopped when I heard voices coming from below. “I've seen nothing,” I heard someone say. It has to be the guards, I realized. I might be able to fool them, but not those who lived in this building, so I returned to the lady's apartment and waited. Soon enough I heard footsteps, then a heavy knock on the door. “Who is it?” I asked in a high voice.

  "The police. We need to ask you some questions."

  "The police?” I opened the door a crack and peeked through it. Two stern guards were standing outside. “So you are.” I opened the door completely. “What do you want? I'm in a hurry."

  "Madam, we're sorry to disturb you,” one said. “Have you seen a strange man in the last half hour?"

  I frowned but kept my head bowed, not looking in their eyes. “No. What's strange about him?"

  The guard grimaced. “A criminal escaped nearby. Very dangerous. We are seeking him."

  "Most derelict of you to let a dangerous criminal escape, wouldn't you say?"

  "May we come in?” the other guard asked. “He escaped near here."

  I feigned outrage. “Just what are you saying, young man? That I, an unmarried woman, would have a man in my rooms? How dare you!"

  The second guard stepped back, embarrassed. “No, madam, not at all."

  "We're sorry to have troubled you,” the first guard said.

  "You should be.” I almost stomped my foot in supposed frustration but stopped myself. If they look at my shoes ... “Now if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment and I'm already late."

  "Of course.” They bowed and stepped back as I slowly walked out and down the hall. I imagined their eyes drilling through my back like a woodpecker as I walked daintily down the stairs and out the front door. Fortunately the presence of the guards had encouraged the residents to remain in their rooms, so I reached the streets without further problems. Only then did I allow myself to relax. I lingered on the corner and planned. Clothing first, then an inn. Then I could decide what to do about Paton Grimmire.

  My supper at the Golden Hart was delicious, and I pushed myself away from the table
with a satisfied sigh. It was expensive as well, but that mattered little as, thanks to the crowded Mynosia streets, I had amassed a full purse.

  I was now wearing the rich robes of landed gentry, with bracelets and rings and long flowing blond hair. I hadn't wanted to go to such extremes, but Grimmire had changed all that. Obviously I had been followed since leaving Houff. Someone, presumably the Assassin's Guild, had told them I was still alive. I hoped it was the Assassin's Guild; I didn't want to contemplate possible treachery from Houff.

  Careless, Brendell, I scolded myself as I enjoyed an excellent wine. I had made no effort to cover my tracks beyond my assumed identity all the way to Mynosia. Anyone could have followed me. Once I was asea, keeping track of me was even easier. Grimmire had been onboard as well, and probably sent a message to the authorities ashore by a dispatch boat before we docked. Then he merely followed and waited to spring the trap.

  Now I had two tasks to accomplish while here: meet with the Miner's Guild and extract a measure of revenge on Grimmire. The latter I vowed to accomplish that evening.

  It was nearing midnight when I entered the Cock's Crow. I had to ring the bell five times before a sleepy clerk came out from the back room. “I'm sorry,” he said and yawned, “but we have no rooms."

  I sniffed. “As if I would ever stay here. I believe you have a gentleman staying that I have come to see. Paton Grimmire."

  The young man shook his head. “I'm sorry, we respect our guests’ privacy."

  "Of course you do.” I set three gold coins on the counter. “But he is expecting me. It is most urgent I see him. Now."

  His eyes widened at the sight of the coins, his struggle with greed obvious. Then his shoulders slumped. “I'm sorry,” and he shoved the coins toward me.