Brendell: Rogue Thief Read online

  "And we saved you. Houff is grateful for everything you've done for us. But we can do no more for you."

  "Then I'll leave.” I tried to stand, but my legs wouldn't allow me.

  "No. To protect Houff, I had to make an agreement with them. They've been waiting here in case you returned. Madnizaroc is already notifying them. They should be here to retrieve you in minutes.” She sighed. “I do like you, Brendell. But the well-being of Houff is more important than yours. There is really nothing I can do."

  I tried to frame an answer even as I heard a din erupt outside our room. Betrayed. Again. Any influence of the wine was gone now. All I felt was cold, a freezing hand grasping me like a doll. I didn't try to move, even speak, as I heard the voices and footsteps approaching. Then the door flew open and five armed men entered. “This is Brendell?” one asked Fess.

  "It is. As you requested."

  "Excellent. The Guild will be most pleased."

  "As long as they honor our agreement.” Fess looked at me and I could see the apprehension and resignation in her eyes.

  "The Guild will honor its commitment.” He turned to his men. “Seize him. Search him. Bind him. He must not escape again."

  I hardly noticed them stripping me completely, then tying my arms behind me, manacling my ankles, putting a metal collar around my neck and a hood over my head. Everything I had done for Fess, for Houff, and I had been betrayed. What made things worse was I understood. Whatever I had done for them they had repaid in kind. Fess’ loyalty was to her people first. I couldn't blame her. But I couldn't forgive her, either.

  The men said nothing as I was half led, half carried outside, then thrown into a cart of some sort. The clang of metal convinced me I was in a locked cage. I managed to get my knees under me and tried to stand, but only got part way up when my head hit the top. Better I stayed on my knees anyway. The night was crisp and they had given me no cloak. So I huddled, trying to conserve heat as I felt us move through the cobbled streets of Houff.

  I finally fell asleep so I don't know how long we traveled when something poked me sharply in the side, waking me. The heat on my skin told me it had to be morning. I groaned loudly. “I'm cold."

  "He's alive,” someone said, not trying to hide his disappointment.

  "Good. Drag him out of there. Find something for him to wear."

  I heard the creaking of an opening door, then hands reached in and dragged me roughly outside. I fell on my knees on the ground, then rolled on my side. My legs and arms were aching from crouching all night and I groaned again as I tried to stretch my legs.

  "Stop whining, thief,” someone said and kicked me in the side. Then I was jerked to my feet and I felt something being draped across my shoulders and around my chest.

  I wasn't ready to stand but as I started to fall over, someone grabbed me. “None of that,” and I was slapped sharply across the face.

  "Can't, can't help it,” I said, tasting blood. “Need water."

  "Now he wants water!” said the man who caught me. “Captain, can't we just kill him now?"

  "No,” another voice said. “The Guild has other plans for him. Give him some water and feed him."

  "Waste of time.” Then someone ripped the hood away.

  It took my eyes a moment to adjust to the sudden light. We were in a clearing in the forest. I guessed we were beyond the borders of Houff, but I had no idea which direction we had traveled and I didn't recognize anything. Forests, after all, tend to look the same. I tried to take a step, but the sudden pressure of a blade in my back convinced me to stop. So I stood silent and observed.

  I could see four armed men; the one behind me meant there were at least five. Two were leisurely building a fire while the others were tending to the horses. We had probably ridden all night and now they planned to camp and rest for a few hours. Then I looked down at my manacled feet. A chain hung down from the collar around my neck and my hands remained bound behind my back. I could wiggle my fingers, but there was no give in the knots. My captors knew what they were doing. Unfortunately. “I have to relieve myself,” I said.

  "Go right ahead,” said the man still standing behind me.

  "My hands..."

  He laughed. “If you think I'm going to hold it for you, you're insane."

  I moved my hands. “I'll wet myself."

  "The sun is warm. You will dry soon enough."

  Try something else. “May I sit? My legs hurt."

  He grunted, then walked in front of me, grabbed the chain attached to the collar and led me to a nearby log. “Don't go anywhere. I'll get you some water."

  Not very likely, I thought as he walked away. For the first time I saw my conveyance, a small wagon with an iron cage in back. They had planned well, I had to admit. Between the cage and my bonds, I had almost no freedom of movement. Even if I had a pick, it would have been difficult to use. If I couldn't at least get my hands free, I was going wherever they wanted. I began rubbing the knots against the log, hoping the rough bark would weaken the cord.

  The guard returned shortly with a ladle and a small bucket. “Thirsty, eh? Here,” and he poured a scoop of water over my head.

  I gasped, then licked up the water dripping down my face. “Thank you."

  He pointed at the bucket resting on the ground. “More where that came from. Help yourself.” Then he threw a few apples in it. “There's your lunch.” He was laughing when he walked away.

  I squirmed off the log and sat awkwardly next to the bucket. The fruit at first resisted my efforts, but, after a thorough soaking, I managed to bite into one and pulled it out. Wedging it between my knees, I was able to eat most of it before it inevitably and irretrievably fell to the ground. My efforts caused no small amount of merriment among the guards and they began betting on whether I could capture another apple.

  Instead I rested against the log, hoping the sun would quickly dry me as the steady breeze was chilling. One thought comforted me; I would probably die of the fever caught during this trip than any rope around my neck.

  The guards’ interest in me died quickly when they realized I was no longer a source of entertainment. I leaned against the log and began rubbing my bound hands against the rough bark, but stopped after a few minutes when the guard reappeared. He pointed at the bucket. “You done?” I nodded. “Good. We'll be leaving soon,” and he grinned. “By this time tomorrow you'll be only a bad memory."

  I cursed softly as he sauntered away. I had always willingly accepted the dangers of my trade. But my death should have been at the hands of an outraged king or merchant, not those of my own Guild! I stretched my legs to get a little relief before I was thrown back in that cage. And nearly yelped in pain as my heel struck a sharp, pointed object hidden in the grass. I inched forward, thoroughly scratching and staining my bare bottom on the rough ground until I was nearly on top of it. Don't be buried too deeply, I prayed as I searched for it blindly with my tied hands. I'm sure I cut my hand when I found it, a sharp stone, not a stick. I pried it out quickly; it was small enough that I could hide it in one hand. At least if they didn't search me too thoroughly.

  They didn't. I had made my way back to my favorite log when one of the guards approached. “Stand up, Brendell."

  It wasn't easy, and I had to lean against the log to get to my feet. He just stood and watched with a smirk on his face until I was upright, then grabbed the chain and pulled me toward the wagon. I kept up as best I could because I knew he would just drag me if I fell. Then we arrived, and there was more laughter as I was pushed inside. “He must be growing grass back there,” one said and threw aside my wrap so all could see my backside.

  Other barbs followed until a stern voice yelled out, “Enough! We have to reach Kerryn's Cove by tomorrow. We'll be riding all night as it is. Get him in the cage and mount up."

  They grumbled and one slapped me across the back of my legs with a switch. I crawled forward, my meager wrap dragging behind me, and then the door clanged shut. Moments later the wagon
lurched forward and we were on our way.

  Kerryn's Cove. We were going south, I realized. At least they hadn't bothered with the hood this time, although there wasn't much to see, crouched over as I was. Two of the guards stayed behind the wagon, but I noticed none were on either side. Which made what I planned to do a bit easier. The stone I had found was relatively flat, so I was able to wedge it between two wagon floorboards. The constant rocking of the wagon was now an asset; anyone who cared to look would only assume the ride caused my constant movement, not my attempts to cut through the bonds on my wrists.

  The sun had traveled from horizon to horizon and I was covered with sweat both from the direct sunlight and my efforts when I finally felt the bonds around my wrists give way. I fought the urge to move my arms, if to do nothing more than wrap the blanket around me. Now that night was approaching, I was getting cold. But I would have to wait until it was completely dark.

  I glanced at the riders, but they were ignoring me. I would undo my ankle manacles next, I decided, then the collar. Then I would figure out how to escape from the cage.

  All my plans quickly became moot, however. We went perhaps another mile when the wagon stopped. Are they going to prepare another meal? I wondered. If so, they would surely discover I had freed my hands. Then I heard voices. I turned my head and saw another group of mounted men blocking the road. I strained, but I couldn't hear what was being said. The anger in the voices, however, was evident enough.

  Finally the band of riders approached. Their uniforms bespoke them as Assassin's Guild. And their leader ... “Algorph,” I whispered. My mind was racing with a thousand questions as the troops rode up to the wagon.

  Algorph smiled as he looked at me. “So good to see you again, Brendell. You're a hard person to find, but not impossible. Now you're coming with us."

  "No! He's our prisoner.” The voice came from the front of the wagon. The man whom I had assumed was merely the wagon master climbed down and approached. Unlike the others, he wore no sword or uniform. But he was clearly in charge of my captors, doubtless a representative of the Thief's Guild. “This man has attacked the very integrity of the Thief's Guild. His crimes against us are uncountable. His fate will be determined by us and us alone!"

  Algorph leaned forward, his attention totally focused on me. “Is that true, Brendell?"

  I licked my arid lips. “In a manner of speaking."

  Algorph sat up, then looked down at the Guild agent. “That hardly matters. He has also defied the Assassin's Guild. For that he will be punished. By us."

  "You cannot have him.” The man hopped up and down like an angry rabbit. “He belongs to us!"

  Algorph remained calm and bemused. “No. You ceded all claim when you ousted him from your Guild. He is our prisoner now and coming with us."

  "I'll kill him first. Right here, right now."

  Everyone was listening intently when Algorph responded. “I have my orders and they will be followed. Your men are members of my Guild. Their first loyalty must be to follow my instructions. Unless,” and he smiled, “they're scabs. In which case I have the authority to slay them immediately."

  The Guild agent grimaced. “These men are hired members of your Guild. But they work for the Thief's Guild!"

  "Assassin's Guild demands take priority.” Algorph looked at my guards. “If you men wish to continue to remain members in good standing of the Guild, you must obey me.” Then he looked again at the Guild agent. “I am in charge now."

  "Never!” and he stomped his foot in frustration. “This matter concerns only the Thief's Guild. We will protest your actions at the next joint council meeting!"

  "Which is your right. But until then, he is in our custody."

  "Your Guild does not have that right or that power. This is not how the Guild's operate!"

  Algorph sighed as he removed his sword and pointed it at the Guild representative. “This has gone on long enough. Get back in your wagon and follow us.” Then he looked at me. “And get the prisoner some clothes. We don't want him dead. Yet."

  I was dragged out of my cage to be dressed and they discovered I had cut through the ropes. Algorph merely laughed. “As if that would do you any good, Brendell. Remove the necklace but keep the manacles,” he told his men. “Those should suffice, now that we're here.” Minutes later I was back in the cage and we were once again under way.

  We arrived at Kerryn's Cove the following morning. It was a small fishing port and the townsfolk watched in silent awe as we paraded down the main street. We were surely the most entertaining sight they had ever seen, which pleased me none at all. Several actually came up to my cage, so I growled at them to drive them away. We stopped at what I immediately recognized was a Guild office. “Come with me and we'll talk to the captain,” Algorph told the Guild agent. “Make sure Brendell stays put,” he then ordered his men.

  "Could you let me out so I could stand?” I asked as soon as the two men disappeared in the building. “Every muscle aches."

  "Those are not our orders,” one guard said coldly. “Your discomfort should end soon enough.” Then he grinned. “And forever."

  So I stayed where I was, my anger boiling over. Here I sat, a toy being fought over by the two Guilds. It made no difference who won, I was going to be thoroughly broken. You did this to me, Fess, I said softly, but I knew that was a lie. I had done this to me. My ridiculous quest for vengeance had led me to the inevitable. Attacking the Guilds; you are an utter fool, Brendell. Yes I am, I had to agree with my inner voice, and now there was nothing I could do but wonder which Guild would decide how I died.

  My guards had grown testy and I hot and hungry when Algorph reappeared. “Take Brendell to the cellars,” he said. “He is going to remain our guest until the Guild representatives arrive."

  "That could take a month or more,” one grumbled as they began unlocking the cage. “He's going to die anyway. Why waste the time and expense?"

  "I agree,” Algorph said. “But we will have to let the Council determine which Guild deserves the honor.” Then he pulled his sword and ran his finger along the blade. “I hope I win the lottery to become his executioner."

  They pulled me out and quickly tied my hands. I was completely surrounded by armed men as we went inside straight to the cellars below. Soon after I was locked within another cage, although this time I could stand. The other guards left, leaving Algorph and I alone. “Aren't you going to untie my hands?” I asked.

  "You're a thief. They should cause you no problem. If they do, well,” and he shrugged.

  "I helped you before, Algorph. With King Zenora and with Pipo Fess. You and your Guild owe me."

  "I don't think so. You defied us. You helped our enemy. You declared war on us, Brendell. Now you've lost and have to pay the price."

  True enough. I decided a different approach was called for. “You've severely inconvenienced the other Guilds. Why force them to travel all the way here? It would have been faster to go to them. They might be upset with you."

  He shook his head. “That would require traveling by ship. It will be easier to protect you here."

  "'Protect.’ An interesting choice of words. Do you suddenly fear for my safety? That perhaps the Thief's Guild will try to steal me away?"

  He patted his sword. “Would they try. Your Guild is too cowardly to challenge us. You thieves are all the same, sneaking around in the dark, fleeing at the first sign of danger. Relying on us to protect you.” He stepped forward. “Nothing can protect you now, Brendell."

  I was tired of his bravado, angered at his ingratitude. I yawned. “Could you give me something to eat, or do you plan to starve me?"

  "No. We can't, now. What would you like?"

  "Meat. Cooked of course. Vegetables. Perhaps some wine?"

  He nodded. “Gruel it is then! Someone will be down soon. Enjoy your stay, Brendell.” He laughed and started to walk away, then turned. “Oh, and we'll have guards here all night, every night."

  He was as goo
d as his word. Unfortunately.

  So the days crawled by. Beyond endless jokes at my expense, the guards weren't overly cruel. They did, however, rebuff all my attempts at conversation, and as Algorph never reappeared, I had no one to talk to except the spiders and one overly shy rat which shared my living quarters. I didn't bother trying to escape. My success in doing so previously now proved my undoing; the guards, always two at the minimum, were unnaturally alert and prone to searching me and my cell hourly.

  I lost track of the days but I knew something was finally happening when the guards entered my cell carrying a bucket, a razor and a change of clothing. “Strip him and chain him to the wall,” one ordered as he set his burden down.

  So I was, and they proceeded to scrub me down, shave me and hack away at my hair. I was shivering and spitting soapy water when they released finally me. “Make yourself presentable,” another said and pointed at the pile of clean linen. “You are about to be judged for your countless crimes against the Guild."

  The shirt was sheer and neither it nor the pants had pockets. They didn't provide shoes. When I was finished, they grabbed my arms and pulled me out of the cell and up the stairs to a room occupied by ten other men seated around a long table. The Guild Council, I realized. Brought here to determine who had the right to kill me.

  I was led to the back of the room and forced to stand below the glowering portrait of the Assassin's Guild chief while the men studied me intently like I was the misbehaving schoolboy. I wanted to stand proudly and look each in the eye, but my clothing was still damp and I could do little more then smile in embarrassment at them.

  After what seemed forever, the man at the head of the table clapped his hands. “We may now begin. This is the man Brendell we have been brought to judge?"

  "Yes,” said the man whom I recognized as a Thief's Guild official. “He is a former member of our Guild and must be punished by us and us alone!"

  "We'll determine that, thank you.” Then he looked at me. “You understand why we are having this trial, Brendell?"

  I swallowed a boulder. “Yes,” I managed to squeak out.