Brendell: Rogue Thief Page 22

  "Speak up!"

  "Yes.” I responded louder than necessary.

  "Good. But I shall reiterate the charges for the benefit of the attending Guild representatives. You, Brendell, have been accused of heinous crimes against both the Thief's Guild and the Assassin's Guild. Both Guilds demand the right to punish you for your malfeasance. We have been brought here to determine which will have the honor of killing you. Is that correct?"

  Both the Thief's Guild and the Assassin's Guild representative nodded.

  The chairman sat back. “I suppose all this is a mere formality since your fate is already determined. However, as this is a conflict among Guilds, it must be settled in Guild fashion. Teszneth, would you state your claim first?"

  That was the Thief's Guild representative. “Thank you, Guild Chief Mirz. This man,” he pointed at me, “has waged a war against the honored members of my Guild. He has interfered in legal contracts, he has stolen from our offices. His direct actions have led to the false detainment of at least three of our members. His crimes have threatened the very foundation of our Guild. As a former member of our Guild, he is ours to judge and ours alone."

  Mirz gave a low whistle. “You say he has stolen from you?"

  "Yes,” and Teszneth gave me a withering glare. “From our offices in Hannis Bay."

  Good, I thought. They still know nothing about my adventures in the Archives. Or are too embarrassed to admit it.

  Mirz looked at me. “Are those accusations true, Brendell?"

  "I was defending myself,” I said. “They put a contract out on my family. They robbed from me."

  "A legal contract and perfectly within our rights,” Teszneth said. “His past actions frequently cast our Guild in a bad light."

  "I succeeded in every contract I was given,” I snapped back. “Contracts that no other thief could have fulfilled!"

  "The man was a failure,” Teszneth said calmly. “It was the reason we threw him out of the Guild."

  "Your abilities are not why we're here,” Mirz addressed me. “Just your actions against two honored Guilds. Commander Zyle, what is your claim?"

  The Assassin's Guild representative stood so everyone could admire the medals on his jacket. An impressive display I had to admit and I decided if I had a vote, he would receive it. He straightened and pointed at me. “This man Brendell defied direct Guild orders and imperiled our members. During our containment of the outlaw kingdom Houff, he assisted the evil ruler and her demon army. He led their attack against the innocent people of Kastikaan. It was only through our intervention that that peaceful land was not overrun, her dear citizens enslaved or worse. We have managed to control the situation, but not without a vast expenditure in time and manpower. His intervention led to the deaths or imprisonment of dozens of my Guild members! For that alone he deserves punishment from our hands!"

  "If you wouldn't have supported Kastikaan against Houff, none of that would have been necessary.” I straightened and looked Zyle in the eye. “I am alive today only because your Guild did not follow the written contract you had made with the Thief's Guild."

  "What is he talking about?” Mirz asked Zyle.

  "Merely the ramblings of a liar and a rogue thief,” he replied.

  "Ask your own man Algorph if I'm lying,” I said. “The Thief's Guild hired you to capture me and have the rulers of Vrallik dispose of me. Instead you told the Guild I had been killed so you could coerce me into working for you."

  Zyle slammed his fist on the table. “I will not stand for you slandering my Guild! These unfounded accusations are just another reason why his head belongs to us!"

  I noticed Teszneth gazing at him intently. “You did tell us Brendell had been killed,” he said to Zyle.

  "The witch Pipo Fess deluded us,” Zyle snapped back. “But none of that matters now."

  Good, I thought as I studied the look on Teszneth's face. He didn't appear to be appeased. I was sure a bit of divisiveness between the Guilds could only help me, so I tried to widen the gulf. “My accusations are easy enough to prove. Summon Algorph and ask him."

  "Sargent Algorph is away on another assignment,” Zyle said, folding his arms.

  "How convenient,” Mirz said. “But overall that matters little. You are already guilty in the eyes of the Guilds, Brendell. This is not a trial but merely a determination of which Guild has priority."

  "My Guild,” Teszneth broke it. “He is a member of our Guild!"

  "Former member,” Mirz said.

  "Yes,” Teszneth admitted.

  "You may want to review your membership qualifications if this person has been such a pariah,” Mirz said dryly. “Gentlemen,” and he looked at each Guild representative in turn, “you have heard the arguments. I see no reason why we should delay any longer, especially since the accused has denied none of the charges against him. Unless there are further questions, I call for a vote."

  "I have one,” one representative raised his hand.

  Mirz nodded. “The chair recognizes the representative from the Miner's Guild."

  He stood up and looked at me. “Did you recently visit our headquarters in Mynosia?"

  It took me a moment to remember. “Yes."

  "And you showed our representative something you called ‘fire salt'?"

  Where was he going with this? “Yes."

  He smiled. “Your gift to us has proven to be most helpful. Our operations have improved dramatically since we've begun using it."

  "Fire salt. What is it?” asked Mirz.

  "It's a powder that, when properly used, can explode. We've found it excellent for mining."

  Zyle frowned. “Why have we not heard of this? Why was this not brought to the attention of the Council? This ‘fire salt’ sounds like something all the Guilds should vote upon."

  The Miner's Guild member shrugged. “We didn't consider it your concern. This Brendell brought it to us and us alone. He said it was discovered in Houff.” Then he looked at me. “We've been searching for a way to thank you. Now I think we've found it.” He turned back to the Guild members. “Gentlemen, Brendell is a member of the Miner's Guild and as such is under our jurisdiction only."

  "What?!” Teszneth nearly jumped from his chair. “He cannot be a member of your Guild, Saro. He is not a miner!"

  Saro smiled. “He is still an apprentice. But that makes him nonetheless an honored Guild member."

  "This cannot be,” Zyle joined in. “A man cannot be a member of two Guilds."

  "He isn't,” Saro said. “Teszneth has said Brendell was thrown out of the Thief's Guild. Are you suggesting, Zyle, that he is a member of yours?"

  The commander's medals trembled. “Absolutely not! We have no use for members who cannot follow orders."

  "Then it's settled. As Brendell is a member of my Guild, we have priority in determining any punishment he may deserve no matter who those actions were directed against."

  "You're overstepping your bounds, Saro,” Zyle said darkly. “Your Guild lacks the right or the power."

  "My Guild has the right to determine who will join us. Each Guild is equal in the eyes of the Council,” he replied with a glare.

  Zyle would hear none of that. He popped out of his chair like a gopher from the ground. “Not this day! You will not defy the will of the Assassin's Guild!"

  "Enough,” and Mirz rapped on the table for attention. “I am in charge her, Commander Zyle, not you. Return to your seat."

  "This is some kind of foolish charade and my Guild will not tolerate it,” said Teszneth.

  "What honored member Saro says is true. We are all equals here,” Mirz replied.

  "I demand a vote now! Saro must not be allowed to deny justice for my Guild and my men!” Zyle said.

  "My Guild has the right to determine who shall be a member and who shall not, not you,” Saro said to Zyle.

  "Your Guild does not have the power to defy us!” Zyle was now shaking so hard his medals were jingling.

  Saro approached and stood i
nches from the taller man. “And your Guild has become too arrogant in its lust for power! You do not control my Guild."

  Zyle poked a finger in Saro's chest. “You need us to protect you!"

  "And you need the ore we mine to make your weapons!” Saro moved Zyle's hand aside. “Or would you prefer to ‘protect us’ with limbs and rocks?"

  "Gentlemen, please,” Mirz said, slamming his hand on the table. “Take your seats. We will vote on this in a civilized manner.” Saro and Zyle were still glaring at each other as they reluctantly complied. Mirz sighed before continuing. “I apologize to the rest of the Guild representatives for the poor behavior of a few of our members.” He gave Saro, Zyle and Teszneth each a withering glare. “If it happens again, the man will be removed and his voting rights rescinded on this matter. Is that understood?” Each man nodded slowly. “Then let the voting begin.” He took a swallow of water before continuing. “Initially we were dealing only with the conflicting claims of the Thief's Guild and the Assassin's Guild. Now we must also consider the claims of the Miner's Guild. Silversmith's Guild, what say you?"

  I sighed and closed my eyes as I listened to my fate. The surprising actions of Saro; could they save me? Surely not. Zyle was correct; The Assassin's Guild was the most powerful. No Guild would want to defy them. The result was inevitable and I could only wonder if the Assassin's would slay me quickly. Hanging or beheading, which method did they use? I couldn't remember, but neither was overly attractive.

  I became lost in my fatal musings so it took Mirz's rapping on the table to catch my attention. “Enough, gentlemen! We will not sit here and argue with each other!” Then he sat quietly until the other members regained composure. “Thank you. The voting now stands at three supporting the Thief's Guild, three supporting the Assassin's Guild and three for the Miner's Guild. I had hoped that I would merely chair this meeting but obviously, and unfortunately, mine will be the tie-breaking vote. As the representative of the Captain's Guild, I do not feel that this situation concerns my membership. However, the conflicting demands of the Thief's and Assassin's Guild have changed that.

  "In listening to the arguments presented, I believe each member has made a strong case for his position. I could argue strongly that each is correct. However, there is one voice we cannot ignore, and that is of the accused. Brendell, I have a question to ask you."

  What? Which Guild I would prefer kill me? “Go ahead."

  "Are you familiar with a device called the Long Eye?"

  He had to know the answer. “Yes."

  "You introduced it to one of our captains, didn't you? Under a different name."

  I had no reason to lie about that. “On behalf of Houff, yes."

  "You were merely the messenger then."

  "Yes. Houff developed it. We thought your Guild would find it useful."

  "I'm sure you did.” Mirz then looked at Saro. “Brendell, indirectly or not, has provided a great service to my Guild as well. Already the Long Eye has saved three ships from crashing on unknown reefs. For that reason, I am casting my vote in favor of the claim made by the Miner's Guild. This council session is now completed."

  Zyle leaped from his chair. “This is an outrage! The will of the Assassin's Guild will not be defied. I will kill this man myself!"

  Mirz calmly reached out and grabbed Zyle's sword arm. “If you dare defy the will of the Guild Council, you are branding you and yours outlaws. We will strip you of all rights and recognition. We will not tolerate your continued arrogance."

  Zyle glared at Mirz, then Teszneth, then me. “This is not over,” he said, sitting reluctantly.

  Mirz was unmoved. “Yes it is. Saro, I am releasing Brendell in your custody. If you wish to arrange compensation with the other complainants, that is up to you. I now call this meeting adjourned."

  I remained standing, not yet able to move, as the council members filed out. I was still having difficulty understanding what had just happened. What do I do now? I had never considered the option of surviving.

  I still hadn't moved when Saro approached. “Come with me,” he said. I followed him numbly out of the building. The other guild representatives were in small groups, conversing. I noticed Zyle and Teszneth were arguing under a nearby tree. It was easy to guess the topic. Zyle turned and saw us and immediately started our way.

  "Don't think you've escaped our justice,” he told me when he reached us.

  "Are you threatening a member of the Miner's Guild, Commander Zyle?” Saro asked calmly.

  "You and your Guild made a grave mistake this day,” he replied, his eyes still locked on me. “This man cannot be trusted."

  "I'm sure once we have him working in the mines he will be of no more danger to you."

  "Yes,” and he slapped his sword. “He will be safe in the mines."

  "Come, Brendell. Our ship will be leaving soon.” Saro grabbed my arm and led me to a waiting carriage.

  "Thank you,” I muttered as we walked.

  "I spoke the truth in the meeting. You have helped us greatly."

  "I confess I never considered myself a miner."

  Saro laughed. “And you're not. Your apprenticeship will last only until I board my ship. I will then consider our debt to you paid in full."

  I smiled. “As will I."

  He opened the door to the carriage. “Get in. We must maintain this charade a little longer."

  I said nothing as we were driven to Kerryn's Cove. The Assassin's Guild remained my enemy, the Thief's Guild as well. I couldn't go back to Houff and I couldn't find Cordita without Fess’ help. Which left me only one choice. When we reached the port, Saro asked me what I would do now. “Go home to Mistmourning,” I said.

  Mistmourning and Beyond

  I set aside the scythe and wiped away the sweat pouring from my forehead. It was harvest time and my little farm didn't provide enough income for me to hire help. At the same time it did allow me to live in reasonable comfort, albeit alone.

  Not much different than when I grew up in Mistmourning, and my thoughts immediately returned to my father. Like I had promised Saro, I had gone home directly, where I learned that my father had passed away the previous winter. In his sleep, the neighbors had assured me. He didn't suffer.

  That wasn't quite true, I knew. But I also knew he passed on holding no recrimination toward my siblings or me.

  With him gone, there was no reason for me to stay. It wouldn't have been safe in any event, as both the Thief's and Assassin's Guild knew of my homestead. If they still sought revenge, then Mistmourning was the last place I could live.

  So, in disguise once again, I had moved on, finally settling in Oqin, a land I had never visited before, a small farming community on the very end of a peninsula, with no other resources and of no interest to anyone, especially the Guilds. I had purchased a small farmhold and now survived like nearly all my neighbors, working the land for food and a small profit. Not at all what I had planned to do with my life, but, I would counter while ruminating during long lonely nights, at least I had a life.

  You've idled long enough, I scolded myself. I retrieved my scythe and was making reasonable progress when I heard the nicker of a horse. I turned and spied a rider approaching my humble home.

  An assessor? I wondered as I reluctantly set down my implement. No, I realized as I moved to intercept, it was a female. Probably someone looking for another Oqin resident, I decided. I tried to straighten my flowing hair and donned a smile. “Can I help you?” I greeted her.

  'She just sat on her mount, staring at me. Then, surprisingly, she sniffed the air. And I knew. “Madnizaroc."

  "No,” she said, dismounting. “Her daughter. You are Brendell?"

  I quivered at the shock of hearing my real name, a name I hadn't used since coming to Oqin. I looked at her closely. I could see a resemblance between her and the teenage guise Madnizaroc had occasionally used while under the control of Lord Bandikane. Now I wished I had my scythe; I suddenly needed something to help me maintain
my balance. “Yes,” I heard myself whisper.

  "Good,” she said matter-of-factly. “I've spent a long time looking for you. You're wanted back at Houff."

  "Houff.” It took a moment for me to remember. “Pipo Fess. Yes. Why?"

  "She can explain that better than I. Get what you need and hurry. It's a long flight."

  "I ... I can't.” I pointed to my home. “I have a farm."

  "I didn't come to debate you,” she said while she removed the reins from her steed. “It is necessary you come with me. Now."

  "Why are you doing that?” I asked, pointing at the reins in her hands. “I don't have a horse."

  "We're not going by horse.” Seconds later it was not a young woman standing there, but a full-grown dragon. “Put the bridle on me so you have something to hang onto, then climb on my back."

  Houff. My mind was racing at the sound of the name, at the questions her presence created. Did I dare go with her? Was Houff once again under attack from the Guild's? Was I being brought to my death? I looked at my small house, my small farm. If I refused to comply, I would never know the answers. I stumbled forward and did as she asked. “I've never done this,” I said as I managed to perch myself behind her long serpentine neck.

  "Really?” With the bit in her mouth, she now spoke with a lisp. “My mother said she carried you before."

  "That was in a basket."

  She shrugged, nearly throwing me to the ground before I could wrap my arms around her neck. “This is easier. Hold on, we're leaving.” Seconds later we were airborne.

  I gasped as I looked down. I had nearly forgotten how exciting the view from above could be. Farmholds flowed rapidly below us as we headed west, and I wondered with amusement what my neighbors would be thinking if they could see us. “You say Pipo Fess summoned me?"

  "Yes.” She was flying at a leisurely pace and I quickly realized I was no more a burden to her than a cape would be to me.

  "Is there something wrong?"

  "Discuss that with Pipo Fess."

  Since she refused to elucidate, I decided just to sit back and enjoy the view. “Your mother would never have permitted this,” I remarked idly after we had traveled several hours.