Brendell: Rogue Thief Read online

  I laughed. “Show me a rich man's library and I will show you a hidden safe. It's the most practical room to hold one. When perusing important papers and whatnot, you don't want to be wandering all over your manor now, do you?” I studied our surroundings briefly. “Behind that painting of wolves hunting an elk I would presume."

  Norr watched without comment as I sauntered over to it. I admired the portrait and the ornate gold frame for a moment before pulling on one of the corners. Nothing happened, but it swung open easily when I pushed on it. And, behind it, a wall safe awaited. I turned. “Would you like me to open it?"

  "No. I believe you, Bikken."

  I returned the painting to its original position, then to my seat. “You keep your important documents in there?"

  "Those are elsewhere. That is really for my business. My most valuable jewels."

  "A bit impractical, isn't it? Wouldn't you want those at your store?"

  Norr sipped his wine before replying. “Only the most wealthy customers can afford those. When someone expresses interest, I meet them here."

  "I see.” And I did. Quite a bit, actually. I was now certain how my fellow Guild member planned to fulfill his contract. “Do you have any appointments scheduled?"

  He frowned. “I fail to see how that concerns you but, yes, I do. A regent from Qudir is expected within the week. Apparently a scion of the royal family is to be married. They are seeking something appropriate for the bridal gift."

  "A bit of a distance, I would think."

  He smiled. “They have requested a most unique item. I am one of the few to possess it."

  But not for long. “A large gem, I take it. A broach?"

  "Again, this doesn't concern you.” Then he yawned. “You have interrupted my evening long enough, Bikken. I must get some sleep."

  "Of course.” I stood and bowed. “Would you mine if I stay a bit longer. I want to investigate what other security procedures you have in place within your home."

  "This can't wait until morning?"

  "Better I investigate at night. Your guards are now alerted, of course, but they may not expect me to do more this evening."

  He considered my offer, then shrugged. “I will inform my servants you have my permission."

  "Better you don't. My entire purpose is to discover how observant they are. If I am caught,” and I forced a smile, “try to prevent them from harming me."

  He laughed. “I'll make sure your time in jail is a short one. Good night, Bikken."

  I followed him out but went the opposite way down the darkened hall. I had to return to his library, but not immediately. Instead I ducked into a nearby empty room and bided my time while lurking in the shadows. By having two guards stationed outside, I had made my task more difficult, but not overly so. They would be looking for anyone trying to enter, not leave. Especially by a window.

  So I waited. Twice I heard the footsteps of the men patrolling the interior. The first time they even opened the door, but didn't venture inside. After their second pass, I knew it was time. It would take them a good hour to finish their journey through all three floors and return, more than enough time for me to do what I had come to do.

  I opened the window and went outside onto the small balcony. Another few minutes and I was back in the library. It was dark this time, the fire having been extinguished by a vigilant servant. There was enough light from the outside, however, for me to easily make my way to the painting and the safe behind. I paused as I started to open it. Had Norr set any traps, or perhaps set a magic spell to protect it? I decided not. If he used it for business as he claimed, he would not want to deal with unnecessary delays in removing a spell and so forth if a prospect unexpectedly arrived.

  The safe opened easily and I removed a heavy wooden box. I set it on Norr's desk, opened it ... and gasped at the collection of unset jewels resting inside. I could easily buy a manor like Norr's if I stole these. Instead I reached inside my jerkin and removed a carefully wrapped package hidden inside. It looked like jade streaked with gold, as smooth and large as a robin's egg. At first glance it was a near twin of a similar jewel inside the wooden box. Although the one I held was worth far less than the real stone.

  I switched the two, put the real jewel inside my jerkin, and returned the box to the safe. Fortunate, I thought as I shut the safe and then closed the painting over it, that the contract had been so specific in its description. With just a cursory inspection Norr would know, but I was certain the approaching thief would not. Not before it was too late at least.

  Now it was time to leave. Again I went out the window, pausing only long enough to hide the real jade egg behind several books. I had noticed dust on the covers while waiting for Norr, so I was sure it would remain undiscovered until I retrieved it. Once on the ground, I casually sauntered toward the front gates. The guards intercepted me almost immediately, but after a rough search—one I'm sure they enjoyed—they finally let me go. Then to the streets and the long walk back to my inn and a well-earned rest.

  Three days later, the entourage from Qudir arrived. I had requested to be present during the meeting, and. while reluctant and suspicious, Norr had agreed. Now I was waiting with Norr and two guards in his library. By all appearances I was a mere servant assigned to provide refreshments to the guests.

  We heard them arrive so the announcement by a harried servant was unnecessary. Norr told the man to bring them to the library, then glanced at me. “Are you sure this is necessary?"

  "I merely wish to observe your security precautions. It's what you're paying me for."

  He nodded and bit into an apple as we heard the approaching footsteps. The servant again entered. “The regent of Qudir,” he announced, then quickly stepped aside as four men entered.

  They were led by a short man dressed in flowing, beribboned robes while the three who followed were clad less ostentatiously. The medals he wore jingled as he walked, and between the clothing and his constant nervous movements, it was almost impossible to keep one's eyes off him. Which, I suspected, was the entire point.

  Norr stood and walked from behind his desk. “I am Galus Norr,” he said and bowed. “I am most honored you have come to my home."

  The short man waved his hand aside. “No time, no time for pleasantries,” he said in a high, thin voice. “Very busy, very busy. Duty calls and our ship for Qudir leaves within the hour. We are most eager to see the gem."

  "Of course. Please seat yourself and I will show you."

  The regent took the chair in front of Norr's desk, his men fanning out behind him. Norr walked to his safe and in moments was back carrying a wooden box. “A most difficult voyage, most difficult,” the regent said as Norr returned to his desk and set the box in front of his customer. “Besieged by pirates. Storms for three solid days and nights. Most troubling, most troubling indeed. The jewel is in here?"

  "Among others.” Norr opened the box. “I believe this is what you requested."

  I held my breath as he removed the jade stone and held it out to the regent. Would he notice it was fake? If he did, he showed no sign.

  The regent wiped his hands on his robe, then accepted it. “Not as large as I expected. No, no.” He turned to the man standing on his right. “Persanus, your opinion.” He glanced at Norr. “Persanus is an expert on gems."

  While Persanus studied the gem, the regent continued his endless repartee. “And the inn! Most unworthy of our patronage. Our rooms are not much larger than this room!” He slammed his fist on the desk, which succeeded in attracting nearly everyone's attention. “That is an affront to the honor of Qudir!"

  Only I kept my eyes on Persanus. And I suppressed a smile as he calmly but expertly switched the gems. “This will not be sufficient for the lady,” the true thief said when the regent paused in his continuous diatribe. “Beautiful, true, but not beautiful enough.” He returned the jewel to the regent.

  The regent glanced at the stone as if it had been transformed into manure. Which, in a sense
, it had. “I agree, Persanus. We have made this treacherous voyage for nothing!” He tossed the gem back into the box to show his frustration.

  "That is exactly what you requested,” Norr said, trying to hide his own anger. “But if that is not sufficient, perhaps there is something else that will be satisfactory."

  "I think not.” The regent rose and shook himself. “We have wasted enough time here. Come.” He turned and stormed from the room, his entourage following closely behind.

  "This is ridiculous,” Norr said after the door stormed behind them. “I have never been so insulted!"

  "They got what they wanted,” I said.

  Norr frowned. “What do you mean?"

  "They switched gems."

  "Impossible! My men were watching the entire time!” He looked at his guards. “Did you notice anything?"

  They blushed but shook their heads.

  "You were all distracted. Let me show you.” Before Norr could respond, I took the faux jade from the box, then smashed it on his desk.

  Norr nearly jumped from his chair. “What are you doing, Bikken? That jewel is worth a small fortune!"

  "Not this one. Look.” I pointed to the gem. It had cracked open from my blow. And the interior was dark brown, not the rich green and gold that it should be. Norr stared at it as comprehension slowly dawned. “While the regent distracted you, his assistant switched the jewels. As you can see, this is merely colored glass and dirt. Cheap and easy to do but good enough to deceive you for the time they needed."

  Norr sat silent for another moment before rousing himself. “Bikken, you have earned your keep this day.” He closed the box and quickly returned it to his safe. “Guards, come with me. We must get to the docks and stop them!"

  I watched as they stormed out of the library, forgetting all about me. Yes, I had earned my keep, I thought as I walked quickly to the bookshelves. I removed two books, then the true jade jewel resting safely behind them. Whatever its cost, Norr would retrieve it just from the tricks I had taught his guards in his store. Right now I had more use for it than he did. I put it in an inside pocket of my jerkin and left.

  Norr was already on his way to the waterfront when I got outside, and there were no guards to intercept me as they had gone with him. They wouldn't find the “regent” there, I knew. By now, Master Thief Persanus and his band had changed their disguises and were either toasting their success at another inn or were on their way by horseback to a nearby village. As soon as I had read the contract and learned who the thief was, I had suspected he would use such an approach. At the Thief's Academy, we had studied the methodology of many successful and famous thieves. Pernasus had always eschewed break-ins and similar tactics. He preferred stealing literally in front of his contracts. Except for my interference, he would have been successful again.

  But I couldn't linger either. My mount was waiting for me at a nearby stable. Within twenty minutes I was leaving Banik's Cove. I had to get to Parsimmieon and Pernasus’ client.

  "You claim that Pernasus has defrauded me? Why would he do that?"

  It was more than a week since I had left Norr's residence in Banik's Cove. Parsimmieon was not that distant, but I had not wanted to arrive until after Pernasus and his troupe had come and gone. Now I was in the home of the merchant who had placed the contract for the theft. He was not greeting my tale with any enthusiasm. “Because he could,” I replied. “My master believes Pernasus decided he wanted to keep the gem for himself."

  "That has not been my experience with the Thief's Guild in the past, Antholos,” Gafney Hyd, Parsimmieon council chief and prosperous importer, said. “I have used the Guild often in the past, and they have always honored our contracts."

  Antholos was the name I had adopted for this meeting. I decided I still might have use for “Bikken” later. “All I can tell you is what my master told me. And sent me to tell you."

  "And who is your master?"

  I gave him the name of another thief, one who, like Pernasus, had long ago attained Master Thief status.

  "And why would your master get involved in this?"

  "For the honor of the Guild. We are duty-bound to police ourselves rigorously. It is why he went to Banik's Cove and stole your gem before Pernasus arrived. Pernasus had informed him of his intent before he carried out the contract. What you now own, and paid dearly for, is the copy we left for Pernasus to steal."

  "Really?” He gnawed on a fingernail as he went to his desk. “What you are telling me is most troubling. If true."

  "There is an easy way to find out.” I reached in my jerkin and held up the jade jewel I had taken from Norr. “This is the real gem. Let's compare the two."

  Hyd pondered, then opened a desk drawer and removed a wooden box. “Show me,” he ordered as he set my counterfeit jade on the desk.

  I set the real jewel next to it. He studied one, then the other, held them up to the light. “They are nearly identical,” he said after a few minutes.

  "We had studied the real prize carefully before making the duplicate,” I lied. I couldn't tell him that his detailed description on the contract had been adequate for making the copy.

  "Why didn't Pernasus suspect?"

  "He was in a hurry.” This time I said what I thought was the truth. “I doubt he would have studied it carefully as he was eager to get here after the theft."

  He played with the fake gem for a moment. “Still. I do not have an expert on gems in my employ. I doubt there is one in Persimmeon. The nearest is Graf Norr in Banik's Cove and I certainly can't ask him."

  "No need. May I?” I took my copy from him. “When making this, we purposely weakened one area.” I placed my thumb over an intersection of gold leaf. “If one exerts pressure here,” which I did, “the surface will break.” When I returned the copy to him, there was now an indentation and cracks on the surface. “This is definitely the copy Parnasus sold you."

  The astonishment on Hyd's face slowly gave way to red rage. “This outrage is uncalled for!” and he hurled the imitation against the back wall. “I have never been cheated by the Thief's Guild before!” Then he looked at me. “What do I owe you for this?"

  "Preserving the honor of our Guild is repayment enough. My master only hopes you bring your complaints to the attention of the Guild."

  "That I most surely will. Thank you, Antholos. And thank your master."

  I hurriedly left him sitting at his desk and staring at the real gem. Hyd would be making his dissatisfaction known in the strongest terms, I was sure of that. And two master thieves would have much explaining to do.

  Riazan City

  My first sighting of Riazan City, capital of the kingdom of Riazan, nearly took my breath away. I sat on my mount high on the cliffs overlooking the Riazan valley as the morning sun painted it in shades of brown and blue. The Riazan River flowed aimlessly through it, bisecting the valley and the city. The city itself spread throughout the valley aimlessly as well, almost like a stain on green linen. There was wealth here, much wealth, and had I other interests I was sure I could obtain enough contracts to keep me happy and busy for months.

  Such was not to be. I urged my tired mount back down the steep mountain trail to the more practical and common route into the valley. I had chosen to come here because it held the nearest contract to Banik's Cove. Still it had been almost a week on horseback, fording rivers and negotiating mountain passes to get here, and I wasn't sure I might not be too late. But there was only one way to find out.

  The sun was nearly overhead when I finally reached the main road into the city. Farmholds, varying from squalid to spectacular, were everywhere as I progressed. Traffic in and out increased as well, as did the presence of the Assassin's Guild. In one sense that was a relief: as a fellow Guild member, I could expect a modicum of fairness if I had to deal with them. Assuming, of course that I was still a fellow Guild member.

  The city proper was surrounded by a tall, well-protected stone wall. The guards at the massive wooden gate, howe
ver, were unconcerned as people entered and left in a steady stream. I joined the throng and earned no notice as I made my slow way into the city.

  My career has led me hamlets, castles, fiefdoms, ports of all sizes and more, but never had I seen a government so firmly established. The well-paved and maintained road led straight to a massive stone building in the very heart of Riazan City. An impressive statue of someone—the founder of the dynasty perhaps—stood in front as if protecting those who labored within. There was no place I could tie up my mount, but city planners had prepared for that as well. A signpost proclaiming “stables” pointed to the east, and it was a simple matter to follow another stream of riders until reaching them at the city outskirts.

  How considerate, I thought with admiration as I made arrangements for feeding and bedding my animal. Out here, the inevitable aroma of manure would cause the least discomfort for those within the city walls. By now I was tired and hungry myself, but I still needed some information, so I made my way back to the square and the government building which dominated all. Inside, the horde was not as large, and I suspected the offices were nearing their close for the business day. I entered one and approached a clerk. “I was hoping you could help me,” I greeted him.

  He looked up from his desk and frowned slightly. “Are you here to pay your assessment?"

  "No. I just arrived. I am seeking the residence of Janizen Phrine."

  "And why is that?"

  "I was sent by my master to give him an important document."

  He returned his attention to his work. “In that case, your master must have provided you adequate directions."

  I smiled shyly at the top of his head. “Indeed. But while traveling I met with an accident fording a river. That particular document fell from my satchel and floated away."

  "Careless of you.” He refused to look at me.

  "Then perhaps you could direct me to someone who can help. Your city is large and confusing and I must get the information to him as quickly as possible."

  He sighed and pushed himself away from his desk. “This office does not normally give out that information. That office is on the third floor.” Then he looked at the large ledger on his desk. “But I might be able to help. What was the name again?"