Brendell: Rogue Thief Page 6

  And my Guild had arranged all this so my death would appear to be a typical occupational hazard. I shuddered at the thought. It took a moment to still my nerves before I could continue. “You've put your own career in danger, you know."

  "Not mine. My men tied the knots. My men are still posted in the forest and the road. At most I am guilty of overestimating their competence. I am merely following orders in any event."

  "Which are?"

  "Convince you to work for us."

  I sat back deeper in the chair and crossed my legs to make myself more comfortable. This was going to be a longer conversation than I had expected. “Work for you how? Train your men in the ways of my Guild?"

  "Hardly. I am not the only member of my Guild who originally attended the Thief's Academy. We know all about your training methods."

  Not as much as you think. “Theft?"

  He laughed softly. “Of course. What other use could you be to us?"

  I could think of several, but there was no reason to tell him that. “Why not just make contracts with the Guild?"

  "We don't want them to know what we are acquiring. Or from whom."

  Clandestine theft. Except for Master Thieves, who could take out contracts on their own discretion, that was totally against Guild regulations. The occasional purse or jewel, stolen to gain operating expenses, was ignored, but all other discretionary thievery was forbidden. Otherwise the honor, the very standing of my profession within the community, would be jeopardized. Of course, I mused, I now had no standing. “So I would be contracting directly with your Guild."

  "Not contracting. You will be following our orders."

  I grimaced. In one sense this would only help me in my clandestine attack on the Guild. But now I had merely been passed from one master to another. “And if I decline?"

  Even in the dim light I could see him rise and withdraw his sword. “No one defies the Guilds, Brendell. Of course I could fulfill my contract."

  I sighed. “Since you put it so eloquently. What do we do?"

  "You spend the rest of the night tied to that tree. In the morning you leave as our prisoner. I will dispatch my men and take you to our guildhall in Nimand. There you will begin your new career."

  So we did. Algorph lashed me with fresh rope and thoughtfully removed all my jewelry, including my special ring. I managed to get some uncomfortable sleep until a pre-dawn shower roused me from unpleasant dreams. I was thoroughly soaked and shivering when Algorph's men finally deigned to release me. They ignored my condition, indeed they made jokes about it as they threw me in the back of a wagon and we started out.

  "Do I have to ride all the way back here?” I asked after Algorph had sent away the rest of his troops.

  Only he and the driver now remained. He glared at me from his seat in front. “You're our prisoner. Or have you forgotten?"

  I mumbled something and tried to make myself comfortable in the straw. Abandoned by my Guild. Of everything they had done to me, this was by far the worst. When I escaped from my current predicament, I would make the Thief's Guild pay like they could never imagine. That thought was nearly enough to distract me from the straw poking me and the fleas biting me everywhere.

  I guessed it to be late afternoon when my transport finally stopped. “Time to start your new life, Brendell,” Algorph said, shaking me roughly.

  "I'm not asleep,” I said, sitting up. We were in front of a single story brick building. It had to be the guildhall, and its starkness told me everything I needed to know. The Thief's guildhalls were always well appointed, always spoke of prosperity and success. Important when trying to convince new clients you could indeed procure any property they desired. This was utilitarian, its message simple and direct: We Get The Job Done. I crawled out of the wagon and jogged in place briefly to loosen my cramped legs. There was a small group of men outside engaged in swordplay. I could see an archery range in the back and beyond that another building, which I assumed served as quarters for the men assigned here.

  "Quit gawking,” Algorph said and grabbed my arm roughly.

  "Can you undo the manacles now?” I asked as I shuffled beside him.

  "Once we're inside. Appearances must be maintained."

  True to his word, he released me from the irons once we entered the guildhall. “I suggest you show proper deference,” he whispered harshly when he was finished. “Otherwise I take you back to Vrallik."

  I nodded. I could appear obsequious with the best of them. He led me down the corridor toward the rear. Even inside, the hall was stark; no paintings or tapestries on the walls, no statuary, only the most utilitarian furniture. The Assassin's Guild brooked no nonsense apparently. Algorph stopped before a closed door and knocked softly. “Who is it?” a man asked from inside.

  "Algorph. My assignment is complete."

  "Excellent. Come in."

  "Do whatever he tells you,” he whispered to me, then opened the door and led me within. “Brendell, this is Guild Master Garoff Cistonarov."

  I nodded shyly to the imposing man seated at an equally imposing desk. Once again, however, the room was nearly barren of creature comforts beyond a row of wooden stools in front of the desk. Cistonarov had gray hair, his face lined with wrinkles and scars. He stood and nodded at Algorph. “Congratulations, Algorph, on your success. And you,” he turned my way, “the thief Brendell. The late and unlamented Brendell."

  Late? Surely they hadn't brought me all this way just to kill me in their facility. “That is my name, Master Cistonarov."

  "Not any longer. Algorph, how much did you tell him?"

  "Only what was necessary."

  He nodded. “Sit."

  It was not an invitation. I suspected nothing Cistonarov said was merely a suggestion, so I sat. Cistonarov appeared more interested in some papers on his desk so Algorph and I remained silent. After my long ride in the back of a wagon, this was the last thing I needed; after about five minutes my legs started to ache, so I started crossing and uncrossing them to relieve the stiff muscles.

  "Nervous type isn't he?” Cistonarov finally broke the silence. “Hard to believe he has the patience to be a professional thief."

  "I did graduate third in my class,” I said. “And I've succeeded in all my contracts. Which I'm sure is mentioned in the file you have there."

  He pushed the papers aside and sat back in his much more comfortable chair. “Not always successful according to your Guild. Ex-Guild I should say."

  "We've had our disagreements,” I offered.

  "Indeed. And that's what concerns me.” He leaned forward and looked me in the eyes. “You seem to have difficulty following orders. That is not acceptable in the Assassin's Guild."

  I was tired, hungry and rapidly losing patience. “A successful thief must be prepared to improvise."

  "You may be right.” Then he looked at Algorph. “You've had dealings with him in the past. Is he loyal?"

  Algorph smiled without warmth. “Brendell's sole interest is Brendell. But he will do whatever is necessary to fulfill a contract."

  "That is all we can hope for I suppose. So, Brendell, here are your options. One, you decline our offer."

  "In which case you take me back to Vrallik to be hanged,” I said.

  "You're already a dead man, Brendell. It's up to you to decide when you are buried."

  "I would prefer that be delayed as long as possible."

  Cistonarov nodded. “I thought as much. So here is what we do. Algorph, you have the papers signed by the officials at Vrallik?"

  "Yes,” and he patted his chest.

  "Excellent. Those should help convince the Thief's Guild that Brendell has indeed gone on to a higher plane.” Then he put a finger to his lips. “But we'll need more. You have his possessions?"

  "In the wagon. We also have his horse and saddle."

  "Bring me his estate."

  Cistonarov and I sat in silence while Algorph followed orders. By his mien, I could tell Cistonarov felt uncomfortable ar
ound me, which gave me the only pleasure I had enjoyed that day. Algorph returned soon enough with a satchel, which he put on the desk. Cistonarov emptied it and sifted through my small pile of possessions. “Poisoned?” he asked, holding up the ring I had used to escape, albeit briefly, back at Vrallik.

  "It could be."

  He nodded and set it aside, where it was soon joined by two sets of picks, a small lodestone and a ball of string. Then he held up my dagger. I swallowed bile as he admired it. I had paid dearly for it and it had proven very useful more than once. “This is your sigil I take it?” he asked, pointed to the silver engraving on the handle.

  I nodded. It represented a sleeping dragon, a sign I had chosen to ensure my continued good fortune. Everyone in the Thief's Guild would recognize it as each of us had one, as individual as our names and signatures. “This will be perfect,” and he set it aside. “You won't be having any more use for it anyway, now that you're dead.” He rose and stretched. “Now that that's taken care of, we can discuss your first assignment with our Guild. You'll be going to Houff."

  I was still despairing of my loss so without thinking I asked, “Why?"

  Cistonarov glared at me. “That question is never posed to me or the Guild. Ever! Algorph will tell you what you need to know when you arrive. Now leave us; he and I have to discuss this assignment."

  I nodded and numbly walked from the room. There were guards waiting outside the door; two marched me to yet another uncomfortable chair and stood on each side while I sat, waited and seethed. What Cistonarov was planning should work; between the documents and my precious dagger, my former Guild would indeed believe I was dead. Or, at least, they wouldn't dare question the Assassin's Guild. Once I was out from under the Assassin's Guild, that deception could be of great help. When that would be of help remained the question. And Houff. I had never heard of it; a small kingdom I could only presume.

  Worse, Algorph would be accompanying me. That bothered me the most. I had treated him—my entire class actually—most shamefully when I was forced to return to the Thief's Academy. Did he still hold a grudge? He certainly appeared to be enjoying this particular assignment. And would he be going with me the entire way? The few times I had worked with others had been disastrous at best. Was he there to ensure I did the wishes of the Guild, prevent me from fleeing? I sighed. Whatever his purpose, I knew he wouldn't tell me. With nothing else to do, I rested my head against the wall, closed my eyes and tried to sleep.

  I was just drifting off when I heard approaching footsteps, then Algorph's distinctively high, thin voice. “Is that all you do, Brendell? Sleep?"

  I opened one eye. “Seems like the best way to pass the time. It's not like you offer your guests refreshments or other amusements to while away the hours."

  "Your comfort is the least of my concerns. Come, we have fresh mounts waiting. We must get to Houff as soon as possible."

  And what could be that important? I wondered as I followed him back outside. There were six mounted men waiting, plus two other horses. “All for me?” I asked, trying to sound cheerful as I got on one.

  "Just because we have a use for you doesn't mean we trust you,” Algorph said. He turned to one of his men. “Tie his hands."

  I couldn't help but feel like I was being ridden to the gallows as we set out. They set a brisk pace, which discouraged any attempts at conversation. My attention remained focused on staying on my mount, one not made any easier by our speed and my imprisoned hands. Even when we camped for the night, I was offered only a minimum of food and the cold comfort of a mute guard.

  How do they expect me to help them? I wondered as I tried to sleep. A successful contract required planning. Even my admittedly unorthodox approaches were the result of careful consideration. If I was to be kept in the dark like a virgin's hope chest, I had no hope of succeeding. Somehow I was going to have to talk to Algorph.

  Who remained determinably indisposed to cooperate. The next day I was once again secured to my mount and we were off. And the next and the next. We were making good time to be sure, and I could only assume our destination could be reached overland as our course remained inexorably away from the nearest sea. The landscape became progressively harsher, farms and estates fewer and farther between. A chain of mountains loomed on the horizon and our path became increasingly uphill.

  We made camp that night on a cliff overlooking the valley below. A village was situated on the bend of the river bisecting it. “We've made good time,” Algorph said as we all studied the scene below. “We'll be in Houff by early afternoon."

  "Then what?” I asked.

  "Then we ride in and fulfill the commands of the Guild, of course."

  "Which are?"

  Algorph frowned. “Why, to steal, of course. Why else do you think we've brought you here?"

  I shook my head. “To steal what? I think it's time you explained your plans."

  "I suppose you're right. Men, set up camp. Brendell and I have to talk."

  While they scurried around doing their campsite duties, Algorph pulled me aside. “The leaders of Houff have thus far refused to enter into legal contracts with our Guild. They have instead engaged their own security force. You are going to show them the error of their ways."

  "And how do we do this?"

  Algorph sighed. “Sometimes, Brendell, you are as dense as these trees. You steal, everything you can find. Once their current army is discredited, Houff will rush to sign a contract with us."

  That might work, I had to admit reluctantly. “And what if I get caught?"

  He patted his sword. “I suggest you don't."

  "So I go into Houff, grab whatever I can and then come back to you."

  He frowned. “Hardly. We'll be with you."

  I shuddered at the thought. “And exactly what is our disguise?"

  "Just travelers."

  "Just travelers?” I pointed to the men behind us. “Eight heavily armed men ride into a village and they are just travelers? You don't think our appearance might not arouse a little curiosity?"

  He hesitated a moment. “Traveling merchants then."

  "That could work,” I said and nodded. “If we had any wares to sell. Which we don't. You're disappointing me, Algorph. Just how much planning went into this little expedition anyway?"

  Algorph grimaced. “Commander Cistonarov planned for everything!"

  "Where are the trumpets and banners?"

  "Now what are you complaining about? Brendell, you're trying my patience."

  "And your're trying mine! You're doing everything possible to make us as conspicuous as the wart on the end of your nose. I'd be lucky to pick a pocket with all eyes on us. Didn't you learn anything at the Thief's Academy?"

  "If you had been a better instructor,” Algorph began, his face turning red.

  I waved him silent. Not an easy task since my hands were still manacled. “Cistonarov is not the one who will be dancing in the air if I'm caught."

  "Commander Cistonarov."

  "Commander Cistonarov is not the one who will be dancing in the air if I'm caught. And you're doing everything to ensure I am. If that's your purpose, just slay me here and quit wasting time."

  Algorph's grip tightened on his sword, then relaxed. “What do you suggest, then?"

  "We go in as simple travelers, as you said. But only two of us, you and I. Your men stay here."

  "Those are not my orders."

  "No wonder you flunked out of the Academy. Do you want to succeed or not?"

  Algorph's eyes darkened. “Of course,” he said softly.

  "You do have some discretion?"

  "I am the leader of this expedition."

  "Then do as I say. Or,” and I grinned, “are you afraid I can escape from you?"

  Algorph withdrew his sword and ran his finger along one edge. “I hope you try."

  Good. “Then it's settled. Tomorrow, you and I ride into Houff. I'll be the merchant, you my guard. We'll find an inn, do some reconnaissance. Then we'
ll get to work.” I held out my manacled hands hopefully.

  Algorph started to protest, then smiled and shook his head. “Tomorrow, Brendell. I wouldn't want anything to happen to your precious hands before then."

  So the next morning the two of us made our slow way into the valley and the realm waiting there. Algorph refused to unloose my hands until we reached the main road into the city, making my descent more perilous than necessary. More than once I was nearly unhorsed, but Algorph ignored all my arguments until we were safely on the well worn trail running beside the river.

  "I'll go first from here on,” I said while rubbing my sore wrists. The ropes had left marks, but my sleeves were long enough that they should be hidden from inquiring eyes.

  Algorph frowned. “Why?"

  "Because I am the leader of this little excursion. Or have you forgotten our plan?"

  He nodded glumly. When there was only one guard, such as now, his responsibility was to protect the rear first. Any other arrangement would arouse instant suspicion. “I will only be two strides behind you, Brendell. Don't try anything."

  I had no intention to, not here at least. “Just follow my lead. Keep quiet unless you're asked to speak.” With that I urged my steed onward.

  We encountered no one on our way to Houff, which was not a good sign. The few farmholds we passed were in serious disrepair and I was reminded unpleasantly of my father's home in Mistmourning. Whoever ruled this realm was doing little or nothing to improve the lot of his subjects, which made me wonder why the Assassin's Guild would assume this realm could afford them.

  The sun was high and I for one was hungry when we finally reached the city gates. A group of armed men approached us immediately. “Who are you and what is your business in Houff?” one demanded while the others eyed us over their drawn bows. All were dressed in severe black uniforms and hoods that, except for eye slits, totally covered their faces. What interested me the most, however, was that all save my interrogator were identical in height and build.

  "That, my friend, is a good question,” I said with a smile as I dismounted. “You may call me Bourherr Gastinell. My assistant, Algorph, and I are here to do exactly that. We just are uncertain what our business shall be."