Brendell: Rogue Thief Read online

  "You speak in riddles,” my interrogator said coldly.

  I maintained my benign mien. “Not really. I am a merchant. I travel far and wide bringing to communities such as yours items that are nearly impossible to obtain anywhere else."

  He pointed at our animals. “You carry nothing."

  "Presently. Our goods are back at camp. Once I have determined what would please the citizens of your fair town most, then I shall return to my camp and obtain it. What good would it do me, for instance, if I was laden with silks and then discovered your village was a center of silk-making?"

  "We are not silk makers."

  I smiled even more broadly. “Then perhaps that is what I shall offer."

  "We have no money for such amusements. Houff is not prosperous."

  So I can see. “Perhaps clothing, then. Strong and durable to last through several harvests. Surely the peasants would appreciate that."

  "They are hardly our concern.” Then he pointed at Algorph. “Your assistant is armed. Why?"

  I shrugged. “He is my guard. Members of the Assassin's Guild go nowhere without their weapons. No matter how often I try to convince him that is unnecessary, such as here in peaceful Houff.” I winked. “You know how stubborn, if not unreasonable, they can be."

  All weapons turned abruptly on Algorph. “The Guild is not welcome here,” my inquisitor said.

  "There is nothing to fear from him,” I said. “He is totally under my control and will obey my bidding without question.” I turned. “Algorph, our new friends have requested you disarm yourself. Remove your sword and drop it on the ground as a show of our good faith."

  I suppressed a smile as Algorph struggled with the concept. It took longer than I wished, but he finally did as I asked. I turned again to the guards. “As you can see, we are more than willing to obey the laws of Houff."

  "The penalties are severe for those who don't. You may enter."

  I bowed. “For your assistance and vigilance, I will bring you and your men an appropriate gift once we have returned with our goods. Algorph, follow me.” And I rode slowly through the gates.

  The poverty outside persisted within. Few people walked the streets, street merchants were nearly non-existent. The buildings were in poor condition and most appeared empty. But every village had to have an inn. And a stable. The latter at least was easy to find; we merely followed the scent of manure until we reached it at the end of a side street. The owner was quite surprised to greet new customers, but he eagerly accepted our mounts and told us where the one inn was located.

  Algorph was seething as we walked back down the street. “You told them I was with the Guild!"

  "So? You are, aren't you?"

  "There was no need for them to know. Now I have no weapon!"

  I stopped and glared at him. “Did you learn nothing at the Thief's Academy? Lying about you would have served no purpose. Sometimes the best disguise is the truth. Surely you're not telling me you're unarmed."

  Algorph half-smiled. “Not totally."

  "Good. Let's find the inn."

  Which we did ... and immediately regretted it. Our quarters were less comfortable than the tents we had been using while traveling here, although there was probably as much wild life sharing it with us. Instead of staying there and risking hundreds of flea bites, we returned to the eating hall and sat at a far table with a flask of plebian wine to discuss our plans. Which now had changed dramatically. “How well did you prepare for this, Algorph?” I asked as soon as the bored serving wench left.

  "What do you mean? Master Cistonarov has never failed."

  I pointed at the nearly empty room. “Look at this. You brought me here to steal. Steal what? A potato from a starving peasant? There is no wealth here. If I were a merchant, I would have absolutely nothing to sell anyone."

  "Then steal from the ruler."

  "Who is?"

  "Pipo Fess. She is reputed to be a magician."

  I groaned. My experiences with magic have always been unpleasant. “When were you going to tell me that?"

  Algorph shrugged as he sipped his wine. “If or when it became necessary."

  I nearly slammed my fist on the table but caught myself. Still it took a moment for me to continue. “You want me to fail, don't you? Do you know anything about magicians? They are protected by demons. They attach magical tethers to their property, which they can retrieve at anytime from anywhere. Believe me, I know! In all likelihood, Houff is protected by magic.” I paused, recalling the men at the gate. “I would bet that only the guard who talked with me today was human. The others could have been magical constructs.” I leaned forward. “Don't you understand, Algorph? Houff doesn't need you."

  "You will do as you're told,” he said stiffly. “Houff has defied our will long enough. It shall not continue."

  I sat back and studied him over the rim of my glass. “This is not the only realm that does not employ your Guild. I have been in more than one, all more prosperous than this. Why are you not going after them?"

  "They serve their purposes just as they are."

  "You ignore them because their neighbors invest heavily in you for protection. But this, this kingdom is no threat to anyone."

  Algorph set down his glass. “You have no right to question the Assassin's Guild. We protect all the Guilds. What has been shall always be. Remember, Brendell, you are alive only because of our intervention."

  I grimaced. Alive, yes, but an indentured servant at best. His words echoed what had been said at the Guild meeting where the mad dreamer Ensten had been condemned to death. Because of me. Now I realized I had not only declared war on the Thief's Guild, but on all Guilds. “Leave me."

  "Not very likely."

  I grabbed his glass and drank it all, then poured the remainder of the flagon into my own glass. “I'm not going to run out on you; I have no place to go,” I said as he stared at me in surprise. “But I have to totally rethink what I have to do. And I can't do it with you staring at me all the time like you're trying to find a soft spot where you can bury your sword. Go back to our room. Roam the city if you care to, visit a brothel. Just leave me alone."

  Algorph rose slowly, then leaned across the table. “Do not even consider betrayal, Brendell. There is no place you can go we will not find you.” Then he turned abruptly and walked heavily away.

  "Betrayal. As if I have not been betrayed by everyone,” I whispered. Then I stared into my wine. A magician. Just what I needed, to be stealing from a magician. I had no wards or spells to protect me—not that I was sure any worked—and I had no idea of Pipo Fess’ powers.

  Then I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I looked up to find the serving wench standing next to me. “You must be from Houff. More wine?"

  I forced a smile. “Why do you say that? About Houff, I mean."

  "We all wear such faces. Great sadness, as if the very promise of our lives has been stolen from us."

  "I am most sorry to hear that.” I glanced around but the inn was bereft of other patrons. “Why is that so?"

  She sat across from me unbidden, just as relieved as I to have someone else to talk to. “I was wrong. You are not from here to ask that."

  "No, I'm not. Passing through, a traveling merchant. Although, to be honest, I suspect I carry no wares that I could sell here."

  "And we couldn't buy them if you did. I'm afraid you've made a long, unprofitable trip, sir."

  "Bourherr Gastinell. You are?"

  "Cordita."

  "Cordita, a pretty name for a pretty young woman.” I noticed her smile shyly at my compliment. She was not unattractive, but not beautiful either. Such comments were probably rare. “So, Cordita, if life is so unpleasant here in Houff, why do you stay? Marriage?"

  She shook her head sadly. “Many of us have left. I must stay because of my family. This is our inn. I must help them."

  I nodded. “Why are things so troubled? Is it because of your leader? Has Pipo Fess betrayed you?"

  "
Not her. The land. Our fields used to be ripe with grain every fall. No longer. The river that runs through the valley? By summer's end it will be little more than a brook. Worse, we have had droughts the last five years. The green fields will soon turn brown and sterile. We will have nothing to trade with others, little to eat for ourselves."

  My upbringing in Mistmourning rose unpleasantly in my memory. Unfortunately, I understood and commiserated with her plight. “A curse, perhaps? Someone has cursed this land, your village? Is there nothing this Pipo Fess can do?"

  "She has tried. She is as angry and helpless as the rest of us. It's as if the gods have turned their backs on us. But,” and fire suddenly flashed in her blue eyes, “this is my home. I will not leave my home!"

  I reached across and touched her hand consolingly. She was stronger than I surely. I had left Mistmourning because it had become too harsh for me to bear. Yet my troubles had never been as severe as those she faced daily. I felt a twinge of self-recrimination and I vowed to return to help my father when I was done. Assuming I survived. “I admire your courage. Perhaps there is something I can do."

  "You could buy more wine,” she said with the slightest hint of a smile.

  "Of course. But only if you'll share it with me."

  She nodded and a moment later had returned with another flagon and glass. “This is our best,” she promised as she filled both our glasses. It tasted significantly better than the other vintage and I agreed heartily. “Your companion left you. Is he returning?"

  "I sent him off to look after our horses. I would rather enjoy your company than his in any event. So, this Pipo Fess. She treats your people well, then."

  "As I said, it is the land that treats us harshly, not her. She helps us during planting and harvesting. She does not burden us with taxes as I hear they do in other lands."

  "She sounds like an admirable woman. I would like to meet her."

  "I'm sure she would like to meet you. We get so few visitors.” Then she clenched her hands in frustration.

  "The guards who greeted us were not the most friendly,” I said.

  "That is necessary, I'm afraid. There are thieves and blackguards who know we are weak. We have tried to hire the Assassin's Guild to help us, but they demand too much."

  I tried not to choke on my wine. Slowly I was beginning to understand the true purpose of the Assassin's Guild and this mission. “Is there another realm you could approach for help?"

  "Kastikaan is the closest. But their intentions are suspect at best. They are east of us and some believe they somehow dam the river in the fall to prevent the water we need from reaching us.” She looked down sadly at the table. “And we are too weak to stop them if they are."

  I was going to have another talk with Algorph, I knew, although I suspected he had been kept in the dark as much as I. Or, worse, didn't care about anything save following his orders. “From what you tell me, I shall not be lingering in Houff. But I would like to meet Pipo Fess before I go. Does she live within the city?"

  "Take the main road east. Her manor lies at the very end."

  I reached in my pocket and removed five gold coins. Before leaving our room, I had told Algorph I had to have money as I was the merchant and therefore I would have to pay for everything. He had given it to me as freely as he would give his teeth. “For your companionship and for your beauty,” I said as I placed them on the table.

  Her eyes widened. “But, sir, that is too much!"

  "Not at all.” I bent forward and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “It in no way balances the debt I owe you.” I paused. “Will you be working here in the morning?"

  She grimaced. “I have little choice."

  I handed her two more coins. “Please have something ready for my servant and myself. Whatever your kitchen can provide. Good evening."

  My pleasant countenance disappeared once I reached the stairs to our rooms above. The Assassin's Guild had always claimed to be above politics. What they were doing to assist Kastikaan defied everything in their charter.

  Algorph greeted me coldly when I entered the room. “Took you long enough."

  "Gathering information takes time. But I think I've learned everything I need to know.” I sat in the one decrepit chair and crossed my arms. “Tell me, where do we go when we're done? Or, rather, I'm done."

  "Kastikaan. The nearest Guild offices are there. So what did you learn?"

  How surprising. “The ruler Pipo Fess is indeed a magician. A farmer I talked to said she wears a ring of power which gives her control over the darker realms. It could be just idle talk, of course. But if nothing else, its theft would be a symbolic blow to her rule. It appears many are frustrated with their situation. She controls this realm through fear of the demons she commands. Remove them and she would be overthrown by the rightful rulers of Houff."

  I suppressed a smile at his reaction. He could totally accept that fabrication, as could his superiors at the Assassin's Guild. Which might give me the time I needed. “So when do we strike?” he asked eagerly.

  "Not ‘we.’ I am the trained thief, not you.” I paused to scratch one of my many newly-acquired insect bites. “I think tonight would be best, before Pipo Fess becomes curious about us."

  "If you think I will sit like a spinster in this room waiting for you, you are mistaken, Brendell. I will follow my orders. I will accompany you."

  I frowned as I considered. Getting rid of my unwelcome shadow was proving as difficult as shedding a bad cough. But then it might be better he was there. Especially if I was caught in the act. “Far be it for me to challenge the wisdom of the Assassin's Guild. You can come with me, but you'll have to wait outside. I don't need you stumbling around a darkened manor like the village drunk."

  He reached inside his vest and suddenly was holding an evil-looking knife. “I am trained in reconnaissance, Brendell."

  I remained unimpressed. “But not theft. Perhaps I was a bad instructor at the Academy, Algorph, but you lacked the talent to graduate in any event. A successful thief does not blindly follow orders. You can do what you do best and be my protector. Nothing more."

  He slowly sheathed his weapon. “As you wish. Let's begin.” He started toward the door.

  I grabbed his arm. “Just where do you think you're going?"

  He looked at me and frowned. “I thought you said we were going to work."

  "Not that way.” I went to the back of the room and opened the window. It overlooked a narrow alley. Even better, I saw no lights in the windows of the surrounding buildings. I removed the worn curtains and tied them together, then knotted one end around the bedpost. The other ended halfway down the outer wall. Not a far drop and I nodded, satisfied. “Lock our door."

  Algorph did so, then joined me. “I'll go first."

  "Of course. Try not to wake the neighborhood when you land."

  He grunted as he climbed out the window. He descended rapidly and within seconds was on the ground. A moment later I was beside him. I searched the alley quickly and found an empty barrel amongst the trash, which I set below our improvised rope. “In case we have to hurry back,” I said. “Now we go east."

  As Cordita had promised, the Fess manor was easy to find. I was surprised how quiet and empty the streets were, which was another symptom of Houff's poverty. “Where are the guards?” Algorph asked as we studied it.

  She probably can't afford any. “Inside I would suspect. With her powers, she probably believes she doesn't require them. Now that you know where it is, go get our horses. If I'm successful, we'll need them."

  "I don't like this. I don't like leaving you on your own."

  I grinned. “Are you suddenly concerned about my well-being, Algorph? Get the horses; we may have to leave quickly."

  He grunted, then headed back. I waited until he disappeared in the darkness, then took a deep breath. I was about to take the biggest gamble of my career. And everything was predicated on the words of a serving wench. Brendell, you are a fool. And possibl
y a dead one, I told my inner voice as I approached the manor.

  I proceeded to make a leisurely study of the building. I suspected there were no exterior guards because her magic and the realm's economy weren't that strong. Inside should be a different matter. While I fully planned to announce myself, it wouldn't be through the front door, so I entered through the rear. I found myself in the kitchen, but, unlike homes of other royalty I had visited, there was no cooking or cleaning staff hard at work. I wouldn't have been surprised if Pipo Fess cooked and cleaned for herself.

  I went through the door into a hallway. Immediately an oil lamp on a table burst into light, followed by four more leading down the hall. She knows I'm here. Taking a deep breath, I walked down the hall, following the lights that continued to ignite as I neared them. They led me through a maze of hallways until I was led to a closed door. I knocked softly.

  "Bourherr Gastinell?” a woman responded.

  "Of course."

  "Please come in."

  I entered to find myself in a study. Again, however, the poverty of Houff was evident. The shelves were nearly empty, the walls bereft of art. A small fire burned sullenly in the hearth, providing the only light. Pipo Fess rose as I entered. As she approached, I was startled to find how tall she was, how proudly she carried herself. Thin, but I suspected she had an inner will like iron. Her youthful beauty had long given way to aged wisdom. She held out her hand and I took it and bowed. “I've been expecting you. Please have a seat."

  "Why is that?” I asked as I did as bidden.

  She sat across from me. Even in the darkness I could see the lines of worry that crossed her eyes and forehead, aging her prematurely. I suspected she wasn't much older than I, but the demands of ruling had stolen years from her. “Few visit Houff, especially traveling merchants."

  "So I've gathered. Your men informed you, I take it."

  "That is their duty. You've picked an odd hour to visit me, Bourherr Gastinell. If that is indeed your name."

  I smiled. “It will suffice for now."

  She remained nonplussed. “So why are you really here?"