Thief of the Night Guild

by Andy Peloquin

  Ilanna straightened. “I only ask for the same chance Journeyman Mallen was given.” She pointed to Bryden. “As my House Master and fellow Journeymen will attest, there is none in House Hawk to match or surpass my earnings.” She turned to the Masters of House Serpent, Scorpion, and Hound. “Perhaps there are a few in your Houses who can claim the same profits I have delivered to the Night Guild, but not in the time that I have.” The way their eyes slid away from hers increased her confidence.

  Master Gold fingered an ornamental brooch pinned to his vest. “None here can dispute your claims, Journeyman Ilanna. Indeed, the success of your Undertaking has increased the reputation of the Night Guild not only within Praamis, but even as far as Voramis.” He picked at a fingernail. “But that begs the question: why would the Night Guild want to pass up such a valuable resource? After all, we would be fools to relinquish our claim to your future earnings.”

  Ilanna’s shoulders tightened. “I have one answer for that.” She’d expected the question. “Because it is in your best interest to do so.”

  Bryden’s eyes narrowed, but it was Master Hound who spoke. “Explain your reasoning.” His voice, rich and deep, held a note of contempt.

  “I hold no illusions that my freedom can be purchased with a mere four thousand imperials.” She held Master Gold’s gaze. “The Guild has never hesitated to remind me of its investment in me. To purchase my freedom, I must repay that investment.” She held up a hand as Entar opened his mouth. “And,” she hurried on, “I will make it more worthwhile to release me than to hold me to my Journeyman’s oath.”

  Master Gold quirked an eyebrow. “Oh?”

  Ilanna gestured to the sixteen figures seated behind the table. “Can any of you calculate what I will owe to the Guild for the next, say, twenty years? Say I was to barely earn the minimum required to cover my room, board, and Guild fees.”

  The aides scribbled on their papers furiously, and Journeyman Isseck, the bookkeeper for House Fox drew out an abacus.

  “I have it!” Bryden shouted. The other aides shot him glares but he met their spite with haughty disdain. “You will owe the Guild a sum total of one hundred and fifty-six thousand imperials.”

  “Fifty-six thousand, four hundred and thirty,” Anorria added.

  “Thank you.” Bryden nodded to the Scorpion bookkeeper, an acidic edge to his words.

  Ilanna’s stomach tightened. That’s a bloody lot of money! She steeled her expression. “One hundred and fifty thousand imperials. Not a paltry sum.” With what she had in mind, she could pay that off with ease. “Enough to buy my freedom?”

  Master Gold and Journeyman Entar carried out a whispered conversation. After a minute, Master Gold turned to the House Masters. “How many of you were present when Journeyman Mallen stood before the Guild Council with the same request?”

  Only Master Hound spoke. “I.”

  Master Gold folded his hands over the paunchy remnants of what had once been solid chest muscle. “Many of you remember my predecessor. He was not a cruel man, simply a pragmatic one. He knew the value of Journeyman Mallen’s services. In all of Praamis, none could match Mallen with a blade. His services commanded prices to rival the Hunter of Voramis himself. Do you know how much Mallen paid to secure his freedom?” He paused for effect, then spoke in a measured tone. “One million imperials.”

  Ilanna’s stomach bottomed out. Bloody fucking hell!

  Master Gold drew out the words. “One. Million. Imperials.” He held Ilanna’s gaze. “It took Journeyman Mallen ten years to buy his freedom. But you are younger than he and, as you say, you outearn any other in the Night Guild.” He turned to Master Hawk. “What say you, House Master? Is that a fair price?”

  Tension lined Master Hawk’s face, but he nodded. “It is.”

  “And you are all in agreement?”

  Ilanna studied the Council. The Masters of House Fox and Grubber seemed in shock, as if they couldn’t comprehend such vast sums. Master Serpent’s finger traced the scar across his forehead, nose, and cheek.

  Master Bloodbear leered, delight staining his huge, red face. Since she humiliated Sabat all those years ago, the hairy master of House Bloodbear had hated her. She looked away, stomach churning. His ugly, brutish face reminded her too much of Sabat.

  Bryden’s expression held a combination of disdain and mockery. The corners of his lips tugged upward, as if he struggled to hide a smile. Master Scorpion’s eyes held a hint of pity. A mix of surprise, resignation, and scorn showed on the other faces.

  Master Scorpion nodded to Master Gold. “I believe I speak for the other Houses. We are in agreement.” His dark eyes fell on Ilanna. “One million imperials, Journeyman.”

  Though Ilanna’s fists clenched behind her back, she forced a smile. The solid feeling of the ebony figurine in her hand brought her comfort. “Done.”

  More than a few eyes widened. Anorria gave a half-smile and a slight nod.

  Master Gold leaned back in his chair and fiddled with the gaudy brooch. “You have the Council’s verdict. If that is all—”

  “It is not.” Ilanna’s voice, a bit harsher than she intended, cut through the Guild Master’s words. Master Gold’s expression froze. Ilanna pressed on. “I have another request to present the Council.”

  “Another?” Master Serpent fiddled with the hilt of a belt dagger.

  Ilanna nodded. “I request permission to target Duke Elodon Phonnis.”

  All of the eyes in the room went wide. They stared at her, speechless.

  “As you know, the Duke has increased his efforts to apprehend and execute us.”

  The House Masters scowled. More than a few Journeymen had fallen into the Duke’s clutches.

  “The Night Guild has suffered because of him. Some more than others.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “But I believe the time has come to end the Duke’s reign over the city. To that end, I request the Guild’s permission to act against him.”

  Master Gold gave a dismissive wave. “I understand that the loss of your fellow Hawks is a hard one, Journeyman, but surely you can see the folly of attacking the Duke himself.”

  “I have no desire to face the Crown’s retribution. I’m certain you share my opinion.” She held up a hand. “What I propose is altogether different. But I believe that, if I succeed, the Duke will be ruined and his vendetta against the Guild will come to an end.”

  Master Hawk leaned forward, interest in his eyes. “And how, pray tell, do you intend to do that.”

  “I cannot say.”

  Bryden stood, knocking over his chair. “Such disrespect to your Guild and House Masters?”

  Ilanna lifted her chin. “I cannot say before the Guild Council. I request to speak to Master Hawk and Master Gold. Alone.”

  More than a few expressions darkened. Curiosity burned in the eyes of all in the room. Master Hawk traded glances with Master Gold. “Why?”

  “As I say, the Duke’s attempts to bring down the Guild have increased. I would not risk my plan reaching his ears.”

  Outrage showed on Bryden’s face. “You accuse us of treachery? Of betraying our brotherhood to the Duke?”

  “No.” The Hawk’s fury broke against Ilanna’s cold calm. “But I will take no chances, not with this.” She locked gazes with Master Gold. “I will say this: my success benefits the entire Guild. You know my abilities and my record speaks for itself. If the Guild Council is willing to trust me, we will all reap the rewards.”

  The Council remained silent, expressions thoughtful. Master Gold glanced over at Master Hawk, who nodded. “So be it, Journeyman Ilanna. Your House Master and I will hear what you have to say in private. And, if we deem her proposal worthy, are we all agreed that she may proceed?”

  Most of the men and women around the table nodded. Master Bloodbear and his aide remained stubbornly silent. Bryden’s mouth hung open in outrage.

  “So be it.” Master Gold motioned to Ilanna. “We will speak in my chambers in one hour.”

&nbs
p; With a bow, Ilanna strode from the room.

  * * *

  “WHAT IN THE frozen hell were you thinking?” Master Hawk’s eyes blazed and a snarl twisted his lips. “You should have come to me with this!”

  Ilanna had never seen Master Hawk so angry, but she wouldn’t cower.

  “I am your House Master,” the hook-nosed man raged. “I could have figured another way to—”

  “Jagar.” Master Gold spoke in a voice of icy composure. “She was right to bring it to the Guild Council. They are the only ones who can make the decision.”

  Master Hawk turned his glare on Master Gold but the Guild Master placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s done.” He fixed her with a piercing stare. “Before you speak, Ilanna, you would do well to listen.”

  She stiffened.

  “I’ve made no secret of my personal feelings for you. I told you once you reminded me of myself. I like your bold, brash confidence.” His nostrils flared. “But not everyone is as fond of you as I am. The way you spoke in the Council showed your lack of respect for the House Masters. For myself, even.” He placed his closed fists on the desk and loomed over her. “Learn respect, Journeyman. Else someone will teach it to you and I will not be able to stop them.”

  Ilanna wanted to hurl the words into his face. She had no respect for the House Masters or their seconds. Those fifteen men and women hadn’t lifted a finger to punish Sabat for what he’d done to her, to Ethen. They had claimed “insufficient evidence”. They were cowards hiding behind Guild law.

  But she kept her feelings hidden and plastered humility over her disdain. “Apologies, Master Gold. It will not happen again.”

  The Guild Master’s expression relaxed. “Good. Now tell me what is so secret you cannot speak in front of the Council.”

  Ilanna drew in a breath. “What do you know of Lord Auslan?” She smiled as both jaws dropped.

  * * *

  “FIERY HELL!” MASTER Hawk whistled and leaned back on the couch. “I’ll give you this, Ilanna: you’ve got balls to match your confidence.”

  Master Gold shook his head as if to clear away his surprise. “And you’re sure you can make it work? Alone?”

  “No.” Ilanna turned to Master Hawk. “Much as I dislike Bryden, I can’t say his methods aren’t effective. I’ll be gathering a crew for the two jobs.”

  Master Hawk scratched his stubbled chin. “I’m not sure there are many Hawks with the skills you’ll need.”

  “Which is why I’ll be recruiting from the other Houses. Paying them, of course.”

  Master Gold nodded. “Good. Better not to offer them shares in the final score unless absolutely necessary.”

  “More for me that way.” She met his eyes. “It should be enough.”

  Master Hawk snorted. “I’d say.” He climbed to his feet. “I’m not going to lie, I’m bloody tickled to watch you pull this off. You’ve got House Hawk behind you. Whatever you need.” His words held genuine warmth.

  Heat suffused her cheeks. “Thank you, Master Hawk.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll keep Ilanna for a few moments, Jagar.” No one but Master Gold called Master Hawk by his name. “Just a few more questions I’d like answered.”

  “I’ll leave you to it. I’ve got places to be.” He inclined his head to Master Gold. “When you’re done here, you come find me, Ilanna. We’ll talk about a secure room in House Hawk to set you up in.”

  “I will.”

  When the door clicked shut, Master Gold turned to Ilanna. “And our arrangement?” He spoke in a low voice, and his eyes darted around the room. “When will you have more?”

  “Now.” She placed the purse in the Guild Master’s hand. “Your share of the take. Fifty percent.”

  Master Gold eyed the coins within. “Good.” He slipped it into a pocket. “I assume this will be all for now?”

  She shrugged. “I can try to sneak out occasionally, but I’ll be focused on the Duke Phonnis job.”

  Master Gold sighed. “I need as much as you can give me. This gold is all that’s keeping certain…parties in line.”

  “I understand. I’ll do what I can. Some of that came from the Alamastris.”

  She studied his reaction. Master Gold knew of her unsanctioned visits to the houses on the Crown-protected list. Indeed, he’d suggested them in the first place.

  “Excellent.” He rubbed his hands together. “Well, I’ll let you get on with your business.” He sat behind the wooden desk occupying one corner of the room and shuffled papers. “I’ve got my own worries.”

  He’d approached her shortly after her acceptance as a full Journeyman, laying out the truth about politics in the Guild. His position as Master Gold was anything but secure. Other House Masters and Journeymen—he never told her who—vied for power within the Night Guild. If he didn’t keep enough of the senior Guild members on his side, he would lose his position. Only gold kept his allies loyal.

  Ilanna glanced down at one of the papers. She couldn’t be certain, but the handwriting bore a strong resemblance to the notes that appeared in her room.

  I still don’t understand why he doesn’t just tell me where he wants me to hit. If he knows, why would he send the notes? Why the veiled threats? She’d puzzled over the question in vain for hours. I guess it’s part of the game he has to play with the other House Masters.

  She paid him half her take to provide him with funding to continue buying support—in secret, of course. In return, he offered his protection. His tacit support had tipped the scales to her benefit on many occasions. Everyone in the Guild knew Master Gold favored Ilanna; only she knew the real reason why.

  Master Gold toyed with the brooch on his vest. Up close, Ilanna could make out the details: a silver falcon clutching a dagger in its talons. A single diamond sparkled in the bird’s eye. A beautiful piece, albeit too gaudy for her taste. He certainly loves his ornaments. Lives up to his name, doesn’t he?

  Ilanna nodded at the jewelry. “It’s exquisite.” She smiled at the thought of the glistening brooch in Kodyn’s muddy hands. He’d love the ornate hawk but have no idea of its true value.

  He gave her an odd expression. “Thank you.” It came out almost as a question. He glanced at the piece, then back at her, as if it held some significance.

  Not understanding, she gave a short bow. “If that’s all, I’ll be off. The Duke’s not going to rob himself.” The words dredged up a memory of the last time she’d spoken to Denber. She swallowed the pain, pushed it to the back of her mind.

  “Of course. Let me know if you need anything.”

  With a nod, Ilanna strode from the room. Before she closed the door, she caught one last glimpse of Master Gold’s odd stare.

  Chapter Twelve

  ILANNA WINCED AT the creaking hinges. Allon’s hand darted to his belt dagger but dropped away when he saw her. Surprise flashed across his face. “Ilanna? What are you doing here?” Allon folded his arms. “You’ve never come to my room before. Why now?” His words held an icy chill.

  “You’re upset about the other night.”

  His eyes slid from hers. “Of course not,” he said in an unconvincing tone. “You were hurting.”

  “That doesn’t make up for it.” She stepped closer, placed a hand on his cheek. Her skin crawled at the contact, but she held it, turned his face toward her. “I was hurting, but you were only trying to help. It was unfair of me to lash out.”

  Under normal circumstances, Ilanna would have faced the Duke’s justice before apologizing. Remorse and guilt were weaknesses she refused to permit. She’d have chosen confrontation before making amends with someone she considered her equal. But she wanted Allon’s help—no, needed it—to make her plan work. If that meant she had to suck down a generous helping of mock contrition, she would do it.

  “If you were someone else, I’d ask you to forget about it, put it behind you. But we both know that’s not going to happen. You can’t forget anything. Ever.”

  He gave her a weak s
mile. “A curse, sometimes.” He tapped his forehead. “There are a lot of things I wish I didn’t have to remember. Like the look you gave me that night.”

  Allon’s memory was one of the things that had drawn her to him in the first place. He had a preternatural gift for remembering everything. He could tell her what he’d eaten twenty years earlier or how many coins he’d lifted from his first mark. His mind clung to every detail no matter how insignificant.

  “I know. Which is why I’m here.”

  She was acutely aware of his masculine scent, a mixture of leather, soap, and the scented oil he used to hold his hair in a tight tail. A light beard covered his jaw, and his features—a sharp nose and eyes as dark as her own—turned heads on the rare occasions he slipped into formal wear. He was considered handsome yet she felt only a passing attraction. Just the thought of his hands on her body turned her stomach. It wasn’t him as much as her; she hated being touched by anyone but Kodyn. Even the slightest contact brought back the memory of Sabat.

  Her face showed none of her thoughts as she stood on tiptoes to plant a kiss on his lips.

  “I’m here to make it up to you.” She bit her lip; a gesture he loved, one that helped her swallow her rising gorge. “But I’m also here because I want that mind of yours.”

  “For your job?”

  Ilanna’s jaw tightened. “What do you know if it?”

  Allon grinned. “Nothing, but House Hound is abuzz with rumors.”

  “And what do those rumors say?”

  “What don’t they say?” Allon chuckled. “Some say you’re going to murder the Duke in his sleep, or that you’re going to break into the Royal Treasury and carry out every gold piece King Ohilmos has squirreled away.”

  Ilanna rolled her eyes. “As usual, the fools flapping their tongues loudest have the least idea of the truth.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and met her gaze. “So does this mean you’re going to tell me what you’re doing?”

  “You mean you won’t blindly agree to help me without knowing what’s going on?” She stuck out her lip in a pout. “Have my charms truly dimmed that much?”