“D’you think she jumped?”
“Dunno.” Rocks clattered far below. “Would make our job easier if she did. That’s solid ground and a long way down.”
The beam of an alchemical lantern swung up and down the wall. The light snaked toward her. “There!”
“Go! Back into the tunnels,” the first Arbitor shouted. “We’re going to cut the bitch off. No way she’s escaping us now.”
Ilanna cursed. She couldn’t climb any faster, so the Arbitors had plenty of time to spread out through the tunnels ahead of her.
The rush of falling water grew louder, and the reek of sewage filled the air. Ilanna groaned. Jarl had charted her route through the driest sections of tunnel. Looks like I’ll be getting dirty after all.
A chunk of stone came loose in her hand. She clung to the wall in desperation, heart thundering, digging her toes into a crack in the masonry. Her free hand fumbled for a hold. She jammed her fingers into a notch in the stones and allowed herself a pause to rest and breathe.
After a moment, she resumed her traverse. The ache in her forearms and calves grew, but she knew better than to rush a climb like this. One wrong move would send her plummeting.
The air grew heavy with moisture. Finding a solid handhold, she risked drawing out her quickfire globes. There, not two paces away and above, the slurry of sewage rushed from a hole in the wall. Ilanna’s heart leapt. She stowed the globes and clambered up and through the mouth of the tunnel. The reek of offal wrinkled her nose and set her stomach churning, but relief flooded her as the ache in her muscles dimmed.
Now to get the frozen hell out of here!
* * *
ILANNA FLATTENED HERSELF against the wall and swore inwardly. The two Arbitors between her and the tunnel down which she had to go seemed in no hurry to move.
She’d spent the better part of an hour creeping through the tunnels, avoiding the Duke’s guards and searching for the tiny Hawk symbols Jarl had etched into the stone walls. Now that she’d found her way out, the damned Arbitors stood between her and freedom.
She reached for her bracer dagger but thought better of it. No chance of fighting my way through this. Instead, she drew out one of Darreth’s pipettes. Better to get past without alerting the Arbitors to her presence.
The glass tube arced through the air and shattered on the stone wall. The two blue-clad guards whirled toward the sound.
“What was that?”
“What d’you think? It’s her, you fool!”
They took off, and Ilanna seized the opportunity to slip behind them. She rushed down the hall, grimacing at the squelching of her sodden boots on the stone floor. The tunnel led toward the escape route Jarl had planned for her. Freedom lay just ahead.
Rounding the corner, she collided with the back of a silver-plated steel breastplate. Her forehead slammed into the metal, setting her head ringing. She staggered against the wall. The world whirled around her. The shouts of alarm sounded faint, distant.
A hand closed around her wrist. She tried to jerk free, but the grip held her fast.
“Oi, lookit this!” The bearded face of an Arbitor stared down at her “She’s just a little’un!” The man jerked her to her feet. Ilanna winced at the pain flashing through her shoulder, adding to the ache in her head. She blinked to clear her blurring vision.
Another guard rushed toward her, reaching for her other hand. “Be careful with her. You saw what she did to Dall and Ellis. She’s dang—” He never finished the sentence.
The palm of Ilanna’s hand drove his nose up into his skull. Even as the first Arbitor sagged, Ilanna twisted her wrist, breaking her captor’s grasp. She tore her hand free and drove a knee into the second guard’s groin. Air whooshed from his lungs and he sagged with a weak groan. Ilanna took off toward the river without hesitation.
Behind her, the fallen Arbitor croaked, “She’s here!”
Cursing, Ilanna poured more speed into her pounding legs. Her boots thumped on the wooden bridge and she was across. Seizing the rope Jarl had left hanging for her, she yanked hard without pausing in her run. The sound of snapping timber and creaking rope echoed behind her. Yet the expected splash never came.
She risked a backward glance. The bridge had only partially collapsed. The Arbitors would have to cross one at a time, but they could still cross. Even as she debated whether or not to return and try again, the first blue-clad guard thundered over the bridge.
At the next intersection, Ilanna stooped to retrieve the beamer tucked behind a pile of crumbled stone. The lamp bathed the walls and floor in light. Her gaze swept the tunnel and locked onto the mark of the Hawk. Without hesitation, she turned down the right-hand passageway.
She grinned as the Arbitors’ shouts faded behind her. They couldn’t possibly match her speed, not weighed down with all that heavy armor. Once she crossed the next bridge, she’d be safe.
Lantern light spilled from an adjoining corridor thirty paces ahead of her. The clanking of armor and the thump, thump of hobnailed boots grew louder. Damn it! They’d somehow gotten around and in front of her.
Every shred of speed went into fueling her muscles. She pounded past the connecting tunnel a heartbeat before the Arbitors reached it. They gave chase, but she only smiled at their shouts and curses.
Elation flared in her chest at the sight of the bridge at the end of the tunnel. She raced toward it, her boots pounding on the wooden planking, and seized the rope. She pulled as hard as she could, stumbling backward as it yanked free. Jarl’s makeshift bridge collapsed. The river swallowed wood and rope, leaving only a yawning chasm between Ilanna and her pursuers.
Laughter bubbled up from deep within, and Ilanna allowed it to burst free. Exhaustion, sorrow, elation, and excitement churned in her gut. She’d pulled it off! She’d stolen from the most secure place in Praamis and gotten away with it.
With a rude gesture to the red-faced Arbitors, she turned and sprinted toward the Night Guild and her newly acquired fortune.
Chapter Fifty-Three
ILANNA SLID DOWN the rope, her legs sagging as she landed on the hard-packed earthen floor of the Aerie. Bloody hell, it’s good to be back!
Her trek through the sewer system had taken far longer than expected. She’d taken a circuitous route back to the exit from the underground tunnels, then clambered onto the city rooftops. She wouldn’t take the chance, however small, that a lucky Arbitor had somehow caught up with her. Safety came first, even if it left her exhausted.
But she’d finally made it—hours late, covered in muck and slime, and aching for a bath and hot food. Yet as she looked around the Aerie, all thoughts of comfort fled.
Where the fiery hell is everyone?
The high-vaulted room stood empty and silent. The single lantern hanging beside the huge double doors cast a pathetic radius of light.
Jarl knew to bring the sarcophagus straight here, so where in the Keeper’s name is he?
Dread sent an icy chill down her spine. Had something happened to the boat? Had the Arbitors caught up to them and captured or killed them?
She stalked down the passageway that led to her room. After a wash and a change of clothes, she’d find out exactly what—
Her eyes widened at the sight of the figure seated beside her door. Gorin, Jarl’s fellow Pathfinder, slouched in a comfortable armchair, a blanket pulled up to his chin. The sound of his heavy breathing echoed through the silent tunnels.
“Gorin!” Ilanna’s voice cracked like a whip.
The Pathfinder leapt to his feet. “Wha…?” He rubbed his eyes and blinked at her. “Oh, good, you’re back.”
Ilanna growled. “Where is it? Jarl was supposed to bring it—”
“Hold on.” Gorin held up his hands as she closed the distance. His eyes dropped to her clenched fists, then returned to her bared teeth. “He was bringing it here, but Master Gold stopped him.”
Ilanna stopped. “What?”
The Pathfinder held up his hands. “That’s all I
know. Jarl told me to come here and wait for you to return. Said to bring you to the Menagerie the moment you’re back.”
Fury burned in Ilanna’s chest. What the hell is Master Gold thinking? She’d believed the Guild Master was on her side. So why had he waylaid Jarl and her prize?
Gorin’s nose wrinkled. “Might want to think about burning those clothes first.”
Ilanna looked down. Muck of odious hues—browns, greens, and greys she didn’t know existed—stained her breeches. Splashes of the rank slop spattered her hands, face, and shirt.
“You go on ahead. I’ll be there after a quick bath.”
The Pathfinder pinched his nose. “Best make it a long one.”
* * *
A FRESH-SMELLING, CLEAN, but no less furious Ilanna stalked through the tunnels of the Night Guild toward the Menagerie. Her mind whirled as she tried to decipher Master Gold’s intentions. What was he doing?
Master Hawk waited outside the Menagerie, his face as somber as his dark grey clothing. Jarl stood beside the House Master. The tension in the huge Hawk’s face sent a chill of fear racing through her.
“What’s going on?”
Without a word, Master Hawk and Jarl swung the doors open. Journeymen and apprentices from every House stood within. All eyes turned toward her. A ripple of applause spread through the crowd, rising to a thunderous clapping.
Ilanna turned to Master Hawk. The House Master’s lips twitched in an uncharacteristic smile. “Seems right for everyone to share in your triumph.” The enormous grin Jarl had struggled to hide now broadened his already thick face. With his usual eloquence, he nodded and grunted encouragement.
The crowd parted as Ilanna entered the room. Hands reached out to clap her shoulders or pat her back. For once, she didn’t flinch from the contact. Everything around her faded at the sight of the two halves of the sarcophagus sitting in the heart of the Menagerie.
Master Gold stood beside the golden casket. He beamed and motioned for her to join him. Face burning, Ilanna came to stand next to the Guild Master. The applause rose to a new crescendo when Master Gold turned her to face the assembled Night Guild. Even the House Masters, seated on their ornate chairs at the front of the crowd, applauded.
All save Master Hound and Master Bloodbear. The latter sat with a scowl on his ruddy, red-bearded face, his huge hands white-knuckled as he gripped the arms of his chair. Master Hound’s narrow face looked pinched and drawn. She read the truth in his eyes: he knew what this meant for Master Gold’s position in the Night Guild. Her success had restored the Guild Master’s power and authority. Master Hound’s dreams of taking control of the Guild had just gone up in smoke.
Ilanna’s gaze went to Lady Auslan’s sarcophagus. It bore little resemblance to the shining golden casket that had sat in a glass case in Lord Auslan’s vault. The fall through the hole had left the halves bent and twisted, covered in dirt, and missing dozens of gemstones. Shards of steel flooring remained embedded in the soft gold.
But no amount of dust or mud could mask the value of her prize. A pouch of loose gemstones—each worth a fortune—lay open at her feet. The casket radiated a brilliant aura that shouted her triumph.
Master Gold raised his hands and the crowd fell silent. “My brothers and sisters of the Night Guild, this is truly a momentous occasion!”
The Journeymen cheered and shouted until the Guild Master called for silence once more.
“The Night Guild has known many great Journeymen—heroes, in their own right: Kainn, founder of the Guild and the first Master Gold; Novus, Master of House Hound, who is said to have killed one of the demons that once roamed Einan; Journeyman Harrad, a Bloodbear so powerful he once lifted a carriage with his bare hands; Journeyman Mallen, the greatest assassin House Serpent has ever produced. These and more have brought honor and glory to the Night Guild through their exploits. It is because of them the Night Guild holds such power in Praamis that King Ohilmos himself dares not move against us.”
His hand came to rest on Ilanna’s shoulder. “And tonight, Journeyman Ilanna adds her name to the legends of the Night Guild.”
A murmur of approval rose from the crowd.
“You all recall what she accomplished for her Undertaking. Braving the heights of the Black Spire, defeating Duke Phonnis’ cleverest traps, and bringing word of the fate of Journeyman Callidis of House Hawk. To say it was a task worthy of the Watcher in the Dark would be an understatement. She overcame the obstacle that proved not only impossible, but deadly, for so many others.”
Heat rose to Ilanna’s face. The torchlight seemed too bright and hot, and so many eyes on her made her nervous. Only Master Gold’s grip on her shoulder held her fast.
“Since that day, can any say that she has not gone far above and beyond what is demanded of a Journeyman? Master Hawk, is it true that she has earned more than any other Journeyman in your House?”
Master Hawk nodded. “It is true.”
“It. Is. True.” Master Gold emphasized the words. “And is it true that her actions in service to the Watcher and the Night Guild have been beyond reproach?”
Again, Master Hawk nodded. “It is true.”
Ilanna hid a grimace. If only you knew the truth, Master Hawk. The chest of gold under the floor of her house told a very different story.
Master Gold clasped his hands behind his back and strode to stand between the two halves of the sarcophagus. “You’ve all seen the fruits of her latest venture. Indeed, standing here, I cannot help but marvel at the courage, audacity, and ingenuity that went into, once again, doing the impossible. Listen close, my brothers and sisters, for today you will hear of marvels beyond your imaginings.”
The crowd of Journeymen seemed to lean forward, hanging on Master Gold’s every word.
“Our tale begins with a fearless thief who dared to defy the vile Duke Elodon Phonnis.”
A chorus of hisses and “boos” echoed in the Menagerie.
“Out of spite, Duke Phonnis sought out her closest companions and sentenced them to the most agonizing death possible. He stood on the gallows, beside the dying bodies of her comrades, and declared his undying enmity for her. Ilanna, refusing to be cowed, leapt onto the scaffolding in a valiant attempt to save her friends. When the accursed Arbitors came for her, the good people of Praamis stood beside her, protected her, carried her to safety.”
Ilanna resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow. Not quite how I remember it.
Master Gold’s fanciful tale hadn’t ended. “With his dying breath, her comrade begged her to carry out the Watcher’s justice on Duke Phonnis. Thus, Ilanna took on the burden of righteous vengeance.”
“But the Duke surrounded himself with a thousand warriors, each sworn to hunt down Journeyman Ilanna. Yet Ilanna had no fear. If she could not send the Duke himself to the Keeper, she would bring his world to ruins. She set about to destroy the one thing Duke Phonnis reveres more than his life: his reputation.”
“Her first obstacle was one even the great Tiakin of House Fox would have found impossible. She had to break into the vaults of the Coin Counters’ Temple to steal the Duke’s secrets buried deep, deep underground.”
A collective gasp rose from the crowd. More than a few grumbled at what they perceived as sacrilege.
“Yet not even a league of earth and rock could stop Ilanna from discovering every truth Duke Phonnis wanted to hide. As if wielding the powers of the Illusionist himself, she delved into the vile Duke’s mind to understand his most complex creations. The very essence of his thoughts lay open to her, and she turned that knowledge back upon him.”
Ilanna smothered a grin. I can’t deny he tells a bloody good tale. She half-expected him to claim that she produced fire from her fingertips or could kill men with a glance.
“Journeyman Ilanna set to unraveling the secrets of the Duke’s cleverest inventions. She chose to strike a blow that would destroy the Duke’s hold over the city. She challenged the might of the Arbitors and the impenetrable vault bui
lt to hold Lady Auslan.”
Gasps broke the stunned silence, and all eyes went to the golden sarcophagus halves. Most had heard the story but few believed it was more than rumor. The casket beside her proved otherwise.
“In his cowardice, Duke Phonnis sent every Arbitor at his command to protect Lord Auslan’s property. Every door, every window, every rooftop was filled with those accursed silver-clad guards.” His smile turned wicked. “Yet they could not stop Journeyman Ilanna. As if wearing the Illusionist’s own cloak of invisibility, she crept past them in broad daylight, under their very noses. The vault door opened at a single touch, and, using the Duke’s own secrets against him, tore apart his steel as if it were paper.”
That last bit’s not quite a lie.
“But the Arbitors lay in wait for her. She fought her way through a score of silver-clad guards, covering the retreat for her companions and prize. Even now, the Duke’s men have come to fear the name of Journeyman Ilanna of House Hawk.”
I’d much rather they didn’t know my name at all.
“And now we bear witness to an achievement the likes of which has not been seen in decades. Nay, centuries. Not since Banc the Bold has a feat of this magnitude been accomplished.” He thrust a finger at the sarcophagus. “This is not worth simply thousands of imperials, or even hundreds of thousands. Its value lies in the millions.”
The words rang out in the eerie stillness of the Menagerie. No one spoke for long minutes. Every eye remained fixed on the golden sarcophagus.
“Journeyman Ilanna has done more than achieve the impossible,” Master Gold said in a quiet voice. “She has brought honor to the Night Guild, paid righteous service to the Watcher. She has laid low the greatest enemy to our prosperity and wealth and enriched our coffers many, many times over. The Night Guild continues, thanks to her.” He turned to her. “Journeyman Ilanna, we are honored.” He swept a deep bow.
The Menagerie exploded in a deafening roar of cheers and shouts. The cries set the very stones of the walls trembling.
“Journeyman Ilanna!” they said. They cheered for her.
Thief of the Night Guild Page 39