Child of the Night Guild (Queen of Thieves Book 1)

by Andy Peloquin

  “Oi, Denber!”

  Prynn’s call snapped the fragile moment. Denber turned to face the apprentice Hawks racing toward him. His smile tightened and his shoulders slumped as if beneath a heavy weight. His mask of somber authority returned. Once more, he was Denber, oldest of the apprentices. Upon him rested the burden of keeping them alive.

  Prynn dropped to the roof beside them. “There you are. You been teaching Ilanna the Hawks’ ways?”

  Denber nodded and extended his hand. “Pay up.”

  Prynn’s face fell. “Twisted damn! She did it, didn’t she?”

  Denber grinned and the younger boy fished a coin from a pocket. Ilanna punched him, hard.

  “Ow!” Prynn rubbed his arm. “What was that for?”

  “For betting against me.”

  Prynn’s grin turned wry. “Told you, did he?” He shot a mock glare at Denber. “Traitorous bastard!”

  Bert, Werrin, and Willem leapt to the roof beside Prynn.

  “Did she make it?” Willem glanced at Ilanna with a sly smile.

  Prynn nodded. “Course she did, Lem. She’s Ilanna the killer!”

  Ilanna reddened. Apparently, word of her nickname had spread. “Don’t you start calling me that!” Her hand dropped to her dagger.

  “I surrender!” Prynn laughed and held up his hands. “Don’t hurt me.”

  Denber stepped between them. “Enough. The time for play is done. We’ve got a city to show her!” He turned to her. “Remember my warning and follow the others exactly. I have enough work keeping these two,”—he smacked Werrin and Willem in turn—“alive.”

  Ilanna nodded. I’ll show them I can handle it. She’d prove she deserved a place among the Hawks, gliding along the rooftops of Praamis. “Where’s Jarl?”

  Denber gave a dismissive wave. “He has his own training to attend to.” He didn’t give her time to question further. “What say we take her to see the Font of Glory?”

  Werrin turned to her with an excited grin. “You’ll love the Ward of Refuge with all the pretty temples. If you can keep up, that is!” With a laugh, he leapt to the next roof. Willem followed a heartbeat behind.

  Denber grabbed Prynn’s arm. “Take the rear, will you? I have to chase those fools down before they break their necks, but I need you to keep an eye on her.”

  Prynn nodded. “She’ll be fine, Denber.” He winked at Ilanna. “Off with you, mother hen.”

  Grimacing, Denber took off, leaping from roof to roof in pursuit of the shouting, laughing boys. Bert waited a moment before crossing the empty space.

  Prynn motioned for her to precede him. “You’re up, killer.”

  With only a moment’s hesitation, Ilanna ran and threw herself through the air. She landed on the far rooftop, somersaulted, and rolled to her feet. The impact sent a twinge through her body, but she could handle the pain.

  A heartbeat later, Prynn landed beside her. “You’ve got the hang of it now! Just try to keep up.”

  She flushed at the approval in his words. Ducking her head to hide her grin, she hurried after Bert. The apprentice wobbled his way across a plank bridge spanning two roofs. He looked none too steady, and Ilanna’s heart leapt to her throat every time he wobbled. She sighed in relief when he leapt to the far rooftop.

  Ilanna stepped gingerly onto the wood. The beam sagged but held firm, providing solid footing. She edged her way out over open space. Step by step, she shuffled along the plank. Her gaze dropped and she gasped. Empty air stood between her and a plunge to the cobblestone streets dozens of paces below. She had a terrifying vision of herself falling. She could feel her body shattering on the hard stones. The world gyrated about her. Her arms windmilled in wild circles as she teetered. Heart in her throat, she dropped to all fours, clutching the wooden bridge for dear life.

  “Never look down!” Prynn’s voice cut through the whirling chaos in her mind. “Not until you’ve spent years flying across the rooftops. That’s the fastest way to lose your nerve.”

  Ilanna shut her eyes to stop the world from spinning. Once again, the familiar words whispered in her mind. “Head up, eyes fixed on a single point, shoulders straight, arms out.” The familiar voice sent warmth rushing through her. She could see the smiling face and warm arms. She remembered the many hours spent in her garden. “Stand tall, my flower, no matter what.”

  She gritted her teeth. Mama wouldn’t want to see me like this. Taking slow, measured breaths, she climbed to a crouching position. She focused on the sensations in her feet: the solid feel of the wood, the slight wobble of the plank. She felt the muscles in her legs tense as she straightened. Opening her eyes, she found Denber waiting on the far side of the bridge. Her world narrowed to a single point of focus. His face filled her vision. She traced the lines of concern around his mouth and eyes, using his features to block out everything around. Extending her arms, she walked forward, one slow, measured step at a time.

  The bridge ended and she sagged to the far rooftop with a gasp. She lay back on the roof, closing her eyes. Thank you, Mama.

  Denber hovered over her, worry written in his eyes.

  She tried to push him away. “I’m fine. Just a bit woozy, that’s all.” Her hands and knees quivered. Her head felt light and her stomach churned.

  He held her in place. “I know. We all go through that. Just give it a minute. Take long, deep breaths.”

  She gave up struggling and did as he instructed. After a few minutes, the trembling stopped, and the roiling of her gut settled. She took Denber’s hand and pulled herself to her feet. “Thank you.”

  Denber studied her with a somber expression. “Remember, Ilanna, only do what you are capable of. You don’t need to show off for anyone here. No one is judging you or holding you up to an ideal.” His mouth tightened. “You show off or try to do more than you can, you get yourself killed. Or worse, you get one of us killed.”

  Bert placed a gloved hand on her shoulder. “We’re all learning, Ilanna. Just learn to run before you can fly.”

  “I will.” Her mouth felt suddenly dry, and she swallowed hard.

  Denber nodded. “Good to see you understand how serious this is.”

  She took a shaky breath. “I’m ready to go on. I’d still like to see the Font of Glory.”

  Denber searched her face a moment longer. “Think you can handle it?”

  Ilanna nodded. I have to! She had to keep up, no matter how much the heights terrified her. They said I’ll get used to it, so I’ll just force myself to keep going until I do.

  “Very well.” Denber released her arm. “But I’ll be behind you, just in case. Prynn, you take lead.”

  With a nod, Prynn led them across the rooftops at a run. The three apprentices—Bert, Willem, and Werrin—followed, with Ilanna behind and Denber at the rear.

  A chill wind rushed past Ilanna, tugging her hair free of its tie and whipping it around her face. She wanted to throw her head back and laugh. It felt so good to run free, to feel the breeze on her face. Months of hard training in the Perch had hardened her muscles, turned her body lean and hard. She grew stronger with every step, her fear fading before her excitement.

  I’m one of them now! No more working the streets with the Foxes. No more lifting purses for a few pitiful coins. This is life!

  She ran, leapt, climbed, swung, and hurtled across the rooftops of Praamis. The city passed in a blur. Ilanna saw nothing of the world below, only the open expanse of empty air above.

  This is the world of the Hawks. This was her world. She would never be happy anywhere else.

  * * *

  She lay atop a sloped roof, head cushioned on her arms. Denber, Prynn, Bert, and the twins lay beside her. Not a word passed between them; none was needed.

  Sunset bathed the rooftops of Praamis in a glorious red-gold glow. The blues, purples, and crimsons of the sky melted into the reds, whites, and browns of the cityscape. Distant bells tolled the hour, echoing crisply above the rushing wind, the chirp of birds, and the low murmur o
f life below.

  Ethen would love this.

  The view stole her breath. She felt so small in the massive city, which sprawled far out of sight in every direction. Yet she was a part of it all. The Night Guild had their place in the city. The Hawks had their place in the Guild. She had her place in the Hawks.

  As the sun dipped behind the hills and the city descended into darkness, Ilanna felt—for the first time in what seemed forever—happy.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “Hey, it’s Conn!” Ilanna waved to the older Hawk.

  Conn strode to the serving table, sparing only an indifferent nod. He piled his plate high with bread, cheese, and fruits, and left the common room without a backward glance.

  Ilanna raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with him? First time we’ve seen him in weeks and that’s how he reacts?”

  Prynn shrugged. “It’s his Undertaking, whatever that is.”

  “He looks exhausted!”

  Denber slid into place beside her. With a nod to the younger apprentices, he spooned oatmeal into his mouth.

  Bert waved his spoon. “Whatever he’s doing, I’m glad it’s keeping him out of the Aerie. It’s nice to have freedom from his iron rule.”

  Ilanna rolled her eyes. “Come on, Bert, it wasn’t all that bad.”

  Bert stuffed a piece of bread into his mouth. “Maybe not, but it’s easier to train without worrying that you’re making a mistake all the time. Conn was always a perfectionist.”

  Denber stiffened. “Better perfect than dead.”

  The quiet statement plunged the table into silence. Ilanna ate without a word, her eyes fixed on her food. The other Hawks did likewise. Palpable tension filled the room.

  Denber pushed back his plate, stood, and beckoned to the apprentices. “Come on, you lot. Time to fly.”

  Abandoning her half-empty plate, Ilanna followed him from the common room, Bert and Prynn in her wake. They ran into Werrin and Willem halfway down the corridor.

  Denber pointed back the way they’d come. “Lazybones get no breakfast. To the Perch.”

  Werrin’s eyes went wide. “But Denber—”

  Denber silenced him with a glare. “Gear up and meet us on the roof in five minutes or you’ll spend the next week cleaning the privies for every House in the Guild. Got it?”

  The twins took off without a backward glance. Prynn chuckled and Ilanna couldn’t suppress a grin. Maybe that will get them up on time tomorrow. Though, knowing Werrin, it’s not likely.

  Denber’s face showed no mirth. “Come on, let’s get up there.”

  * * *

  Willem rolled through the window, landing at Denber’s feet. “Did we make it?” Werrin followed a heartbeat behind, panting.

  Denber scratched his chin, pretending to study the sun. “Barely.”

  Willem slumped to the rooftop with a tired gasp. “Thank the gods!”

  The older Hawk raised an eyebrow. “Getting out of shape, are we, Lem?”

  The boy bounced to his feet. “No, sir! Just thought I saw something interesting down there. Turned out to be nothing at all.”

  Denber grinned and clapped the boy on the shoulder. “Well then, I guess you’d better take the lead. Make sure to keep an eye out for anything interesting, eh?”

  The tension in Ilanna’s shoulders drained. That’s a good sign. She’d worried Denber’s surly temperament would ruin their day, but it looked like the older boy’s humor had returned. The climb did him good.

  Willem nodded. “Sure thing, boss. Where we off to today?”

  Denber jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “A short jaunt. South Tower.”

  Werrin raised an eyebrow. “What are we doing there?”

  Denber poked Werrin in the chest. “We’re going to show Ilanna the ropes. Then I have to run a few errands.”

  “Fair enough.” Willem turned to Ilanna and grinned. “Try to keep up, will you?”

  Ilanna made a rude gesture Elmar had showed her.

  Werrin’s eyes widened. “Damn, Ilanna! He was just teasing, you know?”

  With a sweet smile for the other twin, Ilanna repeated the gesture.

  Prynn laughed. “Maybe you’ll think twice about picking on her, now you know she can defend herself. And that without her knife!”

  The twins studied Ilanna with a curious mixture of confusion, anger, and incomprehension.

  She slapped their shoulders and grinned. “Oh, come on, you two! Don’t be silly. Are you going to show us the way or not?”

  They exchanged bewildered glances and shrugged in tandem. Werrin swept an elaborate bow. “After you, good Lem.”

  Willem returned the gesture. “Thank you, dear Werrin!” He turned to Ilanna. “Right this way.”

  Ilanna followed the twins, her heart pounding. We’ve never gone this way! Instead of leading away from the Perch entrance, he guided them around the perimeter of the building. Ilanna followed, curious as to their destination.

  Werrin and Willem leapt to a neighboring roof, slid down a wall, and disappeared from sight. Ilanna studied Prynn and Bert’s descent, the way they used the rough stone to slow their fall. When she tried to copy it, the craggy wall tore her gloves and scraped the flesh from her palms. She bit down on a bark of pain and tucked her hands into her pocket.

  Before Denber dropped beside her, she took off after the other Hawks. I can’t let him see the injury. He’d just want to send me back to the Aerie to fix the gloves and I’d miss out on whatever we’re doing up here.

  A smile spread on Ilanna’s face. The more time she spent on the rooftops, the more she realized how much she craved the thrill, the danger of being far above the city streets. Praamis found new ways to challenge her strength and skill. She relished every new experience, every chance to defy those who would try to keep her grounded. She was a Hawk and she could fly!

  She rounded a corner and nearly slammed into a stationary Prynn. She skidded to a halt. “What’s going on?”

  Denber trotted up behind her. “Time to put your skills to the test. Conn taught you how to read surfaces, yes?”

  Ilanna nodded. “One of the first lessons on the Perch.”

  “Good. Show us what you know.” He motioned her forward. Werrin and Willem stepped aside with sweeping bows.

  Ilanna studied the roof. At first glance, it looked no different from the solid surface beneath her feet. The same chipped tiles and cracked slate. Uneven, but by all appearances, sturdy enough. But Denber had called it a test. Is he just tricking me or is there actually something different with the surface? Her experience with the Treasure Room had taught her to look beyond what she could see.

  Sitting on her haunches, she examined it more closely. The change in angle drew her eye to a few minor details. “There! That bit is sagging in the middle. Those tiles are shifted out of place. Those stones are too broken to provide solid footing.”

  Denber smiled and nodded. “Good. Want to try to cross first?”

  Ilanna pictured herself plunging through the roof and shook her head. “I’ll let you show me. Rather not take a three-story dive today, if it’s all the same to you.”

  Denber stepped out onto the roof, arms extended for balance. With a quick shuffle, two hops, and a leap, he stood on the other side, arms raised in triumph. He beckoned. “Come on! Your turn.”

  Ilanna made no effort to do as he did. She chose her own route. He’d want me to think for myself. Halfway across, the roof creaked beneath her. Her heart leapt to her throat. Stomach twisted, she crossed the roof in three long jumps.

  Denber caught her. “Easy! You’re safe.” He grinned and thrust his chin toward the other Hawks. “Look.”

  Heart thundering, Ilanna turned to see Prynn, Bert, and the twins stroll across the roof. She rounded on Denber. “What?”

  Taking her hand, Denber led her toward a staircase set into the side of the building. They descended a few steps and crouched. “Look there.” He pointed to the underside of the roof she’d just crossed.

&
nbsp; The construction showed no signs of weakness. “B-But I thought…”

  He nodded. “You were meant to. You’re supposed to think about what you’re doing, where you’re stepping. Not every rooftop is strong enough to hold you, and you have to learn to read the signs before you cross. But we’re not going to put you in any actual danger until you’re ready.”

  Ilanna wanted to scream at Denber, but could find no words. She jerked her hand from his and stomped up the staircase.

  Werrin motioned her over. “Come on, Ilanna. You’ll love the next part!” He leapt into open space, landed on a platform five paces below, and rolled to his feet. Willem, Prynn, and Bert followed. Ilanna hesitated before making the leap. She landed with a grunt, her legs buckling. Her knees slammed into her chest. Sharp pain flared in her ribs and the impact knocked the wind out of her. The world whirled around her. She slumped, gasping for air.

  The roof vibrated beneath Denber’s weight. “Deep breaths, Ilanna.” Frustration mixed with the concern in his voice. “We’ll have to work on that landing back in the Perch.”

  She took his outstretched hand and climbed to her feet. She tried to hide her pain. “Let’s go.”

  With a shrug, Denber strolled across the rooftop. Ilanna limped along beside him, trying to catch her breath.

  An insistent rapping sounded somewhere below them. Ilanna leaned out over the edge of the roof and sought the source. Jarl and two men in the brown cloaks of Journeymen Hawks hammered nails into a wooden beam set between two rooftops.

  Ilanna turned to Denber. “What are they doing?”

  “They’re the Pathfinders. They’re a very special kind of Hawk.”

  “Special?”

  Denber pointed to the beam. “They make the pathways—all the ropes, ladders, and walkways that allow us to travel the rooftops.”

  She pondered his words. She’d never given much thought to it, but had always taken those crossings for granted. “And that’s what Jarl is learning?”

  Denber nodded. “He was always too big to be a proper Hawk, but Master Hawk chose him for his strength. He has to be strong to haul the supplies to make the pathways.”