“Impossible creature,” Alyx cursed and sheathed her sword. Branthor put his hand on Alrion’s shoulder.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, kid.” Alrion shrugged it off and stared into the space where Fermur had disappeared.
Next time he won’t get away.
15
Justice of Thieves
Celes stood before the tiny door, almost imperceptible in the twilight. It looked rarely used, which suited her just fine. She fished a dull key out of her pocket and turned it over in her hands.
Will it still work?
This was her ace in the hole, one of the things that she had convinced Vincent to make for her all those years ago. But she had never used it. Not on the ill-fated Pure Diamond heist, nor the more recent and ultimately successful attempt. She had been saving it for this moment. Because once Wilhelm knew she had this sort of access, she would never get another shot.
Darkness had not yet set in but would soon. She was sure Vincent had succeeded. He knew the right people to talk to, and just being seen might have been enough. With any luck, she could make the right moves before Wilhelm had a chance to prepare.
When has luck been on your side? Really?
It did seem like she had more than her fair share of terrible luck. But she still had her freedom, and that was something. One more heist would be fine. Then she would retire for good.
Celes carefully inserted the key and turned it slowly. At first, there was no movement. Gradually she increased the force until the lock roughly clicked and the door jumped open slightly. Peering around she could see nobody looking and slipped inside.
The room was completely dark and silent. Celes let her eyes adjust and took it in.
Yes, just as expected.
It was a dusty and rarely used storage room. By itself, completely boring and unworthy of attention. But it was right next to another room of considerable interest. Celes padded through the room, taking care not to disturb anything. She expected this area of the mansion to be quieter but still didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. With each step, she moved further in, and her heart started to thump faster and faster. There was no denying it. She had dreamed of this opportunity for years.
At the far end of the room was a long corridor. Celes crept up to the edge and peeked out. There was nobody around. The room directly opposite called to her, and the door was left ajar.
Shouldn’t it be locked?
After another glance, Celes stalked across and pressed up against the door. She quietened her breathing and strained to hear a noise. Nothing. She slowly pushed the door open, hearing a jarring squeak from the hinges. Wincing, she kept going, trying to keep the noise to a minimum. In a few moments, it was over, and she was inside.
Finally, after all these years.
The room was packed full of wooden crates, each stuffed with paper. Way too much paper. Impossible to look at with the available light. Celes took in the rest of the room, focusing on the walls. She noticed a few lanterns and moved closer to one to investigate. It was an oil lantern, and with a few adjustments, it was lit.
Oh, it would be a joy to accidentally knock over this lantern. But then I’d waste this opportunity. Ah well.
Celes sighed and refocused on her task. She picked up the nearest box and started rifling through.
Not even close, although they do seem to be of similar age. Keep looking.
She systematically worked her way around the room, increasing her speed as she went. Her plan only worked if she found what she needed. Suddenly she paused, feeling unsafe. She listened carefully and heard footsteps. Scrambling as quietly as possible, she doused the lantern and hid behind the door. The footsteps kept approaching at a steady pace. They stopped right at the doorway.
Celes held her breath, running different options through her head, should she be discovered. The presence lingered, waiting.
“Must be my imagination. He never uses this room anymore anyway. We should just torch it and be done with it,” a male voice muttered. The footsteps continued once again. Celes kept listening until she couldn’t hear them anymore.
The guard wants to torch this place? Lucky I’m not doing their job for them.
Celes waited as long as she could tolerate, then relit the lamp. Time was running out. If she didn’t appear in the expected place, they would start to suspect something else was up. And she couldn’t afford for that to happen.
Finally, she was done. Celes looked up and swore under her breath. She had searched the entire room and come up empty.
What’s Plan B?
Celes stared at the door she had entered through and was considering what to do next when something caught her eye. A rough box, smaller than the rest. It was shoved up against the door and she hadn’t noticed it when entering.
No way.
Celes ran over and rifled through the box. One of the papers stood out and she snatched it from the box and looked over it carefully.
Yes! I have it!
She folded the note and pocketed it, heading over to the lantern to extinguish it once again.
Why couldn’t that have been the first box I opened? Oh right, because that would be too easy!
Celes shook her head then stopped in her tracks. She needed to get back into the right frame of mind, else she’d make a mistake.
Just hold it together a little longer.
She eased herself into the corridor and headed deeper into the mansion. After a few turns, she found herself in familiar spaces. None of which held any guards.
I suppose that’s to be expected if they want to catch me red-handed.
Going by that logic, she needed to just head directly for her prize and the way would be clear. But it was too risky, and she needed to play the part even if they were making it easier. She took a circuitous route, checking for guards and thankfully noticing a few. Even if they were in odd places.
At least the place isn’t completely deserted.
Celes slowly descended until she reached the lower level housing the secret vault.
Maybe not so secret now.
There were two guards posted outside, but the vault was open.
Maybe Wilhelm himself is inside?
Either way, she needed a way in, without causing too much of a fuss. It was time for something tried and tested. Celes removed a tiny smooth stone from her boot and tossed it across the room. It skidded and rattled, drawing the attention of the two guards.
“Movement over there, go check it out.” One of the guards rolled his eyes and stomped off to investigate the noise. The other watched him go with a grin. Celes crept up behind him and grabbed the guard in a hold. The guard tried to call out, but the thief was too precise and too fast. She smothered any noise from his throat and soon he was collapsing to the floor. She dragged him into the shadows nearby and darted into the vault before the other guard noticed her.
The vault was much larger than she expected. Lanterns were lit along the walls, showing the array of riches. Celes almost gasped as she recognised the many artefacts.
“I thought I was a big-shot, but compared to this I was just dabbling,” she whispered. Celes pushed the line of thought away and focused back on the task. The sound of the vault door slamming shut made her jump, and she looked around to see if she had been spotted.
“Come forth, Shadow Fox, I know you’re hiding there,” Wilhelm said. Celes composed herself and strode forward with feigned confidence. Something about the situation didn’t feel right. Wilhelm stood at the end of the vault, holding the Silver Sceptre. To his right was another man that Celes didn’t recognise.
“Ah, there you are. Right on cue. I’d like to introduce you to a good friend of mine, Magistrate Ronder.” The magistrate nodded.
“Is he here to arrest you finally?”
“Quite the opposite. When Wilhelm told me he could give me the Shadow Fox, why I was willing to do quite a deal.” Ronder chuckled and started advancing.
“You don’t remember me, d
o you? I wasn’t always a Magistrate. I used to work in the town guard. I was assigned to every single crime you committed. I failed in my duty, and today I can finally make things right.”
“But Wilhelm is a bigger crook than I ever was! Look at this place!” Celes gestured at the many riches lining the walls.
“What can I say? Except that I caught the Shadow Fox red-handed, trying to steal from a local icon. That’s all that needs to be said. Everything else here is irrelevant.”
“But that Silver Sceptre, that’s a matter of national security. Valrytir could start a war over that thing if they find out you have it!”
“Oh, they don’t care anymore. It’s been over twenty years! And they won’t find out anyway.” Ronder wore a wide grin and Wilhelm burst into laughter.
“I won’t let you get away with this.”
“I already have.” Ronder joined Wilhelm in his laughter.
This is bad, they’ve caught me in the trap intended for them. Vincent better have remembered the original plan.
“Well, laugh it up. While you still can. Because my coming here was the easy option for you. And now we’re going to invoke something a lot more painful.”
“We? And how do you suppose you do that while you’re in my custody?” Ronder sprayed spittle as he talked and ended it with a little laugh. He was quite pleased with himself. His face, however, suddenly changed when a large crash sounded at the entrance of the vault. A large section of the vault door fell in and Vincent stood before it, his Runesteel sword gleaming in the lantern light.
“We, as in me and the guy with the Runesteel sword. That’s my cue.” Celes turned and ran, after taking a moment to remember the looks on Wilhelm’s and Ronder’s faces.
“Impeccable timing,” Celes said as she neared Vincent.
“Of course. Things not go to plan?”
“I’ll explain later. My optimism got the better of me.” Celes turned to the bewildered men and shouted, “when your world comes crashing down, just remember the Shadow Fox made it so!” Vincent stepped back and ushered Celes out. She ran through the vault entrance and Vincent sheathed his sword. The two of them quickly ascended the nearby stairs.
“I assume there’s some sort of backup plan?”
“Of course. I assume you’re still chummy with Mason?”
“Sure. If by chummy you mean I’ve not seen him in twenty years, severely disappointed him when I abandoned Valrytir and actively avoided him in Brangtur. Then yes, extremely so.”
“Good, since we’ll be dropping in tonight.” Celes grinned and Vincent groaned. They faced no opposition leaving the mansion, the few guards that spotted them weren’t sure how to react and did nothing.
Within minutes they had arrived at a large stately house. A single guard was posted outside the large gate.
“No visitors. Make an appointment in the morning.” The guard yawned and waved them away. Vincent drew his sword. The guard stiffened and put his hand on his sword.
“Show him this. He will ask to see us immediately.” Vincent handed the guard the sword. He looked it up and down, sceptical. But he eventually nodded, unlocked the gate and disappeared inside.
“I had a thing too,” Celes said.
“This requires less explanation. You can talk to yours once we’re inside.”
“Such a show-off.” Celes smirked at Vincent. He gave her a wry smile. True to form, the guard returned within a few minutes and wordlessly waved them in.
The house was beautifully but starkly furnished. The few pieces inside were a dark wood, immaculately finished but simple in design. A white-haired mountain of a man stood behind the dining table, examining Vincent’s Runesteel sword.
“I’d recognise this work anywhere. Quite a surprise, considering how we parted ways. You said you’d never make another weapon. What are you playing at, Vincent?” Mason spoke without looking up, his deep voice echoing around the large room.
“My wife has some business with you, I only enabled the conversation,” Mason grunted and looked at Celes.
“Out with it then. Vincent has already wasted enough of my time.”
“I sincerely doubt that.” Celes removed a piece of paper from her pocket and offered it to Mason.
“What’s this? An inventory receipt?”
“Yes, for the Silver Sceptre. Note the date. Wouldn’t you like to recover that?” Celes watched Mason’s reaction. He looked up sharply.
“I can’t ignore such an opportunity. Who has this?”
“Wilhelm. You’re familiar with him, I suspect?”
“Of course. And you’ve seen the item?”
“Tonight, in fact. I had hoped to steal it back as a sign of good faith. But it seems the local magistrate Ronder is also in on this.” Celes watched Mason’s face harden.
“Valrytir will not stand for such treatment. We are supposed to be allies and friends.”
“Then I suggest you move at once. They might get spooked and start moving things out. You may even find more national treasures, he’s been collecting for a while.” Celes watched with delight as Mason started pacing the room. He stopped suddenly and addressed them both.
“Thank you for this information. This should be enough to get me back home. I’ve done my best to… enjoy this posting, but I grow weary of it. If this plays out, you’ve redeemed yourself, Vincent.” Mason held out the Runesteel sword and Vincent accepted the blade, sheathing it.
“But you shouldn’t tease me with such weapons. That is a cruelty.” Mason shook his head.
“My apologies, but time was against us and I needed your attention. As you see, this is not a matter that can wait.”
“Indeed. Off with you, I have work to do.”
“Thank you, and good night.” Celes and Vincent turned to leave. Before they could walk out, Mason called out.
“Send my regards to the Shadow Fox.”
16
Outmanoeuvred
Alrion walked over and sat down on the rock Fermur had been on. He carefully avoided the black residue and stared at the wall where Fermur had disappeared.
“From this close, you can see the entrance. That’s quite clever.” Alrion reached out and his hand touched no resistance.
“Well, the secret tunnel entrance checks out, if we believe that it goes into the fortress,” Lara said.
“His information was good last time, it led us to Alyx. For whatever reason, he’s been telling the truth.”
What Fermur said is concerning. Are they just leading me on because they think I’ll convert to their side?
“What did he say last time?” Branthor walked forward and glanced at Alrion then Lara.
“He told us about two options. One was the location of Alyx, another was a town that would be attacked,” Alrion began.
“And both options were real. We chose to save Alyx.”
“I see. Well, I’m not one to discount a chance to catch Rindale. There’s four of us here, why not split up? We can follow both approaches.” Branthor pointed to the group and let the question hang.
“That’s not a bad idea. We meet where Rindale is, and there will be no escape.” Lara looked thoughtful.
“It does reduce the risk of selecting the wrong option. If we set the groups accordingly it should be relatively safe.” Alyx nodded along as she spoke.
“Time is crucial; therefore, I won’t belabour the discussion. One wizard with each group then? Who should I take?” Alrion looked to Lara.
“Take Alyx. I’ll go with Branthor.”
“Are all fine with that?” Alrion gave each person a chance to respond, but Alyx and Branthor just nodded.
“I’ll go up the guts. I’ll draw their attention and Lara can sneak in behind me and avoid detection. It will put Rindale at ease, in a manner of speaking. He will feel like he knows my approach and skills,” Branthor said.
“I actually think that could work,” Lara said.
“Fine, we will explore the tunnel and find a way to meet you. Just remembe
r, if you get there first, we need Rindale alive. He’s too valuable to just slaughter.” Alrion glared at Branthor. “No excuses, you can restrain yourself.”
“That’s fine, once he’s secured, I have no qualms holding back. Just as long as you hold up your end of the bargain and deliver him to me.”
“Fine.” Alrion stood up off the rock and stepped towards the secret entrance. He could feel a cool breeze tickling his skin.
I still don’t feel like I can trust Branthor. Hopefully, Lara can keep him in check.
Alrion felt a touch on his shoulder
“Take care and take your time. There might be traps.” Lara leaned in and gave him a quick hug.
“Thanks, you too. Don’t let him riot too much.”
“Of course. I have a few tricks if I need them.” Lara gave him a wicked smile.
“See you on the other side.” Branthor started walking off and Lara rushed off to join him.
“Let’s go investigate this tunnel.” Alrion started to move but felt Alyx holding him back.
“Me first. You can provide light.” Alyx stepped inside and Alrion shrugged and joined her. He created a ball of light and hung it above them. He adjusted the size and glow to illuminate them and a short distance ahead.
“Let me know if you need more, but I assumed we didn’t want to create too much of a beacon.”
“This is fine.” Alyx walked on. Alrion looked around at the tunnel. It seemed to be a natural formation. At least originally. The ground was well worn from footsteps.
“What a strange tunnel, it doesn’t look man-made,” Alrion said.
“Perhaps the fortress was built in that location for this reason. It had a dedicated exit.”
“Perhaps.” Alrion walked a bit further but felt something strange from Alyx. It had been bugging him the whole time.
“Alyx, how much do you remember of your time with them?”
“Very little. I was like a passenger encased in fog. Occasionally I could grasp glimpses of what was happening.”
Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 11