“Are you ready?” Cal asked, moving into the deep shadow of a building. He looked out at the crowd gathered in the night, laughing, drinking, and enjoying a general sense of revelry.
“Not yet…” Marina responded, also peering around the corner of the building. “No one out there is worth any coin. We have to find a good target, so be patient Cal.”
For several minutes, the two stood quietly in the shadows. Marina peered into the crowd, reading each person she saw. She mentally checked off each person as regular common folk at an amazing pace, her eyes sliding quickly over the crowd. She knew how to read people, and no one she could see at the moment was going to be worth any real money. For their line of work, the night had netted little profit.
“Marina, check that out.” Cal suddenly whispered, pointing up the street.
Marina followed the direction of his finger, and when she saw what Cal was pointing at, a smile slowly spread across her face. Heading down the street was what would seem to most as just another person. However, Marina and Cal knew that the man, named Edward Haliford, was a very wealthy man in the city of Brisk. He owned a very successful shipping company, as well as other businesses throughout the nation.
“Be ready Cal, that’s our next target. It’s time to go to work.” Marina said, stepping out of the shadows.
Cal stared at Marina as the moonlight bathed her in its light. She was so beautiful. Her skin was as pale as the moonlight, and glowed from the radiance of the night. The moonlight dyed her blonde hair a majestic silver. The dress she wore was pitch black, and made of fine silk. Even a noblewoman would love to be seen in that dress, which coincidentally had belonged to one such person before Marina had 'borrowed' it for the night’s work. The two had always been close, and Cal loved Marina like family. He just wished that could be the only way he loved her.
Marina turned, and gave Cal a small wave as she entered the crowd of people. Tonight was a special night in Brisk. The ruling noble of the city's son had announced his marriage, and his father had immediately announced a festival thereafter. Marina began to feel herself becoming angry. Such a stupid reason to have the entire town celebrate… Marina thought to herself spitefully. Dancing carelessly at their command. She had always hated the upper class. Quickly though, she replaced the frown that had come with those thoughts with a bright smile. Her target was within sight.
Marina ducked her head as she approached, careful to keep heading toward Edward. She continued to walk forward, until she suddenly bumped into him.
“Ah!” Marina cried, falling backward onto the ground.
“Oh dear! Are you all right?” Edward said, kneeling down on the ground. He wobbled slightly, nearly losing his balance. “I am terribly sorry. It seems I may have been celebrating too much, and forgot to look where I was going. Here, let me help you up.”
Edward reached his hand toward her, and Marina took it. He easily pulled her onto her feet, and Marina began the dance of seducing this man. It wouldn’t be hard at all.
“I am so sorry.” Marina said, blushing deeply. Her voice was like honey. “I’m always so clumsy and getting in everyone’s way. I am sorry for inconveniencing you, I’ll be on my way.”
She started walking away, when suddenly she felt a hand grab onto her arm.
“No reason to be so hasty. Perhaps it was our Paths that were destined to cross this night. I don’t see you with anyone… Forgive my forwardness, but would you like to come with me? The night is young, and there could be plenty of fun to be had.” Edward said, gently pulling Marina back toward him.
Marina turned, and looked up into Edward’s eyes. He stared back into hers, his eyes slightly hazy from the alcohol he had been drinking all night. He was attractive, but she'd never consider him. “I would love to accompany you. Actually… I have something I’d like to show you. You’ll really like it I’m sure.” Marina said, so innocently it was amazing, and quite alluring. Edward was already in the palm in her hand.
“How could I ever say no?” Edward said, laughing raucously out of nowhere. “Lead the way, my beauty.”
Marina began to pull Edward back along the path she had taken, back to where Cal was waiting.
“Now what could possibly be back in this dark alleyway that a beautiful girl would want to show me?” Edward asked, slurring his words. He stopped, and suddenly pulled Marina close. “You don’t have to hide it. I know you want me. What woman wouldn’t? Well, I’m all yours.”
Edward bent down toward Marina, his lips puckered for a kiss. Marina tried to push him back, but her arms were pinned to her sides by his. His breath oozed the smell of expensive alcohol, and he smelled much too musky. Since she was physically restrained, she decided to try another avenue.
“You’re absolutely right, that’s exactly what I want.” Marina said, whispering into his ear with a voice masked in velvet. “But we aren’t to where we can be alone quite yet… Just be patient a little longer, and I’ll make it worth your while.” She rubbed his arm, smiling up at him.
Slowly Edward’s grip relaxed, and Marina quickly pulled away. “You better come after me, we're almost there so hurry!” With a wink and a quick hair toss, she was off and moving.
Marina turned, and ran toward the building where Cal was waiting. The way she moved seemed like a dance, and she knew there was no way he wouldn’t follow. In his drunken stupor Edward laughed uproariously, and followed behind her, weaving slightly from his inebriated state. As Marina entered the shadows, she pressed herself up against the wall of the building, behind where Cal was lying in wait.
“Where did you go, my little song bird?” Edward called loudly as he entered the alleyway.
Without making so much as a sound, Cal stepped out of the shadows behind Edward. He grabbed the man from behind, locking his throat in a choke hold. Edward sputtered, and struggled against Cal’s iron-tight arm lock. Slowly, his struggling began to decrease as he passed out. Cal then picked his unconscious form up, and put him over his shoulder. Marina and Cal walked around the corner, where they dropped Edward’s body on the ground. Cal began searching the body, removing his coin purse, jewelry, and a very well crafted dagger.
“That’s all he has on him.” Cal said, standing up and placing the loot in his pockets.
“I think that’s enough for tonight.” Marina said, bending down to look at Edward’s sleeping form. She ran her hand gently down his face, and then stood up. “All of you nobles are the same. Pitiful, and lying in an alley at my feet. I hope you enjoyed this celebration as much as we, and your friends there, did.” Marina laughed lightly, gesturing for the unconscious man at the nine other men strewn out across the ground around him.
“Lets go home now Cal.” Marina said, pulling Cal along through the alley.
As they walked, and moved further away from the celebration through the back alleys, the night began to become quieter and quieter. “What was our take tonight?” Marina asked.
Cal reached into his pockets, feeling all of their contents. “A few hundred gold pieces, the jewelry four of them had, and the dagger. Not too bad for a night’s work.”
“Not bad, but not very good either. That will last a few weeks tops, and with our recent purchase we are flat broke.”
The recent purchase she was talking about was their current destination. For the nearly two decades Marina had been alive, she had always known Cal. Though they shared no blood, Cal had always protected Marina, like a big brother. They lived on the streets for most of that time, working just like they had tonight, to save for the one thing they had always wanted. A home. A few weeks back, their savings had finally grown to the point where their dream became a reality, and they had purchased a very small, and very old house near the outskirts of the city.
And Marina had Cal to thank for all that. He had always been there to protect her, and had worked just as hard as her for their dream. She looked over at him as they walked. Cal was a large man, but very kind and gentle, to her at least. He had numerous scars from the fights he ha
d been in throughout his life on almost every part of his body. Many of them had been gained protecting Marina. His sandy hair was short, and well kept. She always insisted on grooming. His eyes were blue, light colored and shone kindly. She loved Cal like a brother, and he was a brother to her. She couldn’t imagine life without him there for her, and was thankful for what he did for her, no matter how small it was.
Marina was not a picky person though. She loved their new home with all her heart. And every time they arrived home, just like they were about to, she was filled with such a sense of joy that no one else could understand.
When they arrived at the front entrance, Marina pulled out the key, and unlocked the door. “Cal, would you mind preparing something for dinner?” She asked, looking back at him as she opened the door. “I think I’m going to-”
Marina stopped mid sentence as she looked forward into her house. There was a man sitting at the table, and Marina jumped back in fright.
“Marina, welcome home!” The man said, standing up.
Taking a close look at the man, she realized who he was. Her fright did not disappear from this realization though. If anything it increased. The man’s name was Han Valtir, and he was one of Marina’s least favorite people.
“What are you doing here Han?” Cal asked flatly, stepping into the house and in front of Marina.
“Protective of Marina as always, that is very admirable Cal. You have nothing to fear though, I always thought we were friends. Can’t a friend stop by to see how his other friends are doing?” Han asked, his voice was sweet, or an attempt to be so. All Marina could hear was the acidic back tone.
“We all know you don’t make social calls though, Han. If you broke into our house to wait for our return, I'm sure you have something to say. So let’s get it out of the way so I can go take a nice hot bath. It’s been a long night.” Marina said, sitting down at the table. Cal also took a seat, and both stared across the heavily-scratched table at Han.
“This is a very nice place you two have now. You worked so hard for so long to get this house. It must be very rewarding to finally be living in it.” Han said lightly, almost as if he wanted to have a regular conversation. In reality though, to a trained ear such as hers, he was mocking their house and their work to gain it.
“Yes Han, we worked very hard, sometimes for you even, which was never pleasant. If you only dropped by to congratulate us on our home, we thank you for it and ask that you please be on your way.” Cal said, not trying to mask the acid in his voice.
“Yes, I’m sure your long night of preying on the helplessly foolish has been quite tiring.” Han said, allowing a little acid to creep more noticeably into his voice as well. “How much did you make? A few hundred gold pieces perhaps?” He asked, his voice no longer containing any trace of that acid of his.
“I do not believe that is any of your concern.” Marina said indifferently.
“Perhaps it is not, but I do not need confirmation from you. The rich may be foolish, but even they have their limits. They know to carry limited amounts of gold with them for just such a reason. For years you two have peddled your little game out there, gaining enough gold only to keep your heads above water. So I have come-”
“You can stop right there Han.” Marina said, her voice becoming deadly. Not loud, nor quiet, but very dark. “For as long as I can remember, you have come to us time after time with job opportunities. Some we accepted, but many we did not. It’s no secret that your line of work is much more profitable than ours. It is also no secret that Cal and I want nothing to do with your operation.”
Han smiled silently at Marina for several moments before answering. “I did not just forget how you feel, it’s more that I hope you will see sense one day. However, I did not come here with just the usual hope to recruit you into my 'operation' as you so put it. I know you, the beautiful thief of the night, have your morals. However silly that may be, I will respect those morals for tonight. Right now, I come to you with a business proposition. After all, this house had to set you back quite a lot. I’m sure you are in need of some good work right now.
Marina and Cal glanced at one another. “We’ll hear what you have to offer, but I'm not making any promises.” Marina said.
Han ducked his head in thanks, and reached into his pocket. From inside he pulled out a rolled up piece of paper. He unrolled the paper to reveal a map of the island of Askrah, which the kingdoms of Draven and Rinh rest upon.
“A map of Askrah? I do not need a geography lesson Han.” Marina said coldly.
“I’m sure the education you received out there on the streets is quite amazing.” Han said sarcastically, causing Marina to scowl. “But this map is simply an aid for me to explain my business proposition. Tell me, have either of you ever been to the nation of Draven?”
“No.” Marina replied simply.
“Well, this particular business would take us over to the city of Draven, the national capital of the nation of Draven.” Marina and Cal nodded for him to continue. “You see, it has recently come to my attention that a very special, once in a life time item will be available to steal very soon.”
“So the job would be to steal?” Cal asked.
“In a manner of speaking, yes.” Han said. “You see, very recently the eldest son of the King of Draven has been officially recognized as the next heir to the throne. In addition, he has also been engaged to be married.”
“As fascinating as information of the Prince of our enemy nation is, what does this have to do with stealing something from that land?” Marina asked, beginning to wish Han would just leave. She'd had enough of the rich and entitled for one night.
“In Draven, they have a very special custom when the next in line for the throne is to be married. On that day, the entire palace will be emptied out. All the guards, all the servants, even the royal family. The castle will be completely deserted except for a few guards outside just for show. The entire city will begin a great festival, ending the night with the marriage of the Prince.” Han said.
“You want to steal something from the castle of the royal family of Draven?” Marina asked, not even pretending to hide the tone in her voice that accused Han of being a crazy fool. “You are even more insane than I ever thought before.”
“First off, you haven’t listened to everything I have to say. Second, this is not my plan. I’m not at the top of this one.” Han said.
Marina and Cal looked at each other again. “You are working for someone? That is unheard of. Having money troubles or something Han?” Cal asked lightly, but in a mocking sort of tone.
“Not at all, it is just a sign of faith that I believe in this plan. I do not have the necessary connections to make this happen, but the backer for this operation does. So do you want to hear the rest or not?” Han asked.
Despite her feelings, Marina nodded for him to continue. If Han really wasn’t the ring leader this time around, it could be something major. Han was not one to take orders, so if there was something in this plan to change that, it may very well be worth at least hearing him out.
“With the palace empty, except for a few guards, it will be no problem to slip in, grab what we need, and slip right back out.” Han finished.
“Stop beating around the bush Han, what is this item that has you so fascinated you would take orders from another?” Marina asked, spurring him to get to the point.
“The item is the Prince of Draven.”
Marina sat quietly as those words washed over her. She tried to take in what he said, but it just sounded too insane.
“I take back what I said Han, now you sound more insane than I ever thought possible! Not only do you want to steal from royalty, but you want to take their Prince!? Get out! You must have went off the deep end to actually be going along with this! Get out this instant!” Marina screamed.
“Your reaction is not unfounded. I too thought this sounded completely ridiculous. However, if you will allow me to finish, the plan is quite sound.
” Han said simply, waiting for their response.
“Han, I swear-” Marina started, but the Cal suddenly laid a hand on her arm.
“It certainly does sound insane Marina, I’m right there with you. However, I have a strange feeling that we should listen to this. Neither of us is particularly fond of Han.” Cal said, staring right at him as he said it. “Yet we both also know he isn’t a fool. It wouldn’t be the first time a crazy plan had been put into action. At worst, we just laugh him out the door when he is finished.”
“I’m impressed Cal, I didn’t know a barbarian such as yourself could actually use that head of yours for more than knocking someone out in a bar fight.” Han said, laughing slightly at his own joke. “However, I have tarried here for far too long now, so allow me to get to the point.” Han said, his tone changing completely. It was dark, and coated with an evil that made Marina shiver. It was this side of Han that made Marina afraid. “Two weeks from now, should you accept this job, we will depart from here to Draven. We will cross the Dividing Wall, and head for the capital. Once there, we will approach the castle from the south east side. At that entrance will be a single guard, one of the few left on guard duty for the day of the celebration. However, this soldier is also an inside man who works for my backer. He will be expecting us, and allow us entry into the palace. Once inside, there will be no one between us and the Prince.” Han said.
“I thought you said the palace was completely cleared for the ceremony later that night?” Marina asked.
“I did, and that is what everyone believes. However, there is one person who remains behind in the palace…” Han said.
“The Prince.” Marina and Cal said together, starting to understand what Han was getting at.
“The emptying of the palace is a front put on by the royal family for another reason. The truth is everyone who is living must leave the palace, so that the Prince can have a large area to himself.”
“Why is that exactly?” Cal asked.
“To be honest, I am not completely sure myself. It is a tradition that has been passed down in both royal families. I am not sure if you two have ever been to the city of Rinh, but a similar ceremony takes place when the prince of our own country comes of age. Probably some sort of time honored tradition from long ago. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is that our target will be alone on that day for a long span of time, and with our inside man we will be able to get inside undetected. It will be no problem to kidnap him.”
Marina silently contemplated the story she had heard so far. I can see why he believes it will work… And certainly the ransom for a Prince would be so large it’s difficult to imagine. Still though… It doesn’t sit right with me. Marina thought.
“Han, I will admit to you that, should what you say be true, the plan sounds realistic. It nags at me though that it isn’t possible. Who is the source of this information? Why would the prince be left almost unguarded for an entire day? If this has been happening for a long time, then why has the royal family never had anyone kidnapped in such a fashion? Surely the ritual would have stopped if this had happened.”
Han placed his elbows on the table, folded his hands, and peered at Marina over them. “I cannot reveal who my benefactor is for this job, at his request. Safety after all, I’m sure you understand. The reasoning I was given is that no one knows that the Prince remains behind. The whole event is set up to make people believe the Prince has gone elsewhere, and the rest is all just a bluff. Everyone has so much fun celebrating at the King's expense, they don’t worry if the prince is with the royal guard and the rest of the family, or doing whatever it is the princes do on that day hidden away in the palace. All I can really say is the information sounds valid to me. I trust the source to the point I would put my own neck on the line to go on this job myself. I’m not only looking to contract you after all, I am looking for team members.”
So Han is actually going too? Marina thought, thoroughly amazed once again at the notion. I know he does jobs himself, but he is also a coward. I wouldn’t think he would risk himself in such a fashion.
“We’ll do it.” Marina said suddenly, nodding at Cal. She knew he would follow her if she accepted. He had prodded her to hear more after all.
“Fantastic!” Han said, losing that dark edge to his voice. “I assure you the pay will be far beyond anything you’ve ever seen. You probably won’t have to work ever again when we pull this off.”
Han rose from the table, and headed around for the door. He paused at the door though, and half turned back toward them.
“I’m glad you accepted.” He said, reaching into his pocket. From within he pulled out a dagger, the sheathe falling off the blade as it rose into the air, clunking loudly on the floor. “If you had refused, it would have been such a shame if something had happened…”
He placed the blade back into his pocket, opened the door, and disappeared into the night, leaving Marina and Cal in a stunned silence as they stared at the empty sheathe he'd left behind.
Chapter 3
Bells in the Distance
Rift of Askrah Book 1: Fracture Page 2