This close to the entrance, I knew the guards would be especially vigilant. I caught the attention of another clerk and pretended to be interested in a necklace. My real interest, however, was the well-appointed older lady examining wares at a nearby table. The gold bracelet encrusted with emeralds that dangled from her left wrist particularly interested me. There was a similar one on the table in front of me. I picked it up to admire it. A clerk arrived seconds later. “A most beautiful piece,” he said and smiled. “Gold and emerald, wedded together to bring out the unique beauty of each. A bauble sure to delight the most discriminating taste."
"Indeed. Quite expensive I would imagine."
"But worth every coin."
I returned it to its resting-place. “Thank you for your help."
The man's smile quivered noticeably as I walked away. I was now ready to introduce myself to the merchant Norr.
One of the guards straightened as I approached. “May I help you, sir?"
"That woman,” and I pointed at the lady bent innocently over a nearby table, “stole a bracelet. I'm sure of it."
He frowned. “Madam Izadora? I think your eyes are betraying you. She comes here frequently."
"And probably steals frequently as well. That bracelet she is wearing. She switched it with one just like it."
He frowned. “And why would she do that?"
It was time to educate him on some of the tools of my trade. “She switched the real bracelet with a fake. I've seen thieves do it in the past.” That much was true, as I've done it in the past.
He frowned. “I do not believe you. I have watched her and she did nothing of the sort."
I shrugged. “If I'm wrong, then I apologize to you and will to her. But if I'm right.” I gave him a moment to consider the possibilities. “I suggest you talk to your master."
"Wait here,” he said gruffly and stormed to the back of the store. I leaned against a wall, crossed my arms and whistled softly. Sorry, I thought as I watched the woman go about her business, unaware her day was going to be permanently ruined. The guard returned in good order with a tall and reedy man. Neither bore pleasant demeanors.
The newcomer stood in front of me, studying me severely. “I am the owner of this establishment. You claim that one of my best customers is a thief?” he asked coldly after completing his evaluation.
"Yes. I saw her switch a fake bracelet with your real one."
"And yet Merkin here,” and he placed a hand on the guard's shoulder, “saw nothing."
I shrugged. “She is very professional. It happened in a matter of seconds."
"And what do you know about professional thieves?” the man who I now knew was Norr asked.
"Because I was one."
The merchant took a step back and frowned. “You are a thief? Of the Thief's Guild?"
"That is in the past. I have resigned and am now no more than an ordinary citizen."
"But he's still a thief,” said the guard as his hand dropped to the sword in its scabbard around his waist.
Norr turned to his employee. “And has he stolen anything?"
The man blushed. “Not that I could tell."
"Excuse me,” I interrupted, “but it looks as though yon lady is ready to leave."
"I'll handle this,” Norr said. He intercepted the woman, held a brief discussion, then nodded as she left. “That is settled,” he told us upon returning. “But you.” He studied me again. “What is your name?"
I decided to use an alias I had used in the past. “Bikken."
"Bikken. Come with me.” He turned. “Merkin, you may return to your duties."
The man nodded and resumed his position near the door. I followed the merchant to his offices in the rear. It was a rapid journey and I could only surmise Norr was upset. Which proved to be an accurate assessment as soon as he closed the door behind us. “How dare you accuse one of my best customers of thievery!” He shoved his fist in front of my nose and I wondered briefly if he meant to hit me.
"When I saw the fake bracelet among your merchandise and noticed she was wearing an identical one, it was the only assumption I could make.” I kept my voice calm although I felt anything but.
His hand moved back several inches from my nose. “You are an expert on fake jewels?"
"One of the many subjects I was taught at the Academy. But then, you know the one you are offering for sale is fake as well."
He paused, and I could see a tinge of admiration in his eyes. “And how do you know?"
"The stones. There is a slight green cast to their reflection. From the copper used to make them. Real emeralds would not do that."
He glared at me, then slowly smiled. “It has been known to happen that an occasional fraud will slip by our inspectors.” He walked to his desk and sat, then bid me take the chair across from him. “It wasn't necessary to libel the lady to gain an audience with me."
"Perhaps,” and I shrugged. “I just felt it necessary to establish my credentials. Oh, before I forget.” I reached in my pocket and set four rings on his desk. “Those are real gems, by the way. Quite valuable merchandise.” I leaned forward. “Your guards and assistants are a bit lax in their vigilance."
Norr looked at them, then at me. He quivered slightly from the anger he was fighting to control, but his voice remained level. “So what are you doing here, Bikken?"
"Looking for work. Honest work for a change."
"I have enough guards."
"But not,” and I pointed at the rings, “the most observant."
He cupped his chin. “So it would appear.” He stood abruptly. “So you are offering to train my staff on the ways of master thieves?"
I tried not to blush. “Not ‘master’ perhaps. But I can certainly make them more effective."
Norr glanced once more at the rings I had placed on his desk, then nodded. “So be it. Be here tomorrow at sunrise. You shall begin with my guards."
I rose, bowed and left his office. As I made my way through the shop, I noticed several of the guards conversing together. They favored me with dark glares as I strolled past. I paused before the one who had summoned Norr. “You might need this before you leave tonight,” and I handed him his purse, which I had lifted previously.
"What?” He gazed at it, then at me. “How did you..."
I cut him off with a wave of my hand. “Tomorrow. You'll learn everything tomorrow.” With that I walked out of the store.
I looked at the sleepy scowling faces of Norr's guards staring back at me. They were as pleased as I was to be standing within Norr's shop while the roosters had yet to finish their morning song, and I was reminded uncomfortably of my short tenure at the Thief's Academy as an assistant to one of my professors. You're doing well, Brendell, I congratulated myself. In less than one day you've made mortal enemies of every guard in Norr's employ.
But, I tried to console myself, it shouldn't matter as I didn't plan to stay here that long. I forced a smile. “Good morning.” A chorus of grumbles and muffled curses rose in response. “Your master has asked me to instruct you in the ways of professional thieves. After yesterday,” and I gave each man a withering stare, “it appears you need it."
Their gazes shifted from me to the guard whose purse I had lifted. I suppressed a smile; best they take their righteous anger out on him. “So,” and I clapped sharply, “let us begin. What do you look for when trying to determine which customer might indeed be a thief?"
Their responses were amusing but predictable. Customers with oversize coats and satchels, customers with children (which would serve as distractions), customers who lingered overly long at a display, customers who appeared tense or nervous, customers who exited quickly, customers who didn't purchase. In other words, amateur thieves.
"Why didn't you stop me?” I asked them when they had run out of ideas.
"But we did!” one tried to protest, then stopped when I chuckled.
"Only because I let you,” I told him. I pointed to the guard who had taken me t
o Norr. “Ask your comrade."
The man blushed but nodded reluctantly. “I was going to let him leave,” he said softly.
"A professional thief knows what you are looking for,” I began. “In all likelihood they will use their first visit to reconnoiter. They will be looking for you just as surely as you are looking for them. They may visit two or three times, make several small purchases, wear nothing to attract undue attention. Almost certainly they will come alone and quite often in disguise, especially after their first visit. Now here are some things you can do to frustrate them."
I told them that only a few guards should remain at their posts near the doors and more valuable displays. The others should wander around the store pretending to be customers. “You should change your clothing several times during the day,” I told them. “Rotate shifts with your fellow guards. Even, on occasion, wear a false beard or some other disguise. If a professional thief doesn't know you are a guard, you have a much better chance of stopping him. Or her.” I emphasized the latter.
"We have never done that,” one protested. “It is a lot of extra work."
"If you are reluctant to do your best to protect the interests of your master, then I am going to recommend Norr replace you with Assassin's Guild members. They, at least, know how to follow orders."
To their credit, they didn't take long to consider their options. “If Master Norr deems thus, we will do as you recommend,” one said.
"Good. Then that is all for now. I have some matters to discuss with your master myself. I will let you work out the details on rotating stations and so on. Now if you'll excuse me, I could do with some breakfast."
I left them to question my parentage in peace while I searched for an open inn. It would be several hours before Norr arrived at the store himself, so I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and bandied playfully with the serving wench. When I finally returned, the establishment was open and the guards were already dutifully following my instructions. Their attempts at appearing inconspicuous were, however, still painfully obvious. My main interest was not the store in any event, so I made my way quickly to Norr's office in the back.
"You've caused quite a stir, Bikken,” he greeted me from behind his desk when I entered.
I shrugged. “Couldn't be helped. I'm afraid I'm going to roil the waters even more."
He frowned. “How so?"
"I recommend you reposition your stock every week or so."
His nostrils flared. “Impossible! Do you realize how impractical that is? My customers would become hopelessly confused. They'd never find what they were looking for."
"Which is exactly the point.” I explained to him how a professional thief would reconnoiter an establishment several times to determine exactly what and where he wanted to steal. “If he can't immediately find what he is planning to steal, he may become frustrated and leave,” I finished.
"I see.” He nodded reluctantly. “Unfortunately, that makes perfect sense.” He smiled wanly. “Congratulations. You have managed to anger my entire staff in just one short morning."
"I'm not finished. Now that we've improved the security of your store, perhaps we should examine your home."
"My home? I hire the Assassin's Guild to protect me."
"They are susceptible as well.” I shrugged. “What harm could it possibly do?"
In actuality it could cause considerable harm ... if I were under contract to steal from him. But I had more important considerations than merely increasing my own wealth.
Norr sat back and cupped his hands. “This goes against my better judgment. But you may come this evening during dinner hour."
"I have a previous engagement. Would tomorrow night be satisfactory?"
"Tomorrow then."
"And with that I bid you goodday."
I had told Norr the truth; I did have a previous engagement. After a leisurely meal, I spent the afternoon admiring his manor. Norr lived on the outskirts of the city, his home nestled snugly among others of the wealthy. There was a steady stream of carts making deliveries to the various homes, servants coming and going, a contingent of Assassin's Guild patrolling the area. Because of all the activity, however, the watchmen were lax in their supervision and could easily be avoided by someone bent on mischief—or a professional thief. I could be inside waiting for Norr to arrive after work, but I desired a more dramatic entrance. Which meant I would have to visit later that evening.
So after a late dinner, I made the slow journey back to Norr's manor. The streets were just as busy as the day, although this time I assumed the people were there to visit various residents rather than conduct business. The Assassin's Guild maintained their overt presence but they allowed the people to move freely. They were easily avoided and the others were preoccupied with their own concerns so I had little difficulty entering Norr's courtyard.
From there it was even easier. The merchant relied overly on the watchfulness of the guards outside—who were far from that—and had his own staff otherwise occupied inside his home. A simple matter, really, to climb up to an open window on the second floor and enter. I knew the treasure that was contracted for was in his library as the contract had been very specific in the details. I found the room relatively easily as well. There was a fire blazing in the hearth and a decanter of wine nearby, almost as if Norr had been expecting me. I poured a glass, found a comfortable seat, then took the bell resting on a nearby table and began ringing it.
Almost immediately there was the sound of approaching footsteps. “I am sorry, master. I did not know...” The servant stopped abruptly at the doorway as if he had run into a wall, then pointed an accusing finger. “You aren't the master!"
"No, I'm Bikken.” I smiled to calm him. “I have an appointment with Mr. Norr. Would you summon him please?"
"An appointment?” He continued to study me as if I was a boot snagged accidentally by his fishing line. “You didn't come in the front door?"
"No reason to trouble you.” I pointed behind me. “The window was open."
"Robber!” he screamed suddenly and ran back down the hall. Seconds later he returned with guards. “Robber!” he yelled again, pointing at me.
"My name is Bikken, not Robber. I am in the employ of your master.” I took a calming sip of wine. “Ask him if you will."
"Summon the master,” one of the guards said, then approached me with sword drawn. “This one is going nowhere."
"I have no need to. I'm already where I want to be.” I took another sip of wine. “You can put down that sword; it must be getting heavy right about now."
He merely grunted and continued to glower at me as we waited. Soon enough we heard more approaching footsteps and a cacophony of voices. Norr's rose above them all. “You found a thief in my home? This is impossible! What am I paying you for?” He entered with his entourage and glared at me. “Bikken. What are you doing here? Our appointment was for tomorrow night."
I shrugged. “My previous engagement was unavoidably cancelled, so I thought I would drop by early.” I looked around his well-appointed library. “Very nice. Only befitting, I suppose."
My off-hand manner angered him further and he stood over me, glaring. “How did you get in here? My servants said you never came through the front door."
"There was no need. It was just a short climb to an open window."
"He's here to rob you,” the guard standing next to me said. He had yet to take my suggestion and sheath his weapon.
I looked at him over the rim of my glass. “If that were true, I would already be gone with whatever I wanted and no one the wiser.” I returned my attention to Norr. “I wanted to see how secure your lodgings really were. This was the best way to do so.” I crossed my legs and nestled back in the chair. “I would suggest your security methods are sorely lacking."
Norr glared at me for another moment, then turned it on his guards. “This man is indeed a thief. Apparently a very good one. Much better than any of you!"
The outrage of the
guards was almost immediately replaced by fear. “We knew he was here,” one tried to excuse themselves.
"Only after I summoned the servant.” I decided I had pushed my luck far enough and set down my glass. “Your master hired me to counsel his guards at his business. It would appear each of you could benefit from additional training as well."
Norr nodded. “Leave us. Bikken and I have much to discuss."
"I should stay,” said the guard still hovering over me like a concerned mother. “You could be in danger."
Norr was unswayed. “Bikken speaks correctly. If he were here to rob me, I would already be robbed. Leave us."
The guards hesitated, then, one by one, reluctantly sheathed their swords and started out.
"Hold,” I called out. “How many guards do you have, Master Norr."
"Four. Why?"
"Assign two to outside patrol."
"That should be unnecessary,” one of the guards said. “There are Guild members patrolling the streets."
I shook my head. I knew I was just creating more enemies, but you can't make an omelet and all. “If they are so effective, than why am I here? If you really want to protect your master, do as I say."
Norr glared at them. “Do as Bikken says.” He dismissed them with an angry wave and walked to his desk. “You are trying my patience,” he said after sitting and pouring himself some wine.
"I would think I was earning my wages."
He sat back, put his bare feet on the desk and smiled. “That I will not argue with. But this could have waited until tomorrow."
I favored him with a raised eyebrow. “Are you sure? Do you really think I am the only professional thief in Banik's Cove?” I pointed out several items in the room. “I could have any one of them if I wanted. So could any competent thief. Or the items in your safe."
He frowned. “Why do you assume I have a safe in here?"
Brendell: Rogue Thief Page 2