Brendell: Rogue Thief

by Patrick Welch

  So the time passed, with me making more friends and becoming more inebriated (although not near as much as I let on) when I saw Cordita enter. She was again dressed in the revealing silks she had complained about so much and I immediately went to her. “Castina, you've returned!” I greeted her grandly. I had insisted she use an alias that would be easy for her to remember and recognize. “Come, meet our new friends!"

  So we went from table to table, she shyly nodding and accepting their compliments silently like a good concubine would. We were both carrying fresh glasses of wine when I finally found us a relatively quiet corner. “You hid everything under the floorboard?” I whispered tenderly in her ear.

  "Yes. And I replaced it and the rug as you suggested.” Her eyes were bright with excitement as she looked into mine.

  I kissed her and made sure to caress her buttocks for the benefit of the onlookers. “Excellent. No problems?"

  "The rooms you selected were empty like you suspected."

  "Even better.” I wrapped my left arm around her waist, making sure to cradle her right breast as I did so.

  "Do you have to be that obvious? It's embarrassing,” she whispered.

  "You're a concubine. Act like one. So,” I continued, loudly now so those nearby could overhear. “How were the gaming tables?"

  We had rehearsed this as well. There had to be a reasonable explanation why she had joined me later at the inn. “They were cheating, I'm sure of it. I've never been that unlucky at catkikan before!"

  "Those things happen at festivals.” Again I spoke loudly. “I wouldn't be surprised if there were thieves and pickpockets at work here as well. You must be watchful when we're on the streets as Kastikaan offers little protection for its visitors.” Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed more than one reveler checking their purses or jewelry. Now I knew where most kept their valuables, but I wouldn't use that knowledge tonight. I only hoped Cordita noticed as well.

  "So now what do we do?” she asked between a forced smile.

  "Wait. Sooner or later, someone will discover they have been robbed.” I gave her breast a slight squeeze. “For now, enjoy yourself."

  So we continued to circulate, our glasses filled often, my drunken pose becoming easier and easier to maintain, when the revelry was interrupted by a scream. “We've been robbed!"

  The crowd hushed immediately as all eyes turned to the richly dressed woman standing in the doorway. “We've been robbed!” she screamed again. “Some thief has broken into our room and stolen everything!"

  Our cue. “Castina, come. We must check our own room,” I said loudly. I wrested her away from the couple we were chatting with and joined the other scurrying patrons with the same purpose in mind. “This is the fault of this establishment!” I yelled as we approached the door. “Kastikaan should be more protective of its guests. I knew we should not have stayed here."

  The inn staff and those who I presumed to be Assassin's Guild members were everywhere when we reached the lobby and headed for the stairs. Obviously the victim had informed the innkeeper before making her announcement to one and all. But I had expected that.

  I also expected the knock on our door not long after we reached our quarters. “Who is it?” I said in a tired voice.

  "The innkeeper. We need to talk to you."

  "It's about time,” I said angrily. I threw open the door. “Where were you when I was being robbed?"

  Three men entered. Two were dressed alike, which meant they had to be guards. “You were robbed also?” said the third, who had to be the innkeeper.

  "Yes! Except for what Castina was wearing. All our gold and jewelry are gone! What kind of establishment do you run here? Taking advantage of your guests like this!"

  The innkeeper walked up to me. “We apologize. During the festival there are many strangers here. You saw nothing?"

  "No. I was in the wine shop below. And what are they doing?” The two guards had ignored me. Instead they immediately began searching our room.

  "We are searching every room in case the thief is still here,” the innkeeper said with an apologetic smile.

  "I was robbed and you're accusing me? Castina, we are leaving this inn first thing in the morning! I will not stay in an establishment that harbors thieves."

  "Please, Master Paarn,” he tried to calm me. “We are accusing no one. We are merely trying to protect our guests."

  "A bit late for that,” I said and snorted. I had chosen another name as well, just in case someone from the Assassin's Guild became too observant. Then I turned and glared at the guards, who were busy opening every drawer and searching our meager belongings. “And where were you? If you are the type of incompetents the Guild is now employing, I for one will never use you again!"

  That brought the reaction I expected. “Please stand still,” one said and approached me. He searched me roughly, expertly, but except for a few gold coins found nothing. He backed away, disappointed.

  I straightened my clothing angrily. “Treat Castina like that and I promise you I'll break your arm."

  "That will not be necessary,” the innkeeper said quickly. “Are we done?” The guards nodded grimly. “In that case.” He bowed. “Again I offer our heartfelt apologies for disturbing you. We will find your belongings, I promise you."

  "I will make out a list and give it to you. And the address where they may be sent. I will not be staying here beyond this evening! I doubt I will get any sleep this night."

  The innkeeper bowed once more, then left with his men. I turned and smiled at Cordita. “Excellent. Everything is going according to plan."

  She sat on the bed, still shaken by the intrusion. “They'll be searching everyone, won't they?"

  "Undoubtedly."

  "Then how do we get away with our ... loot?"

  "Simple.” I sat beside her and smiled. “We don't."

  The following morning found us just one of the many couples checking out early. I continued my performance, informing the clerk and anyone nearby that I was completely and utterly dissatisfied with their service and their concern for their guests.

  "This has never happened to us before,” she said and blushed.

  "A likely story. More likely the thief is in the your employ.” I banged my fist on the counter for emphasis. “Your staff and the Assassin's Guild is totally incompetent!"

  "As you wish, sir,” she said and bowed her head in shame.

  Cordita and I were stopped at the door by a guard. “Your bags,” he said roughly.

  "A bit late for your vigilance, isn't it?” I asked coldly as I allowed him to paw through our meager belongings.

  He merely grunted. “You may pass."

  "Incompetent,” I said, then grabbed our bags and hurried Cordita outside.

  "Now what?” she asked as we made our way through the crowd. The festival still had two days to run.

  "We go back to our meeting place and wait for the others."

  "But what about our money?"

  "We'll take care of that later. Come, we have a long walk awaiting."

  On the way I happened to pass a town crier, which gave me an idea. “Did you know our room, and rooms of others as well, was broken into last night and our possessions stolen?” I asked him during a break in his litany.

  "No,” he said. “Which inn?"

  I told him, then gave him one of my few remaining coins. “You will be doing others a great service if you warn them that thieves are loose in Kastikaan."

  "Thank you, kind sir,” he said and smiled. “I will be sure to do so."

  As we left him, I heard him add that information to his normal list of news and such. I suppressed a smile as several travelers immediately approached him and offered payment to learn more.

  "Do you think the Assassin's Guild will be checking everyone?” Cordita asked as we continued on.

  "No. They did that to us for show. And to assuage the innkeeper. They are not prepared to search everyone leaving, especially with so many here for the festiv
al."

  She gave me a shy smile. “Then you don't mind if I—practice—on our way out?"

  I laughed and squeezed her lightly. “Not at all. It's always good to practice."

  So she did as we journeyed back down the main road of Kastikaan into the countryside and along the river until we reached our encampment within Houff's borders. Fess had provided guards, and they were relieved to see us. “You have succeeded?” one asked.

  "In a manner of speaking. You may return to the city. We'll look after everything here."

  He nodded and they rode off. I set to work building a fire. The rest of my merry band should be straggling in at any time. “So how do we collect our gold?” Cordita asked as she returned with an armload of firewood.

  "We aren't. I'll explain when everyone is here,” I answered the surprised look on her face.

  So we went about preparing for the others, Cordita trapping several hares and gathering wild vegetables while I fetched water and sorted through what we had brought back with us. Throughout the day the others returned alone or in pairs until near dark the entire group was together.

  I was greatly relieved when the last arrived. Except for brief congratulations, I held off discussing our expedition until we had all eaten and were now enjoying wine that one of the early arrivals had brought back. They spent much of the time discussing their adventures among themselves so my silence was hardly noticed. I knew, however, that their newborn enthusiasm had to be extinguished lest they put themselves in danger. So I clapped my hands to get their attention. “We've all returned and I congratulate each and every one of you,” I began, rising to my feet. I raised my mug and they all joined me in a victory drink. “You've made me proud. Each of you has passed the final exam. And, of course, done a great service to your homeland.” Another hoist, another drink. “We are not finished, as you know.” They nodded in silent agreement. “And from now on, what must be done must be done by you alone."

  "What, what are you saying?” Cordita asked, dread in her voice.

  "That I must be leaving you. I will be serving Pipo Fess and Houff on my own."

  "But Master Gastinell,” one protested. “We need you. You are our teacher!"

  "And, judging by the wealth I see before me, you are all very apt pupils. But pupils nonetheless. I must emphasize that none of you, none of you, are at the level of even a third year Academy student. Our task was made easier because of the festival. When you return to Kastikaan, it will not be as such. The Assassin's Guild will be more watchful. I suspect the Thief's Guild will take an interest as well as they frown upon and discourage unprofessional thieves. I do not want you to stop, merely be more circumspect."

  "What are we to do?” asked Theroun.

  "Don't worry, I have assignments for each of you. Come, sit closer to the fire and I will give them."

  First, I told them how to dispose of our profits. “Different merchants in different villages, none in Kastikaan.” I had separated the jewelry into three piles. I held up a ring from one. “Remove the stone and melt this down into gold. Do the same with the others in this group. They will be much easier to dispose of.” I pointed at the next pile. These were mostly bracelets and pins. “These are more valuable as they are. They are also less likely to be unique or commissioned items, unlike the rings. Again, only a few at a time.” I pointed to the third pile, which was a collection of about anything. “These are all nearly worthless. But they will have their uses as well."

  "What about the gold we left in our room?” Cordita asked.

  I smiled. “I was getting to that. In two weeks, Theroun, you and Breiea,” I pointed to the young blonde who had shown a budding talent for forgery, “will return to Kastikaan. You will go to our inn and ask to stay in Room 114. Tell them you are celebrating your anniversary and wish to spend the night in the same room you celebrated the consummation of your marriage.” Everyone laughed and Breiea blushed at this. “Take this,” I pointed at the cheap or fake jewelry, “with you. You will switch it with the gold and such we hid there. Cordita will tell you more when it is time."

  "So we can still go to Kastikaan to ... work?” one asked.

  "Yes, but only alone or as a pair. You've proven that the groupings I assigned were successful. Don't go often, and do so in disguise, but we do want to keep Kastikaan uneasy."

  "What about those who visit Houff?” Theroun asked.

  "No,” I shook my head emphatically. “Do not steal from anyone who travels within your borders. Let Kastikaan earn its reputation as a haven for unlawful thievery.

  "Let me emphasize again; I have only taught you the rudiments of property acquisition and disbursement.” They chuckled at my synonym for my profession. “Continue to practice all your skills. Remember: none of you are adept enough to survive as a professional thief. If I can accomplish what I have promised Pipo Fess, those skills can be forgotten and you can return to your lives as, well, whatever you did before."

  I noticed a few grumble among themselves, which did not please me. Can't you see I'm telling you the truth? But there was little I could do beyond warning them. So I did the next best thing. I walked up to Theroun. “Theroun, I believe this is yours,” and I handed him his purse. I proceeded to walk around the campfire, returning purses or bracelets or rings I had lifted from each earlier that evening. They were silent and gazing at me in awe when I finished. “You will be dealing now with the Thief's Guild as well as the Assassin's Guild. Our venture in Kastikaan has assured that much. Am I making myself clear?” Everyone nodded, their eagerness now sufficiently squelched. “Excellent!” I clapped my hands. “We still have wine to drink. Let us celebrate these graduation ceremonies!"

  Later Cordita joined me. Many of my little group had either staggered back to their homes in Houff or were sleeping by the fire. “Pipo Fess knows what you are doing?"

  "Not the specifics, but she knew I wouldn't be coming back. At least not yet."

  She snuggled nest to me, then looked up at the sky. “Why are you helping us, Gastinell? If that is your real name."

  "It is for now. I've lost my real name.” But not for long. She looked at me but I ignored the question in her eyes. “Pipo Fess saved me. I owe her and your people my life. I may be a thief, but I repay my debts."

  She ran her fingers along my vest, unbuttoning it, then my shirt underneath and opened it. “What do I owe you?” she asked softly as she twirled a fingertip in the hairs on my chest.

  "Nothing at all,” I managed to say. Despite the chill of the night, I was feeling unnaturally warm.

  "I disagree.” Suddenly I felt her hands on my trousers, unloosening them and pulling them rapidly to my knees.

  "Cordita, stop! Someone will see."

  She put a finger on my lips, effectively quieting me. “It's dark. And I don't care.” Then she was straddling me, on top of me, and suddenly I was within her. She kissed me, then sat up, her eyes glowing in the soft moonlight. “I want everyone to know I'm the teacher's pet."

  "Yes,” I whispered. Then I closed my eyes and let her lead me to our private land of enchantment.

  "And why are you in Kastikaan?” the guard asked me.

  The cowl of the monk's robe covered my features as I looked up at him. “I am making a pilgrimage to Cardinaul, to pray at the feet of Our Lady Wisteria."

  He grunted. “Cardinaul is many days away. Why do you have no mount?"

  "Ours is a poor order. When I arrive matters not, only that I do."

  "Let me see your bag."

  I handed my meager belongings to him. He quickly found it had nothing of interest and returned it with another grunt. I slung it over my shoulder. “Do you always treat holy men so? I have not been treated such in other lands."

  "I apologize, friar. But we have had a recent spate of thievery within our borders. That is something we cannot allow for the safety and peace of mind of our citizens and visitors."

  Good. I smiled. “I'm afraid a thief would find little of interest in what I carry. Such t
hings happen when one strays from the proper path."

  "Indeed.” Another grunt. “You may go."

  "Bless you. May Our Lady Wisteria smile upon you."

  But he was already turning his attention to another traveler, so I walked on. It had been a long walk from the Houff borders to the walls of Kastikaan, and I was beginning to reconsider my disguise. The heavy robes were growing warmer by the minute as the noonday sun beat down on me. A disguise was a necessity; Algorph might still be in Kastikaan and I certainly couldn't risk being recognized. My attire made me immediately conspicuous, but that wasn't necessarily a disadvantage. My purpose was reconnaissance only and traveling holy men were common sights in every land.

  My only concern really was for Theroun. But if he followed my instructions, waiting several weeks before returning to the inn to collect what we had hidden there and bringing the cheap and fake jewelry with him, he should get through the guards. The odds were that no one would notice the gems and such had been switched from the time he entered until he left. If he would follow my instructions.

  But that was a concern I had for all my “students.” They had enjoyed moderate success, but they were hardly prepared for the real world of thievery. I could only hope they would not learn those lessons in the harshest fashion.

  "You've come a long way, Brendell,” I whispered as I made my slow way past the city and into the countryside beyond. Not only was I at war with the Guilds, but now I was under obligation to Pipo Fess and the people of Houff. The ethics of thievery demanded commitment and reasonable honesty with your client and total devotion to the Guild. One did not form bonds with people outside your family and Guild because at sometime you might be required to steal from them. A contract was a contract, the prospect a name and nothing more.

  And here I was committed to helping complete strangers. For nothing (well, my life perhaps, but still ... ). If Professor Grimmire could see me now, he would be even more disappointed with me than he was before. I sighed. Once this is done, I'm going to find another line of work.

  I continued following the river deeper into the valley. Farmholds grew scarcer as the size and density of the forest increased. It wasn't long before I came to a sawmill. It spilled across both sides of the river and by the number of men working there, I realized it was the chief industry of Kastikaan. There was a steady stream of freshly hewn lumber being brought in by horse-drawn wagons. One group of men was busy chopping off limbs, another cutting the logs into more manageable size. What interested me most was the large circular saw blades used to cut the logs into boards. The blades were positioned vertically on an axle. Handles were attached on either side of the axle, with three men on each handle turning the blade as rapidly as they could. Other men guided the logs into the blade itself, pushing the log through and out the other side. I wondered how they could avoid being injured, then noticed that when the log was nearly halved, another was brought in behind it, pushing the first log completely through and taking its place in line. The halved logs were taken to the next saw and the process repeated until regular boards were all that was left. Those were then stacked on waiting wagons, which were driven to the barges waiting on the river.