Brendell: Rogue Thief

by Patrick Welch

  "It's demon work,” one man said. Because of his drink and his temper, his face nearly matched his red jerkin. “There is no other explanation!"

  "An avalanche,” his companion answered. “Or maybe an earthquake."

  His friend was unappeased. “You weren't there. I saw it! It was like a giant hand reached down and pushed over the great wall of Kastikaan! There was no sign of an avalanche."

  "What magician has the power to do that? Why would he do that?"

  "The Assassin's Guild is convinced it was done by Houff. There have always been rumors their leader is a witch. The two kingdoms have been at odds for years. Houff has long wanted to conquer Kastikaan."

  His companion was unimpressed. “I don't believe in magicians or demons. The Assassin's Guild won't allow that in any event."

  "You better start believing.” They had my full attention now and I watched as he paused to finish a glass of wine. “From what I've heard, the Assassin's Guild is not going to tolerate this. They plan to destroy Houff."

  His companion remained skeptical. “The Assassin's Guild doesn't attack kingdoms. Their task is to deter war, not foment it."

  "This is different. Magic is involved. Houff must be stopped."

  "Even without proof?” Both turned and stared in surprise at me. I didn't want to bring unwanted attention to myself, but I needed to learn more. “I'm sorry,” and I smiled shyly, “but I couldn't help but overhear. I've never heard of magicians being so powerful either. I was traveling through Kastikaan just last year. When did all this happen?"

  "Last winter,” the man in red said. “Demons ripped the great Kastikaan wall out of the ground as if it was made of sticks!"

  "An avalanche,” the other insisted.

  "I have seen magic,” I said and set my flask of wine on the table as cost of admission. “I've never seen or heard of a magician powerful enough to do as you say."

  "Demons,” the red-faced man said. “The witch of Houff controls demons. But the Assassin's Guild will stop her."

  "How do you know this? I'm not calling you a liar,” I added quickly when he glared at me, “just curious."

  "My nephew is in the Assassin's Guild. He told me,” he said sullenly after a pause.

  "This is most unfortunate,” I said and filled their glasses from my flask. “I have done business with both Houff and Kastikaan. The people of Houff never appeared to me as anything but poor and friendly."

  "They are a nation of thieves and demon-worshippers. My nephew could tell you stories that would give you nightmares for weeks! The Assassin's Guild will stop them."

  Thieves? I sighed mentally. Despite my instructions, some had obviously continued practicing their new-learned trade ... and been caught. Professor Grimmire would be pleased, I was sure. He always said my plans would eventually fail. Pipo Fess and I had foreseen some of the future, but now that it was a reality ... “I am surprised the other Guilds would allow this to happen."

  "Bah! What do you know of the Guilds? The Assassin's Guild has its bit in every mouth."

  That wasn't quite true. I had, not by choice, attended a Guild Council meeting once. Each had jealously protected his territory, but in the end all had acquiesced to the majority. The memory inevitably brought me back to the harmless dreamer Ensten. His invention of the Far Glass had struck fear in both the Thief's Guild and the Assassin's Guild and they had led the debate which resulted in his eventual death.

  The Far Glass. I still had it safely stowed in my saddlebags. The Captain's Guild had been most interested in that invention, but they had been voted down by the other Guilds. Would they still be interested?

  "Are you done bothering us now?” The voice interrupted my unplanned reverie.

  "I apologize,” I said hastily. “Please enjoy the rest of my wine. A small payment for interrupting you."

  "Don't do it again,” the man in red said, more in disinterest than anger.

  I nodded and returned to my own table, then ordered another flask while I ruminated. The fire salt. I would never use it again; it was just too dangerous. But the Miner's Guild or Logger's Guild might be interested. But how will that help Houff?

  It was evening when I finally left the inn. My ship had long sailed but I couldn't go to Mount Perjheus right now anyway. I had no idea what to do when I got there, but I knew I had to return to Houff.

  "Just what have you done to us, Gastinell?” Pipo Fess asked, rage in her voice and eyes. We were seated in her library. Since I had managed to sneak back into Houff, this was the first time we had been alone.

  "We knew there would be difficulties,” I said.

  "Not like this! We are surrounded. They are choking the life out of us!"

  I couldn't argue with her as I had seen it with my own eyes. I had heard increasingly distressing news as I neared Houff. But even the tales only hinted at the truth. Immediately after the destruction of the dam, Kastikaan had blamed Houff, or, specifically, Pipo Fess. Magic, they had claimed. The Assassin's Guild had immediately declared the realm as a rogue, one that must be brought down.

  But they did not invade, perhaps afraid of the demons Fess supposedly controlled. Instead they put Houff under siege. Travelers were prevented from entering; residents who tried to leave were arrested. They couldn't blockade the river because of other communities downstream, but they could prevent any river travel or trade—except for a single person who looked remarkably like me swimming down the river at night, his possessions in a bag tied to his back. Whether the Guild believed in her magic or not, the results were the same: Houff was slowly being starved to death.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't expect this."

  "Just what did you do to that dam, Gastinell? They say a demon appeared in a cloud of fire and swept it aside with a swipe of a giant tallied hand."

  Amazing. No one was there to see it but me. “Nothing that picturesque I'm afraid. I thought it would just catch fire. I didn't know the fire salt would do that."

  She frowned. “Fire salt? Is that some magical device?"

  "On the contrary. Anyone can make it.” But that would not be a good idea.

  "Can this fire salt help us now?"

  "No,” and I shook my head emphatically. “That would only confirm that Houff was somehow involved, that your magical powers are a threat to everyone. Right now the Assassin's Guild is hesitant to attack you. Use it and they won't."

  She nodded grimly. “Were my powers what they are reputed to be. My people are starving, Gastinell. This must stop!"

  "We need help."

  "A cogent observation,” she said dryly.

  I had been considering this option during my long trek to Houff. “We have to get the Guilds, at least some of them, to support us."

  "Why would the other Guilds defy the Assassin's Guild?"

  "We have to make it worth their while."

  She shook her head. “We have nothing to offer. Haven't you noticed, Gastinell? We are poor."

  "You have the fire salt. The Miner's Guild will be very interested in it. And you have this.” I set the Far Glass on the table.

  She picked it up and studied it. “What is it? It appears to be nothing more than a brass tube."

  "The Far Glass. I retrieved it from the Thief's Guild. That little item caused the death of an innocent dreamer at the demand of the Assassin's Guild. Look through it."

  She complied ... and gasped. “You, you look so close!” She lowered the glass to confirm I hadn't moved. “This is amazing."

  "Houff is going to make them and sell them."

  She set the Far Glass down carefully. “We have no mines here."

  "You can easily trade for the metal. You can make glass, right?"

  "We have a few craftsmen that do that. Like any village."

  I nodded. “For now, you only need to make a few. Melt down some brass ornaments. Have your craftsmen take this apart and study it. I suspect the secret is in the glass."

  "But how will this help us?"

  "The Captain's Guild w
ill be very interested in this device,” and I told her briefly about Ensten, the Far Glass and my meeting with the Guild chiefs. “We approach the Captain's Guild and offer them this device exclusively. They will want it."

  "But what's to stop them from just stealing it? Having someone else make it?"

  "That is where your magic comes in. Can you place magical tethers on them, for example?"

  Pipo Fess gnawed at an apple while she ruminated. “No. But I could place a simple locking spell. It would prevent them from taking it apart without the assistance of another magician."

  "Better if the item would be irrevocably destroyed if someone tried to learn its secret."

  "That might be possible."

  "Good.” I rose. “I need to get some rest. Tomorrow I must leave again. When I return, have a supply of Far Glasses ready."

  "We will try. But my people are suffering. We have little food."

  "They can escape. The blockade can stop ships but not a single swimmer. Especially at night; that's how I got here. There are limbs and other things floating down that river. The Guild ignores them. You could secure bags of flour and other items beneath them. It won't be easy but it can be done."

  Her eyes brightened at the possibilities. “Yes, we could do that. Or attached to the bottom of a simple fishing boat."

  "It should carry you through until I return. Oh, and one more thing."

  "Yes?"

  "Someone from here was caught stealing, weren't they?"

  She frowned. “Yes. How did you know?"

  "I've heard. Everyone has heard. I told you, I told them, to stop."

  "Since her hanging they have."

  I winced. “Who was it?"

  "Hassain Gilch"

  After a moment I remembered her, a young brunette who had been eager but not particularly adept. I had always teamed her with someone else, her primary responsibility to act as a distraction. “I'm sorry. Do as I ask. We will win yet.” I started toward the door.

  "Where are you staying?"

  "I have a room. I will return as soon as I can."

  Cordita was more than surprised to see me again. “Bourherr, you're back!” she yelped in surprise when I entered her parent's inn. She ran up to me and hugged me until I was gasping for breath.

  "Cordita,” I managed to say, struggling to disengage myself before my ribs were broken. “The patrons are watching."

  She frowned. “What patrons?"

  True enough, there was no one else in the inn. “Sorry. I just needed to catch my breath."

  She smiled shyly and ran a finger across my cheek. “Of course. Come, we must celebrate.” She took my hand and pulled me to a table. “Don't leave me. We still have some wine.” She returned shortly with a flagon and filled two glasses. “This is the last bottle,” she said sadly after we toasted.

  "That is going to change. But not immediately,” I added when she smiled.

  She understood what I meant. “You are leaving then.” There was no recrimination in her voice, only finality.

  "Yes.” I reached across and held her hand. “One more time. Then I should be able to stay."

  She pulled her hand away. “Do you really want to? Stay in Houff, I mean. After all the places you've been."

  I decided to tell her some of the truth. “Things are difficult now, but Houff is no better or worse than other lands."

  It wasn't what she was hoping to hear. “Perhaps you can show me these other lands. When you return."

  I smiled at her over the rim of my glass. “I would like that."

  She finished her wine in silence. I was enjoying just admiring her so I said nothing as well. We had finished the flagon when she finally spoke again. “When do you leave?"

  "As soon as possible. After dark, when I can get past the guards."

  "It will be dark soon."

  "I know."

  She looked at me shyly. “In that case you need your rest."

  "True. I could use a room for a few hours. If you would."

  "Of course. Come.” I followed her upstairs, but she didn't lead me to a rented room. Instead I found myself in hers. She pointed to her bed. “This will suffice?"

  "Absolutely. I don't mean to put you out, Cordita."

  She turned and I noticed her tunic was already undone. “You're not. Now get undressed and come to bed."

  I couldn't argue with that. I did get some sleep, but not for another hour.

  Mount Perjheus

  The river was cold. When I finally made it to land after several hours swimming downstream with the current, all the while holding onto a tree limb to provide some cover from the curious, the only thing I wanted was a fire and dry clothing.

  I started through the woods, flitting from tree to tree, all the while looking for sentries. I knew the Assassin's Guild would have some on duty, but not as many as during the day. After all these months of inactivity, I was confident they would be bored and relaxed. I had gotten into Houff; surely I could get out.

  I had gotten perhaps 50 yards from the river bank when I heard a splashing sound, followed by a heavy sigh. A guard, I realized, relieving himself. I went to duck down behind a tree when my foot caught on an unseen root. I lost my balance and fell head-long into a bush. A bush with thorns.

  Perhaps the guard would have ignored my fall as just an animal, but he couldn't ignore my yelps of pain as the thorns dug into my face and arms. “Who is that? Who is there?” he yelled out.

  I managed to struggle out of the bush but immediately saw a light quickly heading my way. Could I escape? He was still yelling and I heard voices from behind me. No way. So I sat wiping away blood from a thousand scratches on my face and arms until he arrived.

  He found me in short order. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” he asked as he approached, a lantern in one hand, a sword in the other.

  "Komerran.” I pointed at my clothing. Even in the dark anyone could see it was wet. “I was fishing when my boat overturned. I was fortunate to reach shore."

  "Fishing at night?” The sword rose slowly toward my throat.

  "Of course. They bite better at night."

  "Remove your clothing."

  "Why?” His sword immediately inched closer. “If you insist.” I struggled to my feet, then removed my soaked jerkin and trousers. “My boots also?” He nodded and I removed them as well.

  By now other guards had reached us. Several busied themselves searching my garments while the others chatted in hushed tones. “He claims he was fishing and he fell in the river,” I heard my discoverer say.

  "Perhaps,” said another. “Or perhaps he's from Houff.” He turned to the others. “Find anything?"

  "Not a thing. His pockets are empty,” said one.

  "Should we let him go?” the first guard asked. “He can't possibly be a threat."

  "That is up to the captain to decide.” The new arrival approached. “If you are as you say, we shall release you shortly.” He looked at the pile of wet clothing. “Here, put this on,” and he handed me his cape.

  "Thank you,” I said, wrapping it around my shoulders, then sneezing for emphasis. “My boots."

  "Our camp is close. You can dry them out by our fire. Come with us."

  I followed them as best I could. If I could convince their captain I wasn't lying, I just might get away, perhaps even with dry clothing. I was already rehearsing my fabrication when we reached camp. There were a half dozen tents and three curious guards seated around the campfire. One of the guards was kind enough to spread my clothing on a log near the fire. The others kept their swords drawn, however, so I stood among them shivering while one entered the largest tent. After several minutes he reemerged, to be followed by their sleepy captain. And my hopes of release vanished like the summer dew.

  "Brendell!” Algorph said my name like a powerful curse. Then he stood there, shaking in surprise and perhaps outrage.

  "Good evening, Algorph,” I said and nodded shyly. “Nice to see you again. I see you've been
promoted. Congratulations."

  "You're dead! I saw you die.” He approached, still unconvinced I wasn't an apparition or a demon in disguise. “How?"

  During my long journey back to Houff, I had tried to plan for every contingency. I had overlooked one. I mentally shook myself. If a lie won't suffice ... “It was that witch Pipo Fess. She imprisoned me!"

  "How?” he asked again. This time he removed his dagger and held it before my eyes.

  "A magical tether,” I said quickly. “They didn't tie me up. When the smoke rose, she used it to transport me."

  "And why would she do that?” He ran the dagger along my cheek.

  "To use me just as you did. She forced me to teach her subjects how to steal. She wanted me to turn Houff into a nation of thieves."

  "A most interesting tale, Brendell,” he said. “All lies, of course."

  "Then why am I still alive? You must know what has happened in Kastikaan. The thefts."

  "I'm more interested in what happened to the wall."

  Good, he's listening. “Her magic. She is very powerful. She is the most powerful magician I have ever met."

  His men had been standing near us listening to every word. “There was an outbreak of thefts in Kastikaan,” one said. “I was stationed there. They did catch a thief and she admitted she was from Houff before they hung her."

  "Which should be the fate of all from Houff,” Algorph said. “It shall be yours, Brendell, for aiding them."

  "I told you, I had no choice. Kill me if you will, Algorph, but a death by sword is nothing compared to what she promised would happen to me if I betrayed her."

  "In that case, perhaps we'll return you and let her have the pleasure.” Suddenly Algorph's dagger was at my throat. “Why did she let you go?"

  I forced a bitter laugh even as I swallowed bile. “A poor choice of words, Algorph. Over the months I managed to ingratiate myself with one of the guards. More than ingratiate, actually. I promised I would come back for her if she helped me escape."

  "And she believed you?” Algorph laughed heartily. “You are trying my patience, Brendell."