"Nothing.” Of importance.
She stood, then began gnawing on a finger, her head bowed. “I don't know. There is so much I need to discuss with you, but now? I don't know.” Then she looked at me. “When are you leaving ... again?"
"I don't know. Soon. Within the week I would hope."
"And you'll be gone how long?"
"I don't know.” I rose and stood next to her. “I promise I shall return as soon as I can."
Cordita pressed against me as if she was searching for warmth on a frosty night. “You are a strange man, Gastinell. Brendell."
I forced a laugh as I embraced her. “So I've been told. More than once."
She looked up and kissed me quickly, then stepped back and took my hand. “If you must be leaving soon, we should make better use of our time together. There are no other customers I need to be concerned with. Come.” And she led me to her room and, not much later, bed.
The following morning, Pipo Fess and I made another journey to the cells and the band of Assassin's Guild members. “What are you going to tell them?” she asked as she shivered from the cold and dampness.
"I'm going to give their leader some extra incentive to tell his overseers what we want."
"And exactly what would that be?"
"That his mission was successful and he was able to destroy the tunnel. His group just happened to be caught afterwards."
She frowned. “What tunnel? They were chattering about the same thing and I have no idea what they were talking about."
"I told Algorph that you had constructed a tunnel from your manor to the outside. It was how you were able to bring in supplies despite their blockade. Fortunately they believed in the possibility enough to dispatch some troops to search for it."
Her appreciative laughter filled the corridor. “You never stop surprising me, Brendell! You've managed to protect us with nothing save tall tales."
"Thankfully that onus will fall upon Madnizaroc now. Although I'm afraid she will be most reluctant to do so."
"We've already had a long discussion. As I told you, Brendell, I know how to deal with females. We've managed to strike an equitable agreement."
"Good. Just don't trust her.” We continued in silence until we reached the last turn before the chamber holding the cells. “You can wait here. I shouldn't need more than a few minutes with them."
Her eyes frosted over. “I am the leader of Houff. Or have you forgotten?"
I blushed. “Sorry. Of course you are welcome, your majesty."
"That's better,” she said and snorted. “I have a few things to say to them as well."
As before, only Algorph approached when we entered. “You are going to release us now, Brendell?” It really didn't come out as a question.
"Algorph, I assume you will do as we discussed yesterday."
"It is my duty to inform my superiors."
I nodded. “That it is. I suggest you also tell them that you succeeded in destroying the tunnel before you were captured."
He was silent for a moment, then shook his head. “I will not lie to them. Our mission was a failure. I am a failure."
"You wouldn't really be lying. Especially since the tunnel was a lie."
He began to shake as realization sunk in. “You! You ... thief!” He reached by reflex for his sword, then the red in his face slowly turned from rage to embarrassment when he realized he was unarmed. For another minute he continued to glare at me. Then he threw back his head and laughed. “I hate you, Brendell. I've hated you ever since you destroyed me at the Thief's Academy. But,” and he shook his head, “you have also earned my respect. You would make a good commander, Brendell, I cede you that."
"Enough of your foolish male rituals,” Pipo Fess interrupted coldly. “It is my land you have threatened, my people you have imperiled. I demand your hostilities end immediately."
Algorph studied her soberly. “As I have promised the thief, I will present your demands to my superiors. I believe they will accept your terms."
"My terms?” She glanced from Algorph to me. “What did you tell him, Brendell?"
"That it would be more profitable to the Guild if you remain as you are, free of any Guild entanglements. And that, of course, you be allowed to live in peace."
She considered my remarks. “I see. I think. And you, Algorph is it? You will tell your superiors to lift the blockade and not interfere with my rule of Houff?"
"It appears the most reasonable solution,” he said.
"In that case you are free to go. My men will escort you to our borders."
"Of course, your majesty. I would expect nothing less. Oh, before we leave.” He seized the iron door to the cell and pulled. There was a groaning sound, then the door began to separate from the cavern wall. He stepped back and pointed to the wide gap that now existed. “You might want to do some work on your jail. We could have escaped any time we wished."
Fess looked at him in amazement. “Then why didn't you?"
He laughed bitterly. “We had to find out where the tunnel was. We thought we could learn more if we appeared to be prisoners than if we wandered blindly all over the place.” Then he looked at me. “I guess we were right."
I patted Algorph on the shoulder. “I think I was wrong about you. You would have made a good thief."
"I won't take that as a compliment.” But he was smiling when he said it. “Men,” he turned, “we are being released. Follow me."
"No weapons,” I said as we started back down the corridor in single file.
"Understood. Although,” and Algorph's voice dropped to a whisper, “I would appreciate it if somehow you could return my sword to me. I paid dearly for it."
I nodded. “I'll see what I can do."
Fess’ guards were surprised when we appeared outside her manor. There were no protests, only relief, however, when she told them to lead the prisoners to the border and release them. Then, with a nod toward me, she returned to her manor, me right behind.
We marched directly to her library. “So you presume to speak for me and the people of Houff with this Algorph,” she said as soon as we sat. “Ignoring the fact that I rule her, not you.” Then she leaned forward, her eyes glazing over with ice. “How dare you negotiate with Algorph without my authority!"
She had every right to chastise me, I knew. “I was only doing what I felt best, your majesty. I was certain my plan would work."
"Your plans. Yes. Tell me, Brendell, exactly what are your plans? For Houff and for me. And for Cordita.” She sat back and studied me. “She is with your child, you know."
I couldn't help but gasp in surprise. “No,” I managed after a long pause. “I didn't know.” Why didn't she tell me?
"And I suspect you don't care. But that's between you and her. Now you've managed to dispose of the Assassin's Guild. But that hardly ends our difficulties with Kastikaan."
"The dam. Yes, your majesty."
"A little late to be honoring my position now, wouldn't you say?"
"Yes. Again I apologize.” Why is she acting like this? I couldn't help but wonder. Everything I had done had been for the well-being of Houff and her people. Surely she could see that. But, I had to admit, I had kept her in the dark about much of my activities. “The dam will cause a problem. Have you any suggestions?"
"Now you ask for my opinions. How thoughtful. No; you tell me what you have in mind, then I'll tell you what you shall do."
"We have Madnizaroc now. She can do it. It would be best if they believe she did it the first time as well."
"They won't. You were foolish enough to destroy it during the day. Someone would have seen Madnizaroc if that were true.” She paused. “And I'm still not sure how you did it. Was it that fire salt you talked about?"
Foolish? If I had tried that at night, I would have been caught or worse. Now, however, was not the time to argue, so I merely agreed.
"Don't use it again. It is too dangerous."
"Of course."
"Fine.
” She sat back and crossed her legs, then poured some wine before continuing. “I have decided you will take Madnizaroc to Kastikaan during the day and destroy that dam. It is important they see her so they know she is under our control and that we can attack them at any time."
"A good plan, your majesty, an excellent plan. It shall convince Kastikaan not to trouble you and Houff again. It shall be carried out as you say."
She laughed, a hearty laugh that nearly brought her to tears. “Stop it, Brendell,” she managed to say during paroxysms of giggles. “Your attempts at being the fawning underling are just too funny!"
I frowned. “Then why..."
She managed to regain control. “To put you in your place. To remind you who is the leader of Houff. You should have seen your face. Priceless!"
I bowed my head, both chastened and miffed. “I am sorry I overstepped my bounds."
She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “Hardly worth apologizing for, especially considering what you've done for us. I just don't like your continual surprises."
"Again I apologize."
"Accepted,” she said after a moment. “And I apologize for acting on my own wounded pride. You didn't deserve that. A toast then.” She held up her glass and I walked over with mine and touched glasses. “To Houff."
"To Houff,” I nodded.
"Tomorrow, you take Madnizaroc to Kastikaan and deal with the dam. Tonight,” and she smiled, “I suggest you spend with Cordita. You two have your own plans to make."
"Is this really necessary?” Madnizaroc, in her dragon form, and I were outside the city walls and my well-used basket was waiting for me. It was early morning and few were out of bed. Pipo Fess had insisted on this; “We don't want to alarm my subjects any more than necessary,” she had explained.
I felt as inconvenienced as Madnizaroc, but for different reasons. I had spent the previous evening with Cordita, when she reluctantly admitted she was pregnant. “You don't owe me anything, Brendell,” she had insisted as we shared her bed. “I chose this and I am fully prepared and able to raise our child by myself."
"I can't do that,” I replied.
"Why not? You've never married, correct?” Then she stopped and even in the darkness I could see the suspicion in her eyes. “Or is that something else you haven't told me?"
"I'm not married,” I said quickly. “I am not a father, either."
"As far as you know,” she said with a sniff.
I sighed. “I admit there is a possibility."
"I thought as much.” She sat up and crossed her arms, resting them on her ample breasts. “I've thought about this, Brendell. If you took too long to return, or never returned, I was going to tell your child you were dead.” She stared quietly at me for a long time and I could feel the sadness in her gaze. “It's the best way. A child shouldn't be brought up without his father."
"Yes,” I said heavily. “But I will return."
Then she grabbed my hand and pressed it to her breast. “But only if you want to."
"I want to.” I kissed her on the forehead, then the lips. And then everywhere else to reassure her even more.
"So are we ready to leave?” Madnizaroc asked, shattering my reverie.
"Of course.” I climbed into my basket and moments later we were aloft. Once again I was amazed at the view below so I lost track of time before I heard Madnizaroc clear her throat. “Sorry. What?"
"I never thought I would say this, but I must thank you, Brendell."
I never thought she would say that, either. “For what?"
"For bringing me to Pipo Fess."
For the first time in I couldn't say how long I felt a momentary sense of relief. “I'm glad for you. She was able to remove the spell?"
"Yes. The demon no longer controls me. I am now free to be ... me"
So much for relief. “But you will help us, correct?"
"She and I have come to a more equitable agreement. One which will benefit us both."
"Then you no longer want to kill me."
My basket wobbled abruptly, nearly forcing me overboard. Then Madnizaroc laughed. “Your inevitable death is only temporarily postponed. I still don't like you, Brendell, for exiling me to Mount Perjheus."
"But you understand why I had to do that,” I said hastily.
"No,” and she abruptly veered downward, heading directly for a copse of tall tree. She streaked above them, my basket nearly brushing the treetops and bringing cries of alarm from the birds roosting there. I was still brushing aside the startled birds searching for refuge in my basket when she turned upward. “Did I make my point?"
"Clear as rain."
"Good. Now, where is this dam you were prattling about?"
"Just follow the river. It's at the base of the mountains."
We continued east at a leisurely pace. The good people of Kastikaan were now stirring for another day's labor and, even from our height, I could tell the sight of Madnizaroc was causing great concern. “You're making quite an impression,” I said as we hovered briefly over the walls of the city itself. A few of the sentries sent arrows our way, but we were high enough that they fell harmlessly short.
"Fools,” she said as another volley of arrows were futilely fired. “If I were of a mind, I could set afire their entire city."
"No need. The dam is our sole objective."
"You lack all sense of adventure, Brendell."
Perhaps that's why I'm still alive. “I didn't become a thief for the ‘adventure,’ Madnizaroc. Okay, there's the logging camp. The dam is coming up."
The loggers stopped working as we flew overhead. I watched, bemused, as they began chasing after us. Which was just what I had hoped for; we needed a large audience for what we planned. “Is that it?” Madnizaroc asked.
The great wooden wall now was in plain sight. “Yes. Soar above it and circle so they can all see."
Once again my basket rocked violently as she flew upward, clearing the wall by just a few feet before circling over the dam and the lake it formed. As we circled waiting for the lumbermen to arrive, I couldn't help but admire the structure. This high, the man-made lake reminded me of a giant bird bath. “Too bad you don't swim,” I said off-handedly.
Madnizaroc snorted. “Who said I don't? Dragons aren't afraid of water. In the mountains, we swim in mountain pools all the time."
"Really?” I looked down, a finger to my lips. “Could you swim in that?"
"Are you deaf? Of course. It's probably not as cold as I would like it, though."
"You know, maybe we won't have to destroy this dam after all."
"What are you saying, Brendell? Pipo Fess told me this dam was the cause of all the problems."
"It is. I'm just saying, maybe we don't have to destroy it. Put me on the ground, then take a little swim."
"You're an enigma, Brendell. Someday I'll bite the top of your head off to see how your mind works.” Still she dropped low enough so I could safely jump from my basket to the ground. Then she rose and soon was enjoying herself in the lake.
The approaching crowd had seen me land, so I merely had to wait, arms folded, until they arrived. They looked from me to Madnizaroc, their faces various shades of pale. Finally one found his tongue. “That dragon. You brought that dragon! You must get it out of here before it destroys us!"
I shrugged. “When she's done with her bath. It wouldn't be a good idea to interrupt her right now. Dragons have short tempers."
"You brought that dragon here!” another said and pointed an accusing finger.
"On orders of Pipo Fess, rightful ruler of Houff. She controls the dragon, not me.” That, at least, was the truth. “She knew the dragon needed a place to swim and hunt. The lake you've created is ideal."
"It's our lake. It belongs to Kastikaan!"
"True enough. I suggest, though, that you bring up your objections with her,” and I pointed to Madnizaroc. “Pipo Fess has only limited control over the dragon."
"If you don't get rid of that creature
, we will destroy it!” another angry voice called out.
I looked at their armament—axes, saws, several swords and knives—and laughed. “Arrows won't harm her. With what you have, you'll have to get very close to her to have any chance. You understand she breaths fire, don't you?"
"Pipo Fess will hear of this,” still another said. “If she can't control the beast, we will destroy Houff."
"I'll relay the message.” I looked back at Madnizaroc, who happily remained in the water. “But you know how hard it is to control dragons once their mind is set. That lake is so attractive ... I just don't know. I won't be surprised if she dropped by for a visit everyday.” I then gave out a piercing whistle. Slowly, majestically, Madnizaroc rose from the waters and within a few minutes my basket was on the ground next to me. “Good afternoon, gentlemen,” I said with a smile as I climbed in. “I'll relay your concerns to Pipo Fess."
As we flew away, I kept my attention on the dam and the men below. They remained for quite some time before returning to their camp. I was certain, however, that more than one would soon be discussing the situation with the Kastikaan council.
Pipo Fess was waiting for us when we returned to Houff. “Is it gone?” she asked as soon as I stepped on the ground.
"As good as gone."
She frowned. “What are you telling me, Brendell? You didn't follow my expressed orders?"
"I took advantage of a situation that presented itself,” and I explained what I had done.
When I finished, she wore a bemused look on her face. “Do you think it will work?"
"Madnizaroc may have to provide some persuasion. Perhaps a return to the lake this afternoon. But I believe they will destroy that dam themselves. And as long as she remains a threat, they don't dare rebuild it.” I gave her a shy smile. “Much better for you and Houff, yes?"
She chuckled. “Yes, most emphatically. How long will we have to wait?"
"I don't know. Less than a week I would hazard."
It didn't take that long. By the following morning, the river had risen to its normal banks.
The Guild Council
I spent the week in Houff just to make sure the Guild wouldn't go back on its word or that Kastikaan would try anything on their own. But the mercenaries retreated, although we heard reports that more than normal remained in Kastikaan. Travel and trade to and from Houff returned to normal, the farmers were able to return to their fields, the merchants enjoyed a slow but steady stream of customers and everyone, except perhaps Cordita, were at the least relieved.
Brendell: Rogue Thief Page 18