by Katie Roman
Glenda bade Grace to sit. She rearranged her own skirts and sat in one of the wooden armchairs. “It’s a bad way to run a city; starving hard-working people.”
“Will any of your fellow merchants and shopkeepers share this view?”
“I was able to convince a few to come tonight. Plenty are happy the Guild is no longer a strong force in this city, but they are afraid to defy the king. Others are fearful if they let the whole of the Lane be arrested, we’ll be next. They also like what Prince Drake is offering. Who else is joining us this night?”
“Two Guard captains and possibly some of their trusted men; men who will need convincing. Then Thom, Ridley, and Kay.”
Glenda cut away a piece of cheese and spread it on a biscuit, but she didn’t eat it right away. “I don’t suppose you’ll be telling us what sort of plans you have?”
“Not yet. I need to know who I can count on.”
As promised, three merchants – an armorer, gem seller, and notary – joined them first in Glenda’s little rooms. Ridley came in next, her eyes red-rimmed and tired. Last came Thom, leading in Nathaniel and Captain Brach.
“We’ve rounded up a few men, but we’ll be meeting with them later tonight at the Golden Road guard house,” Nathaniel explained. “A lot of men, some from other districts even, came forth, but it was too many to fit here.”
“Can you trust them all?” Grace asked.
“Not all,” Brach said. “That was another reason we left them behind. We know who can be trusted from Golden Road and Rogue’s Lane, though. We will pass some information on and feed false information to those we do not trust yet.”
The idea that Robert threw spies into the ranks was a very real possibility, and one that made Grace’s breath catch slightly. As Brach spoke she rearranged her own plans in her mind, factoring in the likelihood that some news would reach the duke.
Kay arrived last with Donald, dressed in Egona livery. “A messenger from Charlotte,” she said.
“We will talk later,” Grace told Donald. He bowed to her and winked.
Grace stood before the assembled group. “We are all gathered here tonight because we have a common goal: To see power wrested from His Grace, the duke of Escion, and put into the hands of Glenbard’s citizens. Prince Drake has given his assurances that he will reorganize the city so common folk can elect their magistrate, ensuring all the districts have a fair say. We’ve been trying to spread the word through Cesernan.” She nodded to Glenda. “Glenda has sent out messages to merchants in other towns and cities, encouraging others. Our friends in Egona are reaching out to noble allies who are dissatisfied with the prospect of war this spring. I have called this meeting to see who will stand with me and by extension, who will stand with the Thieves’ Guild.”
It was subtle, but Kay, Donald, and Thom, who all stood, moved slightly closer to Grace. She noted with some trepidation that Ridley remained as far away as she could manage.
“Will we have to keep paying the Guild’s bribe to keep our shops and purses safe?” the notary asked.
“Nothing has been decided,” Kay cut in. “But we can at least say those who lend us aid will be safe.”
Grace nodded her agreement. “But now is not the time to ask such questions. We need to be a united force if we are to secure the city.”
“We have to look toward the future,” the gem merchant scowled. “If we help and have no assurance, and then the Guild robs us blind, what will you do then, Majesty? Make your thieves give everything back? You’ll have your throat slit and your body thrown in an alley before you finish the demand.” He watched her with narrowed eyes.
“If Prince Drake triumphs, perhaps there will be no need for the Guild.” Grace was taken aback to hear Thom say such words. He didn’t look at her; instead he looked straight at the merchants, his eyes holding each of theirs for a moment before moving on. “The Guild was formed ‘cause poor folks couldn’t afford to bribe guards or feed their children. If we get a voice in the management of this city, mayhaps we won’t need to steal to survive. Mayhaps the alms houses will get more donations or more support.” Ridley moved away from her seat and left the room without a word.
Grace wanted to follow her, but knew she couldn’t abandon the meeting she had called. The Guild was all Ridley knew. Even if she was sick of the current state of things, she still held it close to her heart.
“A romantic ideal,” the gem merchant cut in. “But you can’t guarantee that. You can’t root out all the bad seeds. At least the current Guild polices its own.”
“I must repeat that we have not decided anything. I am speaking to the Guild tonight,” Grace said. “We have all been grieving the loss of our king. I am asking for help, not just for the Lane, but for Glenbard.”
“Mattes,” Glenda cut in, turning to the gem merchant. “Think of what we stand to gain. Prince Drake is offering to put a merchant in the office of magistrate. Forget about the Guild. This call for help may come from the Queen of Thieves, but it is by the prince’s promise she even dares to call for aid.”
Mattes grumbled and crossed his arms over his chest. “And if the prince fails and is executed for treason, we will all be considered accomplices. We may be considered such just sitting in this meeting. You pick terrible friends, Glenda.”
The armorer, who had said nothing beyond a “hello”, cleared his throat. “My daughter gave birth last month. We couldn’t get enough food for her or for the baby. We lost my granddaughter, Elsa, and it broke my girl’s heart. My son-in-law joined the duke’s army just so his wife could get enough food. He’s not a fighter, and he has no stomach for violence. If Cesernan goes to war in the spring, he’ll be killed, I am sure of this. Treason be damned. I’d rather be hanged than die a slow, agonizing death due to hunger and heartbreak. Miss Grace, I will outfit you and your trusted men with whatever you need. Just rid this city of that rotten duke and help the prince take the throne.”
“Haymitch, speak sense!” Mattes looked aghast at the armorer. “You have seen men hanged before. You would rather have their fate?”
“I have also seen war before, and neither is pretty, I’ll take my chances against the noose.”
Mattes rose, pointing at Grace. “Your heart may be in the right place, but your head is off in the clouds if you think you can unite this city.”
Glenda huffed and rearranged her skirts. “Mattes, you promised to listen.”
“And I don’t like what I hear. A little girl is toying with the lives of folk and expecting my aid and no doubt my coin?” He looked back to Grace. “Ciro watch over you, girl. I wish you luck, but I won’t risk my life on a fool’s hope.”
“Can we at least trust you to keep quiet about this?” Grace asked. She didn’t want to have to lock this man up, or something worse.
“Aye. I don’t want to end up like Captain Erickson.” Mattes bowed and took his leave. Grace knew she would have to have him watched carefully. He had heard too much.
“About Erickson,” Brach said, stepping forward. “You’re treating him well?”
“As well as can be expected,” Kay answered, looking annoyed. “He is none too happy about his position, but he is safe and sound. Are you two thinking of relinquishing your support? I seem to remember how mad you all were over the death of a crooked guard two summers ago.”
“Erickson allowed innocents to be murdered on his watch,” Nathaniel said. “And Serenity Place guards have killed or maimed a lot of folk since this whole mess began. They ran unchecked and he allowed it. Those of us who take our oaths to protect seriously want to set things to right, even if that means joining with the Guild.”
Grace felt the corners of her mouth turn upwards slightly. Nathaniel was a good man; too good to have to put up with a piece of dirt like Erickson. “Do you feel the same, Captain Brach?” she asked.
The Golden Road captain shifted, easing weight from one foot to the other. “I do. My boys stand with you.”
Grace cut her eyes to the notary. H
e sat across from Glenda, looking down at his hands. “Master Acker, is it?”
He looked up. His lips were in a pout and his brows were drawn together as though he had a thought he couldn’t quite piece together. “I have a bit of coin I’ve saved for myself,” he began, his voice soft, almost a whisper. “Mattes had plenty of coin, and Haymitch is the finest weapons maker in the city. I am not notable or rich, but what I do have belongs to you and the guards. It costs money to outfit men with gear, and Haymitch cannot do his work for free. I also own a small house up Seafarer’s Way that is open to you if you tire of bouncing around. My mother was a thief for the Guild, who used all her takings to buy me an apprenticeship and a new name. I don’t know what kind of man Prince Drake is, but I know what kind of man Marcus was, and if he trusted you enough to call you ally, then I will as well.”
Grace put a hand on her chest and bowed to the notary. “You are a good man.”
Grace let Kay and Thom explain some of their plan to their newfound allies while she pulled Donald aside for a private word.
He hugged her once they were out of everyone’s line of sight. Grace wasn’t supposed to show weakness in front of the others, but she allowed Donald to hold her. She returned his hug, squeezing him tight.
“Queen of Thieves,” he said, not releasing her. His breath was like a warm breeze on her head.
“She killed Marcus.” Tears slipped down Grace’s cheeks and clung to Donald’s new uniform. “I…”
“Shhh.” Donald broke their hug and wiped tears away from her face.
“We have to move forward now,” Grace said, biting back her tears.
He nodded. “Yes we do.”
“What news is there from Charlotte?”
“We have sent word to anyone who ever called the Duke and Duchess of Actis friend. Word has also gone out to the peasants who work the land. A few fiefs and small freeman have returned word that they are prepared to rise up. Charlotte only wishes to know the date.”
“March fifteenth, three months from today. We are getting everything ready here. At dusk, three months from now, when winter is giving way to spring.”
Donald nodded his understanding and Grace turned back to the rest of the group, finding them all with their heads pressed together. She knew she should stay and join the discussion, but there was something else she needed to attend to.
“Will you be staying long?” she asked.
“Just the night,” Donald answered. “I have more messages to deliver.”
“Have you heard anything about Arganis?” In Glenbard, Grace wasn’t in the position to inquire. All that reached her were rumors, but Charlotte and Donald would know facts. They had to.
“My Lord George is being held in Redbank. A temporary lord has been set up at Arganis while Sir Calvin’s loyalty is tested, but not much else has come south about the whole thing. I have decided no news is good news.”
“What of my mother?”
At this, Donald’s face darkened. His frowned, his forehead creasing and harsh lines framing his mouth. “Your mother lives, but King Frederick took her south with him to Ursana.”
Grace covered her mouth with her hand. What terrible thing would that fiend do to her mother?
“Leandra went with her, at least. Perhaps His Majesty thought her unstable memory was a ruse, or perhaps he took pity on a sick woman, I couldn’t say. But Lady Deidre does live, occupying the queen’s rooms in Ursana.”
Frederick had imprisoned almost everyone Grace loved. Henry, Jack, George, Calvin, her mother…and those he did not imprison, he was responsible in some way for their deaths. All for what? Wounded pride? Some misguided notion that he was infallible?
“You will let me know if anything happens with my mother?” There was a time when Grace would have run off for Ursana to rescue her mother, but her duty to Glenbard and its people had to come first. She sagged under the responsibility.
Donald took her hand and kissed the top. “I am, as always, your humble servant.”
Grace ran a hand along his face. As everything else changed and whirled around Grace, Donald remained her steadfast friend.
“I need to check on Ridley. Please listen to them.” She motioned toward the others who still spoke softly.
She excused herself and headed down the stairs into the shop. She expected to find Ridley sulking there. However, the young woman was nowhere to be seen. Grace looked around to see if she had hidden behind the fabric and dresses in the store room. Ridley was a wanted woman; she wouldn’t have dared to leave the shop without someone else.
Grace noticed the door to the cellar was open. Without a second thought, she ran down the stairs, praying to the gods Ridley wasn’t doing something foolish.
In the cellar Ridley had a knife in her hand, hovering much too close to Erickson. “Ridley, what are you doing?”
Ridley turned to face Grace, and in the torchlight she could see tear tracks down Ridley’s cheeks. “He let all this happen,” she said, her voice coming out as a hoarse whisper. “And now Thom is ready to abandon the Guild? And you are allying us with merchants and nobility? Marcus would never have let that happen!”
Grace gritted her teeth. She was tired of people telling her what Marcus would and would not do. None of them understood that he was planning to support Drake. He planned to make alliances with anyone who could help save the city.
Grace looked to Erickson. He sat stock still, looking at Ridley’s knife poised over his head. He still had one hand free, but he didn’t make a move to wrestle the weapon from her.
“Killing Captain Erickson will not change anything,” Grace said. “Please, Ridley,” she pleaded as she stepped forward. “You are not a murderer.”
“It cannot be that hard if you’ve managed to do it.”
Grace took a step back; appalled that Ridley would speak to her like that. She’s just tired and scared and hurt, she thought. Grace moved closer again, deciding to hold her ground. “Put the knife down. Erickson is not worth the time or the effort. He is nothing more than a fool who got greedy.”
“He should pay for it.”
“And he will, but not tonight. What would Marcus do?”
As she thought, that broke through to Ridley. The Princess of Thieves lowered her knife slightly and Erickson slowly inched away.
“He would have robbed an offending guard blind.”
“Yes. Marcus didn’t use violence unless he had no other choice before him. Right now, the Guild has other choices. Leave Erickson alone.”
Ridley stepped away from Erickson, sliding her knife back into her belt, and Grace dared to step closer, pulling her into a hug. Grace smoothed down Ridley’s hair and let her cry.
Twenty-Four
The months passed in Glenbard in relative peace as Grace slowly pulled trusted members of the Guild and Guard into her plans. They were sworn to secrecy, but Grace encouraged them to tell anyone restless enough to do something stupid that they only had to wait a little while longer. She sent false rumors out into the city, forcing the duke to chase down lies, but keeping him from their true intent. Erickson remained chained in Glenda’s cellar, with people occasionally trying to break in to get at him. With nothing more than a firm word, Grace sent them away with no bloodshed. With the promise of a bloody spring many of the Guild stopped pressing Kay to usurp Grace. They cut purses and stole from Escion soldiers instead, using the stolen coin to finance their rebellion.
Haymitch had his apprentice make a sturdy leather jerkin for her while he worked on a short sword made especially for her stature. They also took unsold pieces and sold them at a discount to the Guild. Acker wrote up pleas for help to send across the countryside, while Glenda used her nephew Roger as a messenger to and from Egona and Charlotte mobilized their allies. From Escion to Pirate’s Bay, peasants and noble allies prepared to revolt on the given day.
Grace bounced from safe house to safe house. She never stayed in the same house two days in a row and she never stayed with Thom, Ri
dley, or Kay. Her nights were fitful, which meant that her body moved sluggishly as she went about her day-to-day tasks. She longed for sleep, but had to settle for brief naps between duties. She waved off the concerns of others, putting on a smile and a brave face even though she grew thinner and purple bags formed under her eyes.
However, as the appointed day drew near, she found herself filled with more energy than usual. When she did sleep, she dreamt she walked down a path with Diggery just ahead of her. At the end of her path was a blood red sun, and each time she dreamed, it got bigger. And each time she woke from the dream. she was filled with grim determination.
~*~*~
Robert of Escion noted the quiet emanating from the city. Glenbard’s denizens had been mostly silent since the night Captain Erickson went missing. He’d sent out the knights under his command to find Grace Hilren, but she proved to be a slippery woman. She didn’t stay just within the Lane. When Robert hired spies, they never turned up anything aside from the fact that Grace was alive and had been seen in various spots around the city. Robert began to suspect that his spies pocketed his money and spun tales, just as his son had. He was ready to set the whole city on fire just to smoke the rats out.
He sat in the warden’s office at Redbank. Gillam, now the appointed warden, stood before him, looking upset.
“I don’t think it’s right,” Gillam mumbled.
“Louder!” Robert snarled.
“It is not right to hang those that’s been arrested. Not without a trial before the magistrates first.”
“All the magistrates have been relieved of their duty and returned to their holdings outside Glenbard. I am the chief power in the city by order of the king, and when I leave he will appoint five new magistrates. In the meantime, too many occupy our cells and we have to make room for more.” Plus the fact that if he hanged a few folk it would probably draw Grace Hilren out into the open.