by Ben Hale
“You sound like your brother,” he growled.
“A compliment before I die?” she asked. “How unexpected.”
“It wasn’t a compliment,” he growled. “Golic tried to prevent me from going after you, and now he’s an outcast.”
She pointed her own sword at him. “You exiled him because he defied you? Or because he could defeat you?”
He scowled but did not respond, and swished his maul as he stalked forward. Approaching on the right flank, Gallow scowled at the barbarian chief and drew his idalia from his back.
“Just kill her already and be done with it.”
“Don’t speak to me, assassin,” her father snapped. “I wouldn’t need a blood oath to kill you.”
“Careful, barbarian,” Gallow said. “I’d hate for you to wake up with a knife in your throat.”
“Do you intend to talk them to death?” Captain Herrick snapped, drawing his sword.
Standing behind the abbots and guards, the high abbot called out to Ero, “Whoever you are, Ero, you cannot survive this.”
“Dissension among the ranks?” Ero asked and they slowed, raising their blades to him. “I expected better from your followers.”
“They are loyal enough,” Skorn said, and raised his voice. “Kill them all, but I want Ero alive.”
“If I come willingly,” Ero said, “will you grant the others their lives?”
“A willing sacrifice?” Skorn said in surprise. “You care for them so much?”
“Do you care about your followers so little?” Ero asked. “They may stand triumphant, but how many will die here today?”
Skorn regarded him for several moments and then shrugged. “I’d rather watch them die in front of you.”
Gallow chuckled at that answer but Ero stabbed a finger toward the roof. “Even if it costs your life?”
Skorn turned and looked up to see Ursana’s crossbow leveled at him. He scowled and glanced at Gallow.
“I told you they would have someone on the roof.”
“I sent three to deal with her,” Gallow snapped.
Three swords tumbled through the opening and clattered on the floor. “You should have sent more,” Ursana called down.
Skorn laughed at her comment. “You’ve grown a great deal, Ursana, but you would not be able to hit me with your toy.”
Ursana pulled the trigger and a bolt streaked for Skorn. He dodged with inhuman speed—but the bolt dodged in the air, plunging into Skorn’s shoulder. He growled and reached up, yanking the bolt free.
“It doesn’t like to be called a toy,” Ursana called down. “And the next one goes for your heart.”
“Where’s Gordon?” Skorn asked, his voice seething with pain and rage. “I thought the two of you were inseparable. Or did he find his old family and abandon you?”
Ursana’s features tightened. “Says the man here to kill his brother.”
Ero burst into a laugh at her statement. “It appears she’s lost her fear of you, Skorn.”
Skorn sneered at him. “Have it your way. Come to your prison, brother, and I’ll let them live.”
“No!” Oragon snarled, striding toward Beauty. “I came to fulfill a blood oath and that is what I shall do.”
He surged into a sprint and raised his maul. Beauty cast a strength spell and raised her blade, swinging it to intercept. To her surprise Ero stepped between them. He jammed his staff into the ground, sending a massive blast of energy into the giant barbarian. The force of the blow sent him careening over the heads of the other barbarians. Wood snapped beneath his bulk as he crashed into the pews and he struck the floor. Ero stood with his staff blazing, the weapon matching the fury in his eyes. When he spoke, it was the coldest Beauty had ever heard.
“You vile, putrid excuse of a father. You will get your chance for her to crush you—but it will not be this day.”
Beauty blinked in surprise as he turned to her and inclined his head. Then he whirled and strode to Skorn. As Ero threaded through Skorn’s army the others slowly retreated, and in minutes the only ones that remained were Alidon and the other abbots. The high abbot looked between Beauty and the departing followers of Skorn. His eyes flicked to Ursana and the dwarves before settling on Paro.
“Enjoy your leadership of the church while you can, Paro,” the high abbot said. “Once Ero is dealt with I will return for what’s mine.” Then he turned and followed Gallow and the cult members.
When their footfalls echoed into silence Thalidon stepped to Beauty. “Did we win? Or lose?”
Beauty shook her head. “I do not know.”
Chapter 37: Jack’s Secret
Jack stood on the prow of the ship, watching the city of Woodhaven approach in the distance. After everything that had happened in the City of Dawn, he should have been considering what he’d learned, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Beauty.
“Are you feeling better?” Inna asked, stepping to his side. “I’ve hardly seen you out of your cabin in a week.”
“I managed to keep my lunch down,” Jack said with a smile. “That’s an improvement.”
“That’s an accomplishment for us all,” Inna said, lowering her tone. “I respect the captain, but his choice of cook leaves a lot to be desired.”
Jack’s laugh attracted Aranis, who was sitting on the rail nearby, her legs dangling over the water. After the battle with the dragon constructs he’d expected her mood to lighten, but she’d been as reserved and taciturn as ever.
“His food tastes like tar,” she muttered.
“Someone’s excited to be on solid ground again,” Jack said.
“Ships are unnatural,” Aranis said. “You surface races have a madness for exploration that will lead to ruin.”
“You’re just jealous there are no oceans in the Deep.”
“Actually, there are,” Aranis said. “But we aren’t fools enough to sail them.”
Jack and Inna shared a look, and Jack grinned. “The mysteries of the Deep never cease,” he said.
“Do you plan on returning once we land?” Inna asked.
“I have nothing to return to,” Aranis said.
Inna peaked an eyebrow but the dark elf did not elaborate.
“Where will you go?” he asked.
Aranis didn’t answer, and after a while Jack shrugged and turned back to the approaching city. After a while Inna left him to his thoughts, but when she did Aranis slid off the rail and glided to his side.
“I’ve never seen you so somber, pet. Perhaps you need a kiss to cheer you?”
He grinned at the offer. “You’re relentless.”
“I know,” she said, her lips twitching into a smile. “So have you given up?”
He turned to face her. “You are beautiful, lethal, and mysterious.”
She pressed against him, leaning up to brush her lips against him. “I don’t mind being your pet—”
“But my heart belongs to another,” Jack said.
She retreated, her features hardening. “If I kill her, your affection will have no anchor.”
Jack laughed quietly. “You cannot hide anymore, not from me.”
“You presume to know me?” Aranis asked, her voice taking a dangerous edge.
“I do—and if I’m wrong, you’ll get your kiss.”
She folded her arms. “You have yourself a wager.”
He stepped close, and lifted the hood of her cloak so he could see into her eyes. She made no move to stop him or retreat, and stared at him with a touch of suspicion and curiosity. Her body tensed as he leaned in and spoke.
“You have lost your home, your family, and have nothing. You did not choose to be an assassin but were forged into being. You claim to have killed your heart but we both know you failed, and you are terrified that I will see what you want most.”
“What is that?” she asked. She attempted a sneer, but her voice trembled.
“A home.”
He backed her into the railing but she did not resist. She flinched at
the contact, and he put arms on the railing, holding her fast. He leaned against her until his lips brushed against hers, holding with his challenging gaze.
“Am I wrong?”
She swallowed and then shoved him away, striding toward the rear of the ship with enough force that sailors made a path for her. In her absence Jack sighed and returned to his scrutiny of the sea. The ropes creaked above him and a giant form dropped to the deck.
“Will no one leave me alone?” Jack sighed.
“Honesty is like a dagger to the heart,” Sirani said. “But it can hurt more than steel.”
“She needed to hear it,” Jack said.
“Not so harshly,” Sirani said.
He rounded on her and stabbed a finger into her stomach. “You think to lecture me on matters of the heart? Your mind is broken because you won’t be honest with yourself.”
Her features darkened with fury and for a split second Jack wondered if he’d gone too far. Then she released a breath and turned away.
“Your words will not hide your fear,” she said.
Jack turned back to the sea and this time no one appeared. He should have been relieved, but instead it was regret that seeped into his heart. He remained in place as the Sea Dancer banked toward the elven port.
Part of his frustration was directed at Beauty, but most was directed at himself. He’d kept her out of his designs and now regretted that. She was perceptive and knew him well. If Jack had brought Beauty with him, she would certainly have figured him out.
He smiled sourly as he realized it was not Beauty—or even himself—that deserved his ire. It was his office. How could becoming a thief be so freeing, but becoming guildmaster be so stifling? He’d learned far more than he ever wanted to know from the Mind Vault, and wished he could go back to the freedom of ignorance.
“It’s almost over,” he murmured to himself.
The Sea Dancer glided into port and Jack turned, striding to the gangplank. There he met a handful of sailors led by Captain Erix and Rezko. The men inclined their heads in unison and then the captain spoke.
“It’s been an interesting voyage,” he said.
“It has at that,” Jack replied. “I hope your travelers always bring you adventure.”
Rezko grinned. “I’m sure few will compare to you, but we’ll manage.”
Jack clasped their hands and then descended to the dock. Sirani thudded down to join him while Inna appeared at his side. He saw no sign of Aranis and fleetingly wondered if she had taken the opportunity to flee. They strode along the docks before turning inland, making their way to the thief guildhall.
It had been a long journey and Jack was grateful for the feel of dry land under his boots. Rays of green light filtered through the beautiful canopies, illuminating the winding paths of the elven city. The peace and tranquility inherent to the city eased his tension and he made no effort to rush. They crossed the breadth of the city until they reached the thief guildhall. Ascending to the front door, he reached for the handle but a pair of dwarves burst into view.
Surly and unkempt, the two dwarves reeked of sweat and mold. One had a pair of gold teeth, while the other seemed to be missing most of his. They yanked chipped axes into view and pointed them at Jack.
“Aye, it’s him,” the gold-toothed dwarf barked.
“The bounty is ours,” the second replied.
Jack rubbed his forehead. “Any other time, I’d love to strip you of your pride, but I’m weary from the journey. Can we do this tomorrow?”
The gold-toothed dwarf stepped forward and raised his sword. “We’ve waited for a month. We’re done waiting . . .”
His words faded as Sirani climbed into view. Huffing from the ascent, she caught the trunk and gasped for air.
“Why does your hall have to be so high?”
“Be gone, troll!” One dwarf shouted.
Sirani blinked at them and then flicked her hands, swatting them away. They squeaked as they slammed into the trunks on either side and dropped to the steps. Another gust of wind sent their forms tumbling down the stairs, and the sound of them bouncing gradually faded.
“I like having you around,” Inna said.
Jack grunted in agreement and reached for the handle, but the door swung open. Apparently drawn to the conflict, a pair of thieves stood on the other side. Jack smiled as he saw Beauty and Thalidon staring back at him.
“About time you got back,” Beauty said.
Jack stepped past her to enter the hall. “What happened?”
“Skorn took Ero,” she said. “Five days ago.”
Inna cursed. “He’s probably dead already. Did you try following Skorn?”
“We tried,” Thalidon said, “But we lost the trail outside of Azertorn.”
“Then how do we find the Necrolith?” Beauty asked, her voice trailing off as Sirani ducked to enter the room.
“A thief guildhall,” she giggled. “I’ve always wanted to see one.”
She darted to the wall and examined a sword, gushing about it before leaping to the next decoration. Watching an eight-foot troll dance around like a gleeful child caused Jack to grin. Beauty raised an eyebrow and leaned close to him.
“I’m surprised she’s still with you.”
“She won’t leave,” he replied.
“She’s actually been an asset,” Inna said
Sirani squealed in delight and rushed to a thief crossbow hanging on the wall. She turned and unloaded every bolt in the weapon, sending forty bolts streaking about the room. Only Jack and Inna remained standing as the others dived behind couches and chairs. Cackling in wild glee, Sirani cast her magic, sending the crossbow bolts in swirling patterns before returning them to the weapon. With a sigh of regret she placed it on the wall before noticing Beauty and Thalidon on the floor.
“What’s wrong with them?”
Jack shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Beauty came to her feet, her expression a mixture of caution and confusion. “Can we please focus?”
Jack wiped his hand across his forehead. “I’m going to bed. We’ll talk in the morning.”
“What about her?” Thalidon asked, eyeing Sirani as she rushed about the room, her heavy footfalls causing the room to tremble.
“She’s harmless,” Jack said with a yawn. “Unless she doesn’t like you. Then get out of her way.”
Leaving Sirani to her excitement, they ascended the guildhall and Beauty pointed Inna to a room. As Jack entered the bedchamber reserved for him, Beauty followed him in and shut the door. Then she turned and folded her arms.
“You expect me to wait until morning?” she demanded. “I want answers.”
He yawned and stripped his tunic off, revealing his bare chest. “I want to sleep.”
She eyed him as he pulled on a more comfortable shirt. “Why did you let Skorn take Ero?”
“We need someone on the inside,” Jack said wearily, sliding into the bed.
“Please, Jack, tell me the truth.”
He paused in pulling the blanket up and met her gaze. It was the first time he could recall her speaking with such earnestness, and saying please. He hesitated, measuring the need in her eyes. Then he sighed and gestured to a chair at the small table. When she sank into a seat Jack groaned and collapsed into the seat opposite her, passing a hand over the rune hidden in his gauntlet.
“Skorn has been listening to us.”
“How?” she asked, pouncing on the opening.
“The first time I entered the guild vault a charm was activated, and a memory of Lorelia appeared. Apparently Skorn had placed charms throughout the guildhalls, charms to watch everyone in the guild. Lorelia removed them while she was guildmaster.”
“He was watching us even after he left?” Beauty asked, and shuddered. “Just when I think he can’t get any creepier, he does.”
“That’s not all,” Jack said. “Just before she was killed she discovered that Skorn had also placed listening charms throughout the guild—including on o
ur gear.”
Beauty peaked an eyebrow and whipped her hand, dropping her crossbow into her palm. “You mean he could be listening right now?”
Jack nodded and raised his gauntlet, motioning to the yellow rune glowing faintly. “I’ve suppressed the sound magic nearby, so he’s not hearing us now.”
Beauty stood and began to pace. “He’s been listening to everything? That means he knew about—”
“Ero,” Jack said. “I know.”
“Why didn’t you remove the charms?” she demanded. “Get rid of them so we can be free of Skorn.”
“Because,” Jack said. “I realized it could be used as a weapon.”
She came to a halt and stared at him. “You wanted him to listen.”
Jack grinned slyly. “So far he’s done mostly what I expected him to do.”
“But what now?” Beauty asked.
“We gather our forces and go to the Necrolith,” Jack said.
“You know where it is?”
Jack grinned. “I do now.”
Chapter 38: Last Assignments
“You’re going to have to explain that,” Beauty said.
Jack shared the tale about the City of Dawn and the battle with the dragon constructs. Then he detailed his partial success in the Mind Vault and what he’d learned about the Necrolith. When he finished, Beauty was shaking her head.
“Before you came along the Thieves Guild dealt with guards and mercenaries, bandits and thugs. What about you attracts ancients, rock trolls, and constructs?”
He shrugged. “Luck.”
“Most wouldn’t call legendary threats luck.”
He yawned. “I’m not most people.”
“The truest statement you’ve ever uttered,” she said with a laugh. Then her expression turned pensive. “How did the Mind Vault know the location of the Necrolith? Skorn didn’t start building it until a few months ago.”
“I didn’t learn the location of the Necrolith from the Mind Vault,” Jack said. “I learned it from Ero.”
“However did you manage that?” she asked.
“We set up a way for him to get a message to me if Skorn took him.”
