Brendell: Rogue Thief

by Patrick Welch

  I stopped him. “That may not be necessary. You don't have to tell me anything. Just let me look at your ledger."

  "But that would be the same..."

  I grimaced. Sometimes dealing with an honest man can be so frustrating. “I won't say a word if you won't. Believe me, Mr. Grimmire will be grateful for your assistance."

  He looked at the coins one more time. “Just look at the ledger?"

  "A simple request, no?” I pointed to the empty lobby. “Who is going to know?"

  He stepped back, then reached down and set the ledger on the counter. I opened it and found the last page with writing. Of course Grimmire had used his real name; otherwise the guards wouldn't be able to reach him if the Prince did grant him an audience. I pointed to his signature. “The room is on the fourth floor?"

  "Yes. At the end of the hall. On the left."

  "You've been most helpful,” and I added two more coins to the pile. “The stairs are that way?” I pointed to the rear.

  He nodded. “Please be quiet. Our guests are sleeping."

  I smiled. “I plan to. No one will know I'm there.” Especially Paton Grimmire.

  I heard the normal noises of an inn at night as I made my way up the stairs: muted arguments, loud snores, the occasional squeak of the bed and accompanying cries of passion. His room was right where the clerk told me. I listened at the door but heard nothing. I opened the door quickly and slipped inside. If I was lucky, he was still enjoying the enticements of an inn somewhere.

  I wasn't. He was slumbering peacefully, but at least he was alone. Two people would have deterred me; one didn't concern me. A loose floorboard posed more immediate danger than a sleeping man. I crept to the window and pulled back a curtain to let in more light. Now it was merely finding what I was looking for.

  Grimmire had to be an Academy graduate, so I was confident he had his purse and jewels stowed under the mattress. Trying to retrieve them would inevitably waken him. I was more interested in what might be in his satchel. That was hanging conspicuously on a hook on the wall. Nothing within would interest a common thief, but I've always liked to think I wasn't common. Just unfortunate on occasion.

  This wasn't one of them. I opened it and found what I was seeking: Guild contracts. There were only three, but, as I had hoped, they were blank, which only made sense. If Grimmire had been following me, he could have no idea where I was bound. He had filled out the false contract during our sea voyage. The others were merely for emergencies.

  I considered this an emergency. I removed one and returned the satchel to it's resting place, then closed the curtains. Not long after I was enjoying a well-earned flagon of wine in a nearby inn, gleefully planning the fall of Paton Grimmire.

  "You are sure of what you heard?” asked the guard captain for perhaps the dozenth time.

  "Yes,” I said patiently. “I was in the Golden Crow and the man, clearly besotted by the grape, mentioned to his companion that he was planning to rob the prince."

  "And you know him ... how?"

  "His companion mentioned his name."

  "I see.” The captain stood and began pacing behind his desk. “Serious charges, Master Fayden, serious indeed. Especially since this man has already accused another of a similar crime."

  I shrugged. “I know nothing about that."

  He looked at me intently. Even if he had been among the guards sent to capture me, he wouldn't recognize me in my current disguise. “Quite a coincidence, wouldn't you say? Two thieves after our prince."

  "Perhaps there's only one. Perhaps this Grimmire lied to throw you off the scent so to speak. I reluctantly admit I have employed the Thief's Guild in the past. They will stop at nothing to fulfill their contracts."

  He put a finger to his lips, deep in thought. “Still, this is merely your word against his."

  "Easy enough to find out. Question him. From my experience, thieves always have a copy of their contracts with them."

  "Yes.” He sighed. “It is our sworn duty to protect the royal family. Any threat must be investigated. Where are you staying, in case we need further information from you?"

  I supplied the name of an inn, just as false as my identity. “If I am wrong, if I misunderstood, then there is no harm done."

  "Perhaps. Thank you for your assistance, Master Fayden.” He offered his hand.

  "I pray I'm wrong,” I said, rising and accepting it. “I do not make it a practice of slandering the innocent."

  "Good that you don't. Goodday."

  I nodded and left, only allowing myself to smile after I was out of the guard offices. They would find a signed contract in Grimmire's possession; that morning I had returned the now-completed document to his satchel while he was enjoying breakfast at another inn. I was confident the guard would pursue their duty vigorously. A shame, I thought, that I couldn't be around to enjoy the aftermath.

  I went straight to the inn I claimed I was staying at, just in case I was followed. I had been there previously under the pretext of perhaps renting quarters and, while pretending to study the ledger, learned there was a Quam Fayden staying there. I didn't want to involve another innocent in my plans, but the guard would realize the truth soon enough if they had the mind to question him or her. Then it was to a closet on the second floor, where I discarded my outer wraps and false beard. When I left, I looked nothing like the man who had entered. Now it was time to meet with the Miner's Guild.

  First I went to a few stores to obtain the ingredients for the fire salt. Not a lot; I wasn't taking down a dam this time, just enough to spark interest amongst the miners. Then to the stables and a horse for my journey.

  The Miner's Guild offices were outside Mynosia, near the region's mining operations. The Guild secretary greeted me reluctantly. “We have no openings,” he began our meeting.

  "I'm not here for work. I've brought something, however, that might make your work a bit easier."

  "We are quite satisfied with our current operations,” he said stiffly.

  I had expected this. I had already learned, thanks to Ensten, how resistant the Guilds were to anything new. “We are not suggesting a change, just an addition if you will. It can help your Guild earn greater profits."

  I thought that would interest him. He leaned forward. “How?"

  "Let me demonstrate.” I removed a small bag of fire salt from my pocket. “This is fire salt. It was developed in Houff."

  "Houff?” He frowned. “We have no mining operations in that region."

  "We didn't develop it for mining. Actually we use it to clear land for farming. The proper amount will remove the largest tree stump.” I poured some of the powder on his desk. “If I light this, it would burst harmlessly into flame. Pack this tightly into a container of some kind, however, and it erupts like a volcano. It will actually blow a hole in a stone wall.” I paused. “Or a mine."

  "That sounds dangerous,” he said, interest flagging.

  "It can be if too much is used. But with a bit of experimentation, you should be able to discover the proper amount."

  He nodded reluctantly. “Houff is a long way from here. Shipping would be a problem."

  "We'll provide the formula. The ingredients are easily obtained anywhere."

  He sat back and wriggled his fingers while he thought. I noticed how crooked and scarred they were, doubtless broken more than once while working in the mines. “Ours is not the richest of Guilds. How much would we owe you for this ‘fire salt'?"

  I smiled. “Absolutely nothing. Consider it a gift from the good people of Houff."

  "A gift?"

  "Yes. We see no reason not to share this valuable tool with others. If, at some point in the future, you might be able to help us in some way, we would greatly appreciate it, of course. Beyond that?” I shrugged and stopped.

  He formed a steeple with his fingers as he sat back. “That would appear a fair offer. You will demonstrate this, of course?"

  "Of course. I have everything with me. We can do it right n
ow if you wish."

  "Let me summon my assistant and you can show us."

  Not long after the three of us were in a nearby forest. I had already packed some fire salt in a paper tube and attached a string covered with more of the salt. “As I told you, you'll have to experiment to determine how much of the salt you need,” I explained as I shoved the tube into the ground near a small tree. “Once you've placed it, just light the string,” which I did with the torch I had brought, “and get back."

  We moved back a good twenty paces while the string burned merrily. Not far enough. When the fire salt erupted, we were knocked to the ground and immediately covered with dirt and shards of wood. When the smoke cleared, there was a large hole in the ground and the tree had been torn in half.

  I grinned weakly as we rose and shook away the debris. “Sorry. Used a bit too much."

  The Guild members, however, just stared in awed silence at the wreckage. “Amazing,” the secretary managed to say after several minutes.

  "I thought you might be interested."

  He nodded, his gaze still focused on the ruined tree.

  "In that case...” I patted him on the shoulder. “I'll give you the fire salt recipe. Be sure to let your Guild know about this and the generosity of Houff."

  "We will.” He turned reluctantly and offered his hand. “You have provided a great service, sir. I'm sorry, I didn't get your name."

  You never asked before. “Brendell,” I shook his hand. “Be sure to mention my name as well."

  I took a circuitous path back to Houff, chiefly to lose any pursuers. Four times I traveled by ship; each time I presented the captain with a Long Eye, and by the last he said that the Guild had learned about them and were already in discussions with the Houff government about purchasing more. The Miner's Guild, I knew, would take longer, but if they became as enthusiastic as the Captain's Guild, then my efforts to protect Houff would have succeeded.

  So when I finally made my way down the main road of Houff, it had turned from spring to fall. The changes amazed me. The river now flowed freely and the fields were full and ripe for harvest. There was now a steady stream of travelers flowing into and out of the city proper. Soon, I was sure, I could get out of my disguise and join Cordita in her inn to share a glass of wine and her bed. By now you'd think I'd learned...

  The guards, mostly human now, let me pass through the gates without question. Unlike before, the streets were crowded and many of the buildings bore fresh coats of paints as new businesses had moved in. Eventually I had to dismount and lead my mount to the stables far from the gates. “Two silver coins,” the stablemaster said when I asked for quarters for my horse.

  "Really? Your prices have gone up,” I said.

  He bent over and peered closely at me. “You've been here before?” he asked after a long moment. “I remember faces but I don't recognize you."

  You aren't supposed to. I wore a goatee and blonde hair of medium length, plus a large earring in one ear that was impossible to ignore. “It's been a long time. Here,” and I handed him the fee. “Make sure he's well cared for."

  "Of course,” he said, dropping the money in his leather apron.

  "Things have changed a lot since last time I was here,” I continued casually.

  "If you were last here during the troubles, then you are right. Kastikaan no longer threatens us. Pipo Fess and her magic have shown the world that we can defend ourselves! Even the Assassin's Guild is no match for her."

  Or a dragon. “Well, it looks like things have changed dramatically for you. It's been quite some time; can you recommend an inn?"

  "You can stay in my stables if you wish. Two lead coins each day."

  "I've been sleeping outside for the last month; I would like a bed that doesn't move beneath me."

  "Try the ‘Dragon's Bower,'” he said with a touch of pique. “In all likelihood they have no rooms, though."

  "Thank you.” I walked away whistling merrily. You've done it, Brendell, I thought as I wended my way through the crowded streets. Houff was both safe and prosperous, more, I was sure, than before. I stopped to admire the wares in several storefronts on the way and debated whether to select something for Cordita, then changed my mind. Later we could shop for something she truly wanted.

  When I reached Cordita's inn, I realized that it had been renamed and was the one the stablemaster had referred to. It was filled with customers but after a brief wait a table opened. I sat and summoned a serving wench. “A flagon of your best wine,” I told her. “And could you summon Cordita for me?"

  She frowned, which troubled her beauty not in the slightest. “I'm sorry, master, but I know no Cordita."

  Now I frowned. “Cordita. The woman whose parents own this place."

  Her eyes widened in recognition. “Oh, the previous owners! They sold out and left four months ago I believe. A family tragedy or somesuch, I'm not sure. I'm not from Houff."

  My good mood vanished like a rainbow in the night. “I see,” I said slowly. “I'll have the wine in any event. And thank you."

  My mind raced down mordant passageways as I sat in silence. Had something happened to Cordita? To her family? A death perhaps? And where could they have gone? After all this, it wasn't right, and I had to stop myself from slamming my fist on the table. I'll have to see Fess earlier than I planned, I realized as I sipped tastelessly at my wine.

  I didn't enjoy my quaff, but I felt its effects nonetheless. When I left the inn, I was more drunk than I had planned to be. I should have waited until morning, but the grape won the argument over courtesy and I went directly to Fess’ manor. I pounded on the door until a servant opened it and stared at me. “Who are you and what could you possibly want at this hour?” she asked.

  "Who are you?” I asked, my voice slurred. “I need to see your mistress immediately."

  She stood in the doorway, legs spread, arms folded, her intentions clear. “The master is asleep and must not be disturbed. Whatever it is, it can wait until morning. Now leave or I summon the guards."

  "This is important. The safety of Houff is at issue. Tell her Brendell is here to see her."

  "Brendell?” She stepped forward, sniffed, then her eyes widened in recognition. “It is you!"

  I understood immediately. “Madnizaroc."

  Madnizaroc moved aside. “She will want to see you. Don't understand why. Come in."

  "So,” I said as we walked toward the library, “how are things? I would think being a serving wench would be beneath you."

  "I'm not a ‘serving wench!’ I do what she asks because she gives me the freedom to do what I must.” She stopped and glared at me. “Unlike you."

  I sighed. “I'm sorry I had to inconvenience you. And this is the last time I will apologize for anything I did to you.” We entered the library and I dropped into a chair. “Now fetch Fess."

  She grimaced but left me alone. So Madnizaroc is now Fess’ servant. What does that mean? Lord Bandikane had passed the dragon off as his wife ... with tragic results. “I hope you know what you're doing,” I whispered.

  I was still pondering when an upset Pipo Fess entered. She stood in the doorway and looked at me with folded arms and an angry glare. “What are you doing here at this hour?"

  The cold reception was not what I was expecting and I rose shakily. “I apologize for the hour, but I had to see you immediately, Mistress Fess."

  "Your impatience will be the death of you, Brendell.” She entered and sat across from me. She was clad in a flowing green robe but no jewelry and she stifled a yawn. She looked at me intently. “It is you, right?"

  I frowned, then nodded. “Indeed. You can't fool a dragon, you know."

  "The beard becomes you."

  "You can have it.” I pulled it off and tossed it on a table. “This as well,” and I removed the earring.

  "I doubt I would have use for either, but I am relieved to see you despite the hour."

  Relieved? Not glad to see me? “I only just arrived and I felt
it necessary to talk with you."

  "This late in the morning? About what?"

  "About.” Then I stopped and hung my head, embarrassed. “I'm sorry. I had too much wine, too little to eat.” I started to rise.

  Fess shook her head. “Sit, Brendell. Now that I've awakened, albeit abruptly, we might as well get this over with. You first. What is on your mind?"

  I don't know. Madnizaroc? The situation with the Captain's Guild? What is the Thief's Guild doing? “Cordita. I've learned she's left Houff."

  She crossed her legs, her robe opening and baring them past her knees. “Yes. Like many of my people. I have no idea where they went."

  I shivered, both at the news and Fess’ attitude. Perhaps it's just the hour, I thought, reaching for straws. I grabbed one. “I understand the Captain's Guild has contacted you about the Long Eye."

  She shrugged. “They have been very interested. Houff thanks you for that."

  This isn't going well at all. I leaned forward, thought about taking her hand then changed my mind. She was acting so formal, such a sign of intimacy would only worsen the situation. “You have something on your mind. Tell me."

  "Your relationship with the Thief's Guild."

  "What about it? I warned you they would come. Have they?"

  She brushed back a stray strand of graying hair. “Most definitely. And they have accomplished what the Assassin's Guild could not. We've been robbed blind, Brendell. All because of you!"

  Now I was beginning to understand. The Guild had put out an open contract on Houff. “You've taken the steps I suggested to protect yourself?"

  "As if it's mattered! Oh, we've caught some. But they've stolen from everyone. You ask about Cordita. They drove her family to ruin, forced them to sell and leave. And they're not the only ones. The Guild has made it very uncomfortable for us.” She straightened. “They know you're alive."

  "I'm aware of that."

  "They've declared war on you, Brendell. And on anyone else who would dare help you."

  I swallowed a boulder. “What are you telling me?"

  "Your vendetta against the Guild does not concern us. It is not our battle."

  Shivering, I managed to say, “But I've saved you!"