by Katie Roman
“Aye, all true. He dared to ask the former Queen of Thieves how she planned to feed and clothe the Lane folk over the rest of the winter. He has been staying with Captain Julian Brach of the Golden Road guard house, and us with them.”
“Such strange bedfellows, indeed. And you trust them?” There was a time not so long ago when Marcus’s thieves would never even have been seen giving directions to the guards. Now his second in command and adopted daughter lived with them.
“Moore is not a bad man; his ideals just sometimes blind him to our way of life. And Brach has had it with His Grace and Captain Erickson.”
“I should have known that man would be near the heart of this corruption. Erickson will do anything for a bit of glory.”
Thom nodded his agreement. “He’s responsible for a few deaths; mostly men and women on their way to Redbank for nothing more than disturbing the peace. I’m surprised you’ve been able to keep the Thieves’ Guild from ripping him apart since Kara’s death. Fear of her was the only thing keeping him alive.”
Grace rubbed her temples. Her fingers were warm from gripping the tea cup and it felt good against her head. “It has not been easy. I have put out spies across the city, with promises of booty and vengeance.”
“And will you deliver?”
“Eventually, but not in the way they expect, I think. Marcus and I made a deal with His Highness, Prince Drake. If we bring the common folk of Glenbard to his side, then he will allow us to vote for the magistrates of all the districts except for Golden Road, where he retains the right to appoint someone. He does not want the nobles who keep houses in the city to be without a voice.”
Thom cocked his head to one side and raised an eyebrow. “And you think the people will agree to that? The people on the Lane were ready to slit your throat just for being born a noble.”
Grace took a sip of tea, letting the liquid warm her from the inside out. She felt stronger sitting there sipping tea and talking to her old friend. “The word has already begun spreading among the merchants, so much so they have been donating what few supplies they can to the Guild in a show of good faith. It is mostly clothes and candles, though some give a bit of food if they can.”
“All this in three days?”
“I was lucky to meet a very prosperous dressmaker who was on fair terms with the Guild. She paid her bribes well and never had any issues; though in the future, I think her and whomever follow her lead are going to look to end the thieving and bribery up Merchant’s Way.”
Thom shook his head and rubbed his chin. “That could spell the end of the Guild. How are people taking this news?”
“We must all be united now. No promises have been made yet, save the promise we will free Glenbard,” Grace said, ignoring the question. “Everyone needs to be focused on removing Robert of Escion from his seat of power and helping the prince when he brings reinforcements in the spring. The prince is planning a coup against his father, and Glenbard will likely serve as a base of operations.”
“How are the people taking the news?” Thom repeated. His mouth was a hard line and Grace knew he wasn’t going to mince words and let her ignore the subject.
“I remain popular for getting rid of Kara, but they are not pleased that I am bringing the merchants into our affairs. They will be even less pleased if I bring Moore and Brach into things. They do as I say for now, though. Most of their jubilation at Kara’s death remains.” Grace put her face in her hands. “I do not know how I can make everyone happy, and I need everyone to cooperate in order to get this done.”
Grace felt Thom’s warm and callused hands on hers, pulling them away from her face. “You will always have my help and Ridley’s. The people’s safety should remain your first concern. Worry about how to make the Guild and everyone else happy after.”
“I did not want this, Thom. I did not want to be Queen of Thieves. I asked Kay to take it, but she refused. I suppose if I asked you, you would refuse too?”
“You suspect right. I am not a leader, and Ridley no longer wants it, either. She knew only relatively peaceful times, but now just seeing the turbulence and violence makes her sick to her stomach. I am surprised Kay turned the offer down. She is a fair leader and likes to play second to no one.”
“She said I killed Kara, and that by tradition I must take the role, and that in these times there is no room for chaos should I choose to decline it.”
“Makes sense. Don’t worry, Gracie. I am here to help guide you.”
Grace forced a smile, hoping it didn’t look as pained as it felt. There’d be no going back to the way things were, not if the city was to unite under Drake’s banner. The Guild would be resentful, and she’d never be able to make them understand that under Drake’s provisions they wouldn’t need the Guild to protect them anymore.
Twenty-One
Robert had stopped visiting his son; stopped fishing for information. Jack suspected his father had caught wise and knew all the information Jack fed him was false, but it gave him a bit of grim satisfaction to know his father took his false leads seriously for a while, at least.
The daily routine in his prison chamber changed slightly with the additions of Lord Henry of Egona and Lord George of Arganis. Both men were well-known scholars and Gillam had brought them an armful of scrolls their second night in Redbank. The older men debated the contents, occasionally asking Jack’s opinion. He would read the information and provide his thoughts, and then the old men would continue to bicker and argue.
Jack asked Henry why they passed their time this way, and the old knight said it was better than dwelling on their imprisoned status. Jack had to admit it was pleasant to have them around. The cell felt less cold and lonely with their presence. Henry was Jack’s friend back from his days as a knight, and it was interesting to meet one of Grace’s family. The three settled into their cell, distracting each other from the ugly reality of their situations.
One morning Robert burst in; his first visit all week. He looked frustrated; his face a dull red and his eyes blazing with fury. The three prisoners rose and bowed.
“Tell me what you can of Grace Hilren,” he demanded. “You’re her uncle,” he accused, pointing at George. “Tell me everything.”
“She favors physical activity to studying, and she made a fine guard in Arganis.” George kept a stoic demeanor, though Jack noticed him clenching his fists behind his back.
“You – you defended her at court,” Robert added, looking at Henry. “You claimed she wasn’t a witch.”
“She’s just a spirited young lady who has occasionally come to keep me company in Egona.” Henry shrugged. “I maintain she is no witch.”
“She was your lover,” Robert seethed, his gaze turning on Jack.
Jack felt his face get hot and he, too, clenched his fists behind his back. “What is this all about?” His father always tried to use Grace as a bargaining chip, pretending he had more power over her fate than he actually did. “What’s Grace done to get under your skin?”
Robert’s dull red coloring turned a deeper shade of red and his nostrils flared. Grace had done something, and recently, to garner Robert’s notice. However, the duke said nothing in response to Jack’s questions.
“She’s the daughter of Lord Daniel and Lady Deidre of Arganis,” Jack said, stating facts anyone would know. “She was removed from her standing after masquerading as her cousin, Sir Calvin of Arganis, in the king’s tournament.”
Robert almost hit Jack. His son could see his arms trembling and the duke fighting to maintain his calm. “She is a traitor to the crown, and I want to know who she associates with in Glenbard!” Robert yelled.
“Everyone,” Jack said simply. “She was Glenbard’s own noblewoman, but Father, you said Grace was safe in Arganis, so why would it matter who she was friends with here in Glenbard?”
Robert turned on his heel and left, slamming the door behind him. Jack heard the lock tumble into place.
George was the first to recover, s
itting down in one of the armchairs they were provided. “Grace isn’t in Arganis. She went missing when His Majesty marched in, looking to arrest the prince. We heard later she had been shipped to Nareroc.”
“My father wanted me to believe if I helped him, I could join her in Arganis,” Jack added. “I let him go on, thinking I was none the wiser.” Jack sat on the floor in front of the fire and stretched out his legs in front of him.
Henry sat in the armchair opposite George, saying, “It’s no surprise that he’d lie to get what he wanted, but he has left us with something to puzzle over.”
“Why his sudden interest in my niece?” George asked, finishing Henry’s thought. “Unless he and His Majesty have lost track of her.”
“Which means Grace is back in the city,” Jack whispered.
~*~*~
Grace had never had the patience for surveillance. She acted, whether for good or ill, on her feelings and in the now. She thought about her impulsive acts over the years and laughed inwardly as she sat perched on the roof above the Serenity Place guard house. The Grace of a few years ago would have laughed to see her waiting so patiently for news. Grace’s ear was pressed to the chimney, and if she listened hard enough, she could hear Captain Erickson speaking.
The night was cold and she was bundled in a black cloak draped over her Death Dealer grab. She wore an extra layer made up of pants, a shirt, and a jacket to keep warm. There was no telling how long she’d be at her post.
“We heard she was at the Angel,” Erickson explained. “But when we raided this afternoon, she and her ilk had already cleared out.”
“And Marcus’s house?” The duke of Escion questioned, sounding irritated. “My spies said they had Marcus’s body laid out there before they buried him.”
“Empty as a tomb, and we’ve no idea how they moved the body without our knowing. I had men watching the house all day.”
Grace smiled to herself. Let them puzzle over that. Marcus hadn’t been a fool when he had his house built. If the guards knew where to look, they’d have found the secret door in the cellar that led to the sewers. It wasn’t a pleasant business moving Marcus’s body out of the house and to a dressmaker’s shop up Merchant’s Way, but it provided a great deal of confusion for Robert and his cronies.
Grace heard Robert spew a string of obscenities to Captain Erickson and upbraid him for his stupidity. She almost felt bad for the captain.
“I am sorry, Your Grace, but Hilren is a slippery little minx. I never would have thought it of a barmaid, even one of noble birth.”
The duke’s response was too soft for Grace to understand. She braced herself against the stone chimney and moved over the opening to hear better.
“Have the ruffians been making much noise?” Robert asked.
“Not since Kara’s death. I’ve asked all my spies to listen for something big. I mean, this must be the calm before the storm.”
“Keep me informed, Captain. And if I find a mob of filthy peasants in front of my gates again, after curfew, none the less, I will remove you from your post and have you whipped for your failure.”
“Yes, of course, Your Grace.”
Grace did feel sorry for the weasely little captain. He was just overly prideful and greedy for glory. He didn’t deserve to be whipped. The conversation ended, or least they moved to a different room without a chimney. It was time for Grace to move on, too.
Grace softly whistled a four note tune. She heard someone pick it up from the alley below, then another up the street. It was then that several voices took up a drunken tavern song. From where Grace kept her look-out, she saw three men and a woman hobble up the street, singing loudly. As they drew near the guard house, guards came outside yelling for the “drunks” to go home or risk an arrest for being out after curfew. It gave Grace enough noise to sneak off the roof without anyone hearing her.
~*~*~
“He’s annoyed,” Grace relayed to Thom and Kay upon her return. They had moved their operations to the Emerald Rose tavern near the docks. The next night they would move again, and again and again as long as Robert hunted them.
“The poor dear,” Kay responded, rolling her eyes.
The usual ruckus of the Emerald had been replaced with a stoic silence. Grace and her cohorts sat around a small circular table in a private room behind the common room, but even the common room was quiet. A bard sang a ballad, but the words didn’t penetrate the walls. Grace could only hear the odd note from his mandolin. It was odd to think of the most violent tavern in Glenbard filled with such a sedated air.
“What’s the word from Merchant’s Way?” Grace asked. She unrolled a map of the city onto the tabletop and held her quill at the ready to mark areas where she had allies. So far only the Angel was marked off.
“Glenda is still willing,” Kay said. The dressmaker held a lot of sway with other merchants. They were lucky to have her. Grace marked off Glenda’s shop. “She says she’s bringing a few other merchants she trusts to Marcus’s burial tomorrow. She said the master of the armory showed interest, as did a gem merchant from Nareroc.”
Grace scrawled the information on a separate piece of paper. “What of the Guard?” she asked, and looked at Thom.
“Moore can get most of the Rogue’s Lane guard house and Brach can get most of the Golden Road guard house. However, neither will risk leaving Golden Road to meet with you. Captain Erickson and the duke are watching them at all hours. But I can take you to Brach’s home tomorrow night.”
Grace marked off the two guard houses and nodded. “I’ve been meeting with thieves loyal to Marcus when I can. More than half his folk have already sworn allegiance to me.”
“More will come to see Marcus buried,” Kay stated. “They want to know what sort of plan you’ve got in place now that you’ve called off their thieving. I am a bit curious, myself.”
Grace pointed to a spot on the map, located in the Golden Road district. “That is the royal grain stores.” She pointed to the Serenity Place guard house. “That is Erickson’s stronghold. He keeps a few people locked up there; ‘leaders of the riots’, he calls them.” She pointed to a large stronghold just outside the city proper. “Redbank prison. Drake’s allies, Henry of Egona, Jack Anders, and my uncle, George of Arganis are held there with all those who were arrested when the temples were stormed and any who have been arrested for protesting. We need to find a way to get into all three. How many men does Robert have at his disposal?”
“He has three knights under his command: Sir Benjamin of Salatia, Sir Vincent of Greensway, and Sir Lawrence of Eyrshire,” Thom commented. “Each knight commands twenty men. Including the duke’s soldiers, it totals over three hundred men.”
Grace smiled grimly. “They will be busy. If we can organize protests and riots – big ones in the market, the temple district, the docks, and across Rogue’s Lane – it will force His Grace to divide his forces to cover the areas.”
Kay nodded, though her brows were knitted together. “Charlotte is in Egona. Why don’t we see if she can have the peasants there stir up some trouble? Robert’s army will be the closest to respond. Henry’s steward can call for aid, his men-at-arms can ‘rebel’, and by the time Robert gets there, they can disappear. It will remove at least some of the soldiers quartered in the city.”
“How do we know Robert will personally respond?” Thom asked. “And how do we know anyone will bother to send aid? The lord of Egona was arrested for treason, if you will recall.”
“Egona is wealthy,” Grace said. “The king has not seized Henry’s wealth yet. In fact, he has not officially charged Henry with treason yet. Until he does, he has no claim over Egona beyond the taxes owed. Frederick will not want Egona’s wealth stolen by commoners. Actually, we would do well to have Charlotte contact other noble allies and have their people ‘rebel.’ We could stage several uprisings at once through Glenbard, Egona, and in the holdings of any allies we gain.”
Suddenly, in the common room, noise rang out. Grace
jumped out of her chair. “You are all under arrest for plotting against the king and his servant in this city!” someone bellowed.
Grace quickly rolled up the map and drew her sword. Thom and Kay followed suit. The back room had two exits; one led back into the common rooms, and the other led directly to the privies.
“The back will be watched,” Thom cautioned. “This isn’t the Angel or Marcus’s house where there are plenty of places to flee to.”
Outside their room there was the sound of wood breaking, people yelling, and feet stampeding for the door.
“We scatter once we get outside,” Kay said. “The privy area is small; they won’t have more than a few people watching it.” Kay unhooked her dagger from her belt, holding it in her free hand.
“Meet at the Temple of Diggery when you are able,” Grace instructed. Someone slammed up against the other side of their door. The lock held, but it wouldn’t for long.
“I’ll go first,” Thom said, leaving no room for argument. “Then Grace, then Kay.” He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and used their candles to set it on fire. He dropped it at the door the intruders were trying to break down. Grace could smell the wood as it met the flames. It would be easy enough to douse the fire, but it would buy them a few precious moments.
Thom opened the other door, leading them into the dark privy area. There was a fence around the border with an opening from the alley where four men in the colors of Escion stood waiting.
Thom slashed at one, Kay darted through two more, and Grace made straight for the fence. She used the wooden door on one of the privy stalls to help herself up and over the fence and landed with a thud on her side. Pain shot up the right side of her body but she ignored it, quickly stumbling to her feet.
She took to the alley, leaving the sound of fighting behind. “After him! You take that woman! We’ll go after the bald girl!” someone yelled. Grace felt relieved to hear Kay and Thom had slipped by.
She kept running, keeping to the alley. Behind her, the sound of tin whistles followed. The city guard was in on the hunt now. Grace passed by a darkened doorway and a body fell out at her, throwing her to the ground. Her sword flew from her grip and landed a few feet away.
