My heart pounds to the drums underfoot. The sounds of dead branches cracking and heavy breathing breaks the calmness of the forest. Before long, a stag bursts through the bushes ahead of me. Then so did the rest of the herd, forcing me to veer left. A shot rings out, stirring up more of the forest denizens. Critters crawl out of the woodworks as the ground quakes. Another shot rings out and as a hunter's mark hits a tree trunk close to me, a bellowing roar echoes right behind me almost pushing me to ground.
My father once told me that a good story starts with a chase. As of now I'm being chased by a monstrosity with a dozen or so hunters or adventurers trying to kill this thing. Apparently, this creature was guarding the diamond-laden scepter that's now clutched in my hand. Coincidentally, the large party of heavily armed individuals that are shooting in my direction, were hired by the local lord to dispatch the "Terror of Frakland" and not me. Whether or not this was to my benefit was far from certain.
A bolt glances off a nearby rock, steel striking stone. 3 shots ring aloud and the creature lets out another roar. They wounded it, but the hot breath nearly set my back alight and pushed me to run faster. The edge of the forest was nearing fast. I leapt over a huge root and as I landed, two things happened at once. First, the creature began to howl in pain or bellow in anger, I couldn't tell but it did turn around to face the hunters. Secondly, I was immediately jerked back and fell hard. I glanced up from the ground and saw a bolt pinning my cloak to a tree. I scrambled to my feet and grasped the bolt.
Another roar shakes the forest, making me glance up. The Terror was thrashing about and I heard some yelling from the hunters. Pulling and pushing on the bolt, I managed to get it loose but only by a little. 2 shots ring aloud and a large tree fell in the distance. I glanced up in time to see a body being flung towards me. It collided into me knocking me over. I heard a rip despite the nearby battle and took note that I was no longer stuck on the tree.
Tearing through the last brush, I sped onto the open plain and headed back to Cutty. With the Terror still thrashing about behind me, I didn't stick around to see who would win. As the saying goes, "Hunters only chase their prey until it or themselves are dead." I think this encounter is going to be a grisly end for them.
*
I entered Cutty from the canal vein that stretched from the outer wall to Galden's Tree. From there I would make my way to meet my contact, Remy, at the pub on Grime Rod. I also had to pick up some other acquired merchandise I had stowed away in an unused drain. Something's off though. The path to my place was filled with more people than usual. "Poor bastard. He was just the local trader, what did he ever do wrong?" The voice ringing out from the crowd as I got close sounded bit like my landlord, Tinclair. He was a bit strict especially with my rent, but seeing him bent over the body was one of the few instances where he showed his softer side. I recognized that corpse, it was Cillian. I just sold him a rare jewel last night!
Aside from the usual sources of Gray Trade, Cillian was a freelancer and was the next best thing I had for a source of income. His crumpled body only reminded me that I was starting to run out of freedom. Did he get rid of the silver? I had to check his place to see if it was still there. "Are you scumbags going to help me with moving him or what!?" Tinclair's voice roared from within the crowd. I backed away from the scene and down the street. This was his part, not mine.
Cillian's was a few blocks away from Grime Rod. That corpse hadn't been down long and I only had little time before the Bulls came down snooping Cillian's place. Sure enough, no one was there. But the front door was wide open. I waited for the last passerby to turn the corner and stepped inside. The house was a wreck. Furniture overturned, water from the pitcher wetting half the floor, and telltale bolts and sword cuts across anything else that was attached to the house. I checked the closet and was surprised to see it untouched. I spied Cillian stashing away some trinkets I had given him once. If I'm lucky, he could've put the jewel inside and I could sell it for more money. *Click* I lifted the lever and pulled out the box. There it was, the Spastani Silver.
I jerked my head up to the sound of approaching bootsteps. The Bulls were coming. I pocketed the Silver, pushed the box back in its place and sped towards the open window. No doubt the assailants came through this while trying to get at Cillian. Speeding down the alley, I shuffled onto the street in view of the house. The Bulls along with a new-looking constable were at the entrance peering inside. A new sheriff to take the place of the old man that used to walk these streets. I wonder if Piers has any news on this stiff collar. I sneaked away from the crowd of onlookers and headed to the meeting. It's time to get my paycheck.
*
"You're late, Ruskin." Three words from a lying scumbag. I wasn't surprised. "The meetup time is in Vester, which is not for another hour." Remy stepped out from behind his desk and his right eye was twitching. "I said you're late, because I needed this scepter moved before the Shade Market Guild showed up. And now they're gone." "Well, that's bad planning on your part, Remy. But I need my money, now." I was started to get hot under this cloak.
The way his eyes pierced me was unsettling, but nothing new to me. "Tell you what", he said, "here's 150 up front. Do what you want with it. But if you do another job for me, I'll have your money tonight. I've got someone who can move your stuff." I've just about had it with this suckwad. "This is the second time you cheated out on paying me, Remy. I'm not doing another job unless you pay me the full amount now." Seeing how I wasn't budging on this deal must've spooked him, because he snapped his fingers and his two cronies were soon next to me. "Take the 150 and you will steal the jeweled goblets and the silver spoons from Hereford's manor. After you come back with everything, you'll be paid in full." Taking into account my current standing which is between a cheating fence and two of his large goons, I didn't have much choice.
"Fine.", I said. Remy stepped forward and I felt two beefy hands on my shoulders. "I own you, Oren. You are on my payroll and your behavior is starting to annoy me. You're lucky you're good at your job. Now go and do it." The grips released and I wasted no time in finding the door. "Getting Fenced In" was just another phrase for your Fence screwing you over. If this was just going to lead into another screw-over, I'll be taking my business elsewhere and leave his coffers dry. He can bet on it.
*
Lord Hereford's manor lay just outside of Cutty, in the wealthier district of Markee. His manor was the third most guarded throughout the city, so it'll be a challenge. I did spy his estate several times 3 nights ago and noticed a pattern. The guards would walk his dogs near midnight in order to avoid any of the neighbors. They then would take 3 intervals near the park before heading back. Enough time for me to lift the manor. It would be a swell night for my career. However, I wasn't planning on hitting him this soon or expecting to see all of my efforts rewarded.
The streets were sparse with people as I ducked in and out of the lighted areas. Markee wasn't really my kind of place. Anyone from Cutty or any other district would stick out like a sore thumb. Nobles, wealthy merchants, and lords take up most of the residences since the buildings themselves are made from brick and mortar. Guards frequented on the streets more than any other part of the city. Thankfully they weren't out in force tonight or at least not yet.
Hereford's place shaped up a little way down the street I sprinted across. Shuffling as softly as I could, I reached the wall surrounding the manor. I felt around in the dark. There. Some loose bricks I pulled out from my last visit. I slowly climbed on the wall just as my eyes were adjusting to the dark. I had only moved 5 bricks but it should be enough to reach to top of the wall. I reached up after I clutched onto the 5th brick. My fingers scraped the top of the wall, but just barely.
Footsteps began echoing from down the road I was on. A light waved around in my peripheral. Damn guards. I stood on my toes on the lower bricks and scrambled to grab the top. Once I did, I stepped onto the upper bricks bringing myself closer to the top. I lifted myself with my arms and kicked up off the bricks as hard as I could. I felt my chest scrape against the edge. Then I lifted my legs over the crest and dropped down onto the front lawn.
I listened carefully to see if the guards had spotted me. However, slow footfalls and snorting laughter was all that I needed to hear. I looked around. There were no guards in the front lawn, not even at the door. Of course, there was one at the front gate but having an empty front porch was strange for a noble in Markee. I crept slowly towards the windows that had the curtains drawn. The lights were on, a couple of maids walked past an opening in the back of the room I peered in. But no guards anywhere.
I was starting to sweat. I don't like improvising at a heist especially when I know that this manor is supposed to be well-guarded. Slowly moving away from the window, I eyed around the corner. Again, the grass between the wall and the manor was empty. Well, I might as well try down here. I know that the side door used by the servants was not far. Sticking to the shadows, I neared the side door.
"BLAAARRGH!!" A guard bursts out from behind the corner of the manor and vomits onto the grass. I almost fall over but steady myself, my heart beating very loudly. "Ha! Look at him! Can't even hold his alcohol even in his belly!" I heard loud, drunken laughter from where that guard stumbled from. The one who had just vomited turned around, not facing me, and began sputtering gibberish. "Im the beshted lofft ack me!" He stumbled back around the corner where I heard him fall on the grass.
So that explains it. The guards were having a party for some reason. I wasted no time in opening the side door and slinked inside. Inside led to the kitchen where one servant was still washing dishes. Fortunately, he was nearly finished and once he did, he yawned, stretched and left the kitchen. I looked at the dishes that were in the strainer. None of them were the Spastani Spoons. I quickly shuffled toward the doorway he left. So, Hereford wasn't home apparently and the majority of his guards were wasted in the backyard. But for how long, I have no idea. I can't waste any time now.
I made my way to the second floor and found Hereford's bedroom which was not guarded, as expected. However, his door was locked. I fished out my lockpicks and tried unlocking it. It took only a short while before I heard the click. I crept inside and quietly closed the door behind me. Hereford's chamber had some shiny candlesticks atop his drawers, not exactly expensive but not badly made either. I stowed them and turned to face the bed itself. Usually, lords like to have their coffers underneath their beds or in a safe if they can afford it. Hereford couldn't afford a safe, so I got on my hands and knees. I spotted only a lockbox laying underneath the mattress and moved to grab it. The key, surprisingly, was in the keyhole. Poor bastard didn't want lose the only thing keeping him from looking at his purse. I opened it up to find 4 purses of gold coins, shiny gems and 7 of the Spastani Spoons. I noticed something on the hilts of these spoons. Each had letters engraved on them, but they were in the Spat language and I had no interest in learning any of it. I stuffed the loot into a bag and placed the box under the bed.
After checking the room and finding nothing else, I made my way back into the hall. I just needed to find the other spoons and the goblets. Suddenly, footsteps began echoing down the hall, forcing me to leap into a darkened corner. A servant was shuffling down holding something in his arms. Looked like a rugged sack, but there was something jingling in there. It sounded like metalware. He raced past me towards the other chambers reserved for the maids, I think. I slowly followed him.
He forced his way in and as I watched from the open doorway, he placed the bag between the mattress and the bedframe. "Stupid maid. That'll show you for rejecting my advances", I heard him muttering. Typical broken heart. He turned and made his way to the door. I crept back into the dark part of the hallway and watched. He closed the door and stormed past me; a dark grin plastered on his face. I wager he planted something valuable to get the maid fired.
As soon as he rounded the corner to head downstairs, I went inside the chamber and rushed to chosen bed. I lifted the mattress and snatched the bag. I opened it. There was all the rest of the spoons or at least the majority of them. A gasp jerked my attention to the door. A maid stood in the doorway with her hands to her mouth. I decided to have a little fun. I shook my head and wagged my finger. "Bad maid. What're stealing from you master for?" She looked confused and petrified, but she regained her composure and made a run for it. Well, I tried.
I'm betting I only have a little while before those guards come back in the manor. I still need more from this heist. I raced down the hall, checking many of the vacant rooms. Nothing much except for some loose change. I went downstairs and into the main lobby. I spotted one goblet on one of the tables and snatched it. If memory serves, there should be at least 3 more. I looked up and down in many of the rooms, but only found more loose purses. A loud bang erupted from the back doors.
Guards began stumbling inside, in various drunken states. Some with swords drawn, others with leg of lambs in their hands. "We must capture the intruder", shouted one that was looked to be the most sober. But then he collapsed on the marble floor. I swear I heard something crack when he did. The guards all dispersed in different directions. Then it hit me. The last goblets should be outside. I slowly slinked my way towards the kitchen and the open back door. There were three guards on the ground. One was still struggling to get up, but I easily got around him. I went out the open doorway and closed it behind me. I turned towards the table.
There was a mess of a fine meal and one guard was laying on top. But I spotted the 3 final goblets. I briskly stepped toward the table and checked the goblets. They still had wine in them, so I dumped it out quietly. I also saw a few more silver spoons and pocketed them as well. Now, I think it's time to go. I ran across the grass on the side of the manor and made my way to the main gate. I didn't loosen any bricks on this side of the wall, so there was no going out that way. All I can hope to do is trick the one guard at the gate to open it and sneak past. I spotted gravel next to the paved path leading to the manor. I calmly picked up a handful and tossed a few one by one near the gate.
The guard turned after I threw the second rock. He looked inside and around. I huddled behind the wall, poised to rush outside. However, the guard just muttered something and turned back to the street. I threw another rock and this made more sound than the last ones. It must've triggered something because he was scrambling to open the gate. He rushed inside with his lit lantern. "Where are ya, you stinkin rats?!", he roared as I quickly shuffled past and out the gate. "What the?!" He must've heard me, but I was already booking it down the street and heading back to Cutty. I was free and full of loot; however, another problem is now on the table. Whether or not the fruits of my labors are going to pay off tonight lies solely on Remy.