Knight of Thieves

Chapter 12

The attack on the castle was discussed for several weeks following the incident. It seemed everyone had their own version of the story to tell. Each of the squires, it seemed, claimed they had personally defended the attack singlehandedly. Emberly chose to believe Arran’s and James’ version of the story, as it was the only take which lacked a dramatic flair.

James was unbearably condescending about Emberly leading Will to the wrong safe room. The actual safe room was two floors below them with a secret passage out of the castle should it ever be overtaken. Had the attack been more serious, the crown prince would have been trapped and inevitably found by the Cyrans. James went so far as to personally escort Emberly, and a great number of the squires from every year, down to the correct safe room.

While Emberly was grateful for the lesson (should she ever need to save Will’s life like that again, she would know where to go), she refused to make that known to James. She hated it when he was right. Besides, a part of her believed James Heczah over prepared for things.

Sir Wylan took the attack very seriously. He petitioned the king to take away one of the two days a week the squires were allowed freedom. He reasoned that with an extra day of training, the squires would be more prepared for such attacks and they would be, overall, more ready for war. The king was hesitant. He claimed the boys were strong now as they had protected the prince and the entire castle from the few Cyrans.

The king was decisive in one respect in response to the attack. Central was flooded with guardsmen and the Watch. He knew the attack had to be premeditated in some way. The Cyrans were given information by someone in Etrusca. And the king was determined to find their traitor.

The Watch rounded up numerous men and women, questioning each of them. Among them were the “unsavory characters,” as they were called, of Bandello’s. Emberly watched as they marched Nerissa, Benedick, and countless others she saw at the tavern and inn.

Among the group was a robust man who stood tall, like everything should give him the respect he believed he deserved. His face was set, frown lines causing him to look more intimidating than he was. In addition, he had a small scar striking through his mouth. He was a large man, easily reaching six foot eight.

Who is this man? Emberly wondered. She would have to ask Ben when she saw him next, after he was released. There was no doubt in her mind as to his innocence.

The squires were prohibited from watching the interrogations. They were sent out to the fields to train.

As they had been doing, the second year squires were still practicing using dulled knives. No longer were they pelting knives at the targets, but they were to partner with another squire and practice knife movements. Emberly found she preferred a knife in her hand. It felt more balanced and easier to use. It was an extension of her arm above all else.

For their sparring, she was partnered with Antonio. The boy was from a small estate in the west. He was the son of a baron, the lowest rank of the social hierarchy. While Antonio did not hold much power, he came from a very wealthy family. He was a kind boy who wanted to fight for his nation.

Antonio ran a hand through his deep brown hair. Unlike Emberly, he struggled to adjust to the smaller weapon. Within the short time they were sparring, Emberly managed to knock the weapon from his grasp multiple times, causing Sir Wylan to comment on it in front of everyone. She hated it when Sir Wylan did that.

“You’re doing fine,” she assured Antonio. “It’s not like he gave us that much instruction beforehand anyway. Besides, Arran’s doing a lot worse than you.” She gestured to where her relentless friend bent down to pick up the knife he dropped. She monitored his progress over the course of the morning, and it was not imposing at all.

“Sir Wylan should not have partnered him with Heczah,” Antonio said, chuckling a little at Arran’s folly.

“I don’t know,” said Emberly, “if James helped Arran, their time would be more profitable.”

“I think you’re asking too much of Heczah.”

Emberly smirked. She supposed she was. She fell into her stance once more. “Try to disarm me,” she said, ready for his attack.

Antonio tried all afternoon and barely managed to slip the knife from her grasp when Sir Wylan declared it was time for dinner. The squires quickly put their training equipment away and rushed to the Great Hall, excited about the much anticipated meal.

“D’you know, in Kentre, they barely teach their armies to fight with knives. They prefer spears,” commented Antonio as they walked to dinner. Emberly wondered if this was because Kentremen hunted with spears. “And they don’t care for close fighting. That’s why they use catapults to demolish everything.”

“How do you know so much about it?” Emberly asked as they walked back through the halls of the castle to the Great Hall.

“My mother is from Kentre. My grandfather served in the military there almost all his life.”

“Why did your mother decide to come to Etruscan?”

“She claims she wanted to live in a warmer environment, but I know that’s not true.” Emberly understood it, at least. Kentre was located to the far north, past Cyra. It was known for its cold environment and harsh winters. The kingdom had yet to be successfully invaded, as no one could withstand its geography.

“Why did she really?” asked Emberly, curious. They reached the Great Hall and sat down at the second years’ table.

“She met my father at a party here in Etrusca. They must have really loved each other because she left the family of a Grand Duke to marry a baron. Grandfather claims she even had the prince of Kentre as a suitor, but she came here instead.” Emberly wondered what it was like to love someone that much. Absentmindedly, her eyes fell on Will as he entered the Great Hall with James.

The following Saturday morning, Emberly walked with Kyra to Bandello’s. All week she tried to glean what the interrogation entailed for Benedick. She wanted to ensure he was alright and question how he knew the Cyrans would attack the castle.

Kyra looked exhausted, as she always seemed to be these days. Emberly was ecstatic to find Kyra escaped the Cyrans’ attack unscathed. Apparently, she had been unable to sleep and went for a walk. When the alarm sounded, she cowered in the stables until it was safe.

Emberly was worried about Kyra. She changed and Emberly did not know what to do about it.

At the moment, Emberly was dressed in Kyler’s clothes, knowing Will and the other squires claimed they would be joining her at Bandello’s. Kyra was adamant about wearing her own clothes, wanting to be herself. Emberly did not protest that simple request.

As they strode through the streets of Central, a hand shot out of nowhere and pulled Emberly into a small alleyway between the bakery and a hat store. Expecting to find Cyrans, Emberly held up her fists, prepared for a fight. “Calm down, it’s just me.”

Sure enough, there stood Olivia Heczah, her arms folded. Kyra stood at the edge of the alley, watching the scene with amusement. Emberly gulped. Olivia looked furious and the woman definitely believed she was Kyler.

“Hello, Lady Olivia,” Emberly said carefully, not sure how to act, which must have been clear as Kyra hid her face in her hands, trying to keep her laughter quiet.

“‘Hello, Lady Olivia’?” repeated Olivia. “Is that all you have to say?” Her voice was demanding. Inwardly, Emberly groaned. She knew she should have written Kyler about the attack. She had not wanted to worry her brother, so she kept it to herself, believing he would hear the news for himself at some point. Clearly, that was the wrong decision.

Olivia unfolded her arms and held up her small purse from her wrist. She drew out a piece of parchment. “My darling Olivia,” she read aloud, Emberly’s eyes widened in fear, Kyra doubled over in her laughter. “I miss you with all of my heart. I long for a time we can be together.”

“You really don’t have to read this aloud,” pleaded Emberly. Olivia merely glared and continued.

“You are like the sun. You are my own little ray of sunshine. I think of you always. Sometimes, it is the mere thought of you that helps me get through the day. I eagerly wait for your letters. How are you, my darling? Tell me everything. Do your parents still oppose our relationship or have they come to realize we are unbreakable? I must return to training, but please know you are my everything and I will only be thinking of you. Love, Kyler.”

“Olivia—“

“I was so worried about you! Cyrans attacked the castle and all you can give me is this!”

“I wasn’t in any danger!” protested Emberly, annoyed Olivia was not giving her the chance to speak. “Your brother actually fought them, I just protected the prince.”

“Oh, I know. My brother immediately sent word to me saying he was fine. But you did not write to me for days and then this is what you give me!”

“Olivia,” Emberly said, her voice calm as she tried to keep Olivia calm as well. “I’m sorry. I really did not think it was anything because all I did was sit in a room for a few hours. It was the other squires who were in any real danger.”

Olivia took a deep breath. She stepped forward and embraced Emberly, who glanced at Kyra in panic. The maid was no help as she just laughed harder. In the end, Emberly gently patted Olivia’s back in what she hoped to be comforting.

“I just worry,” Olivia said as she clung to Emberly, who only let the woman cling to her because she loved Kyler. Otherwise, she would have pried the woman off of her. “I’m scared for you. I don’t want want you to go off to war.” Good thing he’s not, then, Emberly thought sarcastically.

“It’s the law,” said Emberly. “And I’ll be fine. I’ll serve my years and come back.” Olivia nodded. She took a step back, rubbing her eyes.

“And then, you can learn to be a physician, like you’ve always wanted.”

“Right.”

“And I’ll be a physician’s wife.”

“Yeah,” Emberly said, unsure of what else to say. “Well, we’ve a meeting to go to—“

“Sorry, who is that girl?” Olivia asked, glancing over at Kyra as though she were noticing her for the first time. Emberly could practically see the jealousy flash through Olivia’s eyes.

“She’s my sisster’s maid. You’re not the only one who’s angry with me for keeping silent about the attack.” Olivia smiled.

“You should have told your sister. She must be worried sick.”

“On my way to tell her now.” Emberly bowed to Olivia and started to walk away.

“That’s it?” Olivia’s voice was demanding again. Emberly let out a soft groan. Why did her brother have to fall for the bossiest human being on the planet?

“Sorry?”

“You write all the time about how much you long to kiss me again, like you did at the Winter Festival. You’re not going to even try?” Her hands were folded again, disbelief and annoyance flashing through the woman. Emberly’s mind worked quickly.

“I am not going to insult your good character by kissing you in an alley by the marketplace. You are worth so much more than that.”

Olivia looked pleased by the response.

“I do believe, Kyler Dern, you are a lover so much more than a fighter.” Not knowing how to respond, Emberly bowed and walked away with Kyra, realizing belatedly she probably should have escorted Olivia back to her home, as any good gentleman would.

When they arrived at Bandello’s, it was still relatively empty. Kyra and Emberly took a seat at one of the tables. “That was really entertaining,” commented Kyra. “Thank you for that.”

“It was unbelievably awkward for me, but I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“Oh, good, because I did. I’m going to write to Kyler and tell him all about it.”

Kyra and Emberly sat together for half an hour, waiting for Benedick to appear. When the waitress came by to retrieve their drink orders, Emberly asked her to tell Benedick they were there. The woman nodded, but when she came back with the drinks, she still had yet to tell the news to Ben. Emberly was not certain she trusted the girl to deliver the message.

Thirty minutes later, Emberly and Kyra were beginning to get anxious. Nerissa marched with deliberation to their table. She plopped down beside Kyra, taking a long sip from Kyra’s drink. She yawned and scratched her arm.

“Welcome to our table,” Emberly said, a hint of sarcasm behind her words.

“Thanks. Ben sent me to inform you he won’t be seeing you t’day,” Nerissa said, her accent seeping into her words. Idly, Emberly wondered if the girl was from Malidor. “He’s busy.”

“We were worried about all of you,” Emberly said. “We saw you being brought to the castle to await your interrogations.”

“Speak for yourself,” Kyra interjected, “I wasn’t worried for a minute.”

“We’re fine. Ben got most of the questions, but then, they wanted to know why he knew about the attack.”

“How did he know about it?” Emberly asked.

“He’s been working on something lately, he just happened upon the information. And don’t ask any more questions about it. I’m not telling you anything about it. Your persistence might get a reaction from Benedick, but I just find it needlessly annoying.”

Emberly decided to try a different approach.

“Alright, I won’t ask about that. I-It’s just there was a tall man who went into the interrogations with you. He had a scar around his mouth. Who was he?”

“You spend nearly every weekend here, distracting Benedick mind you, and you’ve never seen the King of Thieves?” So that’s who it is. No wonder he walked around like he owned everything. Nerissa’s words fell on her.

“I don’t distract Ben! It’s called spending time with a friend!”

“Friend? Ben does not have time for friends. He’s wanted to be the King of Thieves for years and now his opportunity has finally come. You are not going to distract him from this.”

Emberly thought about what Nerissa was really saying. Benedick had an opportunity to become the next King of Thieves. Why? What was happening to the current one? She recalled what he had told her about the traitor. Could it be possible that the king was responsible?

“Why did you join the Court of Thieves, Nerissa?” Kyra asked, somewhat tactlessly.

“The same reason everyone does: control and protection.” Nerissa glanced around the tavern as though she expected to find someone listening to their conversation. Same reason everyone does. What did Benedick need protection from?

A dark-haired boy with tan skin sauntered over to them, disrupting their conversation. He had a look on his face which set Emberly on edge. Beside her, Kyra stiffened. Nerissa, on the other hand, watched him carefully. He stood close beside her chair, a disgusting grin on his features.

When he spoke, his words were directed at Emberly, as though conversation with Nerissa and Kyra was completely unnecessary. “How ‘bout you introduce me to your pretty friends here, mate?”

“We’re not mates,” Emberly bit back. “And your attention here is not welcome.”

“C’mon, there’s no need to be like that, I see there’s plenty to go around.” He winked at Emberly, then stared possessively at Nerissa.

Nerissa turned to Emberly and Kyra. “When Ben asks, was this provoked, yeah?”

“I think it’s safe to say this man’s a pig,” agreed Kyra.

“What—“

Before Emberly had a chance to formulate her question, Nerissa pulled a knife from its sheath on her belt and, in one fluid motion, plunged it into the man’s abdomen. He grunted in surprise and pain.

Nerissa grabbed him by the collar and pulled him out of the tavern, throwing him into the street like trash.

Arran, Will, James, Rowan, and Rormir appeared after lunch. They strode over to where Emberly sat, their eyes drifting curiously towards Kyra. She paid little attention to them, having brought a book she found to be far more interesting than them.

Arran sat down beside Kyra, forcing the boys to scramble for the empty seats. Rormir and Rowan shot annoyed glances at Arran because of it. All the while, Kyra sat, oblivious to the effect she was having on the poor boys.

Will sat beside Emberly, smiling brightly at her. She could feel her heart pounding at the sight. She desperately wanted to kiss him again. Sadly, their stolen moments would have to wait until later.

“Please stop staring at me,” Kyra said, not looking up from her book. “I know you haven’t had a lot of interactions with females in the past few weeks but do try to contain yourselves.”

Emberly smirked.“This is Kyra,” she said. “She’s my sister’s maid.”

“What is she doing here?” James asked. “This is no place for women.”

Kyra slammed her book shut. Please don’t throw it at him, Emberly silently begged.

“As it happens, this is my day off. And I bet I can handle this place better than you, nobleman. Also, because you clearly haven’t noticed, there are other women here, working women who don’t need fancy dresses to be happy in life.”

James was taken aback and Emberly was silently proud. Kyra always had a mind of her own. She was never afraid to speak it.

“I am the son of a nobleman—“ began James in an outraged voice. Kyra threw the book at him. Emberly heaved a sigh.

“And I am the daughter of the kindest man who ever lived. What does it matter? We’re both people.” James rubbed his head where the bed hit him. Will grabbed the book from the floor and handed it back to Kyra.

“I think you made your point, Kyra,” Emberly said. She straightened her shoulders and returned to her book, muttering under her breath how Nerissa could probably beat James in hand-to-hand combat. Nerissa would likely win that battle.

Rowan and Rormir, realizing Kyra was not going to grant them her attention, decided to bother the girl tending the bar. Emberly smirked as they left, knowing they would not get much further with Nerissa.

Will asked Emberly if she had seen Ben at all. She shook her head and explained what Nerissa told them. Benedick was trying to control the Court of Thieves in the midst of the chaos.

“I told you to stop staring at me,” Kyra said, her words directed to Arran who was still watching her. Emberly raised an eyebrow at her friend, knowing he would never get very far with Kyra. Stefan held her heart whether he knew it or not.

“Why?”

“I’m not going to give you the attention you clearly want. And I don’t know how I feel about you being all confident these days. Go back to being meek and then we’ll talk.” Arran frowned.

“Have we met before? D’you know, you kind of look like Kyler’s servant, Kyne.”

Kyra sighed. She closed her book again and gave Arran her full attention.

James turned to Will and Emberly, not caring to listen to Arran’s failed attempts at flirting. “Your sister’s servant has a mind of her own.”

“Indeed.”

“She probably encourages it in the girl,” said James. Emberly did not answer that, knowing she greatly valued the way Kyra thought for herself. She was completely her own person.

Emberly studied Kyra for the rest of the time they were at Bandello’s. And the whole while, as she insulted the monarchy system to Arran, she seemed to come back to herself more and more.

And Emberly was glad.

Arran received dish duty the following Monday morning when he was ten minutes late for breakfast. “Perhaps, I should just assign you to the kitchens for the rest of your training,” Sir Wylan snapped. At this rate, Arran was still going to have dish duty when he went off to war.

Emberly tried, but no one, not even Will, was willing to spend their time helping Arran with the dishes. They were all exhausted from training. Besides, Emberly assumed, they were all beginning to side with James now. They encouraged this behavior in Arran.

They fell into the routine they began the previous year. Arran cleaned the dishes while Emberly dried them and put them away. She knew where everything belonged in the kitchen now, having done this so much.

Arran spent the first part of the evening discussing his conversation with Kyra. She insulted everything about the government, from the hierarchy to the squires. She even insulted Arran many times (something Emberly found surprising as Kyra had always believed Arran was more honorable than the other squires.) But despite all of that, Arran could not pull the smile off of his face, he could not stop talking about her at all.

And Emberly did not know what to do about it.

She was saved from saying anything by a small, distinctive thud. She frowned, wondering what the noise was. It was too loud to be a rat or some other creature lurking about the castle. She drew a frying pan into her hands and stalked towards the noise.

“Kyler,” said Arran in a worried voice. He, too, walked cautiously behind her, ready for what could be a fight. “If we die by Cyrans, I’m blaming you.”

“That’s fair,” she said. Carefully, she opened each cupboard, determined the noise came from there. One-by-one she pulled open the cupboards until she came upon the final cupboard.

She pulled it open, jumping back when she saw what was inside. She definitely had not anticipated this. For there, inside the cupboard, was a small boy, eating a piece of bread. He froze when he saw them, then sighed and climbed out of the enclosed space.

He was a small child and could not have been more than seven years old. He had long, dirty-blond hair which fell like a nest on his head. Emberly doubted the boy had ever cut or cleaned it. His face was dirty, dirt crested into the crevices of his features. His clothes were rapped and torn. They mismatched, his shirt obviously too large for him and his pants too small. He did not have any clothes that fit him, it seemed.

Emberly pitied the boy. He had nothing, absolutely nothing.

“How did you get in here?” Emberly asked. If this boy could find a way into the castle unnoticed, maybe the Cyrans could too. The boy remained silent.

“Answer the question,” said Arran. Still, the boy said nothing. He was clearly smart. He found a way into the castle so that he could steal food. He was not going to implicate himself further by talking about it.

Emberly glanced around the kitchen and found a bowl of apples. Taking one and a knife, she began to slice the apple before the boy’s eyes. Interest in him piqued as he watched the movements. He licked his lips, hungry.

“I’ll give you this if you answer our questions. Deal? Do you understand?” The boy nodded, his stomach growling a little.

“Good. What’s your name?”

“Danvon,” he said. As promised, Emberly handed a slice of the apple to Danvon. He shoved it happily into his mouth.

“Where are your parents?”

“Don’t have any. Just me and the streets,” he said, holding his hand out expectantly. Emberly plopped the slice into his hand.

“How did you get into the castle?” he shrugged, like it was nothing.

“The tunnels.” Emberly and Arran glanced at one another. Those tunnels were for escaping the castle if necessary. They were supposed to be locked at all times. Emberly placed another slice into the boy’s hand.

“How long have you been doing this?”

“About three months.” At their shocked faces, the boy added, “I need to eat.” She passed him the rest of the apple, considering.

She did not want to hand the boy over to the king and queen. Danvon stole from them for months. Yet, the information he gave them was important. The tunnels needed to be guarded better, and what if the Cyrans found out about the tunnels? They would take over and nothing could be done to stop it.

She looked back at Danvon. He was just a hungry boy on the streets with no family. Sure, what he was doing was wrong, but this was the only way he could survive. Did that make it better? He clearly needs help.

And she knew just the person for the job.