Borne of Thieves

By Seth Giolle

Borne of Thieves tells of a time two hundred years after the last age of recognized heroes. The Kingdom of Oenar and his brother Jerdann has fallen into history, and the plights of Keiritte Alo, the Hawk, Osseeth Zil and those who fought with them have dropped into legend. With the dawning of their world's Second Darkening, dark magic blossoms, and shadows spread until history is but a pained memory for hopeful sovereigns and dogged dreamers, and few remember the old legends at all.
Ellec is a common thief with dreams of a nobler future. The sixteen year old is sent across the Wilds as an Imposter Prince in the effort to build an alliance and bring the world closer to that old ideal, the Council of Kings. He aims to bring back a time when the suns shone bright and human magics were used to heal, not harm. Along the way, he'll discover that true peace cannot be found before true evil has been given a name and a face. In a world that lives in shadow, true deeds are borne of thieves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312978584

Seth Giolle

Seth Giolle was born on a small, rural farm in southeast Ontario. After Travelling throughout Canada in all its splendour, he once again makes Ontario his home.

Book preview

Jan

Table of Contents

Davers

Chapter One: The Council of Kings

Chapter Two: Royal Duties

Chapter Three: What are Friends for?

Chapter Four: Envoy to Peace

Chapter Five: Pride

Chapter Six: Undergrowth

Chapter Seven: Sathiol

Chapter Eight: In the Stew

Chapter Nine: Collon-Kial

Chapter Ten: A Pair of Thieves

Chapter Eleven: Queen Eszui

Chapter Twelve: Like They Never Left

Chapter Thirteen: Castle Tsolq

Chapter Fourteen: The Face of Evil

Chapter Fifteen: Quest

Chapter Sixteen: Markers

Chapter Seventeen: Introductions

Chapter Eighteen: Going Up

Chapter Nineteen: Masks Unveiled

Epilogue

Davers

I’m sure I’ve seen him around, the guard mumbled with a dismissive snort. He one of yours Jiolel?

The brown haired woman of thirty-five considered the rather mangy-looking six year old dangling precariously from the guard’s iron grip. Never seen him before.

The guard sneered like he didn’t believe her and stared down his nose at the boy some more.

His companion, garbed in the same mail with rough cotton jerkin, glanced tiredly around from the bucket and basket the boy had dragged in on wobbling legs. So many filthy urchins you can’t count ‘em all, he joked with a quick snicker All’s clean here. He spit in the bucket for good measure. To get you started.

Get cleaning before we lock you up for being ugly! the first guard shouted. Where do you get a scar like that anyway? The guard mumbled. He pulled back and eyed the leathery pale patch of skin that covered the left side of the boy’s face.

Being born wrong, the other guard grumbled sourly. Cousin had one smaller than that. Most of it fell off when he got older, but he was always ugly. Got him work in the mill on the night shift eventually. We were tired of hiding him in the basement anyway, so it was high time.

The first guard released the boy at a skid chuckling as the boy rolled over twice before shaking his head and standing. The guard made a sudden stomp towards him, and the boy darted anxiously back. Both guards laughed and turned. They strode further down between the cells barking threats to cells on both sides in turn.

They’d stop every so often to strike the bars or further threaten someone standing too near. The pair otherwise broke into their own quiet conversation.

The six year old nodded. He braved a quick wink, but Jiolel and the others showed no reaction. They remained ominously quiet.

It was an assortment of old weathered faces, bitter scowls, and suspicious eyes all along. Clothes were untidy and unclean. It was the simplest of garb from tunics to pants, and dresses. The six year old’s clothes had seen their own better days, and his short brown hair was a mess.

The boy was quick to scoop up his mop and scrub brush. The water was already brown, but he started to scour the dungeon floor as best he could just the same.

You come here and we’ll talk about that, the one guard shouted into the one cell. He drew his sword and wrapped the bars with his finger guard. Give me a reason to use this. Please.

The boy edged in closer to the cell wall opposite where he’d started, across the room from where Jiolel and those sombre faces watched his every move.

A quick wiggle of his left leg, and a solid iron echo rolled out. That single sound was followed by a second clanking sound and quick scrape. Scampering and low mumbling followed, and the boy started working his way back towards the middle of the room.

Hold it there! came the shouts.

Feet pounded on the stone, and the boy was hoisted up hard against the nearest stone post. The second guard opened the cell door issuing insults and warnings. One man stepped out to be backhanded away. Another man was kicked hard, and the others scurried back.

A key! the guard shouted, snapping up his find. The little whelp snuck a damned key in here. Which one of you was he trying to break out? Which one?!

The guard holding the boy up made sure there were no other keys hidden on his person before tossing him in with Jiolel and the others.

See how you like it here permanently, he shouted, spitting as a follow-up insult. The guard then turned with his companion to question the other side of the room.

What were you thinking, Ellec? Jiolel hissed in hushed tones. She dragged the six year old back into the bedraggled crowd and screwed up her face. What are you even doing here, boy? You were left to keep watch and wait. It’s bad enough Frokel’s going to die down here with us. Now you too.

As if by command, six year old Frokel pushed his way to his friend’s side as if to guard against Jiolel’s scolding words. A close-shaven head and green eyes made Frokel stand out in the dim light allowed in through thin slits in the wall further down.

Why’d he give them the damn key? someone grumbled sourly. The man’s expression was openly harsh. Similar grumbles followed.

I didn’t, Ellec mumbled softly. He worked at the scar on his face, and Jiolel turned to make sure the guards were still distracted. They were. Six year old Ellec broke the scar’s seal and carefully wormed a thin iron key from inside handing it across. The key was quickly snatched by a dirty hand, and more eyes made sure the guards hadn’t noticed anything.

Cover that up! Quick, Jiolel urged. Ellec coaxed the fake scar back into place. The change was barely noticeable.

The first key was to distract them over there, Ellec mused sheepishly. He blinked a few times in response to the wary, uncertain glances. So I could get in here to give you that one.

And now you’ll rot here too, Jiolel spat. One guard did glance over, and Jiolel swallowed more words.

The man who’d snatched the key nudged her side. We still have to get past the guards, he grumbled. That doesn’t fit in a scar, does it? Jiolel glared across, and the man backed off.

Glenoch came up with a plan for that too, Ellec piped up, instantly lowering his voice again.

Glenoch, Jiolel near growled. I should have known.

Ellec was guided over to the bench along the wall where people sat and stood around blocking him from view. Small conversations started up at the same time to help hide any comments that crept above a forced whisper. Frokel stuck by his friend’s side sitting down beside him. Jiolel grudgingly followed, and the others gave her room to stand in close and hear more.

They’re loading coal into the ducts from near the furnace, Ellec explained, Frokel making as if to point out he’d said as much earlier. Jiolel offered a warning gaze, and the boy stopped his comment before it was spoken.

They’re loading in coal dust more than not when the others aren’t watching, Ellec explained. He laughed in response to Frokel’s grin before speaking further. All we have to do is hit the swing arm down here to loosen the junction loader. He had me get this key down here too. The six year old slipped a thin toothy piece of metal from his shoe. He said you’d understand what it’s for.

Jiolel took the new key frowning further. Her gaze dropped, then, lifted to the iron grate above their heads and the iron pipe that climbed from it into the ceiling.

That’s the duct work lock, someone exhaled beside them. None of us can fit into that ductwork and do what he’s suggesting.

Break a few bones maybe.

You volunteering?

They turned to shouts as three men were carried off, beaten on the way out through the iron exit. The one guard pointed across vying they’d be back to hang the boy too. Ellec swallowed hard at those words. When the guards had left and the cell block gate was locked once more, Jiolel turned back around stopping the quick whispered conversations.

She glared across at Ellec, then Frokel. The glare softened, and a regretful, sad expression took root. A pensive moment later, she nodded and sighed.

Well, Ellec, she mumbled. I’m sorry for doing this to someone so young, but we’ve got no choice. Damn Glenoch for this. Ellec furrowed his brow. Frokel was clearly equally confused. This second key you just gave me, Jiolel explained, opens that grate up behind you.

Ellec turned to study the black iron fixture.

What you said about hitting the swing arm and loosening the junction loader? Ellec nodded. That swing arm in is the ceiling above our heads. To get there, we need someone to get up in through the iron grate and along ducts too small for any of us to worm through.

Ellec frowned. What was he missing?

You’re going to have to do it for us, Jiolel rued. She fixed Ellec with a wary gaze. But of course to hit the swing arm and loosen the junction loader, you’ll need help. She took Frokel into that resigned gaze. You two will need to crawl up and along until you find a turning arm. Push on it until the duct roof lets the coal dust through from above into this floor. Understood? Ellec and Frokel nodded. They shared a quick quizzical frown before staring up to her again. Then let’s get to it before they come back to drag you off too.

The grate key was put to use, and grate was pried open. Adults showing less concern than Jiolel lifted first Ellec, then, Frokel to the grate. The two boys started an ambled climb up the cramped metal housing one after the other. There were enough dents and loose bolts to use for good foot and hand holds. The iron grate was closed and locked again.

Do your bit, Jiolel whispered up after them. Once the dust is in here, we’ll get loose and give those guards a good beating.

Ellec couldn’t hear what else she said. He was already up into the ceiling. The duct became a rougher metal that ran flat. It also became more confined, and the six year old was literally worming his way along.

What are they so worried about us for? Frokel whispered ahead. They’re stuck down there with the guards, and they won’t be happy if they get back and we’re nowhere to be found, especially you.

I know, Ellec mumbled guiltily. He stopped suddenly with Frokel running into his feet and cursing his bad form. Ellec stared straight ahead at the eyes that peered back.

What’s going on? Frokel grumbled.

Rat, Ellec hissed back. Frokel tried to get a good view from behind. It’s a big one too.

How big?

Dahle’s head? Ellec figured. It was a guess of course taking into account how wide those beet red eyes were. It’s coming at us, he realized with a fright. The fear subsided. It turned. He would have wiped his brow if his arms weren’t pinned by the duct work. This must go off more than one way.

Frokel nudged Ellec’s feet, and he started worming his way along again. There were openings he passed, and he hissed out warnings hoping that would keep other and the same rats at bay. The dust got in his nose twice, and he sneezed. Ellec decided he’d head butt the rat if it came back. That and he could still spit at it.

He wormed his way around a corner rolling out into a low hollow. Three rats scurried out of the way. A fourth edged back at Ellec hissing angrily, but Frokel dropped in rolling over that rat, and all four rats fled to parts unknown. Ellec had never been so happy to see his friend.

Come on, Frokel urged. They’re coming.

Ellec spied the guards on their return to the cells below through the grated ceiling. The guards berated Jiolel and the others sharing the joy of hearing a neck snap clear through. Ellec took his place at the thick bar set between Frokel and himself. The swing arm started to budge, but it wasn’t coming easily. Ellec wondered what fit into the small holes at his feet that allowed the guards to do this work from below. They’d certainly never fit through the prison duct work.

Enough fun, the one guard barked.

Where’s the brat? the other demanded. We’ve got some rope for him too. Maybe a few lashes first. A bit of burning perhaps?

Ellec and Frokel started to turn the swing arm more freely. They made a full turn before the cell was unlocked below. People were slapped back, and someone screamed.

Even in the dark of the air duct, Ellec could see a fine black mist seeping through a fine crack above his head. He wasn’t actually sure what was involved in loosening a junction loader beyond turning this swing arm around. What was a junction loader anyway?

Where is he? came the sharp snap from below.

I don’t know, was Jiolel’s wheezing reply.

You’re locked up in here suspected of organizing our fair city’s thieving scum, and this brat happens along with a key. You know what I’m thinking?

No, the other guard grumbled.

I’m thinking we’ve been set up. I’m thinking we need to start doing some hurting before something worse happens.

The swing arm gave and started turning faster than Ellec and Frokel had planned. They were swept back and away as the arm spun around winding down on its own. At the same time, the ceiling curved outwards and opened, and fine coal flooded into the space blacking out everything.

Ellec held his breath covering his eyes. He was about to give in and breath when the metal groaned beneath him, and the ceiling gave way.

They dropped down to the stone dungeon floor below in a sheering crash landing on the three guards that had just run in from the outer corridor. Coal dust swept out to fill the dungeon in its entirety!

There were more shouts and slaps from inside Jiolel’s cell. Someone groaned, and metal rung. There were follow-up punches and more groans. After that, there were only quick commands and groped exits.

Ellec and Frokel were scooped up and dragged on until they found their feet. After that, they just ran to the dungeon’s top doors before they were slammed shut. Some remained to keep them open while Jiolel prodded Ellec and Frokel with her group out into the dirty streets of Davers, then, further on into the dirtier alleyways that wormed their way between the cluttered shops and near-run-down buildings.

Fleeing thieves and general criminals quickly hid away in safe houses where no reputable person would go – safe from pursuing guards and summoned soldiers from the castle grounds.

Ellec and Frokel found themselves in a suitable back room hidden from prying eyes. The boys dropped their heads into some murky water and quickly washed the coal dust free. Laughing eyes and giddy smirks rose with satisfied grins. They were quickly turned around before an expressionless Jiolel who’d done a similar quick clean.

The boys froze wearing more cautious frowns.

Jiolel ignored the congratulations the boys received from those passing until the three of them were left alone again.

Ellec, Frokel, she finally mumbled, that was good work, both of you. She inhaled deep. I will have Glenoch’s head for this just the same.

It was fun, Ellec insisted. He didn’t want Glenoch to get into trouble. His friends had been in trouble, and he’d helped save them. Where was the trouble in that? I didn’t like the rats, he conceded, but Frokel stomped them, so it’s all good.

Frokel smirked along until Jiolel stared them each down a second time. She noticed the edges of Ellec’s fake scar coming more noticeably undone.

I suppose things did work out, she conceded. That scar’s going to need more than finger and spit. We don’t want the world to see your face boy, not until the Prince has grown and changed, or you’ve changed. You don’t want to be found out looking like that royal brat. That’s a world of trouble just waiting for another corpse.

She stared more softly across allowing the boys some smiles. I suppose there’s no point fighting this, she mused. You’re going to have to grow up soon enough anyway.

No point fighting what? Frokel asked.

Well, we’re going to have to train you up proper from here on in if you’ve got these skills at your age. A small fight broke out in the back of the house where the floor had been dug up. Jiolel shouted them down, and the combatants were taken into the converted store room that had been a kitchen. We’ll have to put your skills to better use, she resumed turning back to the boys.

Ellec frowned. No more picking pockets?

No more playing sick? Frokel checked.

Oh, there’s always that and the running off to lead the merchants away from their goods, Jiolel assured them. Ellec smiled feeling pleased. He liked being chased. Frokel was clearly disappointed.

That’s our bread and butter some days in this town, Jiolel insisted. She motioned to a nearby chest, and they climbed up to sit across from her. She sat on an upturned trunk and crossed her arms.

Still, it’s time we start teaching you two how to do more serious work, she continued, her body relaxing as she spoke. She had obviously started to take to this change. Run some building layouts and house plans past you two, she suggested. With a bit of work, you two’ll be bringing back some right prizes from those open windows and locked closets in this here town, windows some of us are too old and out of shape to be climbing up to anymore.

We’re not that fast, Ellec pointed out.

Frokel rolled his eyes. Speak for yourself!

An elbow was used and curled lip raised.

That’s enough both of you. She only just interrupted a pushing fight. The boys sneered at one another before sharing daring grins. Small legs can dodge around corners, she urged Ellec. "I know you’re good at that, and when you know the safe houses and back alleys like you two do, speed doesn’t really matter.

And when we show you how to do things right, she added, glaring at Frokel who grudgingly calmed, they’ll never know what hit them until it’s too late, and they’ve no idea where you’ve gone.

Frokel nodded. I’m in for that.

Davers has a lot to offer a trained thief with quality acrobatic skills, Jiolel mused. Fearlessness and courage certainly come in handy.

They’ll be alright, won’t they? Ellec checked. The guards in the dungeon there?

Frokel slapped his friend across the shoulder. They were going to lock us up, maybe hang us. They were certainly going to hang and whip and burn you.

Ellec slapped him back. I know.

Both six year olds curled their lips and rolled their eyes. Ellec then stared pleadingly at Jiolel.

They’ll be fine, she suggested, unable to make eye contact. How about some food? she urged with a change of topic. We got some bags on the run, and I know I’m hungry.

Chapter One

The Council of Kings

He wouldn’t do that, Frokel blurted.

A passing baker lifted his bread tray to avoid a collision, and Frokel ducked his close-shaven head under. The baker bumped a nearby fruit vendor with his sharp turn, and two tomatoes got loose hitting a brown-caped customer in the chest. Her eyes were shielded by her drawn hood, so her facial features were impossible to make out, but something did draw Frokel and Ellec’s attention.

The tomatoes made her back up knocking a pair of people into a nearby stall. In that split second, both youth saw the sheathed dagger at her belt and sword mere inches along. The weapons were concealed from view a quick moment later, and their attention shifted.

Around them, chaos had only just begun. People hit each other, food spilled, and the busy, bottle-necked market place broke into small fights and name-calling.

Guards patrolling on the far end started making their way through the crowd. They were robed in their dark grey tunics over thin metal armour and the usual silver chain mail. As per their orders, each man carried a sword and mace at his hip, and neither man looked like he was having a good day.

Ellec pulled his hood further down than it already was and ducked. Beside him, Frokel quickly ducked as well making sure to grab some tomatoes and a stick of honey-glazed bread first. He took a quick bite of a tomato before following Ellec off through a confused crowd.

The baker looked around in both panic and disgust shouting curses and accusations and hitting another person, but in the sea of people pushing and shoving about, it was hard to keep track of anyone, and by that time, the two teens had already stolen down the nearest alleyway.

Unlike the marketplace, the alleyways were almost always empty except for random servants and street people. The household servants were there to clean out carpets or dump waste into the thin troughs running along the buildings’ back exits.

Every so often, one might see a maid or messenger hurrying through the alleys hoping to use a short-cut and save some time, but things happened in the back alleys that most people didn’t want to be a part of – or a victim to. That included a slew of recent disappearances, so the common person made it a general rule to give the alleys a wide space.

The street people, of course, were there to live.

Torches were mounted by each back door opening onto the alleyway, but their use was questionable. On a sunny day, the natural shadows from neighbouring buildings and eaves cast dreadful shadows, and those torches when lit left spherical zones where anyone could easily skip what light they delivered.

At night or on a cloudy day, it was much the same. On a rainy day, there was just no hope at all, but the torches were better than nothing and offered some sense of security for the shop and house owners involved.

Frokel and Ellec took to these shadows stepping over and around freshly cleaned clay chamber pots left out to dry. They walked with a practised step over age-old cobblestone hugging to those shadows until they were sure no one had followed them into the alleyway looking to lay blame.

Frokel and Ellec heard the foot-falls behind them two doors in and dropped into opposite corners, fading into their shadows and leaning back against the stone walls to catch their breaths. In an instant, it was like they weren’t there at all.

The foot-falls stopped, wavered, and slowly disappeared. Frokel’s smiling freckled face peered back down the alleyway to the throng of people moving at its far end, and he laughed. He stepped out taking another bite of his tomato.

Why do they even bother trying to chase us? he joked, playfully shaking his head. They never come in here. Well, not usually.

Ellec stepped out as well wiping the creases from his brown tunic and dropping the lighter brown hood again. Frowning, he shrugged.

It’s for show, he wagered. You know that. It makes the people feel better to think the guards are out to protect them. It was Frokel’s turn to frown. He blinked quietly a few times before quickly finishing off his tomato and throwing the core aside.

I feel safer already.

Ellec laughed, and Frokel motioned further into the alley way. Come on, Frokel urged, we’d hate for you to be late, now, wouldn’t we?

Ellec bowed. His uneven brown hair fell over his eyes, layered in dirt and cobweb. He stood and wiped it back before starting further down the alleyway. Frokel followed stopping long enough to toss the bread stick back towards the shadows.

Eat up, Helsh. You’re too skinny.

Old shaky hands grabbed at the stick. The bread fell and rolled over the dirty stone. Helsh quickly pulled the bread back up to wipe it clean again. The old man nodded a quick appreciative thanks. Frokel nodded back and wiped the second tomato on his black tunic. He noticed a hole just below his right armpit and looked to Ellec.

Do you think you can get a new tunic for me when you’re there? Frokel asked, taking a bite. It’s getting bigger.

Ellec shrugged. Sure. I don’t see why not, but if I’m right why they’re calling me, I may not be back to give it to you for a while, so it might be faster to just take one from around here.

Frokel shook his head. "I told you. He wouldn’t do that. He knows better than to make such a leap. Look at what happened the last time he tried. What was it? A thousand dead? The whole of the kingdoms were launched into a bloody, devastating war.

King Thelles barely survived that, Frokel argued on, and he lost his eldest sons in that resulting war, so he wouldn’t try it again. They probably have some dinner coming up the Prince doesn’t want to attend. That’s what they want you for, and besides, no one has anything good enough around here to steal, certainly nothing as good as what they have at the castle.

Ellec frowned. I hope it isn’t just another dinner, he replied, looking to the dark shape of the castle looming high above the buildings to their left. It was tall enough to be seen even between the close-set alleyways. It was tall enough to be seen all over town and for miles outside Davers’ thick town wall.

He’s already talked the other two kingdoms back into it, Ellec pointed out, Teshellon and Tentefor. So far that’s been working out.

Frokel laughed again, wiping tomato juice from his chin and swallowing his latest bite down. That’s not surprising. King Melec’s armies took the largest losses in the war. I would’ve been surprised if they didn’t sign some kind of pact. Teshellon joining our side wasn’t a doubt, and Tentefor needs us too. It just expanded north to take over that fallen kingdom, whatever its name was.

Erans-Sheile.

Whatever, Frokel mumbled, waving the name off. It doesn’t matter does it? It’s part of Tentefor now, and they need us to keep their shores safe.

They came upon a cross-alley and stopped to make sure the way was clear. Even knowing the alley’s and being confident they could take on whatever came their way, it would be foolish to not know what was coming. Past people beating their rugs and a group of gamblers, the way looked safe enough, so they made a few quick steps through the lit space and continued on through the darkness on the other side.

We do share an inlet, right? Frokel continued. So their union was expected. I think we should be happy with having Teshellon and Tentefor. With them on our side, Ammoll with Davers at its centre is strong. King Thelles is bound to know that, and he won’t risk losing that by trying for a full Council of Kings again. As such, you won’t be sent out anywhere, and you can get me a new tunic.

Ellec stopped and rested his hands on his hips. He wiped a hand through his hair again and shared a tired shrug. I used to think looking like the Prince was a good thing. Now, it’s just annoying. Frokel cast him a doubting, sarcastic frown.

Smiling, Ellec shook his head. It’s not that I miss all this, he joked, motioning to the alley walls and three large rats running past. And I like the people washing my hair, and you’re right. The clothes are nice, but you don’t have to stand there with Drendnea watching you. And the meetings I sit through and the boring dinners aren’t fun. It makes me think Jiolel was right all those years ago. It makes me wonder if it’s a good thing they found me out. He curled his upper lip, then, shrugged wide. I can’t change the past, and I want to see something new. I want to do something important.

Frokel started playing a small violin for his friend. Ellec took a swing, and Frokel raced off with Ellec in pursuit. The