Jack of Thieves: The Master Thief, #1

By Ben Hale

    The Thieves Guild is renowned for their ability to steal anything. Its elite members have robbed nobles of wealth, reputation, and even their honor. The Guildmaster rules them with brutality and fear, yet his name and past are a mystery. From the depths of the Evermist swamp he seeks a master thief, one who can help him reclaim his lost power.

 

    Young and brash, Jack Myst has drawn the Guildmaster's attention. His feats mark his potential, but his audacity and cunning make him dangerous. After years of preparation an invitation from the guild is exactly what he desires. When he gets it his hunt begins, and there is nothing he cannot steal.

 

    Even the Guildmaster's secret.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Snowlight Publisher
• Release date: Feb 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224394364

Book preview

The Chronicles of Lumineia

By Ben Hale

—The Master Thief—

Jack of Thieves

Thief in the Myst

The God Thief

—The Second Draeken War—

Elseerian

The Gathering

Seven Days

The List Unseen

—The Warsworn—

The Flesh of War

The Age of War

The Heart of War

—The White Mage Saga—

Assassin’s Blade (Short story prequel)

The Last Oracle

The Sword of Elseerian

Descent Unto Dark

Impact of the Fallen

The Forge of Light

Table of Contents

The Chronicles of Lumineia

Map of Lumineia

Prologue: Lord Saris

Chapter 1: Hunted

Chapter 2: Invitation

Chapter 3: Morissa

Chapter 4: The Dragon’s Fire

Chapter 5: The Machine

Chapter 6: The Guildmaster

Chapter 7: The Amazon Assignment

Chapter 8: Thalidon

Chapter 9: Forlana

Chapter 10: Secrets of the Evermist

Chapter 11: Stealing a War

Chapter 12: Desired

Chapter 13: Thera’s Secret

Chapter 14: The Assassin Assignment

Chapter 15: The Assassin Guildhall

Chapter 16: Sentinels

Chapter 17: Enmity

Chapter 18: The Smuggler Assignment

Chapter 19: Nightfall Gorge

Chapter 20: The Eye of the Deep

Chapter 21: Shattered Pride

Chapter 22: Into the Gorge

Chapter 23: Reckoning

Chapter 24: Enlisted

Chapter 25: The Gate

Chapter 26: Kuraltus

Chapter 27: Longblade

Chapter 28: The Seeker

Chapter 29: The Elven Assignment

Chapter 30: The Lecherous Prince

Chapter 31: The Hall of Records

Chapter 32: The Queen’s Vault

Chapter 33: Identity

Chapter 34: Nine, Kiki, and Lorth

Chapter 35: Becoming Ten

Chapter 36: The Guild Assignment

Chapter 37: Unmasked

Chapter 38: Trapped in Memory

Chapter 39: The Fallen

Chapter 40: Rayths

Chapter 41: Jack of Thieves

Chapter 42: A Last Promise

Chapter 43: Morissa’s Truth

Epilogue: The Guildmaster’s Secret

The Chronicles of Lumineia

Author Bio

Map of Lumineia

world map Amazon.jpg

Prologue: Lord Saris

LORD SARIS EXITED THE tavern and stumbled into the darkened street, righting himself before anyone noticed his state. He blinked against his blurry vision, peering into the shadowed corners of the roadway. When he got his bearings he scowled and straightened, hitching his belt higher around his waist.

Turning away from the Golden Chalice, he strode toward his estate in the northern district of Terros. The laughter from within the gilded tavern faded as he made his way along the road. Although he knew the way, Saris was forced to pause at signs in order to puzzle out where to go. He cursed his guards' absence and swore to himself he would punish them soundly for their error.

He caught a post and steadied himself until his head stopped swirling. Then he noticed a beggar woman. She sat hunched against the wall in a pool of light cast by the flickering fire of the lamp. Her eyes looked at him with pleading, causing a flood of memories to fill him.

His wife, ill and weak, struggling to rise from bed. Her pain had caused her to tremble, and she’d pleaded for him to stay at her side. Her disease had ravaged her body and left her an empty husk, but still she’d begged him to leave the drink behind and serve the people.

Disgusted by the sight of her wasting away, Saris had used every excuse to avoid her sickbed. He’d worked long into the evening, and claimed that meetings in the city occupied his nights. Instead he found a tavern and stayed until his fear and pain had numbed before stumbling home. One night he’d returned to find she had passed on.

He’d known it was coming and been relieved, but a needle of guilt pierced his heart, cutting deep and refusing to fade even after a decade. As Saris stared at the beggar woman the guilt returned, sharp and stabbing, morphing into hatred. He growled and stabbed a finger at her.

Please, my lord, she said, raising her hands. I have so little—

You know better than to come into this district, he snapped. Go, before I summon the guard.

She scurried into the night. Saris watched her go with a heavy-lidded gaze, furious that his walk home had been interrupted, and the memory she’d elicited. Pushing off the post, he turned a corner and ascended to his estate, forcing the thoughts aside.

A smirk crossed his lips as he looked up to the castle atop the hill. It was one of the largest in the district, and looked down upon the wealthy homes of Terros. Upon his father's death, Saris had ordered a wall constructed around the estate and hired more guards. Now a full company patrolled the grounds, ensuring that common folk never entered.

The two men at the guard tower straightened as he trudged up the hill. Winded from the climb, he came to a halt and used the moment to growl at them.

Inform the captain I have returned, and tell him that the men on duty for this evening will see their wages garnished for their absence.

But sir, the lieutenant protested, you ordered them to stay.

He fleetingly recalled the orders he'd given them to stay behind. The meeting at the tavern had been of a sensitive nature, so leaving the guards at the estate had been a necessity. Such common men were as prone to gossip as the trash that lived in the Sticks. Still, he could not admit that he’d forgotten.

Lord Saris straightened to his full stature of five feet. Are you questioning my orders? His voice took a dangerous edge, and the man lowered his gaze.

No, sir.

Lord Saris did not miss the hatred in the soldier's eyes, and resolved to dismiss the man the following day. His scowl deepened as he noticed the same glint in the second man's gaze, and wondered if he could ever find a good servant. His sharp rebuke died on his lips when the ache in his skull stabbed into his eyes.

And summon an attendant to my chambers, he said, all thought of the soldiers gone. Have her draw me a bath.

As you order, the lieutenant said, and signaled another guard.

Saris advanced past the guard and ascended the steps to the castle proper. Another guard opened the door as he reached it. Once inside, Saris grasped the railing and climbed the steps to his private quarters. Another soldier opened the door, and Saris strode past him.

I do not wish to be disturbed, he said.

As you order, the man replied, and shut the door.

Lord Saris breathed a sigh of relief for the solitude, and vowed never to drink so much again. He realized it had become a frequent indulgence, but dismissed that with a jerk of his hand. He was a lord of Griffin, and could partake as he desired. Then he strode to the bathing chamber.

Comprised of four separate rooms, his private quarters were spacious and elegant. A central receiving space allowed him to meet in private with others of his status. A trio of doors opened onto a bathing chamber, a bedroom, and a library.

He stepped into the bathing chamber to find a manservant filling the tub with steaming water. Saris squinted at him and realized he did not know the youth. Barely in his twenties, the servant was tall and slender. His black hair highlighted his dark blue eyes. He looked up and Saris flinched at the predatory look in his eye. By the time Saris recovered the man had bowed, the expression gone.

My Lord, he said, is there anything else you require?

Where are the servant girls? Saris frowned, struggling to recall their names.

Ill, my Lord, the man replied easily. The Steward asked me to take their place.

Saris glared at him, and then gestured to the door. Wait outside in case I have need of you.

As you order, he replied, and drifted out the door.

Once it had clicked shut, Saris removed his clothing and slipped into the tub. He breathed a sigh of relief and reclined his head, annoyed that the manservant's expression lingered in his thoughts. Then he dismissed the image and turned his mind to the conversation in the Golden Chalice.

Six months past, he'd beaten a servant girl for refusing his affection and she'd gone crying to the city guard. Taken alone, the guard would have dismissed the complaint, but added to past grievances it had led to an inquisition. If the blasted girl could prove he'd been improper the inquisitor would require him to pay a significant sum.

He scowled at the potential humiliation. The other lords had assured him the girl had no standing in the court, and without proof her words would fall on empty ears. His tension easing with the warm water, he closed his eyes.

He woke with a shiver. Muttering a curse at the frigid water, he looked to the light orb to find that it had dimmed. Vowing to flay the manservant for allowing the bath to cool, he heaved himself from the tub and dressed. His teeth chattering, he cinched his belt and stepped to the door.

He paused at the clink of coins, the angry shout dying on his lips. Confused, he came to a halt, and then heard it again coming from his study. Fear and anger blossomed within him as he realized a thief had dared enter his home. He eased the door open, his eyes searching the darkness for the manservant.

The receiving chamber was empty and the lights had been dimmed. He heard a shuffle from the library and another clink of metal. His expression darkened and he advanced toward the hall door, intent on calling the guard. He tripped and nearly went down, just managing to catch the curse before it betrayed him. Then he looked to the cause and his expression widened in horror.

The manservant lay on the floor, blood dripping from a dozen wounds. His eyes were open and haunting, as if he had just perished. The brutality of the death shocked Saris, and his fear overpowered his anger. His eyes flicked between the corpse and the library. Then he began to crawl toward the hall, his hands shaking as he reached for the door. The handle refused to budge, and abruptly he realized the thief had locked it to prevent a guard from entering. Swallowing the dryness in his throat, he forced the words from his mouth.

Guard! he hissed. I have need!

No answer came, and he repeated his plea, risking raising his voice in order to be heard. His words seem to reflect off an invisible barrier, echoing into a strange silence. He’d seen muffling charms used in the tribunal halls to silence angry criminals and recognized the magic. Anger filled him as he realized the thief had locked him inside his own chambers and cast a charm to silence his cries. Straightening, Saris gathered his courage and roared for the guards, attempting to shatter the magic by force of will.

To his dismay the soldier just outside the door did not come—but the noise in the library came to an abrupt halt. Terror gripped Saris and he crawled behind a couch, willing his breathing to quiet. His heart battered against his chest like a hammer against a shield and he mentally cursed the betrayal. The silence persisted, building the tension until his hands trembled . . .

A window shattered. He yelped in surprise and clutched his chest. When nothing followed he realized the thief must have fled. Shame filled him, and then rage burned it from his veins. Grasping the couch, he rose to his feet and stomped to the library door, yanking it open.

Books lay strewn on the floor, their pages ripped. Gold and jewelry were missing, and even the gilded brackets for light orbs had been pried from the walls. Then he saw the strongbox. Hidden behind a false section of paneling, it contained his most valuable possessions. Fear exploded through him and he hurried to it. He turned the levers to bring the combination into view and then grasped the lever. It swung open with a creak of steel.

Piles of gold, jewels, and rings looked back at him, as did the signet of his house. Attached to an ornate ring, it sat atop a silver pedestal, untouched. Saris breathed a sigh of relief that the thief had not found it. Then the lights winked out, snuffed like a candle in a gust of wind.

Thank you, my Lord, a voice said from behind him. That was much easier than I expected.

He spun in place but could not make out the thief in the darkness. Take whatever you wish! he cried out.

I intend to, the thief laughed.

The thief brushed past him and in remarkable time cleaned out the strongbox. Saris huddled against the wall, struggling to keep his terror in check.

Sound magic has a reputation for being useless, the thief remarked, his voice mocking, but it keeps guards from hearing their master’s whimpering.

Saris squeaked in surprise. How dare you—

A dagger touched his throat and he swallowed the rest of his words.

Be glad I don't do to you what I did to your manservant, the thief growled.

Saris felt a tug on his hand and screamed, but the thief had merely yanked his ring from his finger. The mocking laugh came again, this time fading as the thief departed. Saris remained against the wall, furious and embarrassed. Then he gathered himself and straightened, roaring for the guards.

Without the thief's muffling curse to stop it, his bellow exploded across the manor. The doors burst open and two soldiers rushed into his chambers, following Saris’s shouts to his library. At their appearance the light orbs brightened, flooding the space with light. The soldiers came to an abrupt halt, aghast at the damage to the room.

My Lord, one said, how did this happen?

Saris screamed at them, unleashing his rage. The glint of humor in their eyes only served to heighten his wrath until he pointed to the door.

OUT! he roared. And take the body with you!

But sir, the second guard said, what body?

Saris stared at him and then stalked into the receiving room. His indignant rage evaporated when he found the body had disappeared. Dumbfounded, Saris stared at the empty floor, struggling to understand what had occurred. Long after the guards had left it dawned on him. The thief hadn't killed the manservant.

He was the manservant.

Chapter 1: Hunted

JACK MYST HUNG OUTSIDE the window, watching Lord Saris gnaw on the truth. His smirk widened and he released his grip. He fell thirty feet but landed with ease. Donning his cloak, he darted between the guards and leapt the wall. Once in the streets he worked his way south.

The city of Terros sprawled across a series of hills and bordered the great Blue Lake. As capital of the Griffin kingdom, the city served as the central port for shipping and commerce. In an effort to deter invasion, the city was divided into districts. The walls that parted the districts had been intended to protect the city, but in reality served to separate the classes.

Saris’s home was in a district dominated by wealthy nobles, lords, and landowners. Much of the stonework was dwarven white granite, giving the district a polished and refined look, as well as its name, White District. Jack had spent many nights prowling the district and knew it well. Still, he never felt comfortable walking its cobblestone streets.

Jack stepped through the gate and left the wealthy district behind. Lacking the lavish trappings of White District, Blue District contained wealthy artisans and craftsmen, and was home to the renowned Stonecutter and Woodcarver guildhalls. Although most of the commerce in the city took place in Gold District, those looking for higher class shops went to Blue.

Jack wound his way past comfortable homes and shops until he reached a square. Elven light orbs hung from wooden poles, illuminating the square and the statue at its center. Eschewing the light, Jack glided through the shadows until he reached a small moneychanger store.

Smaller than the other stores in the square, the Lucky Coin was neat and clean. Through the glass Jack spotted ledgers stacked on shelves next to inkwells and books. He paused when a slight patter of footfalls reached his ears.

A smile crossed his lips and a surge of excitement filled him. It's about time. Then he frowned and quelled the elation. It might just be an assassin or an old target nursing a grudge. He stepped down a side alley that bordered the store. With his enhanced vision he made out the steps descending to a second entrance. Gliding to the basement, he tapped softly on the door. A moment later a raspy voice spoke.

The head of the fox sees much.

While the tail goes unnoticed, Jack replied.

A lock clicked and the door swung open to reveal a weathered old man. Scrawny and dressed in craftsman garb, the man offered a curt nod before gesturing Jack inside.

It's late, Arcus said.

You never sleep anyway.

A faint smile cracked the old man's expression. At my age sleep is an inconvenience.

Jack grinned and strode to the desk. The room resembled a library, with shelves of books lining the walls. Light orbs hung from the ceiling, revealing a bright, woven rug that depicted a single coin glinting in the sunlight.

Jack opened his pack and began placing items on the desk. I need to unload and thought you'd like these.

The fence took a seat behind the table and picked up a large diamond. He held it up and examined it critically. Returning it to the pile, he grasped another. He nodded to himself as he returned it. Then Arcus glanced into the open pack.

Is that Lord Saris's signet?

Perhaps.

You know I don't move anything unique, Arcus said. The edge to his voice brought a burly man into the room. Tattooed and scarred, the guard palmed the hilt of a sword. Arcus waved him aside.

The signet is not for you, Jack said. When he didn't elaborate, Arcus shrugged.

I'm surprised you didn't take more from him.

Too much to carry in one load, Jack admitted. I stashed some in his house that I'll pick up later.

Arcus chuckled. You are the most forthcoming thief I work with, Jack. You should be in the guild.

How much for the lot? he asked, avoiding the topic.

Arcus folded his spindly arms. Fifty gold.

Jack’s expression became annoyed and he let the silence hang. After a moment Arcus growled and shook his head.

It will be difficult to move quickly, Jack, you know that. Steal from a lord and I can't give you full rate. They keep track of their jewels too closely—even magically tag them.

Jack continued to stare until the old man grumbled under his breath and stabbed a finger at the pile.

Sixty-five.

Seventy.

They locked eyes for a moment until Arcus relented. Fifty now, twenty more when they are sold.

Done.

Arcus whisked the gold off the table and into one of the many strongboxes that lined the wall. I'll deposit the coin into your account as usual.

Jack heard the smugness in the fence's voice and realized he'd given in too early, but found that he didn’t care. He'd spent months preparing to steal from Saris but this time the reward was not in the coin.

Until next time, Arcus, he said, and stepped to the door.

The man gestured to him. Watch yourself, Jack. Stealing from a lord may garner more attention than you desire.

Or exactly the attention I want.

Jack smirked. I can take care of myself.

He slipped outside and ascended the stairs. When he reached the street he heard another echo of footfalls. He smiled to himself but did not look back. Whoever followed him had been trained well but couldn’t know he had enhanced hearing.

He turned south and moved through the quiet streets of Terros. It was the dead of night, but groups of guards occasionally appeared and ambled past him. Giving them a wide berth, he stayed in Blue District until he reached the gate for Gold District. As the central place of commerce in the city, the district contained many people working late or enjoying the various entertainments.

Light cascaded from windows as shopkeepers tallied their earnings from the day. Laughter and music filtered from the interior of raucous taverns. Avoiding the crowds and the inevitable guards tasked with watching them, he dodged to a quiet street. Once there, Jack undid the clasp of his cloak and allowed it to flow behind him, revealing clothing more suited to a merchant than a thief.

His tunic was of fine cloth and deep blue, pairing well with the black slacks. A strap of leather across his shoulder went to his waist and held a brace of knives hidden behind an artistic strip of green. Another blade lay hidden in a sheath that ran along his spine. The hilt pointed down, allowing for a subtle draw.

He could have passed for a merchant except for his youth. At twenty-three he looked much younger. His lips betrayed a touch of arrogance, but his striking features drew the gaze of the women he passed. Aware of their scrutiny Jack glanced their way, enjoying the flush that crept into their skin when he smiled.

Several times he heard the faint echoes of his pursuer but did not deviate from his course, even when he heard a second hunter. He reached the edge of Gold District and passed into the largest district in Terros. Although its official name was South District, everyone called it the Sticks.

Dilapidated structures leaned at unsettling angles, covered in grime from their proximity to the Factory District. The streets contained runoff from the upper districts, the soiled water trickling down the gutters that bordered the road. The liquid added a perpetual reek that lingered on buildings and clothes alike.

Merchants, craftsmen, and soldiers entered the Sticks for business, but avoided it when possible. Thieves were common among the poor, and many of the visitors had seen their purse strings cut. Few of the thieves were guild trained. Those unfortunate enough to be caught were hanged on the hill at the center of the district, their bodies left as a reminder to the populace.

Again wrapped in his cloak, Jack turned down a side street until he reached a two-story structure. The building contained a shop on the ground floor and a home above. The glass had been broken often, so the owner had installed makeshift bars across the openings. Jack passed by and entered the alley at the side.

Crouching, he leapt ten feet up the side and caught a brick that bordered a window. Levering himself up, he climbed inside and glided toward the bed. A young woman huddled under a thin blanket. It was a far cry from her previous home, where she'd been a servant of Lord Saris until recent events brought about her dismissal. Four months ago Jack had overheard her speaking in a tavern and recognized the opportunity. The next day he'd begun seeking employment at Lord Saris's estate.

He reached into his pack and withdrew the signet. He placed the ring with a letter of explanation on the nightstand and withdrew. Jack smiled as he thought of Saris's expression when this servant girl appeared with proof of his affection. The bulge of his eyes, the veins popping in his thick neck—the man would explode like a dwarven fire bomb. It would be worth attending the inquisition just to see his reaction.

He slipped out the window and ascended to the roof. Reaching the top, he jumped to a neighboring building and continued southwest, leaping from structure to structure. He picked up the pace, measuring the response from his pursuers. They matched it, indicating they knew he'd sensed their presence. With difficulty, he reigned in his excitement.

It might not be them.

As he led his pursuers across the rooftops, Jack followed a circuitous route to his target. After twenty minutes he dropped to the street and entered one of the many parks that dotted the city. Unkempt and overgrown, this one had become a haven for criminals and the homeless. Prowlers lurked in the bushes, hoping against all reason that a catch would amble through. He ignored them and strode to the center of the park.

A broken fountain depicted a knight bearing a shield and giant sword. In distant memory enchanted water had flowed about its feet, rising up to give the statue a more lifelike appearance. The magic had long since faded and the stone had worn down until the knight looked tired and old.

Around the statue oak trees grew, their branches intertwining. Thick and gnarled, they blocked the moon except for a pool of light that fell upon the statue. The air reeked of the Sticks, and the rustle of rodents marred the still night.

Jack came to a halt at the edge of shadow, his gaze searching the trees as he plotted multiple escape routes. It had taken six years to get here, and if he did not play the part well they would kill him.

It was also possible they could be assassins sent by one of his past targets. If that was the case, he'd placed himself in a trap. He frowned, considering that possibility and how he could respond. As much as he'd sought to develop his thieving skills, he'd lacked the time to study swordcraft. Magic from his youth had permanently enhanced his body, but assassins would undoubtedly possess their own advantages.

A rasp of cloth on bark indicated the approach of his pursuers. He tensed, waiting as he tracked their movements. One appeared in front of him while a second came from the east. Then he heard a third figure approaching from the west. They stepped into the pool of moonlight, blocking him on three sides.

His gaze flicked between the men and the woman. All three were dressed in fine clothing and their cloaks rippled as if made of shadows. Each appeared unarmed, but Jack doubted that was the case. The man in the center folded his arms and smiled.

Jack Myst, he drawled, wanted in several cities across four kingdoms for bribery, theft, damage of property, inciting a riot, and dozens of other offenses.

I don't care to be tracked.

The man peaked an eyebrow. And stealing from Lord Saris?

Another noble that needs humbling, Jack said with a shrug. What do you care?

We've been observing you for some time, the man said. We know much of what you have done in the last year.

Jack retreated a step, deeper into the darkness. If it's recompense you seek, I have sold what I have taken.

And if we’re here to kill you? the man asked, his head tilting forward in anticipation.

Jack smiled in turn. You would have to catch me first.

He whirled and leapt, catching a branch of an oak tree. He pulled himself above it and jumped to another limb before sprinting away. In his wake he heard the man speak to the woman.

Beauty, run him down.

Chapter 2: Invitation

JACK BOUNDED BETWEEN trees, using the branches to swing over gaps. He was curious about his pursuers so he kept his pace slow. To his surprise Beauty kept pace with him—and even closed the gap. Although she stayed on the ground she had no trouble following his track. He reached the edge of the garden and leapt into