When I read Take a Thief, It mentioned rumors of a master thief in Haven. Even at the time I thought there was a good story in that, but unfortunately no more mention was made of it. Now that I'm writing Fan fiction I thought I'd try to do my own version. The city and most of it's inhabitants belong to Mercedes Lackey, even the idea of the master thief is hers, I'm only borrowing it.
Chapter 1 Cold Shoulder
Cold rain lashed him as he rode the winding streets of the city. Bone deep weariness dragged at his limbs. I'm getting too old for this Reven thought to himself. He laughed softly, amused. Old at thirty. He still had at least another ten years before he had to retire and maybe start teaching his craft to the next generation. Well, if he was honest with himself he could retire anytime, Gods knew he had made enough in his career to retire many times over. But he well knew he loved what he did, the danger, the freedom and even the travel. At least most days he loved the travel he thought sourly as he sneezed, rain dripping down the back of his hooded cloak.
He looked through the curtains of rain squinting as he tried to see Inn he was searching for. He wasn't that familiar with Valdemar. He had worked in Rethwellan, Ruvan, Hardorn and even a little in the Empire, but he had been here only once before and that hadn't been in Haven, only the estate of a border Lord.
What little he had seen of Valdemar so far didn't impress him very much. Finally, he stood up in his stirrups to see the sign he was looking for. Sitting again he smiled, he was looking forward to a hot meal and a warm bed. He wasn't used to being this far north and he wouldn't be here now if he hadn't gotten a fat commission. As long as he was here he might do a little freelance work as well. This could be fun. It didn't matter if he took jewelry that was well-known here, he wouldn't be staying past fall anyway. There was always a market for such things. He rode up to the entrance of the Inn, frowning he took in the sign the Red Kettle.
This wasn't in the worst part of town, his persona for this job, didn't require that. Something he was thankful for. He could pass in those areas, but he didn't enjoy it.
"Master Lores, I presume" a smooth voice came from the dark entryway as he handed his horse to the waiting stable boy. He nodded. "I've been waiting for you, you're late" the voice said peevishly.
He shrugged, shouldering the bag holding his "Merchandise" he walked in passing the thin man. He closed his eyes a moment as he got his first close look at his patron. Colors not seen in nature clashed in what he could only assume passed as high fashion here in Valdemar. Gods, he thought to himself shoot me if I ever considered wearing something that god awful. The display of wealth and bad taste grated on his weary nerves, but he kept his expression bland as he looked at the man again. No it doesn't get any better he thought to himself with inward laughter.
"My name is Master Lores" he told the server who came towards him as he entered the door. "I believe there was a room reserved for me".
"Oh, yes sir, I'll have your bags brought up and send for someone to guide you" she started to say.
"Perhaps after a meal" he asked. "I've just come in from the road. And while I'm thinking about it a bath would be welcome too" he said.
"It'll be taken care of" she said.
He felt a hand grab his shoulder and turned staring with cold eyes at his would be patron. The man let go at the look in his eyes.
"I'll discuss business after I've eaten" he told the man.
"Cocky bastard aren't you" he man grumbled, unused to having someone he hired act like this man had.
A cold smile on his lips Reven answered "I can afford to be".
"Yeah" he grumbled. "If you weren't the best".
"But I am"Reven said.
The meal was excellent even if the company left something to be desired. A roast had been cooking slowly over the fire for most of the day and the meat almost fell off the bone. The tubers were well done and the wine was adequate. He had developed quite a palate for wines once his finances allowed for it.
Once done he sighed and waved for the server to take the remains of his meal. He did keep the wine sipping slowly as he looked at the other man. "So, I hear you are looking for gems" he said.
" yes one gem in particular" he said, but before he could go on Reven began talking.
"You're in luck, I've been lucky in the trade recently and I may have what you are looking for" he said. Glancing around the room he added "Perhaps you'd like to come up to my room to see what I've got, I don't like to display it out here where anyone could see it".
"Of course" the other man said getting his point.
At least those dyes haven't addled his mind Reven thought to himself. Though for a minute he wondered. He thought the man was going to blurt out everything in public.
The thought occurred to Reven that he was going to have to make plans for his protection. His contact had assured him his new patron was reliable. He had never steered him wrong before, but there was always a first time and he was beginning to get a bad feeling about this man.