Disclaimer: Thief the Dark Project is property of the late Looking Glass Studios and the actually characters are theirs as well
Disclaimer: Thief the Dark Project is property of the late Looking Glass Studios and the characters are theirs as well. Only few characters are mine. This is the only disclaimer I'm announcing unless necessary for later chapters.
Prologue: Keeper's Training
The essence of balance is detachment. To embrace a cause, to grow fond or spiteful, is to lose one's balance, after which, no action can be trusted. Our burden is not for the dependent of spirit.
-Mayar, Third Keeper
Even at night the many streets of the massive City was still crawling with activity: guards on patrol, men and women leaving their jobs to their homes, nobles leaving banks and casinos to return to their luxurious lives, the guilty leaving the Hammerite temples from confessions with the priests. The list went on and on. One of the City's citizens was a boy of about sixteen or seventeen years old. He was rather skinny, with long and unkempt black hair and his worn-torn clothes he looked like a scarecrow. His sandals were worn so much that the soles of his feet could feel the jagged stones of the streets.
This boy was Garrett. He had no parents, no home. He kept busy to get money of course to eat though when things became dire he didn't mind stealing from the fruit stands in the market. However he tried to keep a legitimate job so the hammers wouldn't imprison him or bash his skull in with their hammers of righteousness.
Garrett's bony fist knocked on one of the finer houses of the City. Perhaps not a nobleman's house but certainly one of the upperclassmen. The door was answered by a tall and square jawed man in blue night robes. "Hello sir," Garrett said politely as his boss Geoffrey Hewitt told him many times to do when delivering messages. "I have a message for Warren Cappers." Garrett produced a scroll from a sac at his side. The man took it, "That is me young sir." Cappers tipped the boy five gold and bid him good night. Garrett sighed with sadness as he counted the five gold and ten silver pieces in his cloth purse. Probably enough for food but not enough for to stay at the Crippled Burrick Inn for the night; Garrett wondered if the Market was still open. Surely he could pick a few pockets to get a room for the night. Garrett hoped to high Heaven (if indeed Heaven existed he didn't know) that no Hammerites were on patrol.
He still saw people in the market. Several disgruntled market workers staying open to the late customers. They clearly feared the wrath of their employers' possibly losing money than the customers' anger at losing opportunities to shop late. As Garrett was making a pluck for a fat man's purse he saw a man standing in the corner. He was hooded and cloaked. What Garrett thought was strange was how people passed him by like he wasn't there.
An impish grin came to the boy's face as he figured for sure the man had something of value. He was quick and quiet enough to even take the fat man's prize no longer dangling from his belt. Garrett made the same grab for the cryptic man's own purse…
A tattooed hand grabbed Garrett's thieving hand. "That's not for you." The man said in a raspy voice. Fear flooded inside Garrett. All those years picking pockets no one ever caught him. Now though…he'd be sent to the sheriff who would imprison him or worse…sent to Cragscleft Prison under the Order of the Hammer. "P-please sir, I'm hungry. Don't tell the Hammers. I promise…"
"What's your name, boy?" the man actually now looked at Garrett. The boy could barely make out his face under the black hood. "Garrett." He managed to cough up. "You have talent lad." The man's grip was hard now hurting Garrett. Garrett kept trying to pull away but the man's grip was hard. "Let go of me, old man!" Garrett rasped harshly. "To see a Keeper is not an easy thing. Especially one who does not wish to be seen. We have a need for those as gifted as yourself. If you've grown tired of how you live, then follow me, and we will show you a different way." Garrett kept struggling to be free of this crazy man. "Leave me alone!" suddenly the Keeper let go causing Garrett to fall back. "As you wish." He started leaving. Garrett watched him leaving then turned back at the crowd with more pockets to pick. He quickly caught up with him before he vanished into the crowd.
Weather or not the Keeper knew the boy was following him Garrett couldn't tell. He still decided to speak up, "So what's your name old man?" without turning around the Keeper answered "My name's Artemus. No more questions until we reach the compound." Garrett did as he was told. He wondered where and what this compound was. He hoped they'd arrive soon as his feet were in pain.
Suddenly they arrived at some other part of the City that Garrett was unaware of before. Artemus approached one of the walls and took a rune stone out of one of his pouches in his cloak. He moved the stone around in a type of pattern. Suddenly eight runes glowed across the wall opening a secret door. Artemus waited for Garrett to enter first. It didn't take long for the lad to figure it out. Garrett was in awe when he entered the compound. The foyer was a giant library. Men and women in black cloaks were studying various tomes that all seemed to be written in weird rune like writings.
Artemus saw Garrett's interest. "Come, we must proceed. Don't worry Garrett in time you'll be learning how to read the glyphs. For now though we must get you cleaned up and on the morrow you'll start your training." Garrett kept following the Keeper to another area of the compound. It was a large white room with several chairs and electric lights hanging from above. Garrett saw the electric street lights but never saw electric lights inside.
Another cloaked man had Garrett sit in a chair while he shaved Garrett's head. Across the hall was a bathroom. "Clean yourself up Garrett. You'll also receive new clothes."
"Is it possible to get some food?" Garrett hadn't eaten most of the day. Artemus sighed, "The kitchen is closed for the night but after you bathe you can go to the kitchen and see if Amelia is there. She's often kinder to the acolytes than most of the cooking staff." Before Garrett could say another word Artemus vanished. Garrett hoped that he could be that good at stealth after the training.
He spent nearly an hour in the warm water getting off all the grit and filth that he picked up off the streets. When he was finished he found a set of dark green robes for night ware and black clothing including a cloak. He went to the kitchen which was mostly vacant with the exception of a short and plump white haired woman. "You must be Amelia." Garrett said and received a nod from her. "Is there…something leftover to eat?" Amelia fixed a plate for Garrett which had some rabbit meat, bread, and steamed vegetables. Garrett ate the meal gratefully. Even from picking pockets and stealing fruit from the market it's been a while since he had a fine cooked meal.
The next morning Garrett was woken early by a young red head girl. "Keeper Artemus wishes you to come to the training grounds Garrett." The boy nodded and quickly donned his new clothes after the girl left. Garrett met Artemus in a hallway that led to a dark room with one light source (electric) in the room. Garrett barely saw the smile from the man's face from the hood's shadow. Garrett hastily brought up his own hood. "This is where your training begins lad. One of the first and foremost important things about a Keeper is his ability to be invisible. The shadows are always our allies young Garrett."
"You'll have to excuse me but what exactly are the Keepers?" Artemus smiled, "It's interesting to see an acolyte question what he's becoming. The Keepers are an ancient order that holds responsibility for maintaining balance in life. Anytime the scales start tipping too far in one direction we come to even things out. There is still more though. We also have prophecies in our glyphs and only few can read those glyphs which you'll learn more about young Garrett. We also archive events that occur throughout the centuries which is why our library is always growing. It would be prudent if you took the time to read on some of them. Particularly the bestiaries and other studies with supernatural enemies."
"Supernatural enemies?" Garrett wondered if the Keepers were insane after all. As if reading his thoughts Artemus smiled, "You'd be surprised what's lurking in this city. Our agents have found a variety of things. In the mean time we best start your training. As I was saying about stealth it is the key to a Keeper. As you recall in the market I wasn't seen except by you which is impressive but you must learn to be invisible to the crowd Garrett. This is only the basic course. Over the years we'll keep making the stealth course more complex for you so you can be an expert in avoiding all kinds of lights. Why don't we begin young Garrett?"
Garrett found the first course simple enough as it had to deal with staying to the shadows around the light and even learned about keeping silent which was him treading slowly on a metallic surface with some carpeted areas. However even the other Keepers were impressed that Garrett took only one trial with each course. Some Keepers took a couple or even a few. Garrett was used to being light footed and of course not being seen to pick pockets. "C'mon old man I aced this course that any twelve year old could do when do I get the complex course you mentioned?" Artemus smiled, "The next course requires the knowledge of archery which you'll find out soon enough." He hastily spoke the last part seeing Garrett about to ask what archery would be of use for.
The archery course was a long field with several targets. Some further than others however several other Keeper acolytes were out training as well by other instructors. Garrett had difficulty as he was rather inept with using his muscles from the years living on the streets. His hits were always short even after holding the bow far back for a few seconds. Finally Artemus ended the lesson. "I think it's time we work on your physical structure a bit lad. Follow me."
Artemus led Garrett to a chamber in the basement of the compound. Several instruments used to exercise the muscles of different varieties were all over the room. Garrett started on a pulling machine. Artemus set the weights to a higher setting than Garrett would've liked. They spent all day working at it. By evening they ended. "We'll keep working at this tomorrow. Probably a couple more weeks than get you back on the archery course so you can move in your stealth training."
"Why is archery so important? Wait will sword play come into use too?" Artemus nodded, "Yes, you'll learn about that and of course other uses of dealing with enemies. Go to the Great Hall for some food and rest up young Garrett. We have a lot of work ahead." Garrett did just that. There was rabbit stew and mead being served which Garrett ate appreciatively and wondered how the training was going to pull off.
A couple more weeks of working out Garrett was now average size which was sufficient enough for the keepers. It took a couple of days to practice at the archery range. Soon he was getting bulls eyes at far distances. "Good, you're improving your skill with the bow. Now it's time to start moving on to your next stealth course." Garrett often looked forward to the stealth trainings but he found the archery training helpful as well.
Artemus led Garrett to a hallway that had at least six torches spread out so that barely any shadows existed. Garrett looked puzzled. "You want me to sneak to the trainer through that?" Artemus smiled. "We've found new techniques of getting passed lit torches." With that he produced several blue crystals from his cloak. They were about ten inches long. "These are water crystals Garrett. By attaching them to arrows you can put out the torches." In a couple of minutes Artemus attached the crystals to black arrows. "Give it a try. Remember to treat them like regular arrows. Angle when you feel it's necessary and hold for a good while. Don't worry about breaking the crystals because it does take some force but still be careful." Garrett was doubtful that this would work but did what he normally did while readying to fire his arrows. Taking careful aim and angling his bow appropriately he released when it was ready. To his amazement the first torch went out!
Garrett easily doused out the rest of the torches and tread softly on the marble floor to the Keeper in the next room easily sneaking up on him. A few more stealth courses occurred over the week. Some having torches mixed with electrical lights to add more challenges and of course most of the floor surfaces were marble or metal. Soon Artemus introduced a new crystal from the Keeper's arcane armory. "This is a moss arrow Garrett." The crystal was a dark green. "Shoot it onto any surface and moss patches will start spawning in the area." Garrett gave it a try on the marble corridor of his next challenge. He tried to do his best to tread on the large patches of moss that were spread in long vicinity. Garrett found his new tools useful.
Garrett was now twenty-one years old. He left his quarters for more training. He found the stealth and combat training more interesting than the tedious hieroglyphics readings. He hoped he'd learn swordsmanship soon. The past few years he just learned archery as well as bare handed combat.
His hopes were true. After breakfast he met Artemus who told him to go to the armor and get ready for sword training. Garrett received a pair of leather gloves, brown leather bracers for his forearms and a long sword. Even though it was day Garrett still kept his hood up. He was starting to get used to it and blending in with the other Keepers. He met Artemus in an arena like setting. It was a circular grassy area surrounded by a small river. Only one bridge allowed access and once both were in the arena the bridge rose.
"Before we begin I want to tell you that while some attacks are powerful they are also the slowest. You must be quick. Swing from your elbows more than your shoulders and even thrust towards your enemy instead of stabbing. Give a few practice swings before we begin." Garrett spent a while swinging. He had a hard time doing the quicker ones as he felt they were weaker but he learned that speed was better than strength at times. "Are you ready to being young Garrett?"
"Are you old man?" Artemus smiled at Garrett's arrogance. The two started the combat. Artemus began teaching Garrett tricks such as while parrying an attack to break the opponent's footing such as when he tripped Garrett several times. "You must use these tricks if you want to win the fight young Garrett." Artemus was good at watching his footing even though Garrett kept trying to break it. Eventually Garrett managed to do so however holding his sword at Artemus' throat keeping his feet at a safe distance so he couldn't be tripped. "Very good Garrett at your first sword fight. Remember it won't always be this easy but you'll keep learning." They fought on more; Artemus kept making things more complicated.
Several more years passed of Garrett's training. Garrett was the best of the acolytes in all manners especially stealth. However this night was a final test for the Keeper acolyte. "What kind of test?" Garrett asked when Artemus brought Garrett to another course. "Now the time has come young Garrett. This is all the courses you learned. This will be your ultimate test. If you can make it through and find the Keeper ring you passed the test. Use your skills as you see fit but remember that as a Keeper it is best if you weren't seen. Also I have something else for you." Artemus handed what seemed to be a black club of some sort. "It's a blackjack which is useful in rendering your enemies unconscious. Begin when you're ready but going down those stairs. That's where your challenge begins." With that the Keeper left.
Garrett descended to his challenge. The empty doorway led to a torch lit corridor with stone floor. Studying he found an armored guard at the far end. Not wanting to alert the guard Garrett slowly crept through the corridor. He took time to hide in the few shaded areas behind pillars. Taking out his blackjack he made ready to ambush the guard. He slowly crept onto him and hit him on the head. The guard fell like a sack of potatoes. He even searched the guard and found some gold. Garrett grinned, "Artemus never said I couldn't take any valuables I find off of an opponent." He quickly hid the body in the shadows.
Proceeding on he came to a room with on electric lamp in the center allowing plenty of shadows around. The room had two hallways going in opposite directions like a T section. Garrett hid behind some crates in one corner of the room. With the patience of a snake he waited for any guard patrols. He finally saw a pair of guards passing by. He stealthily followed the one going to the right hallway. Several doors were on either side. Garrett entered the first one to his right. Inside was a vacant bedroom. However he found a chest with some gold coins which he greedily took.
After searching the other rooms in the hallway and stealing more valuables and avoiding the guards he still didn't find his objective. He took stealthy discretion to avoid the guards as he knew he had to search the other hallway.
The left hallway led to another opening. At the hallway's end was an abyss with an island in the center. The only access was several ropes dangling from the high ceiling. Remembering his rope training he leapt onto the first rope. After getting a good swing he grabbed the next when he was close enough. After some more momentum he managed to land on the island. In the center was a pedestal with two golden candles and the ring in between. He took the candle holders throwing away the candles and took his main prize to complete the course. He swung back to the hallway. When he was swinging the guard came to the doorway right when Garrett was swinging into it. He kicked the guard sending him flying back several feet unconscious. Garrett ran back to the exit. On his way back up Garrett grinned at the loot he managed to steal. I could put these skills to other uses. Garrett thought.
Garrett met with three of the Keepers: Artemus, Xavier, and Orlando. They were the inner circle of the Keepers. Xavier spoke, "You're now a member of the order young Garrett. We will summon you for prophecies to be read and other events. It is important to understand what you devote yourself to as a Keeper."
"So I take it that there's no resignation?"
"Several have left the order. Mostly out of sentiment. Ah, such follies cause people to give up their talents."
Several months after the training Garrett was indeed being summoned to various prophecies and the like by the Keepers but the man was now growing restless and irritated as of late. "I don't understand why I must remain in this compound! Several other Keepers leave on missions and I'm better than them and you know it Artemus!" the elder Keeper sighed, "You mustn't give yourself to rage Garrett. It is a greater folly that Keepers mustn't descend to. You're also a risk to allow on the City."
"What kind of risk Artemus?" Garrett snapped. "You're a thief. You've stolen valuables from this compound and that's what you desire now I can tell by your greed. You…"
"That's enough!" Garrett yelled, "I don't need any of you! Your damn prophecies and babblings are just crap! I don't need this anymore! I have the tools I need! Take this as my resignation!" Garrett threw his ring at Artemus. It landed by the Keeper's feet. Artemus sighed as he saw the greatest acolyte storm out of the compound.