The Squire and the Derelict

By: Caiti

Edited by: Juliette

Chapter 4: Weakness

All the things you said
Faster the days go by and I'm still
Stuck in this moment of wanting you here
Time
In the blink of an eye
You held my hand, you held me tight
Now you're gone
And I'm still crying
Shocked, broken
I'm dying inside

Where are you?
I need you
Don't leave me here on my own
Speak to me
Be near me
I can't survive unless I know you're with me

Shadows linger
Only to my eye
I see you, I feel you
Don't leave my side
It's not fair
Just when I found my world
They took you, they broke you, they tore out your heart

Why did you go?
All these questions run through my mind
I wish I couldn't feel at all
Let me be numb
I'm starting to fall

-Kelly Clarkson- Haunted-

Summary: The war with Carthak has begun and Jzet has found that her life has changed drastically: a new knight master, new friends, and new enemies. Meanwhile, a girl seeks revenge against a man who has ruined her life. With the help of unexpected sources, she sets out to kill him one and for all. Sequel to Land Across the Emerald Sea.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Tamora Pierce owns it all and Kelly Clarkson owns the music. Tada

Warning: This chapter contains cursing and drunkeness. PG13


June 13th,

Blue Harbor,

in the thirty fourth year of the reign of King Jonathan IV of Conte and Thayet, his Queen

473 H.E. (Human Era)


"My lady, my lady," Isabella, Jacqueline's maid, came running into the dining room, hiking up her skirts as she did so. "My Lady Jacqueline there is an important letter for you! The messenger is waiting for you in the foyer."

The maid's words seemed to echo in the empty dining room. It was completely vacant, except for Jacqueline. Her parents and Uncle Thomas were traveling from Corus after attending a ball in honor of the Queen's birthday and she was left behind, so that she could continue her daily lessons on her Gift with Master Gregory. Her parents believed that her Gift lessons were more important than court social events.

Jacqueline raised her head up from her dinner plate and stared momentarily at the disheveled maid, before getting up hastily from her chair.

"Thank you Isabella," She said appreciatively and then bowed her head politely towards Isabella. Jacqueline's Ma had taught her how to respect servants.

Without any further words, Jacqueline hurried into the foyer, but did not run like Isabella did. From past lessons from her Ma, Jacqueline knew that it was not very ladylike to run. She was drilled to be more dignified than that. She was a noble after all.

Jacqueline soon found a red haired man standing in the middle of the foyer. He was obviously the messenger and was bent over with his hands on his knees. Sweat was visible on his entire face and he took deep gasping breaths. Jacqueline could tell he had run a long way. Marty, the hostler probably took his horse at the front gates and made him run all the way up the hill to the castle.

Poor man… Jacqueline thought sympathetically, letting him catch his breath.

"You know, messenger, you are supposed to stand up straight and put your hands over your head." Jacqueline informed him shortly. "My Da says the oxygen can get to your lungs easier when you are standing straight."

The man grimaced, most likely unhappy about being corrected by a seven year old, but listened to her advice nonetheless.

His heavy breathing finally slowed and he asked, "Are you Lady Jacqueline?"

"Yes, I am," Jacqueline put her hands on her hips and surveyed the man through intelligent hazel eyes, "and who are you, sir?"

"I am the messenger, Rodney Nash, my lady." He told the noble with a small bow.

"It is nice to meet you Citizen Nash." Jacqueline told him sincerely in a dignified tone. "I hate to cut our delightful conversation brief, but I do believe you have a message for me?"

Rodney Nash did not answer, but instead, looked taken aback. He swore the little girl that stood before him acted and sounded like an adult. In his mind eye an image of his niece, Wendy, formed clearly. Wendy was probably about this noble girl's age, seven, and all she cared about were her toy dollies. Heck, Rodney didn't think Wendy even know what oxygen was.

"Yes," He took a breath to regain his composure. "Yes, I do, my lady. Here."

Rodney Nash tentatively held out a letter that was sealed with the coat of arms of the fief, Olau. Jacqueline snatched it out of his hand, examined it for a moment with curiosity and then tore open the seal.

The small contents of the envelope fell out and she caught them in her hand. It was a short piece of a parchment with a sloppy scrawl on it.

Dear Lady Jacqueline,

I deeply regret to inform you that your parents, Lady Lacey and Lord Atsuo, have been killed in a fire that destroyed the inn, Hartley's, in my fief of Olau. Luckily, your Uncle Thomas survived the terrible fire and is now residing in my castle to recover from his minor burns. You have my deepest condolences Lady Jacqueline and if you require any assistance, do not hesitate to write. I am sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,

Sir Myles of Olau

Jacqueline could feel her eyes rapidly begin to fill with tears and choked back a sob. This couldn't be happening. Not now.

They were coming home to see her. They were going to spend the day on the beach, picnicking, and swimming in the water. They promised her they would.

No, this wasn't happening to her. It was a lie. A trick. This knight, Myles, he was playing an awful joke on her. They were coming home. They had to be.

They promised they would come home to me.

Jacqueline could feel Rodney Nash's eyes on her. She had to flee from his presence. She was suffocating under his gaze. The world was caving in around her. Something was blocking her airway.

Jacqueline felt numb with pain. Her feet were frozen to the spot. Why couldn't she move? She had to flee from this room. She couldn't take the pain anymore. It had to stop.

"Lady Jacqueline?" Isabella's soothing voice penetrated her conscious.

"They're dead!" Jacqueline shouted angrily at her maid and then let out an ear drum piercing scream on the top of her lungs.

The wretched scream that had come from the small girl's mouth just couldn't belong to her. It was so terrible, that Rodney Nash swore it had to be inhuman.

Her body quickly unfroze from it's state of pain and then deeply ashamed at her outburst, she took off in a run towards her bedroom. The tears poured freely from her hazel eyes. She could no longer control them.

And Jacqueline knew she would always remember this day in June because this day was the worst day of her life.


April 8th,

Blue Harbor,

in the fourth year of the reign of King Roald of Conte II and Shinkonami, his Queen

482 H.E. (Human Era)


Jacqueline got up the next morning and groaned. She found out immediately after she awakened, that her left leg was still very sore from yesterday's dagger wound and her back was stiff. The mattress she had slept on last night wasn't exactly the softest thing she had ever felt.

Stifling another groan, Jacqueline limped over to the privy and started to freshen up for the new day. She slipped on a dirty tunic and breeches and then combed out her knotty raven colored hair. She made a quick note to wash her clothing when she got a chance.

A few minutes later, there was an audible knock on the door and Jacqueline promptly rushed over to answer it. She found Paul standing there in the threshold, flashing a wide grin.

"Good mornin' Rose," He greeted merrily. "Are ye comin' down for breakfast?"

Jacqueline stopped herself just in time from asking Paul who Rose was. She had almost forgotten about her alias.

"Well…" Jacqueline honestly didn't have money to pay for food anymore. She only had enough coins to pay for the passage to the Yamani Islands that she wanted to take. "I don't know. Money is a little tight."

"That's alright lass. It's on me for today." He told her with a wink.

"You don't have to Paul." Jacqueline protested. She could not remember the last time someone had treated her with such sincere kindness.

Never at the palace… Jacqueline thought bitterly, remembering her Page days.

"I insist." Paul said, ushering her into the hallway and down the stairs.

Jacqueline looked around the inn as she descended from the stairs. It was filled with people, even at the early hour. She paused at the bottom step and her eyes lingered upon an empty table in the corner. She didn't want to be in the center of the room just in case someone might recognize her. Jacqueline hurried over, as fast as her bad leg could go, and snatched up the table for her and Paul.

Wincing, she slowly lowered herself down into a chair.

Paul slipped into the chair next to her and hollered for a serving girl. Soon, they both placed their orders and then began to chat.

"So… Rose what brings you to Blue Harbor?" Paul asked and then took a sip from his mug of tea.

"Well, I am actually looking for a boat to the Yamani Islands." She told him.

"Why would you want to go there?" His grin had disappeared.

"I have plans to visit some family over there."

Jacqueline coincidently had no known family on the Yamani Islands. In fact, the Yamani Islands wasn't even her final destination. Truthfully, she was headed for Carthak. There, she planned to hunt down and kill her Uncle Nammir.

Jacqueline licked her lips in a crave for revenge, just thinking about her Uncle Nammir. She knew it was cruel and maybe a little insane, but she desperately yearned to see his dirty blood spill across the ground like her's had been when Queenscove had cut her open during their duel, she wanted to make him feel the pain she experienced when the Tortallan guards had kicked her repeatedly while she was on the ground in her jail cell, and most of all she wanted to hear the pitiful pleas of mercy come out of his mouth before she would deliver the final blow to end his life.

Jacqueline smirked maliciously. Indeed, her vengeance would be truly sweet.

"Well, if you would like I can take you the shipyards later and ask about passage there."

"Um… are you sure? You don't have to go out of your way." Jacqueline said hesitantly, snapping out of her malevolent state.

"Oh, it's no problem. I have some business to do there, anyway." Paul lied too, trying to hide his disappointment.

"Thanks," Jacqueline told him appreciatively.

Their breakfast came and they dug in without another word.

After their meal, Jacqueline and Paul left the Iron Pier for the ship yards. It was a very long walk. On top of the great distance, the merchants and the numerous shoppers made their trip painfully slow. They found it was extremely difficult to weave in and out of the large crowd.

Finally, the thief and girl reached the docks. The ships were all tied up, bobbing lazily up and down in the water, while seagulls screeched over head. Jacqueline took a deep breath and inhaled the salty sea air. It had been a long time since she had last smelled its wonderful aroma.

"I'll take ye to Captain Randy." Paul told her, leading the way. "He's the best captain in Blue Harbor."

Jacqueline nodded and then followed Paul to a ship that was christened, the Trinker.

They climbed aboard and looked around. The main cabin seemed to be straight ahead and they headed towards it. A muscular sailor, who was standing guard outside it, asked,

"What business do ye 'ave wit' Captain Randy?"

"My friend is lookin' for passage to the Yamani Islands." Paul explained crisply. He did not appear intimidated by the brawniness of the sailor.

"Aye?" The sailor said gruffly while surveying them intensely with beady brown eyes. Jacqueline and Paul nodded. "Okay, ye can go down and see the captain."

"Thanks," Jacqueline told the man and then she followed Paul into the cabin.

A man with black hair and a thick mustache that Jacqueline assumed was Captain Randy sat before them, reading a map. Beside the map was a large bottle of whiskey, even though it was still morning. He took a sip and then looked up at his visitors.

"Well, if it ain't the King of the Thieves!" He cried and got up to pull Paul into a bear hug. "It's been a long time since I saw ye Paulie."

"Hello Randy," Paul said, appearing a little flustered. "How has business been?"

"It's been better, aye." He replied and then took out two glasses. Captain Randy poured some whiskey into both of them and shoved the glasses into Paul and Jacqueline's hands. "Drink up the whiskey lass." He told her. "Makes ye feel better."

Jacqueline murmured her thanks and then politely took a sip. To her surprise, she actually liked it and took another gulp.

"So, what can I do for ye?" The captain asked, sitting back down in his chair.

"My friend here," He jerked his thumb towards Jacqueline, "needs safe passage to the Yamani Islands."

"Yamani Islands, eh?" He said after taking a sip of whiskey. "I'm afraid we ain't heading for the Isles for another three weeks. Weather's been especially bad because of this late cold spell we've been havin' and the ole' monarch wants us to stay in port a little longer then usual. He doesn't want those Carthaki bastards sinkin' us." He took another gulp of whiskey. "Carthak's got a few of em' off Port Cayann, poor lads. So, now the king is overly cautious. Hurtin' business, but I would rather be alive than dead."

"Who wouldn't?" Paul agreed solemnly and then both men did the sign against evil on their chests.

Jacqueline remained quiet while the two men discussed other matters, mostly Paul's thievery. She observed the captain's quarter and from the amount of liquor bottles lying around, quickly came to the conclusion that he was a drunk.

As long as he isn't steering the ship, Jacqueline thought with grim humor and then took another sip of whiskey.

"Well… I can book you the passage right now." Captain Randy's voice penetrated her thoughts. "The ship leaves on April 30th and I require that you leave me half the payment now."

"How much?" Jacqueline pulled out her money purse.

"Ten coppers,"

Jacqueline dug up the money and pushed it into the captain's outstretched hand. He grinned and deposited the coppers into his own purse.

"Excellent!" Captain Randy exclaimed enthusiastically. He held up his glass. "Cheers!"

The three clapped their glasses together and downed the whiskey.


The next morning, Jacqueline decided to search for a job. If she intended to live with food and shelter for the next three weeks, before her ship's departure, she would need to make money and fast. She could not depend on Paul's hospitality much longer.

She told Paul her plans over breakfast, which led to his suggestion,

"Why don't ye work as a thief for me?"

Surprisingly, Jacqueline did not instantly dismiss this idea. She had once lived with thieves in Corus when she was younger. They were called the Horton's. After her parent's deaths, her mother's wicked, power hungry brother, Thomas, had her kidnapped and abandoned in the middle of Corus.

He proceeded to tell the people of Blue Harbor that she was dead from a mysterious illness and then he had inherited the fief that was rightfully her's. While Uncle Thomas ruled the fief, Jacqueline earned her keep at the Horton household as a pickpocket. She was pretty good at it too. She had only been caught once and for that she only received a reprimand from the Provost guards. Life as a thief for Jacqueline wasn't too bad. She had actually liked it.

But, that had been nine years ago. The situation had drastically changed. Back then, she had nothing to lose because she had already lost it all: her parents, her fief, and her friends. But now, she had a bigger gamble with becoming a thief. If they caught her stealing and found out her true identity, she would lose her life.

Could she risk it?

No, was her immediate answer, but she had to think of the positives. Thievery would earn her money faster than a regular paying job. If she wanted to pay for her rent and meals at the Iron Pier, she needed fast money.

I'll take the risk. Jacqueline decided with finality. If I get caught, I can just lie about my identity and hope there isn't anyone with the Sight around.

"That's a good idea Paul," Jacqueline said at last. "I'll take it."

Paul looked oddly surprised and Jacqueline teased him playfully,

"Did you think I was going to chicken out and say no?"

"Nah, nah," He shook his head repeatedly; "I swear I didn't think ye would chicken out. I can already see that ye 'ave bravery."

"Thanks," Jacqueline murmured, a blush rising to her cheeks from his compliment.

Is it just me or is it getting warm in here? Jacqueline thought absentmindedly. Sweat had formed on her brow after she started conversing with Paul. She wiped it off quickly.

"I just thought ye would think thievery was a lil' low for ye." He admitted. "No offense, but ye don't sound like a lower class commoner like us, Rosie. Ye sound like an educated merchant's daughter."

Jacqueline knew she had to make up a lie and quickly. She did not want the thieves to think that she had a higher status than them. It could turn deadly on her part.

"I am not the daughter of a merchant." Jacqueline told him, which was technically true. She was the daughter of nobles. "My Ma' just wanted me to sound educated. She thought it would help me get a job. So, she taught me to read from books and avoid using slang. It actually turned out to be pretty useful too." She added in a lie

Paul smiled warmly at her, which made Jacqueline's heart beat faster for some reason. "Your Ma' sounds like a smart woman." He told her and then asked out of interest. "Where is she now?"

Jacqueline suddenly winced. It had been a long time since someone had mentioned her mother. It felt like a wound that was being reopened again.

"Dead," She spat bitterly, staring into half empty lemonade glass. Her mood had immediately switched from moderately happy to gloomy in a mere second.

Everything was going so perfect. Why did he have to bring up… them?

Jacqueline could feel Paul's piercing blue eyes on her and suddenly began to feel uncomfortable. Blood started to rush towards her face.

"I'm sorry." He told her softly. "Is yer Da' dead too?"

"Yeah, both of them were killed in a fire when I was seven." Jacqueline mumbled, her heart sinking lower. She did not mention that her Uncle Thomas had committed arson and killed them on purpose in his insane crave for power.

"I'm really sorry for yer loss, Rosie." Paul said sincerely.

She had heard these words a thousand times from other people and she was sick of them. She really did not care anymore if they were, 'sorry'. Their condolences weren't going to bring back her parents.

"It's fine." Jacqueline mumbled.

They sat in an awkward silence for a while. Jacqueline continued to stare into her half empty lemonade glass and Paul's piercing gaze was still on her.

"Can you look at me Rosie?" Paul asked gently.

"Yeah," Jacqueline grumbled and lifted her head.

Paul's calm blue eyes met her stony hazel ones and she suddenly felt a lurch in her stomach. It was a weird, new sensation she had never felt before and it was followed by another blush.

Jacqueline cursed silently and her eyes quickly returned to the lemonade glass.

With disbelief, Jacqueline suddenly realized that despite only knowing this man for two days, she was already falling for him! What in Mithros' name was wrong with her?

Her mind traveled three years backwards in time and she remembered her old teacher, a Carthaki man who was sent by Nammir to teach her the art of spying named Asad Halim. Asad had explicitly warned her against this. He had constantly drilled into her head that she shouldn't get her romantic desires in the way of her mission and look at her now! She was blushing furiously and felt very warm.

Jacqueline knew this had to stop.

"Uh," She took a deep breath to bring back her composure. The blush was now slowly fading from her face. She had to sound casual, like nothing was wrong, "so, what's my job, boss?"

The confusion and worry in Paul's own face was replaced by a smirk. He had noticed her obvious sarcasm and she was glad he did.

"I 'ave a special mission for ye Rosie." Paul grinned, flashing his white teeth… Ugh, I have to stop thinking about him. Jacqueline thought with an inward groan and then mentally slapping herself. "Yer goin' on a raid tonight. We're hittin' a merchant's house."

A sharp warning bell immediately went off in Jacqueline's head. She knew for certain that this 'raid' could get her in some serious trouble if she got caught. Any raid would, of course, but this raid was different. This was raid was on a merchant's house and Jacqueline knew from her past experiences, that merchant's practically ruled Blue Harbor. They were its backbone and major financial supporter. They had enough power to get her beheaded in a heart beat and Jacqueline had already escaped execution once. She didn't know if she had enough luck to escape it again.

So, then don't get caught. A sly part of Jacqueline's mind told her.

Easy for you to say, Jacqueline grumbled to herself.

"So, are ye in?" Paul asked. "Its bein' run by my second in command, Oz, and it's a great privilege workin' wit' him. It will help ye get in wit' the other lads."

Hesitation was replaced by grim determination.

"Yeah, I'm in."

She could not resist a challenge.


The bell signaling midnight echoed through the deserted streets of Blue Harbor. The night air was extremely frigid and Jacqueline had found herself shivering continuously from the moment she had left the warmth of the Iron Pier.

"Are we almost there Oz?" A Yamani woman in her late teens called Trick, who was appropriately dressed in breeches, asked.

"Aye," Oz grunted. He pulled out a small piece of parchment and squinted in the darkness to read the sloppy scrawl. "Paulie says the house number is 123. We're just passin' 115 now."

"Thank the gods! It's so frickin freezing out here!" A boy, who was a year younger than Jacqueline, chimed in while hugging his skinny arms to his chest.

The fifteen year old boy, who was using the vulgar language, was called Izzo. Jacqueline had met the boy a few hours ago at a meeting about the raid. She had to only spend a minute in the room with him to know he liked to curse. Jacqueline swore that almost every other word that came from the boy's mouth was profanity. He especially liked to use the word "frickin".

"Watch your tongue, sonny boy." Oz growled and let out a loud cough.

Without a retort, Izzo added in a sneeze of his own and started mumbling more curses as he wiped his runny nose on the back of his hand.

"God damn cold weather," He murmured. "Why can't the dumb ass gods give us any frickin sunshine? Makin us all frickin sick."

Jacqueline lifted up her head towards the black sky and waited for any signs that the gods were about to strike the insolent Izzo down with a lightning bolt. She did not think she would ever have the courage or the guts to insult the gods with such profanity, but maybe it was because she wasn't a fool like Izzo.

"You are goin' to give away our position!" Trick hissed, her eyes darting around nervously for any sign of a law enforcement officer. Jacqueline could tell she took her job very seriously.

"Shut the frick up Trick," Izzo snapped irritably. "Everyone's asleep and I doubt they'll hear one measly sneeze."

"Don't you dare talk to me like that, William Izzo!" Trick hissed at him and then smacked him on the side of the head.

"Bitch!"

"Shut up!" Oz growled angrily, glaring daggers at his two fellow thieves. "Shut up right now or ye'll jeopardize the whole raid!"

Trick immediately fell to silence after hastily mumbling an apology to Oz. Even though she couldn't see them in the darkness, Jacqueline knew that the Yamani girl's cheeks were probably red from embarrassment.

Izzo cringed momentarily, but then muttered frostily to Trick, so only she could hear,

"I told ya not to call me frickin William ya stupid bitch."

Trick ignored his rude comment, but continued to give him an icy glare.

"Here we are." Oz broke the tension that had fallen between the raiding party. "Number 123,"

The house was only a hundred feet from the docks of Blue Harbor. It was magnificent, a perfect image of a wealthy merchant's home. The house had to be the largest one on the whole water front block. It was two stories high, made of brick and had a gold name plate on the thick looking wood door that read, 'The Scoggin's'.

"So, should we bust through the damn front door?" Izzo asked after finishing staring with admiration at the huge house.

"Absolutely not," Oz said, his wise grey eyes still studying the house. "unless though, ye 'ave a strong desire to be put in the stocks, then go right ahead Izzo."

"I'll pass." Izzo said and Jacqueline was very surprised not to hear a curse come out of his mouth.

"Aye, I thought so." Oz replied with a small smile. "Let's go through the back door."

"Good idea," Trick chimed in and then eagerly followed her raid leader over the stone fence.

"Ass kisser," Jacqueline heard Izzo mumble, as he climbed over after them.

Still silent, Jacqueline trailed closely behind Izzo and they all followed Oz to the back door, which was usually used by servants. Oz tried the door knob and immediately found it to be locked. He turned to Izzo and grunted,

"Do your stuff Izzo." He glared reproachfully at the youth as Izzo grinned widely and almost skipped to the door.

"My pleasure, sir," Izzo replied with a cheeky salute and then got to work on picking the lock. To Jacqueline's surprise, he had it unlocked quicker than anyone she had ever seen in her entire life.

"Nice job," Oz complimented, though he still eyed Izzo with distaste.

"Thanks sir," Izzo said and then stuck his tongue out at Trick while Oz's back turned towards the door. Trick looked like she was about to strangle the fifteen year old.

Ignoring her two bickering accomplishes, Jacqueline watched Oz turn the knob and saw the door as it slowly creaked open.

God's please don't let anyone still be awake in this house. Jacqueline prayed silently. Her heart was now pounding hard in her chest as Oz took the first cautious step into the house. The older man signaled for them to stay put for a moment, disappeared into the darkness, and then came back whispering,

"It's all clear."

Jacqueline and Trick breathed a long sigh of relief, while Izzo was cursing under his breath for a reason she did not know.

"Ladies first," Trick said scornfully, motioning for Izzo to step inside the house ahead of her.

This earned her a sneer from the boy, but he did not retort and instead followed the older man inside the house without a word. Trick slipped inside next and then Jacqueline stepped in last, after one final anxious glance around to see if anyone was following them.

Inside, the house was pitch black. The only thing Jacqueline could see was her own two feet and Trick's vibrantly colored violet hair that was directly in front of her.

"We need some light Trick." Oz whispered gruffly from the front of the line.

Jacqueline heard the Yamani girl take a deep, almost gasping breath and then the room began to glow faintly purple. Everything around her became suddenly illuminated and Jacqueline could finally see where she was. They were in the kitchens. A hearth was directly in front of them, empty and not filled with its usual fire wood. To Jacqueline's surprise the kitchen was oddly clean. The kitchens at Iron Pier had nothing on this merchant's kitchen. It was completely spotless.

"Rich bastards," Jacqueline heard Izzo mutter disgustedly under his breath and then rolled her eyes.

"Where do you think the valuables are?" Trick whispered to Oz, who was leading them out of the kitchens.

"Either in the study or the master bedroom," He grunted in reply and then added. "Lower your light, girl. It's too bright."

Trick immediately obliged, while hurriedly mumbling an apology to Oz. Jacqueline knew the Yamani girl did not like to make any errors and was probably humiliated on being corrected by the group's leader.

"You've been awfully silent, merchant chit." Izzo hissed nastily at Jacqueline, being careful that Oz could not hear him. "Upset that you're folk are bein robbed?"

Jacqueline could feel her eyes begin to narrow, as she looked loathingly at Izzo. She did not like that boy at all.

"I have no family members that are merchants you ignorant boy. So, do yourself a favor and shut up," Jacqueline snapped back, glaring at him and then added menacingly, "before I make you. You chose."

"I'm not afraid of you, bitch, or anybody else either." Izzo informed her coldly, as the group creeped up the staircase behind Oz.

Jacqueline rolled her eyes again and decided to ignore the aggravating boy. She would have to deal with him later. Jacqueline needed to concentrate now, if she wanted to make it out of this house alive.

"Accordin' to this here map of the house, the study that contains all the valuables is over there." Oz pointed a stubby finger towards the second door on the left side of the hallway.

"Excellent," Trick mumbled, eagerly following Oz to the door.

They all stopped abruptly in front of the wooden door and stared at it anxiously for a minute, each thief trying to draw up some courage to go in first. Jacqueline could hear her companion's short, quick breaths in the deafening silence.

"I'll go in first." Izzo finally volunteered after sneering at Trick and Jacqueline. The boy was purposely trying to outshine the two girls.

"Good luck William," Trick told him sarcastically. "I really hope there isn't anyone beyond that door waiting with a sword to kill you because that would be a real shame."

Izzo gulped, but did not even retort.

Jacqueline held her breath as she watched the boy's shaking hand slowly twist the door knob. The door swung open and then Izzo took a hesitant step inside. A few seconds later, he motioned to the group that it was all clear.

Jacqueline sighed in relief and then followed the thieves inside, closing the door behind her. Immediately, her hazel eyes began to dart around the room to take it in. She observed that it wasn't too lavish, like the other rooms in the house, but it still showed enough elegance to not let anyone forget the high status of the people who lived there. In the center of the room was a polished desk that was covered in numerous papers and books, to the left was a wooden book case filled with scores of bulky looking tomes and to the right was a large map that covered the entire wall. It was a very detailed map and showed all the lands from Scanra to Carthak.

Oz whistled softly.

"That's some map," He whispered in awe. "It's probably worth a nice copper."

Izzo nodded his head in agreement and then, suddenly, his eyes became extremely wide. "We should steal it!"

"No," Trick whispered harshly. "Its way too big and plus it will take forever to take down. Absolutely not!"

"Shut up you stupid bitch." Izzo gazed at the map greedily and went on with his rant. "It has to be worth a fortune! I don't care if I have take it down by myself! I will get it!"

"He's mad." Trick muttered to Jacqueline, who nodded in agreement. She then turned back to Izzo and threw him a glare. "Call me a bitch one more time William Izzo and ye'll die by my sword. It won't be quick either, nice, slow, and painful." Trick added icily.

Izzo gave her a rude gesture and then strode over to the map with Oz following close behind him.

"Come on Rose, let's search the desk drawers." Trick motioned for Jacqueline to come with her and both girls walked over to the desk in the middle of the room.

Just as Jacqueline was about to open the first draw, her ears perked upon hearing a faint sound of footsteps in the hallway.

"Oz, there is someone outside the room." Jacqueline whispered, panicked. Her heart began to hammer in her chest.

The room began to fill with tension until Oz turned to Izzo and grunted,

"Go check if there is someone outside."

"M-me?" Izzo stuttered and suddenly looked pale.

"What are ye scared?" Trick said mockingly, even though fear was obvious on her own face.

Izzo sneered at Trick, but did not snap back. Instead, Jacqueline watched the thief slowly approach the door as sweat formed on her forehead. She really hoped that all she heard was the wind.

Jacqueline could hear nothing now, but Izzo's short, quick breaths, as he turned the door knob and stuck his left hand onto the door frame.

Suddenly, there was a flash of metal, followed by a scream and Izzo was sprawled out on his back on the floor.

"My fingers!" He shouted in pure agony, writhing around in a crazed state.

The gods had had their revenge against the boy for his early profanity against them. Blood covered the floor now and Jacqueline quickly realized that Izzo's middle, index, and ring finger were nothing left, but stumps.

A tall, bearded man entered the room, still dressed in his night gown. A blood stained sword dangled from his right hand and he stared at the thieves in pure disgust.

"Unfortunately for you scum, I've already sent my servant out to fetch the guard." The man smirked, as Izzo screamed again. "You will not leave this house alive."

Oh shit.


So yeah... I hope this clear some stuff up about Jacqueline's past and why she turned out the way she did. Tada. Oh and Jacqueline has a little crush on Paul. Like it or no?

Thank you to the following reviewers:

booklover, perry cox, Confused Knight, Queen of Crimson, Hermione16, Lady Sapphirea,
On top of cloud 9, Erytha, LadyKnightSusan, C.McPherson, and peddyviolin

Lady Sapphirea- the derelict is Jacqueline. Thanks for reviewing!!

Definition of a derelict in case anyone didn't know:

Derelict- a social misfit; outcast; a destitute person, without a home or regular job and rejected by society; delinquent; renegade; fugitive
-I think it fits Jacqueline perfectly-

Oh and another thing... if you guys ever see "Text Message Break Up" on youtube... you'll see the line from Captain Randy, "Drink some whiskey. Makes you feel better."... haha I just wanted that as an fyi.

Update: I am more than halfway done with Chapter 5 and depending on how many reviews I get (hint-hint) I will update quickly.

Another Notice: Sorry that my updates are slow. Between school and sports, I hardly have any time to write fanfiction. Sorry. But just bear with me guys. Thanks.

Review!!

If we don't update before Thanksgiving we wish you a happy Turkey day!!

Adios,

Caiti & Juliette