Chapter 21

A Thief's Honour

…

His neck tickled. Slipping his fingers beneath the strand of gold and the exquisite pendant that rested atop the shallow depth of his chest, he relieved himself of the itch that distracted his thoughts. Unaccustomed to wearing jewellery of any kind, he briefly considered removing the chain but thought better of it. After all, it was a gift to him, by Savara. Lifting the pendant between the slit of his shirt front, he admired its intricate design, veined wings sprouted from an elongated body, twin glints of yellow formed the eyes of the insect, its curved tail dotted by green gem stones, and a large smooth ruby lies on its abdomen. Savara had called it an inava. It was considered good luck in her country to have an inava landed upon someone before a battle. She had also told him of another Sachakan folklore that speak of it as a messenger of separated lovers, and then asked him to keep the pendant close to his skin.

He swallowed a pang of guilt as he thought about her. They had strike another bargain, since he will not have the chance to fulfil the earlier one he made. The Ichanis are invading and there will be no more spies for her to kill from this time on. While she has been ordered to stay and watch the invasion, Savara wasn't allowed to join the fight but she had agreed to help, without revealing the involvement of her people. She taught him ways to fight the invaders, tricks and deception that can used to deal with the Ichanis by non-magicians, if they are bold enough to try. In return, Cery had promised to keep her informed about the happenings in the city. He had told her about the Thieves' Meeting that will take place tonight, to discuss the approaching war. Except, he had not revealed to her, and the other Thieves, that both the High Lord and his friend will be present at the Meeting. Most importantly, he had made up his mind to break the bargain, this time.

The Thieves Meeting, was a request made by the High Lord himself, soon after the Guild had pardoned him and Sonea for the crimes they committed, and Cery had spent the last two weeks setting things into motion. Coincidentally, the rumours he had spread made it easier to convince the other Thieves that something big is happening, although, he still do not know exactly what the High Lord had planned to do.

Uncorking the bottle in his hand, he poured himself another glass of wine. They should be here anytime, Cery took a thoughtful sip from his glass.

The message from Akkarin earlier today was sent with great urgency, he had asked to establish contacts with the other Thieves immediately, but that wasn't all. The message had came along with another request, a task that requires Cery's personal attention, which will risk revealing Akkarin's association with him and exposing Cery's identity as a Thief of the underground world.

Communication between Cery and Akkarin has always been restricted to coded messages, related by a few messengers in which only the receiver will understand the hidden meaning of the encrypted messages. This morning, however, Gol had handed him two letters, written by the High Lord himself, each to be given to the people he has requested Cery to meet. Those letters were sealed with the High Lord's incal. Although Gol had related the contents of those letters to him, it made him even more uneasy knowing that his association with Akkarin was penned in those letters, proving that Cery is acting upon his instructions. He knew the dwells, thus, revealing his identity to them was not a problem, it was the heavies he needed to be wary of, influential people which Cery was sent to fetch.

If Cery did not have the hunch that the High Lord is beginning to suspect him after the last meeting, he would have thought the man is asking for a personal favour instead. He did considered rejecting the job, but later decided against it. For all he knew, it could have been a test to see how much risk he is willing to take in maintaining their association. Besides, in Cery's opinion, having made a request of such nature indicated that the High Lord still consider him a trustable ally, despite whatever suspicions he may have. And, this is like a second chance of sort to prove his honour, to prove he is right-sided.

A series of coded knocks drew him away from his thoughts. Suppressing a yawn, Cery rolled his neck, and cracked his knuckles. He had a long day, that task had proven to be difficult, nonetheless, a long night awaits him.

"Come in."

The wooden door creak open noisily revealing two cloaked figures standing behind his body guard. He nodded to the big man and he stepped aside allowing the visitors to step into the room.

"Ceryni," Akkarin withdrew his hood in a swift motion. Sonea took her place beside him.

Cery jerked his chin to the large man and Gol drew the door closed behind him.

"We need to talk," Cery said, "The Meeting is happening in two hours time."

"Yes... and are those people here?" Akkarin asked.

"Who?" Sonea gave the High Lord a puzzled look, before Cery could reply.

Surprised by her reaction, he narrowed his eyes and regarded the man speculatively. He had assumed that Sonea is already aware of the arrangements the High Lord has made but seems like she has not been informed.

Akkarin shifted his gaze between Cery and Sonea. "I will explain in a while, for now..." he paused and beckoned to his novice. Sonea withdrew an object from her pocket and pushed it across the table, "I believe this belongs to you, Cery," she ventured.

Cery caught his breath as he laid his eyes on the leather hooped metal. How did they...? Surely I didn't... He resisted an urge to check his pockets.

"Ah," Instead he smiled, while cursing himself silently for his carelessness. "I see you have found a missing item of mine," and he reached to pick up the weapon. Placing it back in his coat, he widened his smile into a grin. "Thanks, for returning it to me."

Sonea raised her brows. "Don't you want to know where this was found?"

She regarded him closely, assessing his reaction. There was no anger in her voice, but her question had implied that they knew he was at the bolhouse that night. Did they know about Savara as well? Cery swore a silent oath. There are more reasons for them to suspect him now.

"You tell me." Cery replied innocently. "It's hard to keep track when I keep losing them."

Akkarin took a sudden step forward and his dark eyes flashed dangerously.

"You were there, when we fought the Sachakan."

His voice was full of warning and that was not a question.

Keeping his expression straight, Cery had a bad feeling about where this conversation might lead to.

He shrugged, "The bolhouse is part of my territory."

"We can be at this for the whole night, Ceryni," Akkarin smiled but his eyes remained hard, "We do not have the time for this however."

Cery remained silent.

"Tell me," Akkarin began after a while. "Is your friend an ally," and deepened his voice, "Or an enemy?"

Cery held the dark stare and felt the acceleration of his heart beat. The confrontation caught him by surprise, he wasn't prepared for it. In fact, he didn't even realise that he dropped his dagger at the fight scene. Too many mistakes were made, it was unlike him.

No, I'm getting ahead of myself, he thought.

The High Lord has not implied that he doubted him, otherwise, he would not have entrusted him with that delicate task. Besides, he needed his help to establish contacts with the other Thieves. From all he could tell, Cery is certain about one thing. Somehow, they had discovered his association with certain person, and, they are suspicious because this association will likely post a threat to them. Which means, they are aware that he is dealing with a Sachakan, a magician, but not necessary her true identity. That is why they came seeking for an answer, but should he give them one? Even though he had decided to break his bargain with Savara, he had not intended to reveal her identity. However, he knew there is no sense in dragging this conversation any further.

"If," Cery spoke finally, "You are referring to the same friend I am thinking of, I can only tell you that this friend of mine has proven to be rather useful." And paused, "But, that doesn't necessary mean that this person is an ally." In a quiet voice, he added. "At least not in the way I hope to be."

Akkarin and Sonea exchanged glances.

"How much does your friend knows?" Sonea asked.

"More than I do." He made a snorting noise and added, "Much more in fact."

"And where does your friend's loyalty lies?" Akkarin asked.

"Not with us."

Sonea drew in a sharp breath.

"But," Cery added quickly, "You should know that this friend of mine does not want the Sachakans to win." And he inhaled a deep breath. "You came for answers and I've given them to you. There is nothing more I can say. You can however, answer one question of mine."

"What is it?" Sonea asked.

"How did you find out?"

Cery looked at them expectantly.

"That friend of yours," Akkarin replied after a long silence, "Is hard to miss. There aren't many of their kind in the city."

Cery gave a low bitter laugh and shook his head.

"Even so, you should know that nothing has changed." He looked at Akkarin. "Our deal is still intact," and regarded him closely, "If, we still have one."

They held each other's gaze for a while.

Then Akkarin sharpened his stare and warned, "I don't think I need to tell you what happens if we lose this war."

"Yes." Cery replied without hesitation.

"Very well," Akkarin nodded and exchanged a brief glance with Sonea, "Let's talk about the meeting then," he said.

Cery straightened his shoulders as he blew a quiet sigh of relief. He gestured them to the chairs and dropped into his.

"Tell me how much you want them to know?" He asked and filled their glasses with wine.

"Everything," Akkarin replied, after taking a sip from his drink, "If that will not damage your standing among them."

Cery drained his glass, allowing the burning liquid to calm his nerves and sighed.

"I don't think so, in the long term I get the feeling we'll have no city left to deal in if the Sachakans win. Most of them have realised that something big is happening, with the rumours and the Houses packing up and leaving the city."

Akkarin nodded and placed his glass on the table. "Now, about the second thing," he hesitated a little. "Do we have time to speak to those people before the Thieves' Meeting?"

"Yes," Cery replied, "But only if you are able to explain yourself quickly. They are in quite a shock I have to say," he frowned at Akkarin and slid his gaze to Sonea with uncertainty.

Akkarin grimaced, "I'm sure about that."

"Sonea," She turned to face him, "You will be meeting some people soon. Things might get a little...awkward, but you must do as I say."

"Awkward?" Sonea repeated.

He nodded, "You will find out soon" and stood abruptly. "Show us the way, Ceryni."

The underground passage seemed a lot darker after stepping out from the bright room. Sonea shut her eyes for a few seconds to adjust to the darkness while placing a hand on the wall to steady herself.

"Lead on, Gol." She heard Cery said and they set off into the labyrinth of the Thieves' Road.

Akkarin followed the large man while Sonea kept to his trail with Cery walking behind her.

Things might get a little...awkward.

Her mind kept wandering to what Akkarin had said. Who are they meeting? Why had he not told her anything before? A mixed of emotions rushed through her. Akkarin's secretive ways and his evasive behaviour annoyed her, she was however anxious to find out what is happening. Earlier, she was told that they will be attending a Thieves' Meeting, to enlist their help and to rally their support in the approaching war, but was told nothing more. This unknown meeting is not part of the plan, or was it? Judging from Cery's look, her ignorance seemed to surprise him and at some point, troubled him. Had Akkarin deliberately kept this little arrangement from her, but why? She swallowed the lump in her throat as they wove through the darkness, her mind filled with unanswered questions. Touching the ring in her pocket, she contemplated putting it on but doubted Akkarin will reveal anything more.

Gol led them to another intersection and made a left turn leading them to another passage. The pathway was wider than the previous one and the air smells better, indicating that they were moving further away from the slums. She was still deep in her thoughts before realising that their guide had slowed his pace.

"We are getting near." He said.

Cery strode pass her and moved towards the silent man, making a small sound of annoyance and ran his fingers around his neck, scratching as he walked. About a hundred paces or so, they stopped near a set of huge wooden doors. A man stood in front of it. At Gol's signal, the man turned and drew the large doors opened.

Light spilled from the room, illuminating the dark passage instantly. The room was enormous. Sonea caught a fleeting glance of the luxurious space and several doors within the room before she squinted at the sudden brightness as she entered through the large doorway. She shielded her eyes with one hand, the sound of shuffling feet drifted to her ears, followed by gasps of surprise.

"Sonea!"

The voice was familiar. Lowering her hand, she blinked several times as her vision slowly returned to normal. Two figures moved away from a large table placed in the centre of the room and hurried towards her. Her eyes widened in surprise as she recognised the faces. Rushing forward to meet them, she grabbed each of their hands.

"Jonna, Ranel, what are you doing here?" She exclaimed.

Surprise and relief was shown on their faces, however, the corners of their eyes creased with concern, revealing a hint of uneasiness. Jonna reached out to place a hand on Sonea's cheek while swiping a tear from her own with her other hand. A surge of emotions rose inside of her, Sonea's heart swelled with longing and joy to see them before the incoming invasion, but then those feelings were quickly replaced by a stab of guilt. She hasn't told them about the vow yet.

Ranel spoke finally. "Your friend," he nodded towards Cery, "Came to see us earlier with a message from your Guild, and brought us here."

"The Guild?" Sonea frowned in puzzlement and looked at Akkarin but he was staring right ahead with a serious expression. Following his gaze, her attention was immediately drawn to the centre of the room when she heard a new voice.

"Explain yourself, Akkarin."

A middle-aged woman stood from her chair. Her black hair was tied into a bun behind her head and regarded Akkarin with dark, stern eyes.

"Mother."

Akkarin replied with a deep voice and bowed.

...

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Author's notes: Alright, don't kill me for stopping here. The second part of this chapter is still work in progress. Had to split them into two otherwise it will be too long.

So tell me something, how was the confrontation with Cery? Did I manage to create that "gripping" effect? Or was it too dry? Does it even generate any feelings at all?

Let me know please, it took me a while to create that atmosphere, and I really wanted to know if I've failed or succeeded.