Disclaimer:  We claim rights only to Hotshot, Candy, Mouse, Sem, Leeta, Raz, Felix, and any of the other shopkeepers that pop up in the chapter.  The newsies on the other hand, well we're working on getting them to.  But for now…

Justify the Thrill
Chapter 8
Exempt from Sanity


Brindisi was a great oasis of sorts surrounded by a treacherous forest on one side and a barren desert on the other. The thieves had arrived precisely at sun up while the only signs of life were the merchants setting up their stands along the main road. This was quite shocking for one used to the unnerving bustle of the Brindisi atmosphere.

The group had been making there way down a small side street into the poorer regions of the town with the nobles following them closely.

Specs who had taken the lead, as the group entered the city, stopped abruptly before a small tavern, which the thieves appeared to know well. Entering, the teen gave a shrill whistle to the dozing owner. "Sem!"

The snoring man snapped to attention. "Wha-, Specs!" The elderly man exclaimed with astonishment. "Specs, Spot, Pie, wha-…your all here! And I see ye've come with buddies."

The Rogues nodded begrudgingly, insulted that the nobles had been mistaken as their friends or worse yet some of their own.
"Well I certainly wasn't expecting ye! No sir! Haven't seen ye 'round these parts in many moons, many moons I tell ye! I was beginning to think ye was avoiding me poor old soul staying away fer so long."

Bumlets stared wondrously at the exuberant manner of old the man. He'd watched as he maneuvered his great body around the large desk and began leading the traveling companions deeper within the small tavern.

"What'll ye be looking fer this time me lads and lasses? Same as usual I suppose? Oh yes, same as usual! I'll give ye nothing but me finest!"

At this the thieves could do nothing to hide their grins. Sem had been nothing short of a grandfatherly figure toward the lot of them. Whenever they lodged in the oasis he'd spoil them rotten. He took them to the top floor where there was an assortment of rooms. Three bedrooms and one sitting room, which connected them. It was somewhat of a small apartment, which he reserved for only the Rogues, who in turn paid him generously for it.

"Well here ye are same as when ye left it just this time last year! How long ye'd be in for?" He inquired setting down the girls' belongings, which he'd so politely relieved them of downstairs.

"Oh just for today we're hoping, if all goes according to schedule we'll be crossing the Galma by nightfall." Specs replied for the group.

"Thanks Sem for such fine hospitality. Now if you'll excuse us we ought to be getting settled."

"Quite right! Quite right! I meself ought to be headed to the bottom floor. Many regulars to attend to ye know, very busy this place is! Very busy indeed!"

Spot couldn't help but smile at the exuberant old man as he exited with a wink. Facing the hodgepodge group of thieves and nobles he cleared his throat. "Ok, obviously this is where we are residing tonight if we have complications with our traveling. Now, we have to take advantage of our time here. That means, Race, that all of us should get our butts here sometime during the day to rest. And I don't mean getting drunk in the tavern making asses of yourselves." He glared at Snitch and Itey as he spoke. "I swear if any of you slow us down tonight you will be left behind. I will not have the lives of any of you endangered because one of you is too pigheaded to take a 'nap'. We have to reach the Pave oasis by day break because once the sun creeps over those hills we're done for."

"Um, aren't you kind of…overreacting?" Dutchy commented.

"Well when your walking through the desert with the sun beating down on your back, and you've got no food, water, or anything for that matter because just the small weight of a pack is enough to make you collapse. After you've experienced that, then, and only then, you can talk to me about overacting. Until then, you're just going to have to take my word for it."

Hotshot, Mouse, and basically all of the rogues had already split off to settle into their rooms, having all heard Spot's speech, at least once before, when each of them had first crossed the Glama. Meanwhile they settled into their rooms, the girl's whose room was the largest and between the other two, occupied by the boys, dragged Candy along with them. They were eager to show the noble the finer points of being a thief.

Spot finally noticed their absence and called them back. "Listen up, we meet here exactly one half hour before nightfall ya got that? No later. We'll eat and gather our belongings. Now all of my men, and women know Brindisi well, as you can see we spend some time here every year or so. So I want my thieves to be responsible for their respective noble. If they get lost and set us back a day it will be on you heads. You are free to do what you please as long as you get some merchandise sold."

With those final words the group made their way to the ground floor dispersing as they exited the building into the rapidly filling streets. Specs, Hotshot, Candy, and Dutchy went chattering off one way; while both Blink and Mouse seized one of Mush's arms pulling him through the crowds and making a point to show him their favorite spot. Snitch and Itey took Skittery along with them leaving Swifty, Pie, and Race to themselves. Forgotten were Bumlets, Jack, Wolfgang, and David all of whom were swallowed by the busy streets left to the mercy of the heartless crowds. People and carts whirled by them all trying to get to someplace from somewhere.

Spot on the other hand remained within the already smoky confines of the tavern. He sat at the bar inhaling a drink or two before discreetly handing Sem a fine gold pocket watch decorated with striking rubies. From his perch on the stool, Spot noticed the four forgotten nobles lost in the bustling streets. Sighing deeply he stood knowing that though he preferred to wander alone, today he'd have to look after three nobles and a prince.


* * *

Snitch and Itey had dragged Skittery along with them for some unknown reason. One or the other had decided it would be fun to drag one of the nobles along with them and at least partially listen to Spot. The three of them set off through a maze of alleys as Snitch insisted they visit and old business associate of his.

Skittery was tall, at least head and shoulders above the rest of them. It helped for the fact that many saw the two as easy to beat, meaning they'd gotten into a lot of fights in Brindisi. Skittery looked to be a fighter in his thieves clothing; no one would mess with them this time. The young noble had light brown hair, which had a tendency to fall into his cloudy gray eyes. Skittery, who normally wore clothing of the fine silks and linens, was now dressed in a dull gray shirt beneath a pale tunic, and pants made of a heavy suede-like material. However, contrasting the outfit was his fine leather boots lined in rabbit's fur, which he had refused to change.

They reached the small stand after about an hour of searching the crowded streets for the right buyer. By this time Skittery was seriously wondering what the two of them are trading. Neither seemed to have his pockets stuffed with much as the day they met, and none of them was carrying anything. Snitch, however, babbled on about how they'd get a good price for what they had. He finally spotted the right stand, knowing it was the one only by a strip of blue cloth that hangs in a corner. He picked up his pace and hopped up so that he was sitting comfortably on the counter when he reached it.

The vender was seemingly searching for something buried in the back and is not watching the street, so Snitch's antics were not noticed.

"Morning Leeta," He greeted her loudly as Itey and Snitch reached them.

The girl stood up quickly and spun to see them. She was shorter than all of the three boys with short hair that seemed to fit her well. She was thin, but so were most of Brindisi's inhabitants due to their way of living. Her hands flew to cover her face for a moment before she spoke,

"Ayii, it's about time the two of you got back here. It's been over a year. I'd been wondering if you'd all gotten caught and thrown in jail. Oohh… and you brought a friend."

Itey shrugged, "Skittery this is Leeta. Leeta this is Skittery. He's a Gorgon. It's a long story. Don't worry though, this one's cool."

Leeta looked over the tall noble, "I guess so." She paused, glancing around quickly, "So, what'd you bring me?"

Snitch and Itey smirked at one another and opened their jackets. They pulled small gold, silver, and bejeweled mementos out of their well-hidden pockets. Skittery's eyes went wide. He was positive he'd seen at least three quarters of the items in the palace at one time or another.

Leeta's eyes were wide as well, but with pleasure. She let out a bit of a shriek, "You guy's this'll keep me fed and lodged for a month or two." She turned toward the back of the stand, "Let me find my money." She reappeared a moment later. "How much do you want for the lot of it?"

Itey looked over what they had brought, "Five gold rusheks apiece. Plus two silver melis for anything with jewels."

Leeta looked at him as though he were mad, "I'll give you two rusheks and one meli."

Itey replied, "That's out of the question."

"Think of what you just asked me for."

"Oh, shut it, you two." Snitch began separating the goods by what they were made of. Soon he had three small piles. "How about this; two rusheks for anything silver, three for gold, and four rusheks and one meli for anything containing jewels?"

Leeta averted her gaze from them and looked over the items counting and doing the math in her head. "That sounds about right," she turned to Itey, "It's a good thing he's here or you'd never sell a thing." She counted out the money in her purse. "So that's ninety-four rusheks and three melis for you guys."

Snitch grinned, "Pleasure doing business with you."

"Make sure you bring the lot of you by here next time your in town. Mithros knows how much I could get out of all of you." She handed him two more rusheks, "Now go get yourself and your friends some drinks from Sem."

They started off, giving Skittery the heavy money pouch to hold. "That was brilliant negotiation," He commented.

Snitch shrugged, "Could've gotten more out of her, but she needs the money so we sell it to her for cheap."

"You mean that's not a lot for all that stuff?"

"Not even close," Itey laughed, "We could've gotten my price or higher easy. Leeta's a friend so she gets first choice."

The three of them walked back into the tavern and sat down at the bar. Sem was almost instantly there and had a round of drinks in front of them. Snitch and Itey gulped theirs down while Skittery watched.

"Ain't ya thirsty?" Itey asked him.

"Yeah, but didn't Spot say not to drink?"

"He always says that. Thing is we always choose to ignore him too. As long as we don't drink too much we can just go sleep it off upstairs this afternoon. If you feel so bad about it though we could just have a few and walk around, show you the city."

Skittery downed his drink and turned to watch the beginnings of a bar brawl unfold across the room. "Nah, I'm good here."


* * *

Pie and Swifty followed the muttering Racetrack across several streets and through alleyways. Had any of the nobles been with them they would have wondered only how lost they were. However, the thieves knew better. Even in his angry state, in which most would wander aimlessly, Racetrack knew where he was going.

The boy knew almost every city they'd visited inside and out. He studied maps endlessly and could easily tell you where everything was. It was slightly annoying how he could walk into a city they had not been to before and know exactly where to go.

Odessa was one of the few cities it was impossible to find a map to. Not that they didn't exist, only that it wasn't something that shopkeepers sold or public places held. He'd make one up in his own time though.

He finally stalked into a courtyard and sat down abruptly on the edge of a fountain. Swifty and Pie plopped down on either side of him, matching grins on their faces.

"What now?" Pie asked.

"What's he snapping at me about resting for, huh? He's worse that any of us, he never sleeps when we stay in towns. He won't even sit down before we leave tonight." Race rolled his eyes, "So pray tell why he gave me that look."

"Maybe it's 'cause you were so tired you nearly fell off the cart last time we went through the desert. Not that you were really tired though, just a little hung over. Spot doesn't know that though."

A grin crossed Racetrack's face, "We got out of noble duty."

"Hmm…" Pie looked at him, "Oh damn, he's he's not going to be happy we ditched the lot of them.. Why do I have a feeling he'll take it out on you though."

Races smile broadened, "Always does." With that he stood up and strode off in a completely different direction from which they'd come. Swifty and Pie unenthusiastically stood up.

"And he wonders why Spot threatens his life so much," Swifty muttered.

"What're we going to do about the nobles?" Pie asked, "Spot isn't gonna be happy."

"Someone else will take them. It's not our problem today." He raised an eyebrow as Race stepped into a store several yards away. Several hammocks hung inside. He looked over at Pie.

"Might as well," the taller boy said walking through the stone doorway.

An hour later the three of them had finished negotiations with the shopkeeper over several gold and silver items exchange for sixty or so rusheks. Race had done most of the bargaining and probably cheated the shopkeeper out of a little more than necessary but it was what he always did.

"Spot wants us to get some rest," Race said as he collapsed into one of the hammocks, "We'll get some rest." He shoved off the ground with his foot and sent the hammock into a peaceful swinging."

The other two quickly dropped into nearby hammocks to relax. They'd get little on the trip and decided to bide their time. Race soon pulled out a flask he'd stolen from behind Sem's desk and began to pass it around.

It took over an hour of them harassing customers and swinging wildly form the hammocks for the shopkeeper to get fed up. He chased them out of the shop with a broom, yelling obscenities after them as they stumbled down the street.


* * *

Mouse and blink dragged Mush along after them as they stumbled into the bustling marketplace. Their pace never slowed, even when they tripped or ran into other groups. Their grips on Mush only tightened when he tried to stop and look around.

The noble was intrigued with the surrounding people and things. He'd barely had time to enjoy Tralee's market during his training and if Wolfgang ever let him do anything it was a miracle. Don't get him wrong, Wolfgang was great and he couldn't have asked for a better knight to be squire to but Wolfgang worked very hard, often too hard and dragged Mush along with him.

"You guys," he finally complained, "Slow down a little."

All at once the two of them stopped and released him. The forward momentum sent him stumbling past them and he tumbled to the dirt road they had been running along. He pushed himself up slowly, "Gee, thanks."

Mouse couldn't help but giggle at the poor noble as she helped him up, "Sorry about that." She looked at the two boys, "So, where do you guys want to go?"

Mush just looked around in confusion, having no idea where anything was as he hadn't been there before. Blink's face glowed as he smiled. He gave Mouse a knowing look.

She rolled her eyes, "You are such a guy!" She hit him lightly on the arm. "Honestly, you expect me to sell all of this stuff by myself?"

"You've got Mush to help you." Blink pointed out.

"Yeah, like a noble knows how to bargain with the traders here?"

"Well actually-" Mush was cut off.

"Moouussee…" Blink begged, "Pllleeaassee…"

She threw up her hands, "Fine, go." She yelled after him as he took off. "Try to sell some of your share while you visit. Back here in an hour or two. I swear if you're late I'll kill you!"

Without signaling if he'd heard or not Blink disappeared form sight around a turn. Mouse threw up her hands in frustration before turning to

Mush, "So you want the tour?"

Mush nodded. He'd been to Brindisi several times before but didn't mind wandering all afternoon. Mouse walked down the road, Mush close behind her. The two of them walked up and down the main roads stopping at each stand to try and sell Mouse's gold from the palace. No one wanted their business.

"Sexist pigs," Mouse mumbled as they reached the point where they'd started. "I hope Blink had better luck than us."

"There's one more stand over there," Mush pointed. "Maybe they'll want to but something."

Mouse looked at him skeptically.

"The worst they can do is say no."

He did have a point. The two of them strode over to the large stand and Mouse pounded on the wooden counter-top.

"Good evening, Sir," she greeted the owner, "I have some gold items here, straight from the palace," She took out a several gold coins and figurines to show him and continued, "I was wondering if you'd be interested in purchasing some. Very low price I promise."

The man looked her over, "How dare you speak to me woman! Not entirely your fault I suppose. From your strange accent I can tell you're new

around these parts. Just where are you from, that you don't know your place woman?" The man demanded.

"Cascade" She spoke with confidence. He was a heavy man, large and intimidating. Upon his bald head was a mark indicating his trade, cheep gold earrings hung from disfigured ears, and a great burning scar, obviously some form of dark magic for it was forever ablaze, ran from his left temple to his chin. The man had unnaturally orange eyes and a crooked yellowed grin. A burgundy colored vest was clad on his bare chest, along with black and burgundy striped pants, the style of many sailors of the day. His clothes too were cheap and gave off the odor of stale beer. He looked Mouse over. "And why should I for these items woman? I've been watching you so I know nobody's been buying anything. But suppose I do, what's in it for me? Hmm?" suddenly he seized her wrist with his strong large hand and roughly pulled her across the table forcing their eyes to meet. "Well? If I helped you out you'd be in my debt. I've heard stories about you Cascadian women, so what would I get out of it?"

Mouse was stunned by his malicious words. She was too shocked to be angry, and instead felt a strange numbness creep over her. Slowly she managed to free herself from his grip and back up safely toward her companion.

Mush on the other hand was outraged; as far as he knew it was horrible to speak to a lady of any class in the way that man had just spoken. He clenched his fists and ground his teeth together in anger at the man.

"How dare you sir," he growled, "What do you think you're doing insulting a woman like that. She may be of low class but that is no excuse. Now take it back, I've got plenty of friends close by, two have the gift, and I'm willing to bet all the guys will be very interested in knowing if your explanation is good enough. Some of the girls as well, now that I think of it."

The man had paled slightly as Mush spoke. Though Mush thought it was fright over the threat, Mouse knew it wasn't. There were several knives from a nearby stand that had magically lifted and were floating in the air pointing directly at the man.

Blink rounded the corner to meet up with him and stopped dead in his tracks, "Mouse! What are you doing?"

"It isn't me," she cried, "It, it must be Mush. Mush, calm down and let him apologize."

Mush looked at her, his anger broken, and the knives dropped. He saw them and gaped.

"I am terrible sorry, ma'am," the owner quickly apologized as though his life were on the line. "Please, let me buy some of your wares."
The man paid a large sum for several small items and the three set off again.

Mush began to babble about what he'd done, "How? What?

How did I?"

"I think there's something about you and Mouse," Blink said, "You can both do that. I know Mouse couldn't do it before she met you and I've known her longer than anyone."

"I couldn't either," Mush swore.

"One thing's for sure, we don't tell anyone until after we cross the Glama," Blink made them promise, "We don't need any more complications right now."

"Alright," Mush agreed, "Then we should tell Wolfgang. He studies magic. Maybe he knows something about it."

"Who else has the gift?" Mouse asked suddenly.

Both boys turned to her.  Mouse hadn't spoken since they'd started walking back.  Both expected it to be because she was angry, when in reality she was thinking.

"Which of the other nobles has the gift? You said there were two of them. I know Dutchy does but who else?"

"Wolfgang." Mush replied.

"What!" She yelled, "But that day in the dungeon he wouldn't help Spot or Race and he made you fetch a palace healer. He could have just

done it himself. Ooh… that Gorgon!"

"He's not as great at healing as the palace healers," Mush said, "He does other stuff though. He's ok at the other aspects of it."

"He better be," Mouse muttered. She leaned against Blink as he automatically wrapped an arm about her waist, "What do you say we go back to the tavern. I could use a drink right about now. I bet the others will all be there too."


* * *

Meanwhile Hotshot and Specs were leading Candy and Dutchy around Brindisi. Weaving their way in and out of shops and vendors they finally reached their goal; the great bath house. They were filled with, large, steamy baths of various kinds; from mud to herbal, they had them all. Each was designed as some kind of remedy for one's health. This was one of the main attractions of Brindisi for it was the only bath house of it's kind in the entire country of Tralee.

Hotshot and Specs were attracted to them for their own personal reasons. They often spent days there using the spa like facilities together. Often did it relax them and allowed them to forget of their troubles in the world. Here is where they took Candy and Dutchy because they knew the nobles would take a likeness to the rich treatment and relaxation one receives in the bath house. But the main reason was that they wanted to go selling alone, without having to worry about tag-alongs. So they dropped the two off in the bath house and promised to return soon.

After making sure that the hosts would be able to keep their noble friends busy for several hours they wandered back into the streets.  They strayed off the main road into a smaller, more secluded market.  The people there may have not been quite as respectable but they still paid a good price.

"All I have to say is we're going back to the bath house after this," Hotshot chided Specs, "I have a feeling it's going to be a long ride, and I could use an hour or two of relaxing."

"Fine," Specs muttered as they crossed an intersection.  He looked around in bewilderment, "Do you remember where his cart is?"

"Specs, what are you-?  He's your friend, you should be able to remember-"

"Well, excuse me if I don't have you amazing sense of direction."

Her eyes narrowed, "That can't be helped and you know it."  After a moment of silence she continued, "Maybe it's a street or two over."

The two of them strolled along the street and past several respectable shops to a small corner where there were several colorfully decorated stands.  There were a few draped in dark colors, and Specs moved in the direction of one of those. 

"I'd stay mad at you but this is probably one of the few chances to tell you how grateful I am we got stuck with the nobles."  He continued seeing her raise an eyebrow, "You look good in that dress Candy gave you."

She sent him a glare, which he only laughed at.  However, he raised a hand in warning when she started to mutter under her breath.  "None of that."

He called out to one cart's owner as he recognized the young man, "Felix, how are you?"

The man turned.  He looked barely any older than Specs, and like the thief his hand were calloused and his skin tanned from spending all his days outside.  "Well, look who we have here?"  He extended a hand to them, "I wasn't expecting you until next summer at least."

"Change of plans," Specs shrugged, "We got the opportunity to come earlier.  It's more on the business side than usual but we do get to do a bit of trading."

At the word 'trading' Felix's eyes lit up.  He'd been hoping they'd brought him some jewels, but never got his hopes up.  Precious stones and jewelry were what he sold.

Both the thieves noticed his reaction and Hotshot couldn't help but grin.  She slid the long, thin package from inside the pocket of her coat.  She placed it on the table and unrolled it as slowly as possible.  In the cloth package lay several pairs or earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, some loose stones, and several other attractive items.

Felix whipped out an eyeglass and began examining them.  After a quick look over he looked back at them, "This is the best lot yet, I think."

"How much?" Hotshot asked.

"For which?"

"The lot of it?"

"You don't want any to sell in Av-"  He cut himself off and glanced around, as though everyone around wanted to know the city's location.

"We've got plenty more for there.  It was a good heist, don't worry about it.  We'll be back with plenty more."

Felix looked over the cloth in front of him for a moment, calculating prices in his head.  "Ninety rusheks."

"A hundred," Hotshot insisted.

Felix shook his head, "Ninety-five."

"One-ten."

Felix rolled his eyes, "Fine, one hundred."

Hotshot gave him a triumphant look and sat on the counter as Felix counted out the money to Specs.  He hid the money in the deep pockets of his vest.  The two of them watched as Felix hurried to pack their goods up. 

"So, how is everyone else?" Felix asked.

"Spot's too uptight, Race is an idiot, and Pie's trying to keep up.  Let's see, Swifty's getting along fine. Blink is a ladies man as always, and Snitch and Itey, well, those two never change."

Felix laughed, "What about Mouse?"

It was a well-known fact that Felix had had a thing for Mouse for several years.  Mouse had returned the feelings at one time but nothing had come of it and she no longer liked him in that way.

"She's got too much on her plate to take on anyone else right now," Hotshot let him down, "but I'll send your regards."

"Thank you." Felix said.

"Umm… Felix," Specs started after a moment of silence, "You remember that few years back when you made that offer to us.  We'd like to take you up on it now."

Felix's eyes went wide, "Of course."  He uncovered a case full of all the rings he had for sale.  "Not engagement yet I take it."

"No," Hotshot answered more forcefully, than was probably necessary.

"No, just a promise," Specs echoed her.  "Pick one."

"Do we have to do this?"

"If you hadn't run away from home you'd be married and have kids by now," Specs reminded her, "It isn't going to kill you." 

"You already know which one it is." She looked over at him.

He pointed the ring out to Felix, an intricately carved silver piece with Celtic designs and a deep green stone.  It was heavier than most of the rings but still ladylike.  She'd been eyeing it for years.

"Just don't forget to bring your business back here next time." Felix called after them.

Specs took Hotshot's hand in his as they turned the corner.  They weren't going to get to be alone often so he sought to take advantage of the situation.  She sent him a glance every few steps as the two of them returned to the bath house for a bit of relaxation before their treacherous night.


* * *

Frustrated, Spot stormed out into the crowds grabbing hold of the nobles and pulling them to the safety of the curbs. Breathing heavily, the stunned four caught their breaths and hurried after Spot who was already on the move. Spot led them to quiet streets far from the inner city bustle. There he saw a shabby looking hut and entered.

The group entered into a dim smoke filled room and took a seat at a lone table secluded in the corner. A man took notice of Spot's entrance, nodding toward him he ended his conversation and slid into the empty seat beside Spot.

 "Who are they?" He inquired raising an eyebrow suspiciously toward Jack, Wolfgang, Bumlets, and David.

"Ignore them and get down to business Raz."

"Yeah sure. So what did you bring me this time?"

Reaching under his shirt, the Rogue leader produced a package and placed it on the table. Carefully unwrapping it to reveal two figurines. The first, a large crystal unicorn trimmed in diamonds of various colors. The second was a solid gold shield, adorned with the royal crest.
Raz seized the unicorn and examined it to determine it's worth. "Hmm…I'll take this off you for twenty rusheks." He concluded setting it down and moving on to the shield. Spot however was not pleased with the sum. "Uh-uh, no way. It's worth thirty rusheks and five melis easy and that doesn't even come close to it's face value."

"What! What are you doing Spot! You can't sell that, it was a gift to my mother!" Jack suddenly exclaimed coming out of his shock.

Spot glared at the prince while sending him a sharp kick from beneath the table. "Keep your mouth shut!"

Raz eyed him curiously and chose to address Spot. "What's he talking about? I thought these were both from the palace."

"They are"

"Then what's all this about being his mother's? He must be mad to think a street rat like him could pass as the son of the Queen."

"Don't pay attention to him he's delusional." Spot responded in a dismissing tone. "So what about it, I'll cut you thirty rusheks for the unicorn and fifty for the shield. That's eighty rusheks all together, though I should charge more as compensation for such trouble."

"Eighty rusheks! Spot, I'm not made of money. I'll give you forty for the lot."

"That's insane," Bumlets mumbled loudly form behind them, "He could charge a hundred for the two of them easy."

"He's right Raz, but here's what I'm gonna do," Spot paused, "I'm going to cut you a deal, seventy"

"Forty"

"Sixty rusheks and five miles. That's my final offer, take it or leave it."

"Make that three melis and you've got yourself a deal."

"Done!" And with that said the exchange was made. Spot collected the money and handed the packaged goods to Raz. The two shook hands and ordered a round of drinks for the table. The two old friends spent the afternoon catching up ignoring the four nobles who remained uncomfortable in the setting.

"Well It was good seeing you again Raz. I believe we should be making off about now. I've got to get these guys back to Sem's for some rest. I'll see you around when I'm here next."

"Don't make yourself a stranger now. Good luck too you Spot!"

In the streets Jack quickened his pace to a jog to keep up with Spot. "I suppose you think yourself a salesman. When my father learns of what you've done he'll have your head."

"Look I don't care whom those stupid things belonged to. The fact of the matter is I need the money, he needs a present for his girl. He's an old friend and so when I'm on a job I'll keep an eye out for certain things he needs. In return he pays a good price and helps me out when I need it." Spot snapped. They continued the journey to the tavern in silence.

When they reached the main street again they noticed the crowds had subsided enough to ensure they wouldn't risk getting run over.  Rounding the corner they could see Sem's in the distance, the lone tavern on the darkest corner of the street.  The old sign creaked in the wind and a small dismal flame flickered in the window.  Spot, in a sense, was much like the old tavern secluded and reserved from the world. Perhaps that is why he enjoyed it so much.

Spot quickened his pace taking long strides as they neared the bar.  They would be the last to return to the tavern as he had just seen Hotshot, Specs, Candy, and Dutchy enter.  The leader burst inside as though he owned the place and looked over his men.  Snitch, Itey, and Skittery sat at the bar drunk as hell, and laughing at nothing in particular.  Race, Pie, and Swifty were engrossed in a rousing game of poker, into which they had just dealt Hotshot, Specs, and Dutchy.  Candy was on her way upstairs to sleep.  That left Mouse, Blink, and Mush who were already sleeping. 

Annoyed, Spot went over to the bar and struck the beer glasses to the ground.  Skittery, Itey, and Snitch stopped laughing immediately. 

"Whaaat did you do dat foor?"  Came Snitches slurred speech. 

"What the hell is wrong with you?"  Spot boomed, "I asked you not to get drunk! One simple thing; you can't even do one simple thing! I should just leave you behind! I swear I will if you aren't sober enough to ride in the cart and keep your mouths shut!"

"Man you shhhould lighten uuup."

"Sem!  Don't give them any more alcohol.  In fact make sure they get coffee, black.  And just keep it coming. I'll deal with you three later."

As the banter came to an end Blink made his way down the stairs all sleepy eyed and mussed hair.  Mouse and Mush who had a similar appearance followed him.

"What was all that noise for anyway?"  Mouse asked taking a seat across from Hotshot.

"Spot blew up at Snitch and Itey again.  Threatened to leave them behind. Nothing new."

"Aww Spot, you big softy" Mouse teased.   Spot gave her a look before changing the subject.

"Who are you a squire to Mouse?"

"Huh?  Spot I'm not a sq- oh, OH!"  The girl exclaimed as the realization of what he meant hit her.

"And who are you a squire to Race?  And you Specs; who is your squire?  Can any of you tell me why you deliberately ignored my request?"

"Hey, we had Candy and Dutchy with us Spot" Specs protested.

 "Yeah and I had Mush with me!"  Mouse chimed in.

"Well that's good Specs but you should also have had Bumlets with you and Mouse Blink should have had Mush, and you should have had David."

"Mr. 'you don't know what a tent is?'  Yeah right!"

 "And what's your excuse Racetrack?"  Spot snapped.

"You seriously think I'm gonna drag that stiff around with me?  He'll cramp my style."

"Cramp your style?  CRAMP YOUR STYLE!  How the hell do you think I felt dragging these four with me to meet Raz! "

"I think that's good for you, you need some social involvement" Hotshot chided.  She sent him an annoyed look along with it.

"I wander alone; I always wander alone."

With that said, the Rogues rolled their eyes and set about preparing.  Swifty, Hotshot, and Mouse packed the horses, while the rest gathered their bags of clothing and supplies, food, and water. 

"Hey Mouse, Felix says hi.  He still has a thing for you."

"Ooohhh…" Swifty chuckled.

Mouse rolled her eyes, "Shut up, I'm not the one who can't make up her mind about her boyfriend."

Hotshot blushed as Swifty 'Ooohhhed' again.  "Shut up and tend the horses!"  The girls yelled in unison. 

Meanwhile the rest of the Rogue guild and Nobles came out of Sem's and mounted their horses, except for Itey, Snitch, and Skittery who were forced into the cart since the weren't sober enough to stay on a horse never mind ride one. 

The thieves passed out blankets among themselves and Spot tossed some to the nobles.  "You'll need em.  It gets pretty cold in the desert at night."  And with that they rode out to the city's east gate. 

The guard nodded to them and waved them through.  Entering the desert the nobles froze, they'd never been out this way before.  They had always taken other routes around the desert.  Having never seen it before, they stopped, marveling at its beauty.

 "What are you stopped for?  You're wasting time; get a move on!  Yah!" Spot cried urging his horse onward. 

A/N: Ok, so it's been a while since we've updated but it's not lie there's been an abundance of time for us.  Junior year is so far a bit harder than the others and we see each other every other day, if that.  But it is up!  This chapter was so much fun to write and the two of us are plotting for the future ones already.  You know, instead of doing schoolwork.  ::shrugs::

So why did no one except Rumor review the last chapter?  I was so angry when I saw it.  C'mon guys, we need you input on this or we think we're getting to boring and predictable.  Liked this chapter?  Leave a review and tell us what you liked.

Look, I'm even leaving shout outs again.  Does that make any of you want to review more?

Spider chick:  Glad you're liking the characters and the storyline.  Don't worry; I think it stays a bit unusual for the rest of the story.

Shot Hunter:  You're reading Tamora Pierce?  Yay, we've converted another.  Those books are amazing.  Glad you're enjoying the story so much too.

Raven and Cici:  Care to expand on the review a bit.  Really, what's your favorite part of the story?

Morning Dew:  Dude, 'Robin Hood Men in Tights' Wicked good movie.  As much as we hate to admit it Spot's cocky attitude does make hi a good leader.  We may have to switch and do a few chapters more form the nobles' point of view eventually.  I don't know though.

Rumor: ::tackles:: You have officially won the favorite reviewer award for the time being.  Yes, mayhem is a key to major parts of this story.  ::Hotshot bows::  It is odd, but we think of these classic lines that you hear everywhere, but they fit so well… Just, ahh…

Now people, redeem yourselves and leave us some nice, long, descriptive reviews.

Forever,

Exempt From Sanity