Justify The Thrill: A Rock and A Hard Place

Chapter 2

Exempt From Sanity

"It looks like we've been caught again." Mouse sighed. One would expect the scene did not faze her at all if they did not know her well.

"Now whose fault would that be? Oh yeah, Spot's." Race, happy to not be the blamed party for once had no problem seizing the opportunity to mock their leader. "I told you we needed weapons."

"Shut up!" Spot hissed. Whether he said it out of annoyance or worry for his own safety would be undeterminable by the boy holding the sword. Mouse and Race knew it to be of annoyance.

A particularly well dressed noble stood before Spot, a full sword the being the only thing separating the two. It was definitely an admirable sword, adorned with crystals of all shapes and colors. The more important fact is where it was pointed, directly under Spot's Adam's apple. The door behind his attacker opened to reveal the noble who had questioned them earlier. The page form earlier and another boy stood behind him.

Spot cocked his head back in a defiant manner, chin up and eyes hard. Swallowing calmly he let his gaze meet that of the boy whose sword left him vulnerable. The boy, who appeared to be the same age as Wolfgang, who stood behind him, was, garbed in blue and red the colors of royalty.

"You will bow before his highness," Wolfgang snapped. Even they wouldn't be stupid enough to refuse this order, they could be charged with treason.

Race and Mouse glanced quickly toward Spot for direction before shifting their indifferent stares on the Prince. The two remained standing after seeing their leader continue to hold his position. Actions, that seemed to infuriate the noble all the more, much to the thieves' delight.

"Mush, David, bind the prisoners hands and kindly escort them back to their cells, it seems they've lost their way" the prince said, "Wolfgang watch this one." As Wolfgang's sword replaced his at Spot's neck Jack moved and unlocked the door to the hall, throwing it open with a terrible bang that awoke all its inhabitants.

"This is what you call watching the prisoners." he bellowed, "I don't know what my father is paying the lot of you for when even these petty street thugs could guard someone better than you." The captives, many of whom had watched the entire escape were standing at their cell doors, wide grins on their faces and silent laughs escaping them. Jack continued, "I want all of you out of here, now!" The venom in his voice was unmistakable. Every guard moved hastily toward the exit. Jack grabbed the tunic of the last man that passed him, "Send down new guards and two extra men."

"Yes, Highness." The man stuttered and quickly fled. He had nothing to fear from the sixteen-year-old in theory, but Prince Jack had a way of persuading his father to see things in a certain light.

Striding quickly down the hall to where the two thieves were being returned to their cell Jack began rambling off more commands. "The girl is Cascadian, her hands will remain bound and she is not to have any water. Make sure the boy drinks all water given to him and the men in the cells around them as well. Tell the guards to do so as well. If they attempt to give the girl so much as a drop of water, kill her." David was the one taking orders but the guards would know where to draw the line. They would not kill a girl without due reason. Granted, they would make sure to follow all other rules, but death was a stretch.

Returning to the entrance Jack found Spot and Wolfgang as he'd left them. "Go help Mush watch the prisoners. Tell David I want him outside the interrogation room." He did not bother to remove his sword form the scabbard.

Wolfgang managed a quick bow, "Right away, Highness."

"I believe you know where it is," he spoke sternly to Spot once Wolfgang had gone. He took his sword and motioned for Spot to get moving.

That is how they came to sit in the interrogation room several minutes later. Spot sat with the same posture as before, making himself as comfortable as possible with Jack standing opposite him. The Prince was fully clad in fine silk robes. He wore a striking white shirt under a bright red tunic, which were accompanied by a pair of close-fitting, royal blue leggings. The scabbard clipped to the matching blue belt held a sword only the most powerful beings could wield. Black leather boots completed his ensemble.

Spot couldn't see how this boy could have possibly dressed in anything but optimal attire his entire life. A hole or stain on a single stocking were surely reason enough to replace an entire wardrobe. This pampered prince got everything he ever wanted at the expense of the poor who were left to deal with the economical problems of Tralee on their own. These were problems Spot and those he knew had to face daily. A spoiled prince and nothing more was what he had been and would remain for the rest of his life. Tralee's problems would continue once Jack was crowned. Spot felt it was his responsibility as an underprivileged member of society to induce the same disrespect to the prince as the prince gave his own subjects.

"Have you not even the proper respect to bow to your prince?" Jack demanded bringing Spot out of his assessments.

This was just the opportunity Spot was looking for. He sat forward, back straight, elbows resting on the table, and eyes narrowed. "What makes you so great that I should feel compelled to show any respect for, much less bow to you? What have you ever done to improve the quality of life in this country?"

"If I'm not mistaken you are the one who's on trial here. I ask the questions!"

"Yeah, that's what I thought." Spot scoffed while returning to his former pose, legs spread out in a relaxed position and shoulders loose. This prince was only afraid because he was right. "You disgust me, walking about self-glorified as though the rest of the world owes you their lives simply because you're prince. You know not of, nor care for your countrymen in the slightest. If you did you would make an effort to help them."

"Why you insolent little scoundrel! I improve my country by removing vermin like you and your friends from the streets."

"That's what you think. You may have riches and power but you will never have the respect of the people and without that you're nothing." If only this spoiled prince knew which of them his people would call vermin.

"Enough! I will not be lectured by the likes of you! I suggest, thief, that you reconsider what you have said before your allegiances are questioned."

Treason. There, it was on the table. This wasn't just about stealing and mouthing off to authority anymore. One false word and Spot would be suffering a very painful and public death. Spot ground his teeth for a moment, searching for the right words.

"I pledge my allegiance to no one." The hatred that seethed from Spot's glare would have been enough to scare most men, but he'd slipped up in his wording and Jack caught it.

"Not even your friends, eh? If I had them tortured to death it wouldn't affect you? I'd just be removing a great burden for you, huh?" Yes, two could play this game.

Spot turned away, suddenly becoming silent. He had not expected that retort. Of course he pledged allegiance to his friends. They, if no one else, received his loyalty. But he could not retract his statement, not now.

"I'm not in the mood to play games, Spot is it?" The prince continued, "I've heard of you and your guild before, I know there are more of you than we have imprisoned here. You may have your own little crew, but I have mine as well. We are well trained in fighting and better equipped than your men could ever be. You will answer the questions I have for you tonight or I will kill you."

"Then kill me." Spot leaned forward again, almost too close to Jack. Just as Spot had not pledged his allegiance to anyone in a long time his life was obviously not bound to any importance either.

Jack whipped out his sword and held the point to Spot's throat again. "Not just you, I'd catch all your little friends and kill them as well. This city needs someone to rid it of its scum. Wouldn't you agree?"

Careful words, Spot reminded himself.

"Then you'd be killing the wrong people." What did it matter; the argument over allegiance was treason enough.

Jack pressed his blade to the boy's throat harder, hard enough to puncture the skin and draw blood. "You really do have a death wish don't you?"

"Naw, I just believe if you say you're going to do something you've gotta follow through." Spot replied calmly.

"You realize I could kill you right now."

Spots eyes took on a look of defiance and daringness, "Then do it." He sat deathly still.

Jack was thus tempted to jam his sword through the young thief's throat right then and there, despite the rules regarding prisoners. Perhaps the only thing that stopped him was the sudden knock at the door. He stepped back from the table half in surprise and sheathed his sword. Throwing Spot a murderous glare, Jack turned toward the door.

"Who is it David?" He called through the door.

"Rotan," the boy responded, "He brings a message from your father."

Jack retreated to the door and stepped outside. Spot strained to hear their conversation unable to leave his chair.

Instead of Jack reentering the room alone, two boys accompanied him. Among them were Jack's curly-haired friend and a reasonably tall boy with pitch-black hair. Both of the newcomers looked Spot over for a moment, apparently sharing some kind of vital knowledge concerning him. Be the scowl on Jack's face this information was going to keep him alive and safe, though most definitely imprisoned, a while longer.

"You're lucky, very lucky." Jack told him. The prince then turned to the two others, "Put him in an empty cell across form his men. I want extra guards on them all night, and make sure they're alert. Replace them every three hours"

"Jack," the boy called Rotan began, "That cell is full."

"Then I suggest you go and empty it." There was open contempt in Jack's voice.

With quick bows both of the men were gone. Jack tied Spot's hands behind his back and walked him down the hall. The bonds were cut once he was in the empty cell. It was then that Jack spoke to him again, "We'll talk again tomorrow, and every day after that until you give me names."

"I'll be gone by then."

Jack shook his head, "Don't count on it."

Spot stared after the young prince as he walked down the hall flanked by his friends. His throat was still in pain, there was no denying that, but he refused to reach up and touch it. He had far greater problems to deal with. If Spot couldn't think of a way to get them all out soon, they might not live much longer. A door slammed in the distance and one by one, guards began to put out their torches.

1

Jack entered his father's library, where his friends were all gathered. They were of a close-knit group of pages, squires, and noble's children.

"My father wanted me?"

Wolfgang nodded from his seat, "In the study."

Jack entered his father's study with David close on his heels. He fell into a deep bow before his father's desk, which was as usual covered with scrolls.

The room was plain in comparison to many of the palace offices. The walls were a web of white and cream and the floor decorated with a simple but elegant carpet. There were shelves of books and scrolls, a large, practical desk and three chairs. An ancient sofa lined one wall. Nothing was made comfortable, but rather kept practical. King Adonis spent many hours in his office and over the year had become accustomed to the placement and simplicity of his own system. Most clerks, on the other hand, could find noting amid the piles of parchment and records.

"Stand up Jack," King Adonis said clearly. He was standing by a large window, staring out into the night sky. King Adonis was the kind of man everyone in the kingdom admired. His brown hair matched Jack's perfectly however he preferred it long, longer than Jack's or his friends. His face was kind and his voice often gentle. His knowledge surpassed his son's due only to the numerous years he had spent ruling and learning. Contrary to the thieves belief in Jack the king was trying to improve the quality of life in his country.

His long silk robes consisted of blue breaches, black leather boots, and a fine white shirt, adorned with a red sash signifying his royalty. This was worn beneath a great, white robe, a long white cloth came down from the collar of the robe, wrapping around the shoulders hiding the king's chest. From beneath that cloth the long sleeves extended revealing gloved hands. The shoulders were decorated with gold pads another symbol of royalty. Finally the attire was completed with a blue cape featuring a red crest of Tralee.

The cape hid his right side, attached to the front of the robe with a gold button, which revealed a small portion of the cape's red underside, and sewn to the backside just under the collar. A blue strap, hidden by cloth and cape held the King's mighty sword within a beautifully ornamented scabbard.

"I didn't raise you to act like a servant so do not bow. Take a seat, we need to talk," the king went on. He turned to David, "It is late David. This is between Jack and myself so you may retire for the evening." It always surprised Jack that his father could remember the names of any of his friends when he needed to know the names of every man who attended his court as well.

"Thank you Sire," David bowed and turned to leave. Just as his hand touched the doorknob the king spoke again.

"Oh, and David…"

"Yes, Sire?" David was nervous as the king barely ever spoke personally to him.

"Tell the boys listening on the other side of the door to do the same."

As the door closed behind David Jack turned to look at his father. "What was so important about this thief, Father? He and his friends have been stealing from the palace for years. Don't they deserve to be punished?"

The king nodded, "Yes, they do deserve punishment, Jack, but now is not the time. You see son there are things going on around here that I have not brought to your attention as of yet. One of which will greatly affect your life, as well as those of your friends if left unattended."

Jack was outraged. Was his father implying that these mere thieves could handle something Jack and his classmates could not? "I know you don't tell me everything Father, but what is so important about this thief? He's so rebellious and-"

"I am well aware that he may be a headstrong young man, who was dealt a poor life, but he and his friends do have qualities that will prove to be in the best interest for us." The king nodded to his son, "We may need their unique skills to stop what is happening."

Jack raised an eyebrow at the thought. What could ever be so vital to their country that his father would need the help of common thieves? Whatever it was it had to bad. He swallowed hard and returned his gaze to his father's desk, "What's going on Dad?"

"It's your uncle, Jack," the king began, "The Duke Esmond is planning something. I don't know what. My spies reported that he was planning some kind of attack or rebellion, and there was talk of him having alliances with several other foreign countries."

"What does that have to do with the thieves?" Jack asked.

"Don't interrupt me," the king insisted, "My spies returned home because they believed it would be good to be able to give me all the facts which they could not disclose in a letter. The only problem is now I cannot send them back to Odessa because it will look suspicious, but I do need more information gathered."

"Wait, so you're telling me that uncle Esmond is planning an attack on the throne?"

"Yes, that is what my spies tell me."

"And you want to send that group of mangy thieves in to spy for you?"

The king sank into his chair, suddenly looking his age and very tired in addition, "I should have waited until tomorrow to talk about this. Go to bed Jack, we'll finish this in the morning."

"But-"

"Bed. Now." The king ordered. His son was just barely sixteen, and still needed to receive orders. "Goodnight Jack."

Jack nodded and rose to leave. As he opened the door several of his friends fell through the doorway as they had been leaning on the door to listen. Obviously they had expected him to fight the order further. He rolled his eyes and stepped over them.

The king just laughed, "Good evening boys."

"Hey!" one of the new female pages protested from her position on the floor.

"And girls. Now, like I said, off to bed, all of you."

1

"You were right, they do have a death wish. They have no respect for authority, and by Artol they're so infuriating!" Jack exclaimed entering his bedroom where his friends were gathered.

"So why are they so damned important?" Wolfgang answered.

The four of them went silent as though pondering the question. Truth be told, none could think of a good reason as to why the members of the Rogue Guild, who robbed palaces everywhere, could be useful. The king could have sent anyone to spy for him, so why choose prisoners? Especially those with the highest price on their heads?

"I just don't get it. It doesn't make any sense." Jack resumed speaking the words on his friend's minds. There were several murmurs of agreement amongst them before David spoke up.

His face had been set in deep thought as he began. "You're right, it doesn't make any sense and there's a reason for that." He concluded catching the groups' attention.

"Well?" Dutchy provoked "What is it?"

"We're agreed Jack that your father could very well have sent anyone to spy for him, correct?"

Jack nodded in concurrence. What was David getting at?

"And the Rogue Guild is a group of untrustworthy criminals who take pleasure in stealing from the King. Add that to the fact that we don't have a whole lot of information about them."

Again Jack nodded. Why was David going over what they already knew, and going in circles at that?

"So our question is, why choose them? And the only rational answer I can think of is that your father hasn't told us, well you really, everything."

Once again the room fell quiet as the teens went over the situation in their minds all coming to the same deduction.

"Yeah that sounds about right." Dutchy concluded breaking the silence.

"I know" Jack replied. "It's just disturbing, that's all. I mean he's literately going to put our lives and the safety of this kingdom into the hands of a gang of street rats; especially ones that already loathe a few of us. I don't like it, I don't like it one bit"

"We know highness, we know." Wolfgang commented solemnly while patting Jack's shoulder in support. After a long discussion the group headed to bed leaving Jack to his thoughts.

The young prince paced his room in the darkness for what seemed like an eternity, often stopping to glance out the balcony. His life was quickly losing any importance. Since he had started his knightly training things had been so easy. Now head suddenly had several new ideas launched at him at once. An unspeakably irritating gang of thieves were camping out in the dungeon. One of them would even openly insult him. And now, now his father had brought up a possible death threat.

He glanced out over into the stars once more. If that scoundrel he'd questioned was put in charge of some kind of mission the entire kingdom was doomed. He readily collapsed into his large, soft bed, exhausted. He mumbled to himself until he fell asleep.

1

Mouse lay curled up on one of the benches that hung from the wall of the cell. Race had occupied the other half only moments before. She glanced around and found him pacing the bars near the hall. He looked back and caught her gaze.

"You all right?" he asked.

"Thirsty," she mumbled. As a Cascadian she was more prone to dehydration than the rest of them, and needed water more frequently.

"Yeah, I know," he replied, "I'm trying to get some water from our neighbor. He said he'd give me some next time the guards changed. Now if I could just get Spot's attention we could think of a way out of here." He waved frantically in Spot's direction in the dim light of the dungeon.

Spot looked directly at him for a few minutes. Dried blood was caked around a cut on his throat and his appearance was more weary than usual. To Racetrack it looked as though their leader was looking straight through him, not really seeing him at all. He needed to get them out of there or they would all be dead. "Just go to sleep Race." He finally said wearily, "I'll have something by morning."

1

A/N: Yes, we're getting lazy, but another chapter should be up around this time next week when Hotshot gets back from vacation. I've been looking over old chapters and about six and a half are revised and need to be edited by SaL (who is lazy!)

I'm kidding Sarah.

Thank you guys for the reviews. Alias is on in a few minutes so I do not have time for shout-outs. Next time I'll try. Leave me good news for when I get back. Thanks, RR.

Forever,

Exempt From Sanity