Disclaimer: Don't own 'em. Disney does.
Justify the Thrill
Chapter 8
Exempt from Sanity
1
Brindisi was a great oasis surrounded by the treacherous forest on one side and a barren desert on the other. The thieves had arrived precisely at sun up, a time during which the only signs of life were the merchants setting up their stands along the main road. This was quite shocking for one so used to the unnerving bustle of the Brindisi atmosphere. But they all knew it was the deathly calm before the full assault.
The group made their way down a small side street into one of 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. The sign above the door was weather beaten and the paint sanded away, but if you looked closely enough there was surely a mug of ale in view. Entering, the teen gave a shrill whistle to the dozing owner. "Sem!"
The snoring man behind the bar snapped to attention. "Wha-, Specs!" The elderly man exclaimed with astonishment. "Specs, Spot, Mouse! 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."
Dutchy stared wondrously at the exuberant manner of old the man. He watched as he maneuvered his great body around the long bar 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! Yer lucky, we have no one willing to buy a room so costly at this time of year."
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 only for special and yearly travelers, who in turn paid him generously for it. The rogues were among these few.
"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." Spot 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!"
Wolfgang's eyebrows arched upward. It wasn't even late enough in the morning for the merchants to be selling their wares and this bartender had several regulars to attend to down at the bar. Well, this tavern must have been a respectable place indeed. He shook his head as he watched the old man shut the door on his way out.
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, Racetrack, that all of us will get our asses back to the room sometime during the day to rest. And I don't mean getting drunk in the tavern making jackasses of yourselves." He glared at Race and Blink 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 anyone 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."
"Aren't you kind of…overreacting?" Dutchy commented as he took a seat and began picking at the loose rawhide binding of the chair.
"Well, when you're 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, can you talk to me about overacting. Until then, you're just going to have to take my word for it."
Hotshot, Mouse, and the other thieves split off quickly 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 girls' room was the largest and situated between the other two, occupied by the boys. It was easily split, with the four nobles in one room and the four male thieves in the other.
Spot finally noticed their absence and called them back. "Listen, we meet here exactly one half hour before nightfall, you hear me? 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 went chattering off one way, dragging Dutchy along with them; while Mouse seized one of Blink's arms and dragged him through the crowds and making a point to show him their favorite spot. Race took off by himself before anyone could stop him. Forgotten were 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. It would fetch a handsome price after a month of showing it off. From his perch on the stool, Spot noticed the three forgotten nobles lost in the bustling streets. Sighing deeply he stood knowing that though he preferred to wander alone, today he would have to look after two spoiled nobles and an even more awful prince.
Racetrack wandered through the city's alleyways in search of the cart of an old business associate. Had any of the nobles been with him 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 had visited inside and out. He studied maps endlessly and could easily tell you the location of everything form the best of the taverns to the home of the village doctor, to the lowest brothel. It was slightly annoying to the others that he could walk into a city none of them had ever seen and know exactly where to go.
Odessa was one of the few cities to which there were no maps. Not that they didn't exist, only that it was not anything that shopkeepers sold or public places held. He would make his own as soon as they got there, though he preferred his own maps rather than having to rely on the work and errors of others. He had already redrawn all of the maps with which the king had supplied them.
He reached the small stand after about a candle's wick of exploring the crowded streets for the right buyer. He finally spotted the right stand, knowing it only by a strip of blue cloth that hung at the east corner. He picked up his pace and hopped up to sit comfortably on the counter.
The vender was seemingly searching for something buried in the back and was not watching the street, so Race's antics went unnoticed.
"Morning Leeta," He greeted her loudly.
The girl stood up quickly and spun to face him. She was shorter than he 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. Selling wares brought in plenty, but after rent and or goods there was not quite enough left for food. Her hands flew to cover her face for a moment before she spoke, "Ayii, it's about time the lot 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. I swore if I did not see you before noon I would hunt you down at Sem's. I saw the lot of you coming in this morning." She grinned, "And you brought new meat."
Race shrugged, "They're Gorgon. It's a long story. Don't worry though, nothing to worry about." He spat the curse word for noble as though it poisoned his tongue.
Leeta looked Race over quickly, calculatingly. She opened her mouth to speak but paused, glancing around quickly, "So, what'd you bring me?"
Race smirked and opened his vest pocket. He pulled small gold, silver, and bejeweled mementos out of their well-hidden pockets. The palace was full of worthy trinkets.
Leeta's eyes were wide with pleasure. She let out a bit of a shriek, "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?"
Race 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."
Race replied, "That's out of the question."
"Think of what you just asked me for."
He did indeed look down at the pile. "Fine then, give me a moment." He began separating the goods by what they were made of. Soon he had three small piles; one of silver, another of gold, and a final pile of jeweled pieces. "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 him and looked over the items counting and doing the math in her head. "That sounds about right," she turned to Race, "It's a good thing you're cute 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."
Race grinned, "Pleasure doing business with you."
"Make sure you bring the lot of you by here next time your in town. Artol and Fletcher only know 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."
"Now why would I do that when Spot threatened my life if I were to get drunk before nightfall?"
"Because Spot won't find out."
With that Race left. The walk back to the tavern was long, and filled with other interesting sales. Soon enough he found himself sitting at the bar, banging on the counter to catch Sem's attention. Sure enough, it worked.
"Didn't Spot tell you not to drink today, Racetrack?" Sem asked suspiciously.
"He always says that. Thing is we always choose to ignore him too. Pour me a drink, Sem, I promise Spot won't find out."
Sem poured a mug of ale and Race snatched it up, turning to watch a brawl unfold across the room.
Mouse and Blink ran through the bustling marketplace. Their pace never slowed, even when they tripped or ran into other groups.
All at once Mouse stopped and released her friend. 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 Cascadian boy as she helped him up, "Sorry about that." She around the market as he brushed himself off, "So, where do you want to go?"
Blink's face glowed as he smiled. He gave Mouse a knowing look.
She rolled her eyes. Blink and his girls. "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 done it before." Blink pointed out.
"No, Swifty or Pie Eater are usually here to help. You remember how the shopkeepers around here are."
"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 the nearest cart or wares.
She walked up and down the main roads stopping at each stand to try and sell their gold from the palace. No one wanted her business.
"Sexist pigs," Mouse mumbled as she reached the point where she had started an hour before. "I hope Blink's had better luck than I have."
She noticed a vendor who had just finished setting up. Mouse looked at him skeptically.
"The worst they can do is say no." she said aloud to herself.
She strode over to the large stand and 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, wretched woman! Not entirely your fault, I suppose. You can't be from around these parts with an accent like that. Just where are you from, that you don't know your place woman?" He demanded.
"Cascade" She spoke with confidence.
He was a heavy man, large and intimidating. Upon his bald head was a mark indicating his trade. Cheap 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 accept 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. She tried to free herself from his grip to no avail.
Blink had returned to meet her when he witnessed this. He was outraged. He clenched his fists and ground his teeth together in anger at the man. No one talked to Mouse in that manner, or treated her in such a way, especially not while he was around.
With quick strides, and mumbling Cascadian curses under his breath he ran to where she stood and quicker than the eye could blink had one of his new daggers directed at the man's throat.
"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 have plenty of friends close by and I'm willing to bet that none of them will be happy leaving you in one piece once we hear your excuse."
The man had paled slightly as Blink spoke. Blink could feel himself pulling water toward them from some direction, just in case it was necessary.
"Blink," Mouse cried, "Blink, calm down and let him apologize."
Blink looked at her, his anger broken, and the water was released from a nearby barrel and dropped to the dry ground.
"I am terrible sorry, ma'am," the owner quickly apologized as though his life were on the line. Blink looked like any other Cascadian boy looked, strong and powerful. Dark purple aura still swayed around the threads of his clothing. "Please, let me buy some of your wares."
The man paid a large sum for several small items and the two set off again. Returning to the tavern to rest suddenly seemed like a very good idea.
Meanwhile Hotshot and Specs were leading Dutchy around Brindisi. Weaving their way through shops and vendor carts they finally reached their goal; the great bath house. It was 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 its 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. It was a favorite place of all the thieves because on these journeys it was one of the few places they could relax. Here is where they took Dutchy because they knew the noble would take a likeness to the rich treatment and relaxation one received in the bath house. But the main reason was that they wanted to go selling alone, without having to worry about a tag-along. So they dropped him off in the bath house and promised to return quickly. Dutchy was not stupid. He knew where they were going and what they were selling, but he urged them to go and leave him to relax. After two days of riding he was sore. There had been no wars since he had become a squire and no reason for Aurelie to push him so hard.
After making sure that the hosts would be able to keep their noble friend busy for several hours Specs and Hotshot 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 for delicate goods.
"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, stressful 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. 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 hangings, and Specs moved in the direction of one of those.
"I would stay cross with you but this is probably one of the few chances to tell you how grateful I am we're stuck with the nobles on this trip." He continued seeing her raise an eyebrow, "You look good in that dress Lady Aurelie gave you."
She sent him a glare, at which he only laughed. However, he raised a hand in warning when she started to mutter under her breath. "None of that now."
He called out to one cart's owner as he finally recognized the young man's tunic, "Felix, how are you?"
The man turned. He was barely any older than Specs by appearance, and like the thief his hand were calloused and his skin tanned from spending all his days outside and dealing with the city's seedy traders.
"Well, look who we have here?" He extended a hand to them, "I wasn't expecting you until at least next summer."
"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 had been hoping they had 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 could not help but grin. Felix's eyes were as wide as those of a babe on midwinter's day. 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 laid 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, all business.
"For which?" Felix was examining a ruby brooch as he questioned her
"The lot of it?"
The eyeglass and brooch were lowered to the countertop. "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 next time." Specs prompted.
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 at her childish manipulation, "Fine, one hundred it is."
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 once the parcels were hidden in a pack.
"Spot's too uptight, Race is an idiot, and Pie, Swifty, Snitch, and Itey are the same as always, but they're back in Tralee this time. Blink is a ladies man as always."
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 returned his feelings.
"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. I'd like to take you up on it now."
"What?" Hotshot asked. She'd been prepared to chat for a while longer before returning to the tavern. Specs' sudden subject change made her want to leave immediately.
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." Specs echoed her.
"What are you doing?" Hotshot hissed at him.
"Later," was all Specs would say.
He pointed the ring out to Felix, an intricately carved silver band decorated with a Celtic knotted strand, and several small emeralds laid into the crevices.
"Just don't forget to bring your business back here next time." Felix said as he handed Specs the ring. It went into Specs' pocket without any more words between the three. They bid hasty goodbyes.
Specs took Hotshot's hand in his as they turned the corner. They were not 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, but said nothing in regards to the ring.
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 trio 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, 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 he displayed both on the table. The first, a large crystal unicorn trimmed in diamonds of various colors. The second was a solid gold shield, adorned with the royal crest. "Both from the inner chambers of the palace in Tralee."
Raz seized the unicorn and examined it to determine its 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. "It's worth thirty rusheks and five melis easy and that doesn't even come close to its face value."
"What are you doing Spot! You can't sell that, it was a gift to my mother!" Jack suddenly exclaimed coming out of his shocked silence.
Spot glared at the prince while sending him a sharp kick beneath the table. "Keep your mouth shut!"
Raz eyed Jack 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 it 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," David mumbled loudly from the other side of the table, "He could charge a hundred for the two of them easily."
"He's right Raz, but here's what I'm going to do," Spot paused, "I'm going to cut you a deal, seventy"
"Forty"
"Sixty rusheks and five melis, 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 next few hours catching up ignoring the three 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 will look you up when I'm here next."
"Don't make yourself a stranger now. Good luck to 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 to whom those stupid things belonged. The fact of the matter is that 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 road again they noticed the crowds had subsided enough to ensure they would not need to risk being run over to cross the street. 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 was why he enjoyed it so much.
Spot quickened his pace taking long strides as they neared the tavern. They would be the last to return to the tavern as he had just seen Hotshot, Specs, and Dutchy enter. The leader burst inside as though he owned the place and looked over his men. Race sat at the bar, barely intoxicated, and laughing at nothing in particular. Blink was just dealing Hotshot, Specs, and Dutchy into a game of cards. There was already money on the table and disgruntled looking patrons across the bar. Mouse was just coming back to the main floor after what must have been a nap.
Annoyed, Spot went over to the bar and struck the beer glasses to the ground. Race stopped laughing immediately.
"What did you do that for?" Came his response.
"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 mouth shut!"
"Conlon you need to lighten up."
"Sem! Don't give him any more alcohol. In fact give him coffee, black. And just keep it coming. I'll deal with you later."
As the banter came to an end Mouse finally woke enough to comprehend it was Spot shouting.
"What was all that noise for anyway?" She asked taking a seat across from Hotshot.
"Spot blew up at Race again. Threatened to leave him behind, nothing new."
"Aw Spot, you big softy" Mouse teased. Spot gave her a look before changing the subject.
"Who are you partnered with Mouse?"
"Huh? Spot I'm not- oh, OH!" The girl exclaimed as the realization of what he meant hit her.
"And who are you partnered Race? And you Specs; how about you? Can any of you tell me why you deliberately ignored my request?"
"Hey, Hotshot and I had Dutchy with us Spot" Specs protested.
"Well that's good Specs but you should also have had Jack with you and Mouse, you and Blink should have had Dutchy and David with you."
"Mr. 'you-don't- know-what-a-tent-is?' Forget it!"
"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." He downed half a cup of coffee.
"Cramp your style? CRAMP YOUR STYLE! How the hell do you think I felt dragging these three with me to meet Raz! "
"I think it was good for you, you need some social involvement" Hotshot chided. She sent him an annoyed look along with her opinion. "But, hey, I'm partnered with you. Maybe I should have tagged along with you to see Raz. Fletcher knows he would love to see me again." She of course, referred to the memorable occasion on which she had accompanied Spot and unintentionally insulted Raz and not taken care to apologize.
"I wander alone; I always wander alone." He turned on his heel and stormed up the stairs.
With that said the rogues rolled their eyes and set about preparing. Hotshot and Mouse packed the horses, while the rest gathered their bags of clothing and supplies, food, and water.
1
"Hey Mouse, Felix sends his greetings."
Mouse rolled her eyes, "Shut up, I do not need that kind of added stress right now." She tightened the girth of one of the saddles and scowled at her friend. "And that comment you made to Spot was completely uncalled for."
"So is his attitude," Hotshot slid a bridle onto the same horse as Mouse tied on a pack.
"Spot's always like that. He just wants everything to run smoothly. Granted, this is not some short project but we cannot just sit back and relax."
"See, that's where Spot's logic is wrong. Yes, we can. As soon as the nobles relax so can we. Dutchy's already a liaison and it's just a matter of time before we get through to the rest of them."
"Let him worry. It keeps him sane." Mouse suggested, grinning.
Hotshot laughed loudly.
Mouse did as well until she saw a shadow at the stable's entrance. She cleared her throat and nodded.
"Hotshot?"
"What?" Hotshot did not look up from saddling another horse as Specs walked into the stall.
"Hotshot."
She looked up at him, and sighed. She stood up and approached the stall door, eying him warily, still unsure of his plans.
"I want you to wear this." He reached deep in his pocket and drew out the ring he'd bought earlier, now hanging from a thin chain.
She looked at it with distaste. "I don't want to wear that." She did not move when he put the necklace on her anyway.
"I just want people to know you're spoken for while we're doing this."
"Everyone already knows."
"Not other thieves, Hotshot. In Odessa, when we have to act all noble and wealthy and cultured."
"All right." She agreed. She had no intention of doing so, but it was easier to agree now and back out later.
"Aw, how cute." Mouse cooed from where she was packing up the cart.
"Mouse, with Thym as my witness, I swear if you say one word I will-"
"WHAT?" Spot's voice echoed form inside the tavern, cutting off any threats. It was closely followed by several curses in multiple languages.
"Unpack the horses." Specs told them.
"Why?" Mouse asked, still looking in the direction of the tavern, not looking forward to reentering when Spot was upset.
"New traveler came in from the Glama just after you two came out here. There are sandstorms, the winds are horrible. Even Spot wouldn't be able to stay on course. We're going to have to travel along the deserts edge to Medina."
"Spot certainly sounds happy about that," Mouse muttered sarcastically as she entered a stall and began removing a saddle.
"As always." Specs agreed, "We won't leave until tomorrow now."
"Thus eliminating any chance of Spot fulfilling his life's goal to make Race miserable when he's drunk," Hotshot concluded.
Specs smirked and kissed her on the cheek before darting back inside. Mouse and Hotshot set about unsaddling the half dozen horses which were prepared to leave. By the time they got back inside Spot would be calmed down and nursing a drink and their beds would be looking pretty comfortable.
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A/N: And thus ends the rewrite of the original. If you actually read it then you know there was another chapter. We decided to cut that out in favor of the new direction the storyline is going in. Plus, the characters we dropped for this one needed to get lost. Anyway, good information coming up in the next few chapters. And there have been complaints that the thieves are sort of bitchy towards the nobles. It's supposed to be that way. Transition/bonding chapters are also coming up quite quickly.
I'm off to celebrate the latest update with a bowl of ice cream. If you review perhaps we shall bake you brownies.
Exempt From Sanity
