January 15

270 Human Era

Journal Of Rebekah Sarrasri

Writ Around Midday

I have decided that I will keep a journal. Not a silly diary like those of snobby court ladies, but a journal in which I can write things I believe would be good to remember. I will write in it everyday unless I am physically unable to. I should probably start with describing myself shouldn't I?

My name is Rebekah Sarrasri but I go by just Beka. I have hard-earned muscles and am of average height. My hair is pure black and I have very pale skin. I am told my eyes are disturbing, they tend to change color with my mood. My normal color is bright silver though. Also, I like blades. Swords, daggers, throwing knives, I'll take any of them so long as they've got a good edge and aren't likely to break on me. Not only do I like blades, I can use them. I have had many years of practice with them, so I should hope I picked up at least a minute amount of skill.

I am 17 years old and a lone rogue. Actually, to be accurate, I am the Lone Rogue, for all other thieves, pickpockets, and other criminals are sworn to the Rogue, Gladimaeus Lockhorn. The only reason I am not on Lockhorn's leash is that I bested the last three Rogues who tried to add me to their ranks. When I bested the first one at age 12 I became a subject of interest and a challenge for the new Rogue. He too tried to get me to become one of his playthings. His time as the Rogue was shortest in history of Rogues: one month. The third Rogue believed that he had to best me to keep the position of Rogue from becoming a laughing stock. He took his time about it, sending assassins and such after me. That might've worked when I was 12 or 13, but by this time I was already 15. None of his assassins ever reported back to him, they didn't have the chance. So, about 6 months later, this Rogue challenged me by slapping me across the face. I was so infuriated that I slit his throat right then and there and declared the challenge over. Fortunately, Lockhorn has been smarter then his predecessors so far. He does send the occasional rushers after me, but I'm glad for that; it keeps me in practice.

My only companions are Star Strike and Moonless. Star Strike is a falcon that is really a constellation called, "The Falconer's Bird." Constellations get sent to the mortal realms only if a person is in favor of at least one of the gods. Mithros do not strike me down for bragging, I am merely repeating what Star told me. Yes, Star can talk, just like any other constellation. Moonless is the bat-snake I stole from a half-crazed merchant who seriously abused all the creatures he sold. Moonless has been my faithful companion ever since I set her free.

I am going to eat now. It's near time for lunch and I missed breakfast this morning— again.

Writ in late Evening

Ouch. Got into fight down at the Golden Swan bar again. Pox-rotted rushers. Ten of 'em came at me. I took care of them easily, but one lucky cove slashed my leg from knee to ankle as he fell. I had a healer take care of it but there will be a scar there.

There were three foreigners at the bar tonight, and they looked dangerous. I wonder if they're here for Lockhorn's position, but I do hope not. Lockhorn's a good Rogue, the best one Tarrasmont has seen for 50 years, and he worked hard for his position. The foreigners are two gixies and one cove. The first gixie is tall with fiery red hair and bright green eyes. She has the look of a battle-hardened warrior and carries a very well made two-hand sword. I want the blade, but the gixie's got such a fierce look in her I that I believe that I will avoid her.

The second gixie is short and rather pixie-like, with hair as black as mine and light brown eyes that somehow manage to look dark. She has an air of magic around her and she carries a longbow that is taller than she is. She looks like she can use it, small as she may be. I will definitely stay away from her.

And last, but I think not least, there is the cove. He is tall, strong, and looks like he's fast. He has long blonde hair, so blonde it's almost white, skin that's almost as pale as mine, and coal-black eyes. He looks dangerous, and yet attractive. He is very handsome to say the least…

This cove is an enemy, not some common Tarrasmont thief that I could fall in love with. The gods are cruel to place such a cove in this city. I thought having a constellation meant you were favored by the gods, not that… Kyprioth. I believe that he is the god favoring me. Great. Lucky me. It would explain a lot though. He is the god of thieves, so I immediately owe something to him. Also, he is the Trickster god, which would explain the cove's being here. Kyprioth I thought. If I am truly in your favor, then why do you torment me like this?

Back to business. The cove carries no obvious weapons as the gixies do, but I can tell that there are many blades on his person. Four wrist knives, three belt knives, two boot knives, and four daggers sewn into his shirt. He also carries six more knives in the pack under the table and there is a long sword next to it. Both are hidden by magic, which is rather strange. I know all of this because of my "gift." I have the Gift of the Blade, which means that I can track and identify blades without seeing them, use all blades, including ones that are spelled with a curse in case someone other than their owners' try to wield them, and sometimes I can move them without touching them.

So I have established that the cove has many blades, and the only question remaining is, can he use them?

My leg is throbbing, my hand is cramping, and I am tired, so I'm going to bed.