Grace brought some flowers to replace the wreath someone had placed around the wolf statue’s neck. The old flowers were withered and crumbling onto the floor, while the new wreath added some color to the large black wolf. An elderly woman was also adding flowers and many colored ribbons to the temple.
“I prayed to Diggery when my lover left me alone with child.” The old woman smiled at Grace. “She led me to the man who made me his wife. And he was kinder to me; never once raised his fists. I have the wolf lady to thank for that.”
Grace stepped back to admire her work of the wolf statue and the old woman appeared by her side again. She was bent with age, but Grace could tell in this woman’s youth she was tall and sturdy. Even now she was taller and stronger built than Grace.
“I come here once a week to give an offering to Diggery.” The old woman sighed contentedly.
“It is good to know she is not neglected.”
“Hardly. She is the patron here in Glenbard. Though I suppose up north you are not so acquainted with her.” Grace raised an eyebrow. “The cook at the Angel gets his apples from my stand in the marketplace. He said the disgraced noblewoman was mucking out stables for Jim Little, and he’s pointed you out a few times when I drop off his apples. I suppose you come here so Diggery might change your luck and lead you away from the muck and scum of this poorest of areas.”
Grace rarely found herself far from the Angel Inn. The inn was set up near the poorest district of Glenbard, since most of the patrons were under the Thieves’ Guild’s protection and those were the poorer classes. Grace was aware of the dirty, crowded streets of the poor districts; the urine and vomit and blood that worked its way through the night daily. She heard tell of the crying, hungry children and screams from drunken fathers. The Angel was safe and comforting, but outside was cruel and unforgiving. As Grace Hilren, she chose not to venture forth from her home over the stables. As The Death Dealer, she walked those disregarded streets nightly.
“Don’t look offended, dearie. No shame in wishin’ for wealth. I suppose spending time with horses is as dirty as you would like to get.”
If only this old woman knew that as The Death Dealer Grace went into those dark corners of Glenbard, doing what the King’s guard didn’t. She figured it was safer not to know the people she helped. Then they couldn’t betray her.
Grace smiled and picked up her empty basket that had held her flowers; placing it in the crook of her arm. “I am content here, Mother. It is a new and exciting life for me.”
The old woman took both of Grace’s hands in hers. “Then may the Lady Diggery keep you on the path that makes you happiest. It warms my heart to see a new face in her temple.”
Grace took her hands back and produced a piece of silver. “Next time you bring apples to the Angel, bring me some and we shall speak of Diggery some more.”
Taking her leave from the temple, Grace headed into the night. It was just as warm in the night as it had been during the day when the sun beat down. There was no breeze in the summer months, not even from the sea. Instead the air in Glenbard just became stagnant. According to Ridley, this was not uncommon for summer in the city. This sort of weather caused a great deal of longing for Arganis, but Grace would survive.
The Angel was about four blocks from the temple district. At night the walk could be treacherous, but it was still fairly early. It would be a few hours before the worst would crawl from their hiding places to cause misery. This early, even Marcus wasn’t sending his thieves out. So Grace walked home, swinging her basket, not worrying about the danger that was out there.
Out of the shadows two men jumped, although they weren’t as coordinated as they should have been. One moved seconds before the other, alerting Grace of his presence. She didn’t have time to run, but she did have time to drop her basket and grab her dagger from within the folds of her dress. Knowing they were spotted, the men blocked her path; one before her and one behind.
“Lassie, best put down that little knifey,” the one in front said. “We just want to talk, and if you hurt one of us, we gonna have to send more out.”
Normal ruffians didn’t bother with pleasantries. They generally attacked and left. “What do you want?”
“Our boss don’t like being challenged, especially by a woman.” Grace’s mind flashed to Mac. So he did have more support, just like Marcus suspected. Did he know about her secret?
The one behind her spoke now, saying, “Follow us nicely, so our boss can show you how women need to act.” She could feel the one behind her advancing, though the man in front stood still.
The next few seconds passed in a blur and Grace wasn’t thinking clearly. Then she did something she knew she shouldn’t do: she screamed for help, threw the dagger at the man in front of her, and ran as he tried to dodge it. It was a foolish move to throw her only weapon, but the shock of the throw gave her just enough time to get past the man before her as the second jumped and missed her by a hair. She took off away from the men, hoping they wouldn’t be fast enough to catch her. If they were able to get her, she wouldn’t have anything to defend herself with. She cursed her stupidity as she ran along the street.
For a few blocks she heard sounds of pursuit, but they faded as she drew toward the light of the Angel. She burst through the door and all eyes turned toward her. Marcus sat in his throne with Ridley at his side. Mac was nowhere to be seen.
The King of Thieves beckoned to her. He led her into a private room he only used for the most secret of affairs, and wouldn’t even let Ridley follow. He had Grace tell the tale of her frantic entrance into the inn. “Mac’s been absent from my halls lately. No doubt cookin’ up trouble. Do you guess the same, dear?”
Grace nodded. Marcus called for a serving wench to bring some ale for Grace. Her hands shook, but she drank it anyway. Marcus sat her down in a chair at the long table he used for conferences of the Thieves’ Guild. He sat next to her, watching her face carefully.
“He has the temper of a rabid dog. I can’t tell what he’s up to, but I have plans in place. However, it’s harder to get a hold of him than I thought.” Marcus paused. “This is the second time he has harassed you. He hates loose ends, and he’s goin’ to make you suffer before unleashin’ whatever he has planned. You’ve vexed him by simply working in the stable that houses that beast of his. He punishes people who annoy him, even over the slightest offense. Tomorrow I’m putting you on one of my horses and setting you on the road for a while. It’ll get you out of harm’s way and maybe Mac will make a move without you as a loose end around here. Right now he’s being sneaky and slippery. He knows most of my secrets, and that makes him more deadly than my other enemies.”
“Marcus, is this really the best course of action?”
“It might not be, but you will leave this city for a safer location.”
“Why are you helping me? I’m not a loyal thief or a family member.”
Marcus cocked an eyebrow in her direction. “Because I’m no oath breaker.”
Thousands of thoughts swirled in Grace’s head in the blink of an eye. Did he truly know, or was he guessing and trying to force her to confirm? She was so careful! How could he have guessed?
Marcus smiled as he watched her think. She tried to keep her face like stone, although she wondered if she was succeeding. “That is a matter we will not speak of again, including how I learned it was you. Though let me say this: you aren’t strong enough for such a foe. Not yet, and you may never be. The Guild will handle Mac, and you will leave Glenbard for a time.”
“But for how long? And how will I know when to return? What of Mayhew and my job?”
“Send me a letter to let me know you’re safe. Instead of saying outright where you are, leave subtle hints as to your location so if the letter falls into the wrong hands, they might not guess. I will speak with Mayhew. He is not so hard as to turn a deaf ear to his king.” Marcus rose and patted Grace’s shoulder. “A horse will be waiting in a st
all before sunrise tomorrow. Be gone before the sun is up.”
~*~*~
In her room, Ridley and Jack were waiting. With Donald gone, it was nice to know there were others looking out for her. Grace sat on her bed, Ridley sat next to her and Jack leaned against the door.
“Your face,” Ridley said. “You’re paler than you was when you came in. What did Marcus say? What happened?”
“Men attacked me in an alley and Marcus has some ideas as to who ordered it.” She couldn’t be sure how much Ridley knew, but she felt it was safer to let her friends come to their own conclusions.
“That beast has been pretty absent lately,” Jack said. “Haven’t seen him around much since Kay arrived.”
“Then it was Mac? What did Marcus say? Why do you look more terrified than when you came in?” Grace couldn’t explain to Ridley about how Marcus guessed she was The Death Dealer.
“He insisted I leave Glenbard for a bit, at least until something is done.”
“Send you away? Madness!” Ridley crossed her arms over her chest. “What good is sending you away gonna do? You’re safer here with us.”
“Clearly, since she can’t even come home from the temple district without an escort. Marcus is doing the right thing.”
The Princess of Thieves huffed and grumbled. “That was just bad luck. We can keep an eye on her here. On the road there’s no protection.”
“There is if she has someone to turn to, and no doubt Marcus has a plan – one to be kept secret since there’s no telling where there are spies. Now, you silly girl, get Grace something to eat.”
Ridley left the room in a huff and Jack moved out of the way; letting her slam the door in her fit. The anger lingered for a moment in her absence. “She doesn’t want to lose a friend.”
“This is folly. I should stay here. Marcus could use me as bait to draw Mac out.”
“Is he going to have to crack your skull and break every bone in your body before you realize Mac is too strong for you? Don’t be stupid.”
Grace knew she was weak against Mac, but she didn’t like being reminded or being told she was stupid.
“Don’t tell me I am stupid!”
“Then stop being so foolish!” Jack’s voice was getting louder, so he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he composed himself, he looked carefully at Grace.
Grace retorted, “I am trying to help Marcus. You wouldn’t understand that sort of loyalty. Go back to your table and climb into your pint like you always do.”
Jack threw his hands in the air. His composure didn’t last long. “I will not take advice from a girl who has disgraced herself and who will put herself in danger to draw out a murderer and a thief – all for her own foolish stubbornness.”
“And why should I listen to a former stable boy who does nothing but hide from everyone? No doubt you were removed from King Frederick’s stables due to your uselessness and hatred.”
“Don’t ever speak to me about my former life, you stupid harlot! In fact, stay here and get yourself killed – then see who mourns you!” Like Ridley, Jack stormed out. Only when he slammed the door, it was with enough force to shake her tiny room.
Grace lay down on her bed and ignored the door when Ridley returned. She only called out that she needed to sleep.
~*~*~
In the morning, Mayhew informed Grace that Marcus had left her a roan colored mare named Olwen. He also told her Marcus’s right hand man, Thom, would escort her for three days to wherever they thought was safe. The old stable master was angry, but a few threats from Marcus eased his tongue somewhat. With Thom by her side, Grace took the southern road from Glenbard and didn’t look back toward the city. Her pride still hurt from Jack’s words and from the fact Marcus didn’t want her around to help him.
Eleven
Grace,
I admire your courage and fortitude. It is rare to see a heart that beats with the bravery yours does. Though King Frederick and many others wish to punish such daring, I think it should be rewarded. You beat a prince in the sword ring and you did it fairly. Do not think for a moment that I believe those silly claims of witchcraft. I have no doubts your cousin made sure you know you are welcomed in Arganis, but allow me to extend my home to you as well. The barony of Egona is ever open to you, regardless of your title or place in this world.
Your friend and ally in these troubled times,
Henry
On her first night on the road, Grace read Henry’s letter from the day she was sent into exile. She then resolved to make for his castle in Egona, which was a four-day journey from the city of Glenbard. Thom did as promised and rode with her for the first three days to make sure no danger followed them outside of Glenbard.
Now here she was. The path she was on led straight to Henry’s grounds. The sun was beginning to set, and at the steady walking pace Olwen was moving, Grace wouldn’t make it before the sun went down and the gates were closed for the night.
“Come on, girl. You know you want warm mash tonight, and I would rather not sleep on a tree root.” Grace gently kicked Olwen’s sides and the horse began to trot. Grace nudged her on into a canter and then finally into a gallop.
The two flew through the gates and Grace pulled her horse to a stop. Olwen panted underneath her and Grace patted her lovingly on the neck. A servant from the stables came out and eyed Grace with suspicion.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Grace. I have come to see Lord Henry.”
The servant looked over Grace and her attire. She was dressed in the travel-stained breeches she had worn on her journey from Frederick’s castle in Ursana. “I will see if the master of this house is with anyone at present.”
Grace was left alone in the courtyard. She slipped off of Olwen and dug for a lump of sugar in her pockets. Olwen gladly accepted it and nibbled at Grace’s pockets, looking for more. The sun was failing fast. Finally, the doors to the castle opened and the portly figure of Henry emerged.
He moved as fast as he could and lifted Grace up into a great hug. “What a wonderful surprise!”
“Henry, it is so wonderful to see you again!”
“Someone take the lady’s horse and stable it.”
A stable boy, barely thirteen years of age, rushed from the stables and took Olwen by the reins. He bowed to Grace and Henry. “Yes, my lord.”
“Oh, I can take care of my horse myself, Henry.”
“Nonsense. You are a guest in this house and you will be treated as such. Now, you must be tired and hungry. I shall see what supper is available to you, and then I will have a bath drawn.”
“And it will be off to bed with me, I am afraid.”
“As you wish, Grace. We here at Egona will make you welcome and comfortable.”
~*~*~
The next morning Grace wrote a lengthy letter to Calvin and Cassandra, and one of Henry’s messengers was sent to Arganis to deliver it. Then she composed one for Ridley and Marcus, letting them know she went to Egona and was staying with the count there. As instructed, she did not say outright where she was, though she guessed Thom would tell them.
She learned a great deal from Henry about the tournament after she left. Calvin was offered the chance to enter the sword ring against Prince Drake, but due to his injury he forfeited and withdrew from the rest of the tournament. Many gossiped about Grace after the incident, and Calvin, Henry, and even Drake were her main defenders. No one could ever get Drake to say why he supported her, but most believed Grace practiced witchcraft and had beguiled him. Tristan spoke out against her the most, and it still hurt a great deal when Grace heard it. Hypocrisy, feigned love and infatuation were things she did not enjoy.
Grace told Henry she had been holed up in Glenbard working as a stable girl, but she avoided telling him why she felt the need to run off from that life. She simply said she left unexpectedly to get away and Henry never pried. He figured she would tell him when she was ready. She gladly t
old him about Ridley, but she left out the ‘Princess of Thieves’ title.
Over a week passed and Grace had plenty of time to grieve; both over her lost life at court, as well as her lost friends such as Calvin and Cassandra. Upon entering Glenbard, she found herself too busy to really think of her loss, although of course she still found time to feel horrible about what happened between herself and Tristan. She also thought about how she was forced out of Glenbard for her safety and realized she was somewhat relieved to be gone. That had to do with Jack as well as the threat from Mac. She wanted to confront Mac again, but she wanted to beat him the next time. She couldn’t beat him if every few days she encountered him and never had a chance to improve her skills. And Jack…well, Jack simply hurt her pride by thinking she was incapable of anything because she had once been a member of the King’s court. She hoped she’d never have to face Jack again. He was just one big pain in her side.
The week of Grace’s arrival the weather was fair. Henry took her out riding and hunting, and even showed her some sword and knife play she could use to protect herself. But at the start of her second week with Henry, the rain came down in buckets and lightning streaked across the sky. Grace felt gloomy and the weight of all her mistakes of the last few months pressed down on her. Her mood felt much like the weather outside. Henry was sitting across from her, eating breakfast and being his usual jovial self, when Grace felt compelled to ask him a question.
“Are you content with your life here, Henry?” she blurted out between one of her bites of porridge.
Henry was startled by Grace’s question. She always avoided talking about her own life’s contentment and stuck to facts when she told Henry about how she was faring these days. To Henry’s credit, he knew she just wasn’t ready to say how she really felt.