September 8, 2023 • 17 mins
The title is Guildmaster, but the quarters are a basement cell. Ralan's hopes for luxury are crushed, replaced by the dread of the parade. Then, Deputy Alard reveals the Thieves Guild isn't what it seems, leaving Ralan with more questions than answers.
Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.
---
Intimidated that you're dozens of episodes behind and afraid to start listening? Don't be. Here's a handy Listener's Guide that let's you know spots where you can start listening further in the story.
---
Interested in the development of the complex story and want to know how writer Jake Kerr puts it together every week? Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to his Patreon. Love world building? Want ongoing updates? Free members get ongoing story updates with interesting reference material about the guild hierarchy, geography, and history.
Free Patreon members also receive copies of the first two Thieves Guild ebooks. The next book will be released in 2025 and Patreon members will also receive that book (and all subsequent books!) for free, too. Want to go directly to get your free books? Click here.
---
If you would like to view a map of Ness, you can find it here.
----
Grab some Thieves Guild merch!
https://store.podcastalchemy.studio
----
Check out our other drama podcasts!
Artifacts of the Arcane
A historical urban fantasy set at the beginning of World War Two.
The world has abandoned magic, but magic hasn’t abandoned the world.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/arcane
Thursday
A cyberpunk VR thriller.
No one can be trusted when nothing is real.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thursday
Jake's Theatre of the Mind
Nebula Award nominee Jake Kerr narrates short stories twice a week.
----
Find out more about writer Jake Kerr: https://www.jakekerr.com
Follow Jake on Bluesky @jakekerr.com
Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.
---
Intimidated that you're dozens of episodes behind and afraid to start listening? Don't be. Here's a handy Listener's Guide that let's you know spots where you can start listening further in the story.
---
Interested in the development of the complex story and want to know how writer Jake Kerr puts it together every week? Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to his Patreon. Love world building? Want ongoing updates? Free members get ongoing story updates with interesting reference material about the guild hierarchy, geography, and history.
Free Patreon members also receive copies of the first two Thieves Guild ebooks. The next book will be released in 2025 and Patreon members will also receive that book (and all subsequent books!) for free, too. Want to go directly to get your free books? Click here.
---
If you would like to view a map of Ness, you can find it here.
----
Grab some Thieves Guild merch!
https://store.podcastalchemy.studio
----
Check out our other drama podcasts!
Artifacts of the Arcane
A historical urban fantasy set at the beginning of World War Two.
The world has abandoned magic, but magic hasn’t abandoned the world.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/arcane
Thursday
A cyberpunk VR thriller.
No one can be trusted when nothing is real.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thursday
Jake's Theatre of the Mind
Nebula Award nominee Jake Kerr narrates short stories twice a week.
----
Find out more about writer Jake Kerr: https://www.jakekerr.com
Follow Jake on Bluesky @jakekerr.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
The Thief's Guild
by Jake Kerr.
Episode 6:
Allard.
(00:24):
Raylan set a brisk pace down the hallway as hestruggled to figure out whether he was
angry, scared, or thrilled.
He reached the top of the staircase and paused.What was he to do next?
He had to find his new quarters, which werepresumably in the basement, but what
about his future? Could he walk the streets openlylike Pietro?
(00:46):
Would the people see him as a symbol and not anactual thief?
Or would he be hated by everyone, a target forabuse and anger?
He also considered that this could turn out to bethe best possible result for
him. He wouldn't have to worry about harvestingthe crops, or smelting iron,
or keeping accounts, or guarding the wall.
(01:09):
He could just wander the city like old Pietro.
The final thought made Raylan smile.
He was thinking that his brother may haveunintentionally done him a favor.
Of course, that didn't include the Founder's Dayparade.
Some people took the ritual punishment of thethieves a bit too seriously, and Pietro
had been injured several times.
(01:32):
In the end, he didn't have much choice,
so he started down the steps, wondering whereGuildmaster Pietro had
lived.
Larsen had said that his quarters would be in thebasement, but that could have just
been another way for him to humiliate Raylan.
Still, the thieves were the only guild without atower, and Raylan
(01:54):
wasn't sure where Guildmaster Pietro lived.
He only saw him at the parade and a few times inthe market district.
It was possible, however, that Pietro lived in themerchant tower.
It was huge, with plenty of ways in and out of thevarious attached
buildings. Plus, Raylan did remember hearing oncethat Pietro
(02:16):
lived under the sufferance of the Merchant Guild.
He figured that the guard on duty would know, sohe hurried down the final steps
and approached the guard watching the front doors.
It was Essil, who glared at Raylan coldly as heapproached.
Excuse me, uh, Essil, but can you tell me whereGuildmaster Pietro's quarters are?
(02:37):
Guildmaster Pietro left this world two days ago.
Raylan bowed his head, figuring that respect wouldget him further than
demands.
Essil frowned. He didn't seem disturbed by thenews.
Ah. Yes, I'd heard that. I was wondering where hisliving quarters are.
Looking to steal from the dead, are we?
(02:57):
Essil walked toward him, placing his hand on thepommel of his sword.
You wear the brown and think that puts you outsidethe reach of the guilds.
He slid his sword out a few inches.
But it doesn't. It makes you less than all ofthem. We could all crush you (snaps fingers) like that.
Essil shoved his sword back into its sheath, asharp clang when the pommel
(03:18):
hit the metal lip, underscoring his threat.
Raylan would normally have slunk away.
He had felt the flat of Essil's sword on his backand legs enough times to
know not to provoke him. But things were differentnow, and he needed to learn
more about his new position. He couldn't afford tolet Essil bully
(03:40):
him around when he needed answers. And besides, hewas a
guildmaster now.
You should watch yourself, Essil.
Raylan stood tall and squinted at the armedguildsman.
I won't be wearing brown much longer.
Essil threw back his head and laughed.
(laughs) Did your brother finally get you aposition cleaning manure?
As quickly as he had laughed, his face went coldand he unsheathed his
(04:04):
sword.
I don't care what color you'll be wearing.
You'll never be anything more than a patheticinsect.
He raised his sword.
Enough.
A deep, booming voice from the staircase behindthem echoed through the entry.
It was a voice used to giving commands and used tohaving them followed.
Essil lowered his sword, and Raylan turned.
(04:26):
A tall figure in a flowing black robe, his facelost in the shadows of the hood,
stood with his arms crossed.
This is not your business, Allard,
Essil said, but his voice was weak and tentativein the face of the visitor.
The figure said nothing, but approached withdeliberate steps.
He stopped in front of Essil.
It is Deputy Allard, merchant.
(04:48):
Essil slouched and the man in black kicked hissword, which had dropped down and was
pointing to the floor.
Now put your toy away before I beat you with it.
The man pointed at Raylan.
And don't ever speak that way to the guildmasteragain.
His voice sounded like a clenched fist.
Guildmaster.
The man put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
(05:09):
Do I need to tell you again?
Essil scrambled back, sheathing his sword.
He turned and returned to his position near thegreat wooden doors, mumbling as
he went.
Allard reached up and tossed the hood of his robeback.
His skin and eyes were a dark brown, almost black.
He was bald, which made telling his age difficult.
(05:31):
He had some wrinkles, but not enough to mark himas ancient.
His smooth pate was interrupted by a thick scarthat ran from the top of his
head down to his left eyebrow.
His brows were furrowed and his lips were turneddown in a slight frown.
Raylan wasn't sure he had ever met a moreintimidating man in his life.
(05:52):
I'm sorry I was not present at your meeting withthe guildmaster merchant, sir.
He folded his arms across his chest and stood upstraight.
It seems that they neglected to inform me of it.
... he smiled and his face was transformed.
His eyes sparkled, and his face glowed withkindness.
"You are my deputy?" Raylan asked, not quitebelieving what he was seeing.
(06:14):
"Indeed, I am." The smile remained. "I'm pleasedto
meet you, Deputy Allard."
Raylan grinned and made one of his rare bows.
The deputy nodded in return, but otherwise didn'tmove.
"Larsen mentioned that Guildmaster Pietro lived inthis tower.
Is that true?" "Did you mean Guildmaster Larsen?"The deputy's
(06:35):
smile faded a bit. Raylan immediately understoodhis lapse in
respect, and he appreciated Allard's understatedcorrection.
"I'm sorry. Yes, I meant Guildmaster Larsen."
Allard nodded. "Indeed, sir. The guild quartersare in the basement of the north
wing." That was where the kitchen and variousservice personnel lived and worked.
(06:59):
Raylan had never even been there. "I didn't evenknow the guild had a basement," Raylan
replied, more to himself than to Allard.
"The north wing is the only part of the tower witha basement, and it is rarely used."
"Can you take me there?" "As you command, sir."Allard pulled the hood over his
head and started walking to the east, where anumber of hallways from various
(07:21):
wings of the building merged.
Raylan still couldn't quite believe what washappening, but every time he rubbed his
eyes, the tall, ominous man in the black robe wasstill there.
It was hard to keep up with Allard's brisk pace,and the fact that each step jarred
Raylan's aching head only made things worse.
(07:41):
They turned down the hallway that led to the northwing and the kitchens.
Just inside the archway that marked the entranceto the north wing was a wooden door to the
left. It looked like a closet. It was unlocked,and Allard
pulled it open and stepped aside, motioning forRaylan to enter first.
Raylan shook his head. "This is all new to me.
(08:02):
Please lead the way."
Allard nodded, but said nothing.
Raylan followed him through the door, which openedto cramped and rough-hewn stone
steps leading down. The stairway was well-lit withtorches, and the floor
and walls were dry.
There were bits of wood and paper in the cornersof each step, although it wasn't very dusty.
(08:23):
It looked clean, just unkempt. Their footstepsechoed against the walls in the
quiet. It didn't feel like the enforced quiet youexperienced in a church or a
library. Rather, the walls were so close thatRaylan felt like he had to
keep his voice down to avoid having it echo.
The quiet walk to the quarters did have a certainsolemnity about it, and it
(08:46):
reminded Raylan of the old guild master.
"I'm sorry about Guildmaster Pietro." Allardstopped and turned to face
him. He was on a lower step, and yet his face wasstill above Raylan's.
He stood motionless for a moment, his face lost inthe shadows of his hood before
replying, "That was very kind of you, sir, and Ithank you for saying so.
(09:07):
He was one of the greatest of the guildmasterthieves." "I'm not sure I even understand what that
means, to be honest, Allard." Allard leaned close,and for a second, Raylan thought that he
had angered him. However, the deputy's voicedropped to a whisper as he stated in a soft
voice, "Few know of his achievements or hisgreatness." Raylan didn't want to be
disrespectful, but he was at a loss as to whatAllard could mean.
(09:30):
"But I thought it was a ceremonial position."
Allard reached out, and Raylan flinched.
But all he did was pat him on the shoulder.
"Making the city believe that a guild of thievesdoesn't exist is quite an achievement, don't you
think?" Raylan relaxed a little. "Well, we knowthieves exist,
but there's no such thing as a thieves guild."Allard turned back to the steps before
(09:53):
adding, "Exactly." The steps ended at a stonehallway.
Like the staircase, it was littered with brokenpieces of wood, along with
paper and what looked like bits of pottery.
More than anything, it looked like the entrance toone of the warehouses near the craft guild.
Along its length were plain wooden doors on eachside.
(10:15):
"What is this place?" Raylan asked, looking aroundat the bare hallway.
"This is a small basement that is used forstorage, mostly things that have only
been used once and are wrongly considered tooprecious to dispose of.
That room holds the embroidered linens fromGuildmaster Galwey's elevation ceremony."
Raylan shook his head. Galwey was the guild masterbefore his brother.
(10:38):
He was elevated over 20 years before.
"And here we are." They reached the end of thehall.
A broad door faced them. It appeared to be solidwood and was different
than the other doors along the hall, but it lackedthe decorative pretension of the
door to the guild master merchant office.
A wooden stool sat next to it in the corner.
(11:00):
"These are my quarters." Allard pointed to asmaller door set in the wall to the
right. He reached into the folds of his robe,pulled out a ring of keys, and flipped through
them. He unlocked the door and ushered them in. Itwas a single room.
It looked comfortable enough, and it was quitelarge,
but it was closer to an apprentice dorm than guildmaster quarters.
(11:23):
There was a fireplace in the back wall and a pairof reading chairs set near.
They faced each other with several books sittingon a table next to the chair on the
left.
The floor was flagstone with a threadbare blackrug imperfectly covering
it.
To the left were bookshelves that stretched fromfloor to ceiling and wall to wall.
(11:44):
To the right was a small bed with black linens.
To the immediate left of the entry door was areplica of the thief statue from Founders
Park, two thieves reaching into each other'spockets with the inscription,
"Honor among thieves," on the base below.
An empty work table was shoved into the corner tothe right with two chairs pushed under
(12:06):
it. After taking it all in, Raylan muttered,"Seems a bit austere for a guild
master."... we could move you to the Thieves'Tower if you prefer." Raylan's jaw dropped,
and he turned to his deputy. "There is no Thieves'Tower." Allard laughed.
"Hah, of course there is. It has fallen frommemory over time, which I believe was
Pietro's goal when he moved his living quartershere." Raylan simply couldn't believe it.
(12:30):
He had been over practically every part of Ness,and he knew there was no such thing as a
Thieves' Tower. "How long ago was that?" "It was75 years ago.
Pietro moved into Merchant Tower the same year hewas elevated." "Pietro was guildmaster
for 75 years?" Raylan didn't even know anyone 70years old.
"Indeed. Your brother was the fourth guildmastermerchant he had served with."
(12:54):
Raylan walked over and sat on the bed.
He knew Pietro was ancient, but he had troublecomprehending someone, what,
90, 95 years old? He looked up at Allard, whostood just
inside the doorway. "Where is the Thieves' Tower?""It is at the base of the mountain,
where the Old Quarter meets the Ashfields."
No wonder he or anyone he knew had never heard orseen the tower.
(13:19):
It was between the two most wretched areas of thecity, both across the Great River.
No one from any guild crossed the river andwandered through the desolate and dangerous
Wretched Quarter, and the Ashfields were justthat, fields of dead crops and
trees from over-farming during Ness' youth.
The other side of the Great River wasn't evenconsidered part of the city anymore,
(13:43):
even though it was inside the walls. Raylan shookhis head.
He badly wanted to visit his guild tower, evenwith its unfortunate location,
but that would have to wait until later. He lookedaround the room.
It didn't look like anyone had ever lived there.
"I assume Pietro's things have been removed.""Yes, Guildmaster
Pietro's belongings were removed this morning.
(14:05):
Unfortunately, we haven't had time to bring infresh linens.
Which reminds me, we will need to procure youlinens, clothing, and robes from the
Clovers.
It would probably do well to address thatimmediately, as you ride in the Founder's Day parade tomorrow.
And you will need blankets for tonight."
Raylan nodded, and looked around again. The bookswere an interesting sight.
(14:28):
He had never actually seen a book that wasn't usedfor settling accounts, and there must have
been dozens on the shelves. The rest of the roomwas decidedly shabby though,
and he couldn't help but feel disappointed.
He knew that his brother was punishing him, andthat the guildmaster thief was nothing more
than a laughingstock, but certainly he could atleast have a bed that was better than the
(14:51):
one he was leaving behind.
All in all, any hope that being a guildmasterwould provide him with luxury were
dashed.
Raylan's head still hurt, so he dropped it to thepillow and stretched out on the bed.
He was starting to rethink his initial excitementover his new position.
He had a title, but one that was a source ofamusement and scorn throughout
(15:13):
Ness.
He had some new clothes, but they would be black,a color possibly worse than the brown of the
guildless. He had privacy, but the price wasrather depressing living quarters in the
basement of his brother's guild tower.
And while he had never had particular luck withgirls, he doubted he'd have any chance
now.
He sighed. "Thinking of the parade?" Raylan hadforgotten that Allard was
(15:37):
still there. The deputy stood straight andmotionless near the door.
His arms were clasped behind his back. His hoodremained up.
Raylan laughed, but it was a laugh full ofbitterness.
"No, I hadn't yet gotten to that on my list ofthings to be concerned about."
He thought about the Founder's Parade and thetradition of the populace taking their
(15:59):
frustration out on thieves by pelting theirguildmaster.
Few took as great a pleasure in that tradition ashe had, but now it didn't
seem quite so amusing. He looked at Allard.
"So I guess I just sit in the cage and smile as Iget showered in fruit and vegetable pulp."
"That was how Guildmaster Pietro handled it."Raylan realized he was being
(16:22):
rude relaxing while his deputy stood at attention,so he pulled himself up.
The movement sent waves of pain through his head,however, so he remained
seated. "There's another way?"
Raylan pictured a straw man wrapped in the blackrobe of the Thieves' Guild.
"You could stand on the wagon without a cage."(laughs)
(16:43):
Raylan laughed. He knew that some citizens threwrocks.
(dramatic music)
The Thief's Guild
by Jake Kerr.
Episode 6:
Allard.
(00:24):
Raylan set a brisk pace down the hallway as hestruggled to figure out whether he was
angry, scared, or thrilled.
He reached the top of the staircase and paused.What was he to do next?
He had to find his new quarters, which werepresumably in the basement, but what
about his future? Could he walk the streets openlylike Pietro?
(00:46):
Would the people see him as a symbol and not anactual thief?
Or would he be hated by everyone, a target forabuse and anger?
He also considered that this could turn out to bethe best possible result for
him. He wouldn't have to worry about harvestingthe crops, or smelting iron,
or keeping accounts, or guarding the wall.
(01:09):
He could just wander the city like old Pietro.
The final thought made Raylan smile.
He was thinking that his brother may haveunintentionally done him a favor.
Of course, that didn't include the Founder's Dayparade.
Some people took the ritual punishment of thethieves a bit too seriously, and Pietro
had been injured several times.
(01:32):
In the end, he didn't have much choice,
so he started down the steps, wondering whereGuildmaster Pietro had
lived.
Larsen had said that his quarters would be in thebasement, but that could have just
been another way for him to humiliate Raylan.
Still, the thieves were the only guild without atower, and Raylan
(01:54):
wasn't sure where Guildmaster Pietro lived.
He only saw him at the parade and a few times inthe market district.
It was possible, however, that Pietro lived in themerchant tower.
It was huge, with plenty of ways in and out of thevarious attached
buildings. Plus, Raylan did remember hearing oncethat Pietro
(02:16):
lived under the sufferance of the Merchant Guild.
He figured that the guard on duty would know, sohe hurried down the final steps
and approached the guard watching the front doors.
It was Essil, who glared at Raylan coldly as heapproached.
Excuse me, uh, Essil, but can you tell me whereGuildmaster Pietro's quarters are?
(02:37):
Guildmaster Pietro left this world two days ago.
Raylan bowed his head, figuring that respect wouldget him further than
demands.
Essil frowned. He didn't seem disturbed by thenews.
Ah. Yes, I'd heard that. I was wondering where hisliving quarters are.
Looking to steal from the dead, are we?
(02:57):
Essil walked toward him, placing his hand on thepommel of his sword.
You wear the brown and think that puts you outsidethe reach of the guilds.
He slid his sword out a few inches.
But it doesn't. It makes you less than all ofthem. We could all crush you (snaps fingers) like that.
Essil shoved his sword back into its sheath, asharp clang when the pommel
(03:18):
hit the metal lip, underscoring his threat.
Raylan would normally have slunk away.
He had felt the flat of Essil's sword on his backand legs enough times to
know not to provoke him. But things were differentnow, and he needed to learn
more about his new position. He couldn't afford tolet Essil bully
(03:40):
him around when he needed answers. And besides, hewas a
guildmaster now.
You should watch yourself, Essil.
Raylan stood tall and squinted at the armedguildsman.
I won't be wearing brown much longer.
Essil threw back his head and laughed.
(laughs) Did your brother finally get you aposition cleaning manure?
As quickly as he had laughed, his face went coldand he unsheathed his
(04:04):
sword.
I don't care what color you'll be wearing.
You'll never be anything more than a patheticinsect.
He raised his sword.
Enough.
A deep, booming voice from the staircase behindthem echoed through the entry.
It was a voice used to giving commands and used tohaving them followed.
Essil lowered his sword, and Raylan turned.
(04:26):
A tall figure in a flowing black robe, his facelost in the shadows of the hood,
stood with his arms crossed.
This is not your business, Allard,
Essil said, but his voice was weak and tentativein the face of the visitor.
The figure said nothing, but approached withdeliberate steps.
He stopped in front of Essil.
It is Deputy Allard, merchant.
(04:48):
Essil slouched and the man in black kicked hissword, which had dropped down and was
pointing to the floor.
Now put your toy away before I beat you with it.
The man pointed at Raylan.
And don't ever speak that way to the guildmasteragain.
His voice sounded like a clenched fist.
Guildmaster.
The man put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
(05:09):
Do I need to tell you again?
Essil scrambled back, sheathing his sword.
He turned and returned to his position near thegreat wooden doors, mumbling as
he went.
Allard reached up and tossed the hood of his robeback.
His skin and eyes were a dark brown, almost black.
He was bald, which made telling his age difficult.
(05:31):
He had some wrinkles, but not enough to mark himas ancient.
His smooth pate was interrupted by a thick scarthat ran from the top of his
head down to his left eyebrow.
His brows were furrowed and his lips were turneddown in a slight frown.
Raylan wasn't sure he had ever met a moreintimidating man in his life.
(05:52):
I'm sorry I was not present at your meeting withthe guildmaster merchant, sir.
He folded his arms across his chest and stood upstraight.
It seems that they neglected to inform me of it.
... he smiled and his face was transformed.
His eyes sparkled, and his face glowed withkindness.
"You are my deputy?" Raylan asked, not quitebelieving what he was seeing.
(06:14):
"Indeed, I am." The smile remained. "I'm pleasedto
meet you, Deputy Allard."
Raylan grinned and made one of his rare bows.
The deputy nodded in return, but otherwise didn'tmove.
"Larsen mentioned that Guildmaster Pietro lived inthis tower.
Is that true?" "Did you mean Guildmaster Larsen?"The deputy's
(06:35):
smile faded a bit. Raylan immediately understoodhis lapse in
respect, and he appreciated Allard's understatedcorrection.
"I'm sorry. Yes, I meant Guildmaster Larsen."
Allard nodded. "Indeed, sir. The guild quartersare in the basement of the north
wing." That was where the kitchen and variousservice personnel lived and worked.
(06:59):
Raylan had never even been there. "I didn't evenknow the guild had a basement," Raylan
replied, more to himself than to Allard.
"The north wing is the only part of the tower witha basement, and it is rarely used."
"Can you take me there?" "As you command, sir."Allard pulled the hood over his
head and started walking to the east, where anumber of hallways from various
(07:21):
wings of the building merged.
Raylan still couldn't quite believe what washappening, but every time he rubbed his
eyes, the tall, ominous man in the black robe wasstill there.
It was hard to keep up with Allard's brisk pace,and the fact that each step jarred
Raylan's aching head only made things worse.
(07:41):
They turned down the hallway that led to the northwing and the kitchens.
Just inside the archway that marked the entranceto the north wing was a wooden door to the
left. It looked like a closet. It was unlocked,and Allard
pulled it open and stepped aside, motioning forRaylan to enter first.
Raylan shook his head. "This is all new to me.
(08:02):
Please lead the way."
Allard nodded, but said nothing.
Raylan followed him through the door, which openedto cramped and rough-hewn stone
steps leading down. The stairway was well-lit withtorches, and the floor
and walls were dry.
There were bits of wood and paper in the cornersof each step, although it wasn't very dusty.
(08:23):
It looked clean, just unkempt. Their footstepsechoed against the walls in the
quiet. It didn't feel like the enforced quiet youexperienced in a church or a
library. Rather, the walls were so close thatRaylan felt like he had to
keep his voice down to avoid having it echo.
The quiet walk to the quarters did have a certainsolemnity about it, and it
(08:46):
reminded Raylan of the old guild master.
"I'm sorry about Guildmaster Pietro." Allardstopped and turned to face
him. He was on a lower step, and yet his face wasstill above Raylan's.
He stood motionless for a moment, his face lost inthe shadows of his hood before
replying, "That was very kind of you, sir, and Ithank you for saying so.
(09:07):
He was one of the greatest of the guildmasterthieves." "I'm not sure I even understand what that
means, to be honest, Allard." Allard leaned close,and for a second, Raylan thought that he
had angered him. However, the deputy's voicedropped to a whisper as he stated in a soft
voice, "Few know of his achievements or hisgreatness." Raylan didn't want to be
disrespectful, but he was at a loss as to whatAllard could mean.
(09:30):
"But I thought it was a ceremonial position."
Allard reached out, and Raylan flinched.
But all he did was pat him on the shoulder.
"Making the city believe that a guild of thievesdoesn't exist is quite an achievement, don't you
think?" Raylan relaxed a little. "Well, we knowthieves exist,
but there's no such thing as a thieves guild."Allard turned back to the steps before
(09:53):
adding, "Exactly." The steps ended at a stonehallway.
Like the staircase, it was littered with brokenpieces of wood, along with
paper and what looked like bits of pottery.
More than anything, it looked like the entrance toone of the warehouses near the craft guild.
Along its length were plain wooden doors on eachside.
(10:15):
"What is this place?" Raylan asked, looking aroundat the bare hallway.
"This is a small basement that is used forstorage, mostly things that have only
been used once and are wrongly considered tooprecious to dispose of.
That room holds the embroidered linens fromGuildmaster Galwey's elevation ceremony."
Raylan shook his head. Galwey was the guild masterbefore his brother.
(10:38):
He was elevated over 20 years before.
"And here we are." They reached the end of thehall.
A broad door faced them. It appeared to be solidwood and was different
than the other doors along the hall, but it lackedthe decorative pretension of the
door to the guild master merchant office.
A wooden stool sat next to it in the corner.
(11:00):
"These are my quarters." Allard pointed to asmaller door set in the wall to the
right. He reached into the folds of his robe,pulled out a ring of keys, and flipped through
them. He unlocked the door and ushered them in. Itwas a single room.
It looked comfortable enough, and it was quitelarge,
but it was closer to an apprentice dorm than guildmaster quarters.
(11:23):
There was a fireplace in the back wall and a pairof reading chairs set near.
They faced each other with several books sittingon a table next to the chair on the
left.
The floor was flagstone with a threadbare blackrug imperfectly covering
it.
To the left were bookshelves that stretched fromfloor to ceiling and wall to wall.
(11:44):
To the right was a small bed with black linens.
To the immediate left of the entry door was areplica of the thief statue from Founders
Park, two thieves reaching into each other'spockets with the inscription,
"Honor among thieves," on the base below.
An empty work table was shoved into the corner tothe right with two chairs pushed under
(12:06):
it. After taking it all in, Raylan muttered,"Seems a bit austere for a guild
master."... we could move you to the Thieves'Tower if you prefer." Raylan's jaw dropped,
and he turned to his deputy. "There is no Thieves'Tower." Allard laughed.
"Hah, of course there is. It has fallen frommemory over time, which I believe was
Pietro's goal when he moved his living quartershere." Raylan simply couldn't believe it.
(12:30):
He had been over practically every part of Ness,and he knew there was no such thing as a
Thieves' Tower. "How long ago was that?" "It was75 years ago.
Pietro moved into Merchant Tower the same year hewas elevated." "Pietro was guildmaster
for 75 years?" Raylan didn't even know anyone 70years old.
"Indeed. Your brother was the fourth guildmastermerchant he had served with."
(12:54):
Raylan walked over and sat on the bed.
He knew Pietro was ancient, but he had troublecomprehending someone, what,
90, 95 years old? He looked up at Allard, whostood just
inside the doorway. "Where is the Thieves' Tower?""It is at the base of the mountain,
where the Old Quarter meets the Ashfields."
No wonder he or anyone he knew had never heard orseen the tower.
(13:19):
It was between the two most wretched areas of thecity, both across the Great River.
No one from any guild crossed the river andwandered through the desolate and dangerous
Wretched Quarter, and the Ashfields were justthat, fields of dead crops and
trees from over-farming during Ness' youth.
The other side of the Great River wasn't evenconsidered part of the city anymore,
(13:43):
even though it was inside the walls. Raylan shookhis head.
He badly wanted to visit his guild tower, evenwith its unfortunate location,
but that would have to wait until later. He lookedaround the room.
It didn't look like anyone had ever lived there.
"I assume Pietro's things have been removed.""Yes, Guildmaster
Pietro's belongings were removed this morning.
(14:05):
Unfortunately, we haven't had time to bring infresh linens.
Which reminds me, we will need to procure youlinens, clothing, and robes from the
Clovers.
It would probably do well to address thatimmediately, as you ride in the Founder's Day parade tomorrow.
And you will need blankets for tonight."
Raylan nodded, and looked around again. The bookswere an interesting sight.
(14:28):
He had never actually seen a book that wasn't usedfor settling accounts, and there must have
been dozens on the shelves. The rest of the roomwas decidedly shabby though,
and he couldn't help but feel disappointed.
He knew that his brother was punishing him, andthat the guildmaster thief was nothing more
than a laughingstock, but certainly he could atleast have a bed that was better than the
(14:51):
one he was leaving behind.
All in all, any hope that being a guildmasterwould provide him with luxury were
dashed.
Raylan's head still hurt, so he dropped it to thepillow and stretched out on the bed.
He was starting to rethink his initial excitementover his new position.
He had a title, but one that was a source ofamusement and scorn throughout
(15:13):
Ness.
He had some new clothes, but they would be black,a color possibly worse than the brown of the
guildless. He had privacy, but the price wasrather depressing living quarters in the
basement of his brother's guild tower.
And while he had never had particular luck withgirls, he doubted he'd have any chance
now.
He sighed. "Thinking of the parade?" Raylan hadforgotten that Allard was
(15:37):
still there. The deputy stood straight andmotionless near the door.
His arms were clasped behind his back. His hoodremained up.
Raylan laughed, but it was a laugh full ofbitterness.
"No, I hadn't yet gotten to that on my list ofthings to be concerned about."
He thought about the Founder's Parade and thetradition of the populace taking their
(15:59):
frustration out on thieves by pelting theirguildmaster.
Few took as great a pleasure in that tradition ashe had, but now it didn't
seem quite so amusing. He looked at Allard.
"So I guess I just sit in the cage and smile as Iget showered in fruit and vegetable pulp."
"That was how Guildmaster Pietro handled it."Raylan realized he was being
(16:22):
rude relaxing while his deputy stood at attention,so he pulled himself up.
The movement sent waves of pain through his head,however, so he remained
seated. "There's another way?"
Raylan pictured a straw man wrapped in the blackrobe of the Thieves' Guild.
"You could stand on the wagon without a cage."(laughs)
(16:43):
Raylan laughed. He knew that some citizens threwrocks.
(dramatic music)
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.