October 9, 2023 • 10 mins
While Karch fumes over Ralan's sewer escape and orders a city-wide manhunt, Raef faces the brutal reality of his own capture. Thrown into the Knight dungeons and interrogated by Saxe, Raef's loyalty to his friend is put to the ultimate test.
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 Thieves Guild
by Jake Kerr
(dramatic music) . Episode 15:
Anger in the Tower.
(00:24):
Karch could not believe what he was hearing. "Heescaped?
It is a basement with one exit, and we had thatblocked.
How could he possibly have escaped?"
The sergeant of the Merchant Tower guards clearedhis throat.
"It appears that he somehow discovered a roomwhich had previously been used as a bathroom.
He escaped into the sewers." "Did you follow him?"Karch knew the answer from the
(00:46):
look on the sergeant's face. "No. Don't answerthat. I don't want to know.
It will only make me want to imprison more people.
Even if you did, you clearly didn't find him."Karch stood up from his desk
and started to pace. "We have guards at all theknown sewer exits north of the fork."
Karch stopped walking and turned around.
(01:06):
"All of them?"
The sergeant fidgeted in his chair, which he triedto turn to face Karch.
"Well, no sir. There are hundreds of them, but themajor public ones are under guard."
Not believing what he was hearing, Karch shook hishead.
"Look, you fool. He is lost to us now. We need toassume that he is
(01:26):
going to flee to safety, most likely into theWretched Quarter, but we can't discount him trying to cross
Trader's Bridge into the Upper Triangle.
I'll have Saxe post knights at the Great Bridgeand Trader's Bridge, but you need to have all your
men searching the city. As long as the bridges aresecure, he is trapped in the city."
Karch strode over to the sergeant and leaned intohis face.
(01:48):
"I do not want him to escape."
A dark cell.
By the time they reached the Knight Tower, Rafecould at least get his arm above his head
without wincing.
All told, he felt in pretty good shape.
Despite being knocked unconscious, kicked in theleg, and being dragged downstairs, he
(02:09):
didn't have any cuts and nothing felt broken.
The two knights didn't speak to Rafe again, whichwas fine by him.
They answered questions with monosyllabic answersand told everyone who questioned them
that it was Guildmaster Saxe's orders.
No one objected after they said those words.
Rafe had never been in the Knight Tower, and itwas not what he expected.
(02:32):
As the stronghold that guarded the massive frontgates of the city and acted as the
base of the wall that protected it, he hadexpected rough-hewn rock and
solidly built stone, perhaps chipped from theglancing blows of swords and
spears. But what he saw was not unlike a spareversion of the
Merchant Tower. The floor and walls were marble,and the tower itself
(02:56):
was spacious. It wasn't nearly as tall as theMerchant Tower, but it was broader.
As they led him down stairs that were similar tothose in the Merchant Tower, Rafe found the
lack of decoration disconcerting.
There were no rugs or tapestries. It was cold,bare marble,
and that was somehow worse than if it was roughstone with arrow slits and wooden doors
(03:20):
with unknown dangers lurking behind them.
The two stopped at an iron door with a largeknight standing in front of it.
"The guildmaster wants this one tucked away in thecatacombs," Sam said, nodding
his head toward Rafe. The tall knight nodded andreplied, "First cell on the left."
He then reached into his robe, pulled out a singlekey, turned, and
(03:43):
unlocked the door.
He pushed it open and then backed away.
Jace and Sam led Rafe through the door.
There was a short landing and then steps leadingstraight down ahead.
This part of the tower was of rough-hewn stone andthe lighting was dim.
There were fewer torches spaced further apart.
When they reached the bottom of the steps, Rafefaced a long hallway with a dirt
(04:08):
floor and walls of stone that were placed forefficacy and not decoration.
As far as he could see ahead, there were cells oneach side.
The first one on the left was open. Sam pushed himforward and Rafe
stumbled in. The knight then shut the door andturned a key that
must have been left in the lock.
(04:30):
He tossed it in the air and then caught it. Hesmiled and waved.
"Congratulations, brown-cloak, you no longerexist."
Jace laughed, and the two turned and walked backup the steps, their shuffling
footsteps the only sound Rafe could hear.
Rafe was amazed at how loud even soft sounds werein the catacombs.
(04:53):
The drip of water, the rub of his boot against thedirt as he adjusted his position,
the sputter of torches, each sound became louderand louder as each
minute passed. What he didn't hear was breathing,voices, or even the
rustle of clothing. A guard came down to changethe torches, and his quiet
shuffling sounded almost painfully loud.
(05:16):
Eventually, Rafe fell asleep on the stone floor,his hand acting as his
pillow.
A sharp clang woke him up.
There was the sound of voices in the distance, andthen a large group of knights
walked past his cell, dragging a tall man in chainmail.
It was hard to get a good look in the dim light,but he appeared to be one of their own.
(05:39):
After the silence, the harsh noise made Rafe coverhis ears.
A voice echoed down the hall. "No, not that one.
The hall." There were some murmurs followed by adoor opening
(door opening) , a thud, and the door closing(door closing) .
The knights strode past his cell without lookingat him.
(06:02):
Rafe wasn't sure how long he had slept, but heassumed he had rested for
hours.While awake, he spent the time examining hiscell, which was
littered with rat droppings, rotting straw, andbones of small
animals.
It wasn't long before he heard the click of a keyand the clang and screech of the door opening.
(06:22):
The footsteps of what sounded like an armydescended the stairs, but it was only
Guildmaster Sax and his deputy, John.
They stopped outside his cell and looked at him.
Rafe sat on the floor not moving. Sax walked up tothe cell and banged on the
iron bars with his gloved fist. (banging) "Come
(06:43):
here."
Rafe remembered the threats made by Sam and stoodup and walked over to face
Sax. He stood tall and stared into his eyes.
Expecting a beating, Rafe decided to play his onlycard.
You have no authority over me. I'm a member of theThieves Guild and demand transfer to them.
My guildmaster will assign my punishment.
(07:04):
Sax's face froze in what appeared to be shock.
He then shook his head and smiled.
My, my, my, a prisoner that provides me withanswers before I even ask a question.
What a pleasant surprise.
His smile disappeared.
But before you provide me with more answers, letme squash this silly hope of yours.
He waved his hand toward the long hallway.
(07:26):
My knights arrest thieves.
I punish thieves.
He leaned forward, the sour smell of wineaccompanying his words.
I
execute thieves.
Rafe held his ground and said nothing. Theguildmaster knight continued.
You will now tell me of Raylan's plans.
(07:46):
Last night was not an accident.
He crossed his arms and stared at him.
Rafe had no idea what Sax was talking about, buthe had no plans on
replying even if he did.
Don't be foolish. I know you're a friend ofRaylan's.
You know his plans, and I want to hear them.
Is he just following orders from Allard?
(08:07):
Do they plan to bring chaos to the city?
He waved a fist.
Speak.
The gauntleted fist reminded Rafe of Raylan's headhitting the table as he took
the punishment for Rafe's crime. He thought ofthem playing sticks and
rocks in the harvest fields when they werechildren.
So much had changed, but Raylan was still, firstand foremost, his friend.
(08:30):
He held his tongue. With a frown, Sax moved asideand waved his deputy forward.
Unlock the cell.
Rafe had expected the comment, and it filled himwith dread.
The beating was about to commence.
After unlocking the door, the deputy steppedaside, and Sax wrenched the door
(08:50):
open.
He strode forward and leaned down, his face inchesfrom Rafe's.
Not quite so impudent now, are you?
His breath made Rafe's eyes burn. Without warning,he grabbed
Rafe's arms in his hands and yelled in his face.
What are Raylan's plans? Is this Allard's doing?
He shook Rafe, but Rafe remained silent.
(09:13):
Tell me.
He shoved Rafe, who flew backward, falling to theground.
As Rafe regained his balance and looked up, thedeputy was locking the door.
Sax was behind him outside the cell. He turned toface Rafe, his face
red but calm.
I have other problems to deal with right now, butI will return.
(09:34):
Until then, the rats will perhaps loosen yourtongue,
and if not, well, there are other ways to teachobedience.
He turned, his robe flowing out behind him, andwalked up the
steps.
The last thing Rafe heard was the scraping of thekey in the iron door at the top of the stairs,
and then there was nothing but silence.
(09:57):
(dramatic music)
The Thieves Guild
by Jake Kerr
(dramatic music) . Episode 15:
Anger in the Tower.
(00:24):
Karch could not believe what he was hearing. "Heescaped?
It is a basement with one exit, and we had thatblocked.
How could he possibly have escaped?"
The sergeant of the Merchant Tower guards clearedhis throat.
"It appears that he somehow discovered a roomwhich had previously been used as a bathroom.
He escaped into the sewers." "Did you follow him?"Karch knew the answer from the
(00:46):
look on the sergeant's face. "No. Don't answerthat. I don't want to know.
It will only make me want to imprison more people.
Even if you did, you clearly didn't find him."Karch stood up from his desk
and started to pace. "We have guards at all theknown sewer exits north of the fork."
Karch stopped walking and turned around.
(01:06):
"All of them?"
The sergeant fidgeted in his chair, which he triedto turn to face Karch.
"Well, no sir. There are hundreds of them, but themajor public ones are under guard."
Not believing what he was hearing, Karch shook hishead.
"Look, you fool. He is lost to us now. We need toassume that he is
(01:26):
going to flee to safety, most likely into theWretched Quarter, but we can't discount him trying to cross
Trader's Bridge into the Upper Triangle.
I'll have Saxe post knights at the Great Bridgeand Trader's Bridge, but you need to have all your
men searching the city. As long as the bridges aresecure, he is trapped in the city."
Karch strode over to the sergeant and leaned intohis face.
(01:48):
"I do not want him to escape."
A dark cell.
By the time they reached the Knight Tower, Rafecould at least get his arm above his head
without wincing.
All told, he felt in pretty good shape.
Despite being knocked unconscious, kicked in theleg, and being dragged downstairs, he
(02:09):
didn't have any cuts and nothing felt broken.
The two knights didn't speak to Rafe again, whichwas fine by him.
They answered questions with monosyllabic answersand told everyone who questioned them
that it was Guildmaster Saxe's orders.
No one objected after they said those words.
Rafe had never been in the Knight Tower, and itwas not what he expected.
(02:32):
As the stronghold that guarded the massive frontgates of the city and acted as the
base of the wall that protected it, he hadexpected rough-hewn rock and
solidly built stone, perhaps chipped from theglancing blows of swords and
spears. But what he saw was not unlike a spareversion of the
Merchant Tower. The floor and walls were marble,and the tower itself
(02:56):
was spacious. It wasn't nearly as tall as theMerchant Tower, but it was broader.
As they led him down stairs that were similar tothose in the Merchant Tower, Rafe found the
lack of decoration disconcerting.
There were no rugs or tapestries. It was cold,bare marble,
and that was somehow worse than if it was roughstone with arrow slits and wooden doors
(03:20):
with unknown dangers lurking behind them.
The two stopped at an iron door with a largeknight standing in front of it.
"The guildmaster wants this one tucked away in thecatacombs," Sam said, nodding
his head toward Rafe. The tall knight nodded andreplied, "First cell on the left."
He then reached into his robe, pulled out a singlekey, turned, and
(03:43):
unlocked the door.
He pushed it open and then backed away.
Jace and Sam led Rafe through the door.
There was a short landing and then steps leadingstraight down ahead.
This part of the tower was of rough-hewn stone andthe lighting was dim.
There were fewer torches spaced further apart.
When they reached the bottom of the steps, Rafefaced a long hallway with a dirt
(04:08):
floor and walls of stone that were placed forefficacy and not decoration.
As far as he could see ahead, there were cells oneach side.
The first one on the left was open. Sam pushed himforward and Rafe
stumbled in. The knight then shut the door andturned a key that
must have been left in the lock.
(04:30):
He tossed it in the air and then caught it. Hesmiled and waved.
"Congratulations, brown-cloak, you no longerexist."
Jace laughed, and the two turned and walked backup the steps, their shuffling
footsteps the only sound Rafe could hear.
Rafe was amazed at how loud even soft sounds werein the catacombs.
(04:53):
The drip of water, the rub of his boot against thedirt as he adjusted his position,
the sputter of torches, each sound became louderand louder as each
minute passed. What he didn't hear was breathing,voices, or even the
rustle of clothing. A guard came down to changethe torches, and his quiet
shuffling sounded almost painfully loud.
(05:16):
Eventually, Rafe fell asleep on the stone floor,his hand acting as his
pillow.
A sharp clang woke him up.
There was the sound of voices in the distance, andthen a large group of knights
walked past his cell, dragging a tall man in chainmail.
It was hard to get a good look in the dim light,but he appeared to be one of their own.
(05:39):
After the silence, the harsh noise made Rafe coverhis ears.
A voice echoed down the hall. "No, not that one.
The hall." There were some murmurs followed by adoor opening
(door opening) , a thud, and the door closing(door closing) .
The knights strode past his cell without lookingat him.
(06:02):
Rafe wasn't sure how long he had slept, but heassumed he had rested for
hours.While awake, he spent the time examining hiscell, which was
littered with rat droppings, rotting straw, andbones of small
animals.
It wasn't long before he heard the click of a keyand the clang and screech of the door opening.
(06:22):
The footsteps of what sounded like an armydescended the stairs, but it was only
Guildmaster Sax and his deputy, John.
They stopped outside his cell and looked at him.
Rafe sat on the floor not moving. Sax walked up tothe cell and banged on the
iron bars with his gloved fist. (banging) "Come
(06:43):
here."
Rafe remembered the threats made by Sam and stoodup and walked over to face
Sax. He stood tall and stared into his eyes.
Expecting a beating, Rafe decided to play his onlycard.
You have no authority over me. I'm a member of theThieves Guild and demand transfer to them.
My guildmaster will assign my punishment.
(07:04):
Sax's face froze in what appeared to be shock.
He then shook his head and smiled.
My, my, my, a prisoner that provides me withanswers before I even ask a question.
What a pleasant surprise.
His smile disappeared.
But before you provide me with more answers, letme squash this silly hope of yours.
He waved his hand toward the long hallway.
(07:26):
My knights arrest thieves.
I punish thieves.
He leaned forward, the sour smell of wineaccompanying his words.
I
execute thieves.
Rafe held his ground and said nothing. Theguildmaster knight continued.
You will now tell me of Raylan's plans.
(07:46):
Last night was not an accident.
He crossed his arms and stared at him.
Rafe had no idea what Sax was talking about, buthe had no plans on
replying even if he did.
Don't be foolish. I know you're a friend ofRaylan's.
You know his plans, and I want to hear them.
Is he just following orders from Allard?
(08:07):
Do they plan to bring chaos to the city?
He waved a fist.
Speak.
The gauntleted fist reminded Rafe of Raylan's headhitting the table as he took
the punishment for Rafe's crime. He thought ofthem playing sticks and
rocks in the harvest fields when they werechildren.
So much had changed, but Raylan was still, firstand foremost, his friend.
(08:30):
He held his tongue. With a frown, Sax moved asideand waved his deputy forward.
Unlock the cell.
Rafe had expected the comment, and it filled himwith dread.
The beating was about to commence.
After unlocking the door, the deputy steppedaside, and Sax wrenched the door
(08:50):
open.
He strode forward and leaned down, his face inchesfrom Rafe's.
Not quite so impudent now, are you?
His breath made Rafe's eyes burn. Without warning,he grabbed
Rafe's arms in his hands and yelled in his face.
What are Raylan's plans? Is this Allard's doing?
He shook Rafe, but Rafe remained silent.
(09:13):
Tell me.
He shoved Rafe, who flew backward, falling to theground.
As Rafe regained his balance and looked up, thedeputy was locking the door.
Sax was behind him outside the cell. He turned toface Rafe, his face
red but calm.
I have other problems to deal with right now, butI will return.
(09:34):
Until then, the rats will perhaps loosen yourtongue,
and if not, well, there are other ways to teachobedience.
He turned, his robe flowing out behind him, andwalked up the
steps.
The last thing Rafe heard was the scraping of thekey in the iron door at the top of the stairs,
and then there was nothing but silence.
(09:57):
(dramatic music)
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