October 23, 2023 • 5 mins
Maela frees a worried Alard and a bruised Raef from the catacombs. Expecting a fight, they emerge into unexpected chaos thanks to Ralan's diversion, only to find their escape plan upended by the Guildmaster's own surprising getaway.
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.
(00:00):
(suspenseful music plays) The Thieves Guild
by Jake Kerr.
Episode 19:
Through the Front Door.
(00:24):
The light from the hall blinded Allard, and he hadto cover his eyes with the back of his
hand.
As he glanced out, he saw a small shadow rush him,but before he could even raise
his hands in defense, the figure was on him,hugging him.
Oh, Allard, are you okay?
Maela, my dear. I'm so happy to see you.
(00:44):
Allard's happiness turned to fear.
Why are you leading this escape? You're supposedto be helping Raillen flee.
Allard's heart fell. Oh no, Raillen.
He's fine.
Maela said, letting go of Allard and grabbing hishand.
At least I think he's fine. We came to rescue you.
Allard stumbled forward.
(01:05):
Are you okay?
Oh, I'm fine. An arrow wound in my shoulder andsome bruises.
I've felt worse after Founder's Day festivities.
Allard laughed, but his deep voice quicklyreturned to a serious tone.
What do you mean you came to rescue me? Why didn'tyou flee?
A slight tinge of anger colored Allard's usuallykind voice.
(01:26):
It was the Guildmaster's idea. He said we shouldmake it look like he and his friends freed
his friend Rafe and you. He believes it willconceal the strength of the guild.
Maela tugged on Allard's arm.
It is a good plan, Allard. He's right. This buysus time.
Allard shook his head.
A foolish plan. This was too risky.
(01:48):
Our new Guildmaster seems to have an affinity forrisk.
Maela looked over her shoulder.
We need to go. I don't know how much time Raillenhas bought us.
We can argue over the plan when we are all safe inthe tower.
They marched out of the cell, and although he heldhis
tongue, Allard was alarmed at how things had gone.
(02:08):
If Raillen were captured and killed, the councilwould certainly name a friend of
Larsen's as Guildmaster thief, and that wouldcreate chaos in the old quarter.
The risk was unacceptable. Better Allard die thanmake this silly escape
attempt while hiding the guild's involvement.
Hold.
Allard said. Maela stopped and looked back asAllard removed the sword and white
(02:33):
cloak of the guard.
No hood. Let's hope that most of the young knightshave forgotten me and my past in this
accursed guild.
Allard suddenly noticed that there was no blood onthe robe.
You didn't kill him?
I was following Raillen's plan. The smart thingwould be to kill him, so I made it appear
we didn't know what we were doing.
Allard nodded. Raillen is resourceful and notafraid of
(02:57):
risks, he thought. A good combination for a thief.
When they reached Rafe, there was no hope ofcleaning him up.
He was bruised and dirty, and looked like aprisoner.
Maela whispered the plan as the three of themwalked up the catacombs staircase.
Allard had to struggle not to scream over itsidiocy.
(03:18):
"We are to run out, jump on horses, and just rideto the tower."
But a crazy thing confronted him as they exitedthe catacombs.
The entire Knight Tower appeared in disarray.
Knights were everywhere, but they were all runningtoward the front of the tower.
(03:39):
Allard looked at Maela, who appeared stunned.
The three of them walked right out the front doorof the tower without anyone giving them a
second glance. The only problem was that the wagonwith their escape horses
was surrounded by knights.
As they approached, the wagon master was wavinghis hands, clearly distraught.
(04:01):
He stole my horse. The thief stole my horse!
He caught Allard's eye and quickly shook his head.
Allard took a hard left and he, Maela, and Rafecrossed the circle and
entered the flats.
Did you see that there were only three horses?
Maela whispered.
Allard nodded. Raillen escaped. Against all odds,he did
(04:23):
it. He couldn't hold back his smile as he said-
We need to find a safe house.
(suspenseful music plays)
(suspenseful music plays) The Thieves Guild
by Jake Kerr.
Episode 19:
Through the Front Door.
(00:24):
The light from the hall blinded Allard, and he hadto cover his eyes with the back of his
hand.
As he glanced out, he saw a small shadow rush him,but before he could even raise
his hands in defense, the figure was on him,hugging him.
Oh, Allard, are you okay?
Maela, my dear. I'm so happy to see you.
(00:44):
Allard's happiness turned to fear.
Why are you leading this escape? You're supposedto be helping Raillen flee.
Allard's heart fell. Oh no, Raillen.
He's fine.
Maela said, letting go of Allard and grabbing hishand.
At least I think he's fine. We came to rescue you.
Allard stumbled forward.
(01:05):
Are you okay?
Oh, I'm fine. An arrow wound in my shoulder andsome bruises.
I've felt worse after Founder's Day festivities.
Allard laughed, but his deep voice quicklyreturned to a serious tone.
What do you mean you came to rescue me? Why didn'tyou flee?
A slight tinge of anger colored Allard's usuallykind voice.
(01:26):
It was the Guildmaster's idea. He said we shouldmake it look like he and his friends freed
his friend Rafe and you. He believes it willconceal the strength of the guild.
Maela tugged on Allard's arm.
It is a good plan, Allard. He's right. This buysus time.
Allard shook his head.
A foolish plan. This was too risky.
(01:48):
Our new Guildmaster seems to have an affinity forrisk.
Maela looked over her shoulder.
We need to go. I don't know how much time Raillenhas bought us.
We can argue over the plan when we are all safe inthe tower.
They marched out of the cell, and although he heldhis
tongue, Allard was alarmed at how things had gone.
(02:08):
If Raillen were captured and killed, the councilwould certainly name a friend of
Larsen's as Guildmaster thief, and that wouldcreate chaos in the old quarter.
The risk was unacceptable. Better Allard die thanmake this silly escape
attempt while hiding the guild's involvement.
Hold.
Allard said. Maela stopped and looked back asAllard removed the sword and white
(02:33):
cloak of the guard.
No hood. Let's hope that most of the young knightshave forgotten me and my past in this
accursed guild.
Allard suddenly noticed that there was no blood onthe robe.
You didn't kill him?
I was following Raillen's plan. The smart thingwould be to kill him, so I made it appear
we didn't know what we were doing.
Allard nodded. Raillen is resourceful and notafraid of
(02:57):
risks, he thought. A good combination for a thief.
When they reached Rafe, there was no hope ofcleaning him up.
He was bruised and dirty, and looked like aprisoner.
Maela whispered the plan as the three of themwalked up the catacombs staircase.
Allard had to struggle not to scream over itsidiocy.
(03:18):
"We are to run out, jump on horses, and just rideto the tower."
But a crazy thing confronted him as they exitedthe catacombs.
The entire Knight Tower appeared in disarray.
Knights were everywhere, but they were all runningtoward the front of the tower.
(03:39):
Allard looked at Maela, who appeared stunned.
The three of them walked right out the front doorof the tower without anyone giving them a
second glance. The only problem was that the wagonwith their escape horses
was surrounded by knights.
As they approached, the wagon master was wavinghis hands, clearly distraught.
(04:01):
He stole my horse. The thief stole my horse!
He caught Allard's eye and quickly shook his head.
Allard took a hard left and he, Maela, and Rafecrossed the circle and
entered the flats.
Did you see that there were only three horses?
Maela whispered.
Allard nodded. Raillen escaped. Against all odds,he did
(04:23):
it. He couldn't hold back his smile as he said-
We need to find a safe house.
(suspenseful music plays)
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
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.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com