Arutha sat for an hour, his mind miles away as he absently ate and drank. He was a man who often descended into dark brooding when left alone, but when given a problem he never ceased to work on it, to attack it from every possible side, to worry it, tossing it about, as a terrier does a rat. He conjured up dozens of possible approaches to the problem and constantly re-examined every shred of information he had. Finally, after discarding a dozen plans, he knew what he must do. He took his feet off the table and grabbed a ripe apple off the dish before him.
Jimmy! he shouted, and the boy thief was instantly awake, years of dangerous living having bred the habit of light sleeping. Arutha threw the apple at the boy and with astonishing speed he sat up and caught the fruit scant inches from his face. Arutha could understand how he had come to be known as the Hand.
What? inquired the boy as he bit into the fruit.
I need you to carry a message to your master. Jimmy stopped in mid-bite. I need you to arrange a meeting between myself and the Upright Man. Jimmys eyes widened in utter disbelief.
Again thick fog had rolled in off the Bitter Sea to blanket Krondor in a deep mantle of haze. Two figures moved quickly past the few taverns still open for business. Arutha followed as Jimmy led him through the city, passing out of the Merchants Quarter into rougher environs, until they were deep within the heart of the Poor Quarter. Then a quick turn down an alley and they stood before a dead end. Emerging from the shadows, three men appeared as if by magic. Arutha had his rapier out in an instant, but Jimmy only said, We are pilgrims who seek guidance.
Pilgrims, I am the guide, came the answer from the foremost man. Now, tell your friend to put up his toad sticker or well deliver him up in a sack.
If the men knew Aruthas identity, they were giving no sign. Arutha slowly put away his sword. The other two men came forward, holding out blindfolds. Arutha said, What business is this?
This is the way you will travel, answered the spokesman. If you refuse, you will go not one step farther.
Arutha fought down irritation and nodded, once. The men came forward and Arutha saw Jimmy blindfolded an instant before he was roughly denied light himself. Struggling against the urge to pull the blindfold away, Arutha heard the man speak. You will both be led from here to another place, where others will come to guide you. You may be passed along through many hands before you reach your destination, so do not become alarmed should you hear unexpected voices in the dark. I do not know what your ultimate destination is, for I do not need to know. I also do not know who you are, man, but orders have come down from one most highly placed that you are to be led quickly and delivered unharmed. But be warned: remove your blindfold only at grave risk. You may not know where you are from this moment henceforth. Arutha felt a rope being tied around his waist and heard the speaker say, Hold tightly to the rope and keep a sure foot; we travel at good pace.
Without further word, Arutha was jerked around and led off into the night.
For more than an hour, or so it seemed to the Prince, he had been led about the streets of Krondor. He had twice stumbled and had bruises to show for the casual care given by his guides. At least three times he had changed guides, so he had no idea whom he would see when the blindfold was removed. But at last he climbed a flight of stairs. He heard several doors open and shut before strong hands forced him to sit. At last the blindfold was removed and Arutha blinked as he was dazzled by the light.
Arrayed along a table was a series of lanterns, with a polished reflector behind each, all turned to face him. Each cast a brilliant illumination into the Princes eyes, preventing him from seeing anyone who stood behind that table.
Arutha looked to his right and saw Jimmy sitting upon another stool. After a long moment a deep voice rumbled from behind the lights. Greetings, Prince of Krondor.
Arutha squinted against the light, but could catch no glimpse of who spoke from behind the glare. Am I speaking to the Upright Man?
A long pause preceded the answer. Be satisfied that I am empowered to reach any understanding you may desire. I speak with his voice.
Arutha considered for a moment. Very well. I seek an alliance.
From behind the glare came a deep chuckle. What would the Prince of Krondor need of the Upright Mans aid?
I seek to learn the secrets of the Guild of Death.
A long silence followed on the heels of this statement. Arutha couldnt decide if the speaker was consulting another person or simply thinking. Then the voice behind the lanterns said, Remove the boy and hold him outside.
Two men appeared from out of the dark and roughly grabbed Jimmy, hauling him from the room. When he was gone, the voice said, The Nighthawks are a source of concern for the Upright Man, Prince of Krondor. They trespass upon the Thieves Highway and their black murders stir up the populace, casting unwelcome light upon the Mockers many activities. In short, they are bad for business. It would serve us to see them ended, but what cause have you beyond that which normally occupies a ruler when his subjects are being wantonly murdered in their sleep?
They pose a threat to my brother and myself.
Again there was a long silence. Then they set their sights high. Still, royalty often needs killing as much as the commons, and a man must earn a living howsoever he may, even though he be an assassin.
It should be apparent to you, said Arutha dryly, that murdering Princes would be especially bad for business. The Mockers would find things a little cramped working in a city under martial law.
This is true. Name your bargain.
I ask no bargain. I demand cooperation. I need information. I wish to know where lies the heart of the Nighthawks.
Altruism accrues little benefit to those lying cold in the gutter. The arm of the Guild of Death is long.
No longer than mine, said Arutha in a voice devoid of humour. I can see that the activities of the Mockers suffer greatly. You know as well as I what would happen to the Mockers should the Prince of Krondor declare war upon your guild.
There is little profit in such contention between the guild and Your Highness.
Arutha leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming from the brilliant lights. Slowly, biting off each word, he said, I have no need of profit.
A moment of silence was followed by a deep sigh. Yes, there is that, said the voice thoughtfully. Then it chuckled. That is one of the advantages to inheriting ones position. It would prove troublesome to govern a guild of starving thieves. Very well, Arutha of Krondor, but for this risk the guild needs indemnity. Youve shown the stick, now what of the carrot?
Name your price. Arutha sat back.
Understand this: the Upright Man is sympathetic to Your Highness regarding the problems posed by the Guild of Death. The Nighthawks are not to be endured. They must be eliminated root and branch. But many risks are involved, and great expense will be incurred; this will be a costly venture.
Your price? Arutha repeated flatly.
For the risk involved to all should we fail, ten thousand golden sovereigns.
That would put a large hole in the royal treasury.
True, but consider the alternatives.
We have a bargain.
Name your price. Arutha sat back.
Understand this: the Upright Man is sympathetic to Your Highness regarding the problems posed by the Guild of Death. The Nighthawks are not to be endured. They must be eliminated root and branch. But many risks are involved, and great expense will be incurred; this will be a costly venture.
Your price? Arutha repeated flatly.
For the risk involved to all should we fail, ten thousand golden sovereigns.
That would put a large hole in the royal treasury.
True, but consider the alternatives.
We have a bargain.
I shall provide the Upright Mans instructions as to the means of payment later, the voice said with a hint of humour in it. Now there is another matter.
What is that? said Arutha.
Young Jimmy the Hand has broken oath with the Mockers and his life is forfeit. He shall die within the hour.
Without thinking, Arutha began to rise. Strong hands pushed him down from behind as a large thief stepped out of the darkness. He simply shook his head in the negative.
We would never think of returning you to the palace in less salubrious condition than that in which you arrived, said the voice behind the lights, but draw a weapon in this room and you will be delivered to the palace gate in a box and we will deal then with the consequences.
But Jimmy
Broke oath! interrupted the voice. He was honour-bound to report the whereabouts of the Nighthawk when he saw him. As he was honour-bound to tell of Laughing Jacks treachery. Yes, Highness, we know of these things. Jimmy betrayed the guild to carry word to you first. There are certain matters that can be forgiven because of age, but these actions cannot.
Ill not stand by and allow Jimmy to be murdered.
Then listen, Prince of Krondor, for I have a story to tell. Once the Upright Man lay with a woman of the streets, as he had with hundreds of others, but this whore bore him a son. This is a certainty: Jimmy the Hand is the Upright Mans son, though he is ignorant of his paternity. This presents the Upright Man with something of a quandary. If he is to obey the laws he has made, he must order the death of his own son. But should he not, he will lose credibility with those who serve him. An unpleasant choice. Already the Guild of Thieves is in turmoil from Jacks being shown as an agent of the Nighthawks. Trust is a thin enough commodity at most times; it is nearly nonexistent now. Can you think of another way?
Arutha smiled, for he knew another way. In times not far past, it was not unheard of to buy pardon. Name your price.
For treason? No less than another ten thousand gold sovereigns.
Arutha shook his head. His treasury would be gutted. Still, Jimmy must have known the risks of betraying the Mockers to bring him warning, and that was worth much. Done, said Arutha sourly.
Then you must keep the boy with you, Prince of Krondor, for hell never be one with the Mockers again, though we will not attempt to harm him unless he again transgresses against us. Then we shall deal with him as we would any freebooter. Harshly.
Arutha rose. Is our business then done?
Except for one last thing.
Yes?
Also in times not far past, it was not unheard of to buy a patent of nobility for a price in gold. What price would you ask of a father to have his son named Squire of the Princes court?
Arutha laughed, suddenly understanding the course of negotiations. Twenty thousand golden sovereigns.
Done! The Upright Man is fond of Jimmy; though he has other bastards around, Jimmy is special. The Upright Man wishes Jimmy to remain ignorant of the relationship, but he will be pleased to think his son shall have a brighter future for this nights negotiations.
He will be placed within my service, without knowing who his father is. Shall we meet again?
I think not, Prince of Krondor. The Upright Man guards his identity jealously, and even to come close to one who speaks with his voice brings him dangers. But we will carry clear messages to you when we know where hide the Nighthawks. And we will welcome news of their obliteration.
Jimmy sat nervously. For over three hours Arutha had been closeted with Gardan, Volney, and Laurie, as well as other members of his privy staff. Jimmy had been invited to remain in a room set aside for his use. The presence of two guards at the door and two more below the balcony outside his window gave ample support to the notion that he was, for whatever reason, a prisoner. Jimmy had little doubt he could leave undetected during the night if he had been in fit condition, but after the events of the last few days he felt abused. Also, he was at something of a loss to understand being returned to the palace with the Prince. The boy thief was uneasy. Something in his life had changed and he wasnt sure what, or why.
The door to the room opened and a guard sergeant stuck his head in, waving to Jimmy to come. His Highness wants you, boy. Jimmy quickly followed the soldier down the hall to the long passage to the council chambers.
Arutha looked up from reading something. About the table sat Gardan, Laurie, and some other men Jimmy didnt know, while Earl Volney stood near the door. Jimmy, I have something for you here. Jimmy simply looked around the room, not knowing what to say. Arutha said, This is a royal patent naming you Squire to the Princes court.
Jimmy was speechless, his eyes wide. Laurie chuckled at his reaction, while Gardan grinned. Finally Jimmy found his voice. This is a jest, right? When Arutha shook his head, the boy said, But me, a squire?
Arutha replied, You have saved my life and you are to be rewarded.
Jimmy said, But, Highness, I thank you, but theres the matter of my oath to the Mockers.
Arutha leaned forward. That matter has been disposed of, Squire. You are no longer a member of the Guild of Thieves. The Upright Man has agreed. It is done.
Jimmy felt trapped. He had never taken much pleasure in being a thief, but he had taken great pleasure in being a very good thief. What appealed to him was the chance to prove himself at every turn, to show all that Jimmy the Hand was the best thief in the guild or at least would be someday. But now he was to be bound to the Princes household, and with the office came duties. And if the Upright Man had agreed, Jimmy was forever denied access to the society of the streets.
Seeing the boys lack of enthusiasm, Laurie said, May I, Highness?
Arutha permitted, and the singer came over to place a hand on the boys shoulder. Jimmy, His Highness is simply keeping your head above water, literally. He had to bargain for your life. If he had not, youd be floating in the harbour this hour. The Upright Man knew youd broken oath with the guild.
Jimmy visibly sagged and Laurie squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. The boy had always thought himself somehow above the rules, free of the responsibilities that bound others. Jimmy had never known why he had been granted special consideration so many times, while others were forced to pay their way, but now he knew that he had stretched privilege too far once too often. There was no doubt in the boys mind that the singer told the truth, and conflicting emotions surged up within him as he considered how close to being murdered he had come.
Laurie said, Palace life isnt so bad. The buildings warm, your clothingll be clean, and theres ample food. Besides, therell be plenty to hold your interest. He looked at Arutha and added dryly, Especially of late.