Path: newsspool1.news.atl.earthlink.net!stamper.news.atl.earthlink.net!elnk-atl-nf1!newsfeed.earthlink.net!newsswing.news.prodigy.com!prodigy.net!newsfeed.cwix.com!border1.nntp.dca.giganews.com!nntp.giganews.com!newsread.com!newsstand.newsread.com!POSTED.monger.newsread.com!not-for-mail
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated
Approved: ascem@earthlink.net
Organization: Better Living Thru TrekSmut 
Sender: ascem@earthlink.net
Message-ID: <cqqop1+udbj@eGroups.com>
From: "Richard Schultz" <cousindream@MSN.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Mailing-List: list ASCEML@yahoogroups.com; contact ASCEML-owner@yahoogroups.com
Subject: New FFF: "Tenples" 1/1(Uber VOY: Uber Janeway/7/B'Elanna)R
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Lines: 3476
Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2004 05:55:25 GMT
NNTP-Posting-Host: 209.198.142.218
X-Complaints-To: Abuse Role <abuse@prismnet.com>, We Care <abuse@newsread.com>
X-Trace: monger.newsread.com 1104213325 209.198.142.218 (Tue, 28 Dec 2004 00:55:25 EST)
NNTP-Posting-Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2004 00:55:25 EST
Xref: news.earthlink.net alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated:86407
X-Received-Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 21:55:33 PST (newsspool1.news.atl.earthlink.net)



Title: TEMPLES

Author: R Schultz ( cousindream@aol.com )=20

Rating: R, for violence and mentioning sex.

Series: =DCber Voyager

Code: f/f

Pairing: =DCber Janeway/=DCber Seven (Red Mouser/Sevein)/B'Elanna

Disclaimer: All Trek belongs to Paramount and ViaBorgCom, who=20
haven't a ghost of a chance of laying claim to this story, which is=20
mine under Berne Copyright Laws. Profuse apologies to Fritz Leiber.=20
18,300 words long. Written April, 2003, for the FFF.

Summary: Two female Free Swords have come to the Holy City of Tar-
hedge wizards in a magic-laden rough and brawling world filled with=20
all the Gods, Demons, sprites, cut-purses, Witches, Warlocks,=20
Warlords, spells, schemers, ghosts, avaricious tax collectors,=20
unbathed nobles, smelly peasants, bad food and evil Priests one=20
could possibly ask for.=20

Archived to the Femme Fuh-Q Fest, then to the ASCEML. Others please=20
ask.

For more great FFF stories, visit=20
http://www.geocities.com/femme_fuhq_fest/=20

Comments to R Schultz ( cousindream@aol.com )






---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------


TEMPLES
by R Schultz






There it was, the Free City of Tar-trigon, member of the Tastian=20
League. Chartered by the Holy Skammerian Emperor himself five=20
centuries ago. The great, rich, proud and (to varied pilgrims and=20
religions) Holy city of the broad Skammer lands. Twelve meter high=20
curtain walls stretched for kilometers around it, it's defenses were=20
kept in repair, and the two bordering Grand Dukedoms found it=20
convenient for the city to belong to neither one of them. Its wealth=20
was coveted throughout the continent.=20




The city thronged with temples both large and small, and Holy days=20
crowded its calendars. Every day processions were winding through=20
the narrow streets somewhere within its precincts. At least=20
throughout the summer. Ceremonies inside its many Temples ranged=20
from nearly naked belly dancers (or so we'd heard) and reedy pipe=20
music, to black-robed supplicants swinging censers of sweet (or=20
foul) smelling herbs. A religion for every taste.




It had rained during the night, but it had been a light rain. Barely=20
enough to lay the usual dust and rich-acid-sweet stench from the=20
inevitable caravan behind us, slowly wending its way to some unseen=20
camelissary outside some distant city gate. The gate we could see=20
catered to foot traffic and carts, horsemen and pilgrims. Presumably=20
the guards wouldn't be too curious.




We were both armed mercenaries, and openly so. We were looking to=20
see what we could see. If we couldn't find honest work, we could=20
always try our hands at stealing something. First off, though, we'd=20
have to contact the local Thieves Guild and find what restrictions,=20
fees and prohibitions they had here. Outsiders had the illusion=20
thieves didn't have their own rules, as well as Masters and=20
apprentices like any other guild.




Also, local thieves Guilds always had additional restrictions on=20
outsiders, but there were also always ways around them.=20




Additionally, such a large rich city should have need for a pair of=20
skilled House Karls. Like me and my companion, Sevein. If nothing=20
else, it was early summer, and some Caravan was always looking for a=20
few Free Swords to help them get to their destinations. But we'd=20
just gotten let from one, and I thought it'd be nice to sleep in a=20
room somewhere for a change.




Hopefully we'd find a situation where we could allow our ties, me=20
and Sevien, to openly show.




Me? I'm the Red Mouser. The shorter one with the wry smile. I like=20
to think that I'm still pretty after far too many years as a hired=20
sword. The big blond female with the short warrior's braid, who was=20
stuffing dry cheese and moldy bread into her mouth, that's Sevein.=20
Yes, I've noticed, she is quite comely.=20




We're about to enter a city where food must abound, so she's=20
finishing off our old tired travel rations. Waste not, want not, she=20
often said. I agreed. Until this moment we'd always carried a few=20
emergency rations. I was chewing the last of our sun-cured Ibex meat.




We each had twelve golden Altars in our second money belt, the=20
secret one tied under our breasts, ten big fresh silver Havenite=20
Quadenars in our first money belt, the one about our waists, and=20
numerous bronze and silver bits in our waist purses.=20




With this wealth we would buy fresh bread today. Something to tide=20
us over until we had better prospects. I'd like some rich man's=20
style white bread, and olive oil to dip it in. Maybe buy a stew or=20
roast, and watered wine to slake our thirsts.




Neither one of us are gourmets. You eat what you must, in our line=20
of work. Maybe eat and drink good when you can.




This was a big city. Maybe we could stay over the entire year and=20
trading season, doing this, doing that, and maybe go out with one of=20
the first caravans once Spring returns.




Or maybe not.




Sevein squealed in surprise when a bright green frog landed in her=20
almost-cleaned metal bowl. Her hand whipped it up without thinking,=20
and she contemplated the little beast as she held it in her grasp.=20
We were both sprawled beside a little rivulet feeding the=20
easternmost of Tai-trigon's three northern rivers, so it shouldn't=20
be hard to find a score more of its cousins in the reeds. Though it=20
was close to the city, the water looked clean enough to drink. No=20
one drinks water coming FROM a city.




Before Sevein squeezed the little intruder to death I reminded her=20
that it ate flying insects. She grimaced, but threw it back into the=20
water, wiping her hand on her curly wool vest and jerkin. She looked=20
down at the cheese and bread remaining for a moment, then proceeded=20
to finish it off. Waste not, want not.




"That was generous of you," a voice suddenly spoke in my ear. My=20
food knife was to hand as I turned to look up at the intruder, but I=20
didn't think I'd need to use it on her.




A Pilgrim, judging from the robe and staff. Small and female, my=20
eyes and ears judged. I'd already noted Sevein had one of her War=20
Saxea loosed, and in one hand. I'd seen her cleave a bandit at=20
thirty paces with one of those throwing axes. She could use a dirk=20
or a sword, but she preferred a little room and one of her axes when=20
it came down to serious mayhem.




Like any serious Free Sword, though, she used her weapons when she=20
had to, but never without counting cost first. Random bloodletting=20
just got everyone mad at you. Bad business. A smile and a few soft=20
words usually got us past most problems. It sometimes paid to be=20
female and ... pleasant.




The Pilgrim's hood was pulled forward, so I couldn't see if she was=20
pretty or not. However, past experience had taught me that religious=20
pilgrims tended not to look like Dancing Girls. Most of them. This=20
one sounded pretty. I liked pretty girls. So did Sevein.




The Pilgrim sat down tailor fashion between us, laying her long=20
gnarled shaft of Ash on the ground. She pulled out a worn and supple=20
looking kidskin bag from the folds of her robe, the greasy look to=20
it telling of its use as a food bag. Her small hands opened it and=20
offered us a thick-crusted pie of some sort. I took my knife to it,=20
discovering it to be a meat pie, and of recent enough vintage that=20
its innards were still slightly gelid. Neither one of us turned down=20
food.=20




Lamb with lots of garlic. We then shared some acetic wine Sevein had=20
in her canteen, with the Pilgrim. Interestingly enough, when the=20
Pilgrim let her cowl down, she WAS pretty.




She was termed B'Elanna and she resisted hints about telling us -=20
me - about herself. She did allow she had come some distance, like=20
any pilgrim might, to be present for her God's holiday. Which was=20
due to start that night, inside the city. She didn't say anything=20
about her God or Gods.




Sevein's attitude was that all Gods were unpredictable, oftentimes=20
deadly, and intelligent folk should stay as far away from them as=20
possible. I agreed.




B'Elanna was a great deal more forthcoming than we were, albeit only=20
about local customs. She displayed knowledge no doubt garnered=20
during previous visits. She was obviously neither poor nor ugly, and=20
one had to wonder why she wasn't at home somewhere, raising some=20
man's get instead of pilgrimaging.




She warned us about the Sathridin's rules about ordinary body=20
wastes. We'd get fined, or maybe bound to a work gang for a few=20
weeks if we failed to use one of the local gathering points. It was=20
custom here to use these Cubicles.=20




Chamber pots emptied out the nearest window were also outlawed.




A corps of menial sorts, usually slaves from the Mountain Lands,=20
were kept busy taking the city's waste out the gates for the benefit=20
of the local farmers. Which explained why the farmland about us had=20
such an usually strong stench.




One such barreled cart, serviced by three extremely slow moving=20
black-haired slaves, was working the road beside us. Cleaning up=20
after the camels of the recent caravan. Apart from an iron tube=20
around an ankle, only an 'S' brand on an arm marked them as the=20
Sathridin City property. They seemed remarkably well dressed for=20
slaves, and not too skinny. Obviously fed well enough. They wore=20
boots, rather than being barefoot.




A city with the gold to treat its lowest level of slaves well!




With an air of determination and jingling harness, a file of City=20
Cavalry rode back the way we had come. Reminding us of the military=20
side of this rich city.




B'Elanna also informed us we had to pay to use the City Cubicles.=20
Sevein thought it a waste of time and effort, a trick tax to get=20
people's coin, and probably not enforceable anyways.=20




B'Elanna begged to differ. She said the Sathridin, the council,=20
believed the practice prevented plague. The local religions agreed=20
that tiny evil and invisible gods lived in the waste, and it were a=20
good idea to keep it as far from a city as possible. They called=20
then "Germs". Evidently another local superstition.




I myself had my doubts about them, but chalked up the expense as=20
just another form of tax. It was merely one of those irritating=20
peculiarities every city or district had. One more social or=20
religious practice that the simple-minded were glad to believe in.=20
To my thinking, those little Gods must be living inside me right now=20
and they didn't seem to be bothering me.




B'Elanna said "Germs" were ancient knowledge, from before mankind=20
came to this world. Inwardly I scoffed. Every religion we'd ever=20
encountered claimed Ancient Knowledge as proof of their belief. I=20
had yet to encounter any indication we'd come from another world.=20
Nonetheless Sevien and I thanked her for the warnings.




The lamb and garlic meat pie wasn't too bad, either.




She asked me why I was called the Red Mouser, so I drew her=20
attention to my cowled cape, made of the sewn-together skins of=20
numerous red mice. Alas, it was in it's usual filthy state, and it=20
was not easy to determine what it was made of.=20




Which reminded me I wanted to get it boiled clean inside the city.=20
Boiling had the side benefit of killing our passengers, also. Sevein=20
captured one with a quick grab onto her neck, under her collar, then=20
cracked and ate the offending pest.




A good strong spell would keep us lice-free for months, but I'd=20
always fought shy of purchasing any spell above the Seventh Level.=20
You have to trust the abilities of the Sorcerer, and if he mis-
pronounces a single word you could be in trouble, right along with=20
the Spell Caster. If you don't handle those Demons with exactly the=20
right inflections, you could wind up dead.=20




I'd known a few Apprentice Wizards, and they complained they spent=20
most every day doing scut work for their Masters and practicing=20
diction. Especially the diction. There was cause for the incessant=20
practice.




Even the Masters could get it wrong.




Once we were laagered outside this large and rich Wizard's castle=20
one night, when a gigantic series of bolts of deep blue lightning=20
rose slowly up into the night from inside the Keep. In morning's=20
light, we found most of the insides were simply gone. A few holes in=20
the ground stone, the curtain walls remained, but nothing else.=20




All had vanished in the blue bolts. Animals, people, stone and gold,=20
wooden buildings, everything. A faint hint of brimstone lingered.=20
Sevein and I left for somewhere else immediately.




Of course we could also get an experienced Wizard or his apprentice=20
to curse our pests away temporarily. But Wizards not only were=20
expensive, but themselves often bad-tempered, testy, and=20
treacherous. All those worries about proper diction and hierarchial=20
address. One did not easily draw their attention to yourself, any=20
more than one did Tax Collectors.




I wanted to get myself and Sevein clean, though. We'd take the risk=20
and spare the coin. Also, we'd both started our fluxes yesterday,=20
and I wanted very much to put clean rags around a clean crotch for=20
once. I could hardly wait for the day when I wouldn't have this=20
problem.




Once one Wizard had advertised he could cure the problem permanently=20
for females, but the price had been twenty gold Crowns. At times=20
like now I regretted never spending the coin.




If I was a rich lady I could have a Wizard resolve many problems.=20
But who except the rich had that sort of money?




B'Elanna thanked us for our patience in listening to her, guessing=20
full well our attitudes about religious theories. Then she trudged=20
on, heading for the nearby gate. The morning crush to enter the city=20
seemed over, so we did the same.




- - - - - - - - - - - - - -




The little red captive Devil skittering above the Gate gave Sevein=20
and me the beady glare, and spat a spark or two at us. But as we=20
weren't Warlocks, Witches or Wyverns in disguise, it didn't pass on=20
an alarm to the Guards. If it kept all potential thieves and hedge=20
wizards from passing through the gates, no one could enter the city=20
except a few priests, pilgrims and virgins.=20




It hissed some malediction at Sevien and Sevien spat at it, hitting=20
it squarely. It screeched it's pain at being doused with water, even=20
in the form of spit. Served the Devil right for it's bad manners.=20




The guards congratulated Sevien on her accuracy and prettiness. She=20
adroitly sidestepped a few wandering hands, rather than transfixing=20
the owner with a stiletto. Sevein is doing much better at=20
controlling her temper nowadays. Lucky for us all. Neither the=20
guards nor the Devils could survive an heated encounter with iron,=20
such as was in our knives. But putting edge to either Devil or male=20
Guard would anger the Powers and authorities of the City.




We bypassed the food vendors near the gates. There would be food=20
sellers cheaper in the inner city, and probably with a greater=20
variety of mouth pleasures for sale. A few fruits would also be=20
nice, after a month crossing the Badlands.




We followed the obvious paved straight military road leading towards=20
the inner Citadel on the City Island. On the way we easily=20
discovered a large market. We each bought a hot fruit pie and found=20
a bit of wall by a side alley, where we could stand and devour our=20
prizes.=20




There was one of the City Cabinets near us, but little smell. We=20
ignored the little green sprite who took coin from those who had to=20
use it. The sprite probably had a spell on the smell too. Come to=20
think of it, the Barrel pushed by the slaves hadn't much offended.




"Cat," Sevein barely mumbled through her mouthful of hot, sweet, red=20
fruit. That alone made me check our vicinity. There was a fishing=20
tri-hook on a cord snaking down between us. I put on my mouse-hide=20
gloves, busily stuffing the remainder of my treat inside my face.=20
Sevien stopped poking at red fruit with her smallest knife long=20
enough to leave one hand free.=20




When the fishing hook found Sevein's money purse, and hooked itself=20
into the loop through her belt, I grabbed the fishing line and=20
Sevien grabbed the hook, using part of her jerkin as a caution to=20
hold it.=20




We both looked up and stared into the face of a pale-haired and pale-
skinned youth or girl, three stories above us, and working a fishing=20
pole and line. He or she was a good fisher, much practiced, if they=20
could hope to snare Sevein's purse from that height.




The face disappeared, and the pole and line fell down on our heads.=20
Thieves, cut-purses, from the sky! That was certainly a novel way of=20
purse dipping!




Practical as always, Sevien proceeded to circle the garnered fishing=20
line and hook and stow it into a pocket. The pole she judged to be=20
an ordinary stick, and threw it away.




A large black-skinned man in a purple turban laughed, and smiled at=20
us to show his humor was not meant at us, but with us.




"Not many of the Roof-runners lose their fishing hooks, strangers,"=20
he chuckled. "I was glad to see one of those rascals come to a loss,=20
for once." He raised his open hand, palm out, in greeting.




"My name is Tuvok, and I've lost an item or two to the Sky Dwellers=20
myself. I own a ship's chandelery and rope walk, down in the second=20
ship's pool, by the River gate. As a man of some leisure now, I've=20
just finished my breakfast." He patted a stomach which looked like=20
he hadn't eaten in a week.=20




"With both sons growing taller than me, and running the business, I=20
can now enjoy pleasures like a morning coffee. And you? The two of=20
you have the manner and tools to be Free Swords. Are you?"




Coffee. I salivated, anticipating its taste. Sevien hated the brew,=20
but I loved it.




We admitted to being mercenaries, and I added that we were looking=20
for employment of the sort which could use someone, like us, who=20
were accustomed to the simple use of sharp iron edges.=20




"City Guard not appeal to you much? There's always the Night Watch,=20
but they prefer large men who can use a truncheon, not females with=20
swords. Large men tend to break up trouble, overawe the rowdies,=20
scare them. Whereas I suppose you two would have to gut someone=20
before they took you seriously."




He looked Sevien up and down, but fortunately for him he didn't seem=20
to be judging her as a toy for his bed.




"You're good with the Saxe or the Labrys? No, No! Please! Don't show=20
me, I'll take your word for it. Good at Ten paces?" he asked.




"Twenty-five, easily," my partner smiled. "Sometimes I've done=20
better than thirty when I had to. And I hit what I aim to."




He advised us to try upriver on the New Island, or up The Signal=20
Mount, where more of the larger richer more established houses sat.=20
If we were of a mind to be legal, and clear of the Guard. Might find=20
a job as House Karls, or at least gate guards.=20




If nothing else we could come see him tomorrow, after Noon-tide, and=20
he might have a warehouse needing a guard for a night or so.=20




"Why trust us?" I asked.




"B'Elanna said you were kind to frogs." He laughed at my face. "The=20
High Priestess seems a good judge of character, and I agree with=20
her. You're both thieves, but you'll protect what you're hired to=20
guard, and not look to steal some of it for yourself.




"Though the next night after the end of your jobs might be left open=20
to a differing tale," he said.




"B'Elanna is the High Priestess here!" Sevein goggled.




"There are over a hundred High Priests and Priestess in this Free=20
City, my dear Honorables. And she is neither the most powerful nor=20
rich of the breed, so don't think too much of our little Dancer=20
Priestess."




"She dances?" I blurted.




Suddenly he looked in my face, finding something there he had not=20
noticed before. He looked from me to Sevein, then back to me, an=20
understanding coming to his eyes.




"She does it for her God," Tuvok said. "If you fancy to see her=20
dance, ask for the Temple of Gorgorol.




"Gorgorol is God of the Frogs. Our ever-dependable rain god. As we=20
always seem to have as much rain as we need, one might surmise=20
Gorgorol is one of the greater Gods of Tar-trigon.




"You'll find that Temple of Worship on the edge of the Old Maze, to=20
the northwest of here. If you wish you chould see her worship her=20
God in her own way, long before night falls."




With that he gave us the palm sign again, and left.




We estimated we had the time to clean, find a room and then find the=20
Temple of the Rain Frog. I'd like to see B'Elanna dance. I hoped it=20
was sensual and she was near naked.=20




However, first I rushed over and bought a fresh hot cup of coffee.=20
The vendor poured it into an blue enameled metal cup chained to his=20
cart. I sighed just inhaling it's odor. It had been a long time=20
between cups. Sevein waited patiently for me to finish it. Dear=20
Sevein.




Having filled our faces and stomachs, the next order of business was=20
to wash and get our clothes boiled. I ached to lose our little=20
biting uninvited passengers, at least for a while.=20




Three aqueducts fed the fountains inside the city, and wells=20
abounded. Hewn straight through the dark rock the city was built=20
upon. Iron-lace drains appeared everywhere, as well as stone horse=20
troughs and little fountains. In case of siege, water should never=20
be a problem in Tar-trigon. Nonetheless, the city had fallen a few=20
times in the past. Through treachery, or more often the city=20
surrendering to an obviously irresistible force. The city had not=20
received the Sack for centuries. At the moment the Dukedoms were at=20
peace, as well as most of the continental plain and piedmonts.




The tradesmen were profuse with their directions, perhaps too much=20
so. Yet eventually we knew where to look for Baths and Tailors. On=20
the way we ignored the usual beggar or two pleading for alms. Sevein=20
and I had used a few tricks in our day to appear crippled or=20
diseased. These looked like professionals at work.




Upon asking further as we went, we eventually found ourselves a node=20
of baths, shops, tailors, barbers, boot makers, weavers and clothes=20
boilers. We were debating which of four baths to approach when a=20
small voice popped up behind my right elbow.




"Neelix's doesn't have any peep holes in the walls for when he has=20
customers of the female persuasion. The other three do."




I had a knife out when I turned, but it was just our little=20
Rooftopper from the Market. Sevein had him by the neck.




"As you've asked my name, so nice and polite and all, why, they term=20
me Tommy, Tommy Pare, though some unkind souls call me Fancy Tom.=20
And yours?"




"You tried to literally lift my purse, you wretch," Sevein growled=20
into his ear. Fancy Tom turned a little paler than before, but he=20
continued to smile.=20




"Do you always seek to rob and abuse innocent and helpless women?"=20
As she was holding him by his collar a few centimeters off the=20
surface of the cobbled street, Tom didn't look as if he believed=20
Sevein was innocent OR helpless in any manner, shape, or form.




"You're a thief," I smiled. "What brings you voluntarily into our=20
hands, Mister purse fisherman?"




"You have my best fishing line," he returned. "B'Elanna, the High=20
Priestess, thought if I did a pair of fellow thieves a service or=20
two, I could get it back. Therefore, the question arises, what can I=20
do for you two dainty damsels?" We had to smile at the phraseology.=20
I was not surprised to find B'Elanna knew thieves as well as=20
respectable merchants as Tuvok.




"As you're probably strangers to our City," he continued, "mayhaps I=20
can direct you to an Inn or two that doesn't try to knock you in the=20
head at night and leave your remains to float down the river in the=20
morning.=20




"I even know of two or three decent sorts of places that will allow=20
Free Swords inside their premises. Provided you mention B'Elanna's=20
name.=20




"In addition two have a drinkable, if watered, wine. One of them has=20
a decent cook as well. Interested?




"And lastly I know somebody in the Thieves Guild, if you wish to=20
purchase some slightly used items....." He noted my quick rise of=20
interest.




"You're a member of the local Guild?" I asked.




Tom smiled more broadly now. "Looking for work, are we? B'Elanna=20
said you probably were. I presume you know we have rules to be=20
adhered to?




"Some Master will be in contact with you tonight or tomorrow to=20
explain matters to you. Biggest thing to watch out for, if you're a=20
SKILLED thief, mind, is our rule of Thirty Days. You park the=20
offending morsel in a Master's Hands for thirty days, and after that=20
the Council will help you dispose of it for a decent price.




"That way, if your morsel is badly needed back, or raises enough=20
angry hands at it's loss, it can be returned and no danger to you or=20
us. Though you will have to pay a fee for the service.=20




"Everyone in the city Watch knows the rules. We have rules in Tar-
trigon, just like anyplace else, and the City Guard follows them=20
just like any merchant or visitor. They know they have to pay good=20
coin for the return of any items that have fallen into thieves hands.




"After all, mind you, we're not a form of charity. We take a fee for=20
everything stolen or illegal that occurs in this city."




Tom looked wryly pleased by my neutral face. A fee and thirty days?=20
Sounds ridiculous, but then maybe it was another religious thing.=20
Local custom. Same thing. Sevein and I both knew not to take any=20
Thieves Guild restriction lightly.




"B'Elanna was right, but then she usually is." He explained=20
further. "The High Priestess says you two struck her as reasonable=20
people, as well as thieves."




The way he said it, I realized there was a hierarchy here, and by=20
reasonable and thief he meant a skilled denizen, rather than a=20
ruffian. We had just gone up in status, in his view.




"And this inviting Inn?" Sevein asked. "Does it have tight rooms=20
such that travelers desiring sleep and privacy may do so without=20
unwanted snoring strangers bellowing upon our floor? Paying for the=20
floor space, but an inconvenience to outselves."




"Small rooms, in that case. My fishing line and hook?"




"Trade."




"Done." With that he took us off to the Inn first. We took note of=20
the path back to Neelix' Bathhouse and Clothes Boiler.=20




The "Voyager" was a four-story dwelling, down by the first River=20
shipping basin. The Inn was not very new, and each floor overhung=20
the one below. A trio of City slaves trundled their ever-present=20
waste barrel on a cart out of the stables as we approached. Two=20
horsemen brushed us aside as they entered the confines of the Inn.=20
Inside, Tom introduced us to a large blond blousy woman named Sam,=20
who ran the place in the absence of a husband. Sevein smiled for the=20
smiling child, named Naomi.




A Wizard's Spell was available to protect our room and property, if=20
we wished. For a large silver piece, of course. Instead, Sevein and=20
I rely on our reflexes and cutting edges for protection.




We obtained the space under the gable, for a few large pieces of=20
brass, for the night. We could make more permanent arrangements --=20
and cheaper per night -- on the morrow if it suited us. As nothing=20
important were in our packs, we left the metal and wooden items in=20
our new dry room. The towels and packs went with us to be boiled.




Two small dormer windows opened on either side of the steeply=20
sloping roof, so we'd have air if needed. Or an escape route. Sam=20
warned Sevein that some rooftop denizens might attempt entry. That=20
last said with a pointed look at Master Pare.




After that we bid faretheeby to Master Tom, and went off to get=20
ourselves and our clothes boiled clean. And if Neelix had them, a=20
bundle of good boiled rags we could use as pillows for our cleaned=20
heads. And to wrap around our bloodied loins.




Yes, we must also get a barber to trim our hairs, even our most=20
guarded hair, so that our loathsome passengers might more easily=20
expire.




We'd already noted a tailor with newer clothes that might probably=20
fit. We found him, and searched through those items already made.=20
When held against our bodies for sizing, we were able to find some=20
apparent fits.=20




A weaver's shop with large rough blankets sold us our new bedrolls.=20
Only good way to lose passengers permanent like is to get hot clean=20
from the skin out, boil, and buy new kit.




Like most males, the red-haired Neelix at first admired Sevein, and=20
mostly ignored me. He asked if we needed fresh water or used, if hot=20
or cold, and how boiled did we need our clothes. It was cheaper=20
using someone else's bath water.




I enjoyed Neelix' outgoing manner and eagerness to please, even if=20
he was male. Sevein later said I enjoyed his presence because he was=20
shorter than I was. She was right.




For totally clean skins we coughed up the additional silvers. As we=20
waited for the water and it's warming, he also sold us some strong=20
smelling gray-colored soap. City living can be damned expensive.




He asked questions, but we evaded and he ceased. As our weaponry=20
made plain, we were mercenaries, looking for work as someone's=20
guards. We didn't do killings for hire or other such work. Our needs=20
were simple, and an honest wage could do for us.




He mentioned the "Voyager" as a reasonably honest Inn, if we had not=20
yet obtained a place to cosh. The City Guards were harsh on those=20
sleeping in the streets after the curfew.




He left when we began to disrobe. Soon the Barber arrived.




The Barber was a small older wiry male who termed himself Jean-Luc,=20
but he was competent. I wanted a little luxury today, so we had=20
obtained a skilled barber.=20




He trimmed our heads quite close, shaking his head as Sevein's braid=20
became waste. Then he lovingly lathered and shaved our groins and=20
armpits. Even if he was male, his warm breath tickled my parts.=20
Sevein smiled knowingly at me, anticipating her own shorning.=20




Jean-Luc was a talker, as most Barbers were wont to be, and gossiped=20
he had been a Captain once. Years ago, on the coaster "Enterprise".=20
He entertained us with tales of his sailing days, most of which were=20
probably exaggerations. The Captain masked his disappointment when=20
both of us did not let him become more intimate as he worked. As I=20
said before, few males did not want to enjoy us, even if only with=20
their gifted tongues.




Captain Jean-Luc laughed as we lustily scratched our newly smooth=20
skinned groins. By the time he was finished our tub of hot hot hot=20
water was ready. We ignored the male slaves stoking the fire=20
underneath the tub, though all goggled at Sevein's large breasts. We=20
screeched upon entering the hot water.=20




Males, even slaves, longed to enjoy Sevein's company, and mine. I=20
like to think I'm not too repugnant as a woman. At least when I'm=20
lacking my usual caked-on layer of dirt and grease. But males always=20
tend to look at Sevein first. I smile and mentally tell them to eat=20
their hearts out.




While basking in our clean skins in the tub, we produced an=20
additional Quadenara each for Neelix. In a minute a youngster, an=20
apprentice male Witch, with no facial hair yet, laid a potent Death=20
AND Suicide spell on lice and other unwelcome passengers. A smart=20
traveler doesn't rely on soap and hot water alone. You need a good=20
spell to kill the eggs too. This particular enspellment was=20
guaranteed for a fortnight and a half. We'd be happy if it lasted=20
more than a week.




Aaahhhh! Luxury.




- - - - - - - - - - - - - -






Neelix warned us of other City rules. Being drunk in public could=20
cost you a night in confinement and a fine. Being caught stealing=20
could cost you stripes off the skin of your back, a stretch on the=20
waste cleaning crew AND a fine. Second offense a hand. Dueling was=20
forbidden, and would cost you a hand and a fine. Killing someone in=20
a brawl would cost you a fine and months on the Barrel detail.=20
Disrupting a religious procession would cost you a thumb and a fine.=20
Defiling a Temple would cost you three fingers and a fine, if the=20
Temple acolytes left you alive. Not paying a debt could get you a=20
fine. All non-paid fines meant months shoveling filth on the Barrel=20
detail.




Tar-trigon City took itself very seriously, all these rules and=20
laws. It'd probably make life both harder and easier to a skilled=20
thief who used to scaling walls, running roofs, and getting into=20
small places. But not without prior approval of the Thieves Guild.=20




A knife slid into the back was much more certain from some Master=20
Ferret than was the risk of being caught by a City Guard. All City=20
Guards were long accustomed to dealing with rowdies and desperate=20
poor, but not a genuine slippery burglar.




I carried a knock-down grapnel in my sleeves, and my rope belt made=20
a good line. I could even get through many locks with my little=20
hardened steel lock jests. In my experience most citizens with a=20
little bit worth stealing, rely on simple locks and spells to keep=20
their treasures safe. Using iron to open the lock negated both the=20
Demon and the locking mechanism. Like I said before, Demons and=20
Devils (mostly) couldn't stand up to iron.




The ones that laughed at naked iron were the Demons that were a big=20
danger. And neither one of us fancied our heads on a pike.




- - - - - - - - - - - - - -






First order of business was to find B'Elanna, High Priestess.




The winding streets and alleys were difficult to navigate at first,=20
but we had compasses, and a few souls explained we could always look=20
for one of the four tall landmarks to get our bearings.




There was the Tower in the Castle, on it's high crag to the north.=20
The Spire of the Great Chariot of the Day, who was the local=20
important God of the city as a whole. The Sathridin's Tower on the=20
New Island, and the Signal Tower on the small mount where the Inner=20
Citadel perched. Not difficult.




They told us the Temple of Day and Truth's tower was covered with=20
gold gilt, this being the God of the Sun. That sort of display made=20
us realize there were probably treasures there, as well as walls,=20
locks and well armed suspicious guards.




The Sun God slept at night, and each morning went forth to ride his=20
Chariot through the sky. No one had ever seen anything of him but a=20
light too bright to look at. I didn't fancy meeting the God face to=20
face, he sounded potent and dangerous.




We passed a half dozen Temples on our way to that of Gorgorol, the=20
Rain God. A ziggurat here, an open particolled space there. The ones=20
likely to have something worth stealing had the customary acolyte or=20
four carrying an iron-headed staff. They also tended to have space=20
between their building and that of their neighbors. It being wise to=20
make it a little more difficult for a roof-runner like Master Tom to=20
get in.




Some Temples sparkled from all the spells laid on it to protect=20
their inner sanctums and their gold. When we found Gorgorol's, we=20
found it a simple wooden three-story square on a square on a square.=20
No one looked to be protecting it's fabulous treasures from thieves=20
because they obviously had none.




Maybe. More than one rich man has pretended poverty, in order to=20
turn away covetous burglars.




There were no suspicious acolytes standing about outside, but we=20
could feel the magic at work when we rubbed our hands or iron on the=20
walls.




I'd always wondered if the Gods came first, and afterward followers=20
came to pay homage. Or if believers were needed first before there=20
could be the God.




A smiling under-priest welcomed us and pointed towards the central=20
hall of worship. A few fish-oil lamps in sconces lighted the=20
insides, but it became lighter once we entered the central space of=20
worship. Numerous slots were cut in the interior dome's sides, and=20
light billowed in.




It was sloped and arranged as a bowl, so that worshippers in back=20
could see to the slightly raised platform in the center. Large,=20
green, and somewhat lacking details, a large green stone frog sat in=20
the center of the platform. Some mechanism started up and the frog=20
began to rotate.




A few reeds, a plucked string instrument and a bass drum made a not=20
unpleasing noise in the background. When a heavily clothed figure=20
emerged from a side door, I believed it was B'Elanna, surrounded by=20
her under-Priests, three in number.




After that I was able to allow my mind to ignore words and=20
concentrate on my inner eye, my inner mind. She began to talk about=20
Gorgorol's sorrow at our woes, his compassion for suffering=20
humanity, his attempts to wash away our sins and our sorrows with=20
his cleansing rain. His generosity in always returning to the lands=20
of the Skimmer and blessing them with the needed rain, the healing=20
rain, the rain of life.




And more of the same. Most of the worshippers seemed to be rural=20
people. Couples used to hard dirty work, simple homespun clothes,=20
the ones most anxious concerning a steady bounty of rain when they=20
needed it. But not likely to be blessing the Temple coffers with=20
much gold.




The three under-priests echoed the words of B'Elanna, facing out=20
into the audience, speaking forcibly and well, broadcasting the=20
message of the endless generosity of Gorgorol.




It became interesting when the shouting ceased and the priests=20
turned around to watch B'Elanna.




She danced.




To say she danced was an understatement. She moved in place, singing=20
a continuous moan of pleasure or peace. A wordless song to her God.=20
The three under-Priests moaned and chanted, and with the few musical=20
instruments as backdrop, it was a surprisingly happy paean. No=20
threats, no thundering noises, just joy.




Her arms lifted, the song interrupting itself as the males beside=20
her continued their chanting. She began to move, and at that moment=20
I was supremely glad I had bothered to come.=20




She danced. She danced, she moved, she turned, she glided, she waved=20
and raised her head and lowered her voice, and she moved faster and=20
faster.




When she shed the first scarf, shawl, I realized I was going to=20
receive my fondest wish.




B'Elanna was going to dance and remove her garments, one by one. She=20
was going to be beautiful for me, it felt like it was just her and=20
me and the music.=20




And Sevein. My darling pricked me in the side with her dirk,=20
reminding me of our relationship. Sevein wasn't a very jealous=20
woman, but she was reminding me she had her limits.




I hardly noticed. I was enthralled as bit after bit of B'Elanna's=20
clothes wafted to the floor or into the hands of her under-Priests.=20
Of a sudden I noticed now the dozen and a half of the better=20
dressed -- and male -- viewers to the spectacle. B'Elanna had her=20
admirers and now I was the one who was jealous.




But B'Elanna became the focus of my thoughts.




She was skilled, she'd had long practice at this dance, she may have=20
been doing this since childhood. It was easy to imagine a farmer's=20
child overcome with religious ecstasy and dedicating herself to the=20
Frog God of Rain. The father probably resented the loss of an unpaid=20
work-hand, but he in compensation he no longer had to worry about=20
having to obtain a dowry for her.




My happy hopes were being realized as scarf after scarf was=20
discarded. It was then that I realized the three under-priests were=20
circulating through the crowd, an open sack in a ring holder being=20
presented to each of us. Time to pay the piper.




Sevein noted that I gave a silver piece, but said not a word to me.=20
Not now. I might hear words about it tonight. But that was fine with=20
me. We were both clean, my new clothes felt sensual on me, my belly=20
was full, and we would have the night together. She would have my=20
apologies then.=20




But for the moment I drank in a B'Elanna who was finally nude,=20
frenzied, and suddenly, at the end of her dance, prone, before her=20
revolving God. But for a long minute before the dance finished she=20
had been arched before the audience, her glorious womanhood exposed=20
to a mostly appreciative crowd. I had my hand to my crotch upon=20
realizing she was as nearly hairless as I myself was at that moment.=20




A delectable feast laid bare before me. Sevein restrained me as I=20
began to drift nearer the stage. Regaining my senses, I stepped=20
back, holding Sevein's hand. Lust pooled in my blood looking at my=20
blond giantess. I squeezed her hand in return.




Quite a dance it had been. B'Elanna looked proudly to the audience,=20
though I imagined she smiled in my direction. Then the gongs were=20
being beaten. It was the end of the ceremony, and time to leave.




There were troughs of running water at the door, probably fed by a=20
pump and well, through which we could cleanse our feet or boots. I=20
looked back towards the platform, but it was now dark and silent.




"Cat?" Sevein asked. She smiled to my hand on her arm.




"Come with me, we have things to discuss, many things, many things=20
that need doing, don't we? In our nice dry warm private loft where=20
no one is going to disturb us?"




Her grin was infectious, though she glanced back into the temple,=20
maybe trying herself to see B'Elanna. I was far from being the only=20
one moved by B'Elanna's sweaty dance.




"Yes," she said. her hand touching mine. "Let us hurry." It had been=20
a long time for her as well.






- - - - - - - - - - - - - -=20






Unfortunately, nothing was so easy as receiving our dinner, then our=20
hurrying upstairs to our privacy and eventually, sleep, under a=20
roof. First we had a problem.




As we turned in through the tiny square, to enter "Voyager", a Bravo=20
with a dark sequined Hen slid in front of us. Something made me look=20
to the sides, and what I saw there was not good.=20




Two more Bravos, one a pure ruffian brandishing an iron-headed=20
truncheon, were mincing into our flanks. The one in front of us, the=20
one with the fancy head cowl, already had a slender Gentlemen's=20
Sword in hand, an epee. One of those expensive supple types whose=20
best use was in a thrust, rather than a slashing blow. A Dancing=20
Master sword, Sevein termed them. Deadly enough, for an artisto with=20
a blade. Even in the hands of what was obviously a villain and up to=20
little good.




They had a fourth and fifth, from the sounds behind us, no, three=20
more behind us. Six altogether. Not good odds, even if we were=20
professional blood-letters and probably each of us better at mayhem=20
than any single one of these closing in on us.




I wondered at their choosing us, since we didn't have the appearance=20
of much wealth. With our short hair they probably assumed us male as=20
well. Certainly, with our swords, the both of us looked far from=20
being easily deprived of our purses. A great deal of potential=20
trouble for small wages, to my mind.




Then I had the thought that we had made someone powerful very=20
unhappy, and for the life of me I could not guess who. Usually we=20
have to do something first before we garner any enemies.




"Go away," the Gentleman leader said. "Forget this place, leave, do=20
not come back. Consider this a friendly warning. Do not go into this=20
Inn tonight or any other night."




"We've paid for a night," I replied, trying to make my voice=20
masculine. "Our kit is upstairs, and we are owed a meal, for all of=20
which we've already paid. Let us by and we'll pretend we've never=20
met. No one will be hurt. Think on that, Sirrah. No one, and one of=20
those someone's might be you."




Even in the dusk I could see his eyes glint and a smile come to his=20
lips. He was going to attack.




"I gave you an option, peasant. Your sharp edges do not scare me,=20
nor your companions throwing ax. Leave. Now."




Before finishing his sentence, the villain made to transfix me with=20
his deadly supple sword.




The trouble with most city-bred sword-users is that they're fencers.=20
They've never had to use their steel in a battle situation. They=20
might be accustomed to drawing blood, or overawing foes. But they=20
haven't earned yet the responses and reflexes a warrior gains.




In this case the bully thought I would draw my sword and play a=20
deadly dance of metal with him. Which dance he might win by himself,=20
and in any case, he would draw my attention while his companions=20
took me from behind.




He hadn't noticed that both Sevein and myself had drawn our feet=20
together first. Then we each took one sudden step closer to our=20
intended targets.=20




We tossed our blankets at two of the assassins to our side and=20
charged forward. I had my waist knives out first, to parry the=20
Dandy's thrust with a steel edge. Then I was stepping INSIDE the arc=20
of his sword thrust. He probably expected I would try to gut him=20
once I had done so. But I had already noticed the bulge of his iron=20
corsetlet underneath his tunic.




With one knife blade I parried his sword to my side. I stepped=20
forward as far as I could and did something most sword wielders did=20
not have in their reflexes. When he leaned forward in his thrust, I=20
drove the point of my knife into his eye. He was dead before I had=20
even begun drawing my blade out of his brain. No time for it. I did=20
not wish to abandon the blade sticking out of him, but speed was=20
essential. I ran for the wall of the Inn. Sevein was right beside=20
me. I imagined I heard the swish of air as one antagonist attempted=20
to brain me with his truncheon.




Sevein had also stepped into the nearest villain to her left, not=20
bothering to draw either her sword or one of her axes. Instead she=20
had driven forward, inside the arc of the man's weapon, and drove=20
the edge of her fist into his windpipe. He might have lived for=20
minutes more, but he must die of the blow, and quickly.




By the time we reached the wall, my sword was drawn and Sevein had=20
one of her throwing Saxes in her hand. Our backs were covered, and=20
the odds were now two to one.




Suddenly we all heard the "Hello!" of the City Night Guard as they=20
darted upon the scene. They arrived altogether too felicitously, for=20
my taste. Their arrival had been planned, no doubt to make our guilt=20
tidy and assured, and the innocence of the assassins plain. As with=20
one soul, both Sevein and I risked our backs to find the doorway of=20
the Inn and rush inside.




Samantha took in our hurry in a quick burst of understanding. There=20
were nought else in the common room but her and her girl. She=20
pointed to the stairs, which we took two steps at a time. We reached=20
our narrow room in the eaves of the Inn, unlocked the door, entered,=20
locked the door, unlatched the northern window, and were quickly=20
scampering across the scallop shingles of the steep lee of our Inn's=20
roof.




We'd already noted our nearest neighbor, and clambered to achieve=20
speed as we approached the edge. I enjoyed a nauseating sensation of=20
sheer fright as I jumped, then I was clattering and grabbing at the=20
shingles of our goal. Sevien made it easily. She had longer legs=20
than I did. She touched me to steady me, and then we were making for=20
the roof-ridge, and the other side of the building.




There was little space between buildings there, so we easily=20
sprinted onto the next rooftop and over it's ridge. We hung onto the=20
topmost point and tried to judge where next to go.




Tar-trigon, as with most cities, had never planned where streets or=20
alleys would be built. Inns, tenements, shops, courtyards, atriums,=20
all made a chaos of a city streets. Very often one building leaned=20
against another. For the most part it was easy to traverse the=20
skyward side of a city.




Unfortunately we were strangers here, and did not know when an un-
jumpable gap might appear, or if we might fall through a rotted=20
rooftop. We had jumped two more buildings in quick succession, our=20
breathing was now deep, and we were trying to judge which way to go.




Motion! We stared into the quickly gathering night and saw two=20
figures on a tiled roof to our right.




"This way!" a male voice stage whispered. Not having any better=20
direction to go, we slid and clambered to a coping raised for a=20
large window. We judged the space close enough, and went back to the=20
ridge of this building. Sevien and I each in turn had a pretty fair=20
speed going when we sailed across to the next rooftop. Once there a=20
welcome pair of hands clasped mine, lest I slide back and go over=20
the edge. There were two men here, and one grabbed Sevein when she=20
came to this side.




"What the Devil....!" a voice cried, and I replied; "The Watch!"




Without another word the four of us went sliding up this steep slate=20
rooftop and saved our breath for other things. Slate is treacherous=20
to run on, even if none break loose under your feet. Three rooftops=20
later we were treated to the sight of Fancy Tom grabbing a cord tied=20
to a worn gray gargoyle. The other male aided him in hauling up a=20
long board onto our aeryie.




The board was swung to an almost flat rooftop across a wider way=20
beneath. We probably could not jump it, but the board presented us=20
with its own problem and a solution.




Tom went across first, then Sevein, then myself, and the other male=20
last. I did my crossing in a rush, ignoring the chasm below and the=20
board jouncing beneath my feet.




The four of us swung the board to this side, thanks to it's cord,=20
and we moved to the far edge of this building. We leant the wooden=20
board lengthways against the wall there, and Tom led the way for=20
another several or ten rooftops. Twice Tom indicated by his careful=20
movements that rotted shingles probably lay to the sides of our=20
narrow safe path.




Between a cluster of four chimneys, Tom produced yet another board,=20
and we went on through the night, crossing yet another chasm. A haul=20
on the cord, and we quickly stowed this board on the roof ridge,=20
where projections allowed stowage. Thinking ahead, I called a halt,=20
unbuckled my leather weapons belt, and laid my empty scabbard=20
alongside the board. If questioned a distance away by the Guard, I=20
would have no empty sheath to prove my other knife was in the brain=20
of a murderous Bravo.




Then we again clambered and ran and climbed across another eight or=20
ten roofs, mostly tiled, until Tom found another board to repeat our=20
movements across the city's heights.




After a longer series of rooftops were behind us, we came to another=20
large gap. The other male looked over the side. Sevein and I both=20
saw a series of projections and footholds for a few feet. From the=20
ease with which Tom went over the edge we presumed the path into=20
darkness ran all the way down.=20




I was tempted to use our grapnel and belt-rope, and make our own=20
safer way down, but it was a very good grapnel, and the other two=20
Roofies trusted this way down, presumably to ground level. I swung=20
over and found Fancy Tom waiting to guide my feet into places I=20
could not see. The other male came after me, and from noises above=20
me, he was guiding Sevein in the same manner.




Half way down, we halted, together, on a small balcony. I was=20
thinking we might have to jump. Risky way to finish getting down.=20
Instead Tom's knife lifted the latch of the glassed door, and we=20
filed into a dark room. There was an actual bed here. This building=20
housed someone of obvious quality. Also, someone was sleeping in the=20
large bed. We all tried to be quiet in our transit of the room. The=20
quiet wasn't necessary.




A female voice inquired who it was, and the male behind me=20
said "Guild business." With hardly a murmur, the inhabitant turned=20
over and gave us no further attention. The uncurious soul was=20
sleeping in this probably luxurious bed, covered with a sheet white=20
even in this darkness. I thought to myself that some thieves must=20
make crime pay in this city.




In a brace, we were down stairs and out a heavy brass-studded door.=20
Suddenly the four of us were happily leaning against a wall at=20
ground level. We had pavement beneath our feet, we were a great=20
distance from the scene of our bloody fight, and mentally I thanked=20
the city for being so tidy. In the dark most city lanes would be=20
treacherous gatherings of trash and waste. All of it ready to give=20
under a foot or break your ankle.




We took a minute to compose ourselves and arrange our clothes, and=20
then casually walked out of the alley. Right into the arms of a City=20
Night Watch patrol.




It was not yet Curfew, and we pretended some indignation at being=20
stopped by the City Walkers.




The unknown male now came to the fore of our little group and=20
answered the questions of the Watch as well as he could. He and=20
Fancy Tom produced badges, as was customary here to identify a=20
Master or Journeyman in a craft Guild. He also had a pair of cards=20
in a long wallet, which the probably illiterate Watchman pretended=20
to understand.




Our elder guide was a GuildMaster, a Master Coppersmith by trade, as=20
well as a part-time minor Wizard of Healing Arts, and a nostrum=20
pedlar. Tom was his first cousin, who had only recently attained=20
Journeyman status.=20




I cozened up to the older male, one Emil by name, and pretended some=20
interest in the Master Smith. Purely for the Watchmen's eyes. Sevein=20
casually put her arm about Tom's shoulders, allowing herself to seem=20
quite friendly with the young craftsman.




According to Emil, we had been to the Temple of Gorgorol, enjoying=20
the dance of the High Priestess. Whilst there, he and Citizen Tom=20
had become friendly with these two females -- us. Now we were on our=20
way to the "Ready Room" Inn, though we had all dawdled on our way.=20
Emil felt assured a few rooms could be let for the night at that=20
establishment.




The one Watchman looked askance at the Doctor. He eyed my weaponry=20
first. Then he stared at Sevein and her ugly eyebrow scar and=20
throwing axes, assessing Tom's probability of surviving a night with=20
the tall blond. He then asked Master Emil if he was sure of what he=20
was getting into.




I purred in reply that the good Smith was getting into an adventure=20
he would always remember. Sevein licked Tom's neck, then cleaned her=20
nails with the point of her knife. Tom hugged her closer, his hand=20
possessively on her opposite hip. I put one hand down the back of=20
Emil's trousers, and he obligingly jumped and shivered for the=20
benefit of our questioners.




All four Watchmen goggled at the sight of rough-hewn me, swords and=20
knives hung about me, and the stately Doctor in his expensive=20
embroidered tunic and low boots, his gilt-threaded Hen, and his=20
Gentleman's epee in its scabbard.




The leader of the Guard shook his head, and patted the Doctor on the=20
arm. "Enjoy the ride, Doctor, and I pray you survive till the=20
morrow."




I gave the Watchmen my best leer, and oozed closer to my new dear=20
darling acquaintance, the Coppersmith. Sevein got behind Tom and=20
began tickling him. As the four Watchmen walked away, one of them=20
walked backward, shaking his head, and gazing at the four of us=20
until dark and distance took him from view.




Tom evidently now thought some liberties could be taken with Sevein.=20
Sevein let him to know that he was mistaken. He stifled his grunts=20
of pain, fortunately, and Sevein, for her part, did not break=20
anything.=20




In contrast, CopperSmith Emil, though obviously a Citizen of=20
stature, treated me as a lady. The Master Craftsman wiped his Hen=20
off his head, exposing his balding pate, and bowed to kiss the air=20
above my knuckles. He then held out the crook of his arm to me. Arm=20
and arm we threaded our way to the "Ready Room".




Such lovely manners. Unlike Tom he did not presume to greater=20
liberties than I would acquiesce to. He merely suggested we actually=20
retire to the "Ready Room" forthwith. He felt we had much to=20
discuss, and he could use a decent wine down his throat.=20
Furthermore, the Inn's staff were accustomed to wearing closed=20
mouths in his presence. As I had surmised, the good Smith was the=20
Master Thief that Fancy Tom had promised to introduce us to.




He was remarkably well informed, our Master. Tom had gathered some=20
information on us after he had left us.




I questioned the rooftop meeting, and he wryly grinned for us.




"The purpose of coming to you in this manner was to invite you=20
ladies forth for a nighttime wander across the roofs of my city. All=20
in an effort to determine whether one of the two of you had the=20
basic skills to be a successful professional thief."=20




The good Doctor Emil felt we had passed our initial tests with=20
flying colors.






- - - - - - - - - - - - - -






The "Ready Room" Inn laid down oat and barley bread for our meat=20
stew trencher, but at least it were fresh. I, myself, obtained olive=20
oil with a chuck of white bread.=20




Emil explained that he was not one of The Five, the Grand Masters=20
who actually ran the Thieves Guild in Tar-trigon. Nonetheless he was=20
one of the Chosen, a Made Man. Tom and B'Elanna had convinced him to=20
undertake to be our Master in the Guild. B'Elanna again!




Sevein and I would be granted the status of apprentices, and Master=20
Emil would presume to be our GuildMaster, mentor, teacher, and our=20
guide when necessary.=20




He would protect us as much as he might, and speak for us in the=20
councils of the Guild. He would henceforth accept an unfortunately=20
sizable percentage of our stolen goods as a fee.=20




For our part we would endeavor not to encumber or crimp other=20
thieves, or to embarrass Emil by being clumsy enough to be caught.=20
The apprenticeships would be a formality entered into for the sake=20
of regularizing our presence in the city's underworld. Very neat and=20
tidy, mirroring again the city's obsession with rules and=20
regulations.




Emil made no attempt to guide us toward any specific victims, but=20
repeated the Law of Thirty Days. When any notable thievery took=20
place, the loot was left in the hands of the Guild, usually our=20
Master. After thirty days it reverted to us. This law might hamper=20
us if we had to leave Tar-trigon suddenly and for an indefinite=20
period of time.




In which case the Master, or Masters, might purchase the loot for an=20
immediate but much lower price, and they, in turn, would have to=20
deal with any hue and cry from the victim.=20




As an example, say we purloined some well-guarded Temple property=20
like the Crown of the Sun King, or the Eye of B'shela, or the many=20
jeweled Orb of the Spider King God.




The affected temple would be outraged, and the City Sathridin would=20
be profuse in their sympathy. They would also promise aid in=20
recovering the princely bauble. A hue and cry might be imminent, one=20
to shake the entire city. However, the Thieves Guild would quickly=20
offer to immediately return the item -- for a ransom. Part of the=20
ransom wouuld be a sworn oath on the city's part not to pursue the=20
offending burglars.




It made sense. I disliked parting with either the prize or much of=20
it's probable worth. But it was a neat and tidy solution on=20
disposing of any loot, especially very hot loot. Sevein and I agreed=20
to the Guild terms. We really had little choice in the matter.




Emil then informed us there would be a probationary period, during=20
which we could prove our thieving abilities. As proof of our=20
abilities I asked if his money belt would suffice as proof?




I had to admire his composure. He acquired a wry little grin,=20
touched his waist and then held out his hand for the prize. I had=20
gathered it when we were faced with the City Night Watch. Tom patted=20
himself, got red in the face, and Sevein slid his money belt to him.




Emil thought it a good joke.




Unfortunately the Guild would need some other notable deed to=20
convince them of our abilities. He understood that we were newly=20
arrived and did not yet know what our targets might be, if any, or=20
how promising. Nor did we know how we might perform our self-
appointed task, once we had decided what our goal or goals might be.=20
Emil did not inquire further. When we were set on a goal, he would=20
share what knowledge he had of the target.




Our curiosity, however, was large as a mountain. We did not=20
understand why the incident in front of our simple Inn, earlier this=20
night.




We told them what details we remembered, and Emil promised he would=20
make inquiries on the morrow. He agreed the sudden appearance of the=20
Watch had been entirely too providental to be a coincidence.=20




Doctor Emil surmised that it was intended that the two of us were to=20
be discovered in the act of brawling with one or two very innocent=20
passer-bys. If still alive. Then we two would soon be pushing a=20
wheeled waste barrel through the city as our appropriate punishment.=20
Impoverished, sans weaponry, and warned thereby to avoid=20
the "Voyager" Inn.




He perked up his ears when I mentioned that the inside of the Inn=20
had been deserted when we dashed through. He voiced a suspicion that=20
the ambush was part of a general attempt to drive away the=20
customers, rather than injure us specifically. Yet this had been=20
planned, and at some cost.




Emil felt it unwise to return to the "Voyager" tonight, and stated=20
he would be honored to find a room for us tonight in the "Ready=20
Room." He added he would extract most of the cost from us when and=20
if we had something rich, preferably golden, stolen, and presented=20
for him to hold for us, as a Master Thief must.




It were time to sleep.




Our warding spells were still good, so that we should still be=20
anaethema to little biting lice and other pests. We accepted the=20
loan of four apparently clean blankets as our bedding. Already I=20
regretted the loss of our new thick blankets. In the process of=20
preparing for the night we discovered this "Ready Room" Inn belonged=20
to the good Doctor. Convenient.




- - - - - - - - - - - - - -




It was to a strange place that I awoke, but a welcome one. We had an=20
entire room on the top floor to ourselves, courtesy of our new Guild=20
Master, Doctor Emil. Thinking to avoid a new set of bugs, we'd=20
accepted a bare wooden floor for our bed. One blanket each was our=20
pillows, another each for our covering. Luxury compared to our=20
normal accomodations. Stones and snakes.




Sevein awoke to my touch, and we proceeded to quickly evolve into=20
another round of love making. All in all, we were having a rare=20
moment alone, dry and warm. Afterwards we performed another glad=20
bout of relaxing love. Then lay back in the early morning coolness,=20
letting our heated skins and feelings relax.




It felt heavenly to be clean for a change, and alive.=20




I spent my next waking moments thinking of how our original set of=20
clothes, at least those items which we wished to save, would be dry=20
enough to wear. We would stop at Neelix' to retrieve them on our way=20
back to the "Voyager" Inn. Sevein and I regretted the loss of our=20
new cheap blankets. The costs of living in this city. Think of it as=20
an unexpected tax.




As for our totally new clothes, Sevein had gotten a good fit, as had=20
I mine, for a happy change. Hers were used, of course, but newer.=20
Trousers and tunic were stained, but sound, and had been well boiled=20
beforehand. My purchases had had to be trimmed for length and belted=20
with a good long rope for the trousers. One belt for my sword,=20
another for my short knife, and a third of rope. Good quality rope,=20
very supple. I also regretted the loss of my perfectly good knife.




Used as a belt, the rope was a good excuse for having about me the=20
necessary for my grapnel. I had a feeling the grapnel would be=20
seeing heavy use in the nights to come. Handy thing for climbing=20
walls.




The tailor had offered us newer style clothes with buttons instead=20
of cords and ties, but we didn't trust buttons to stay on when you=20
needed them. Besides, bone buttons broke and metal ones cost like=20
good coin each.




The cost of living in a city with it's own religious patterns.=20
Irksome, but part of the cost for a cities conveniences.




We were leaving Neelix' establishment with our old clothes in a=20
bundle when Fancy Tom fell in step with us. Alongside him marched an=20
Oriental male, of not unpleasing aspect. Tom introduced us to=20
Journeyman Kim, of the Guild. Kim had information for us. He enjoyed=20
the presence of Sevein, and walked alongside her as we talked.=20
Sevein did not inform Citizen Kim of how hopeless his courting was.




We learned little that pleased us.




The present owner and manager of the Inn had been the daughter of=20
the previous owner, the property coming to her upon her father's=20
demise. A year ago her husband had died in a brawl and left her=20
alone to raise her child and run the Inn. Worse yet, a suitor had=20
appeared, one Chakay by name, with papers declaring the dead husband=20
had owed a great deal of money to Chakay. The threat was that if Sam=20
Wildman didn't become his wife, he would simply seize the Inn for=20
monies owed.




Chakay, it seems, was one of the Under-Priests of the Temple of the=20
Sun God, the splendidly ornate Temple of Day and Truth's Tower. A=20
veritable warehouse over-brimming with gold. A center of power in=20
the city. Chakay was also rumored to be the probable next High=20
Priest of the Temple. A man of some stature.




He had visited the Inn almost daily, pressing his unsubtle suit.=20
Chakay was already a major property owner in the city, and likely to=20
become richer and more powerful.




It was at this time that some unknown person gave Sam the money to=20
re-purchase the "Voyager" Inn. It was a slap in Chakay's face when=20
she appeared before the Sathridin one morning with a box of coin and=20
a wish to recover her heritage. Before so many witnesses of such=20
note, Chakay was summoned to the city council and told to turn over=20
the paper of lien, provided there was sufficient money in the box to=20
purchase the building back.




With some delays and complaining, the paper was produced. The debt=20
was paid, and Chakay had to drink the bitter wine of failure. He had=20
been furious, and publicly vowed to make her pay for insulting him=20
and rejecting him.




Citizen Kim ventured a guess that the debt was, in the first place,=20
false. The husband had been cozened or forced to sign his name, if=20
genuine, and the inconveniently living InnMaster had then been=20
conveniently disposed of.




He also wondered if Sam's life span would have stretched any further=20
than that of Chakay's last two wives. They had both suffered a=20
sudden (and convenient) sickness and a quick death. Wives with=20
sizable dowries.




The big mystery was just exactly who it was that had spent so much=20
gold to salvage the lives of Samantha and her child, Naomi. As no=20
other rich merchant had suddenly come a'courting at Sam's open=20
doors, no one had a certainty of who the money lender was that had=20
rescued Sam from poverty or Chakay.




Kim's own improbable and rather romantic theory was that some rich=20
noble or merchant-prince's son was not his own, but the result of=20
Sam's youthful encounter with a rich stranger. She had given up the=20
child to the childless rich man, who had raised it as the natural=20
result of his wife and himself. Now the son, after spending many=20
years as the pampered offspring of a wealthy man, had discovered his=20
actual origin. Now he had anonymously and providentially saved his=20
true and real mother's livelihood.=20




A lovely myth. Sevein rolled her eyes when she heard it.




But no one knew for sure.




Now please understand, neither Sevein or I were particularly=20
vindictive persons. This Chakay person might have attempted to hurt=20
us, but we did not give a high priority to revenge.=20




However, taking something from a rich man like Chakay did interest=20
us greatly. From Sevein's questions, she already felt we should=20
deprive Chakay, or his Temple, of something very gold and very=20
expensive. The same thought struck me. Chakay had singled himself=20
out and should suffer the consequences.




Mister Kim and Fancy Tom exchanged glances once we had shown an=20
interest in the residence and guarding wards of Priest Chakay, or=20
his Temple.




They warned us that both places had high jagged glass strewn walls,=20
vicious starveling dogs, human guards and major Demons let to prowl=20
the premises and ward the locks.=20




The sort of Demons only a master Wizard might feel competent to=20
banish or force into sleep. A pair of large, bad-tempered, rust-
colored Devils whose bites burned the flesh like an acid. In=20
addition, an unknown but purportedly potent menace safeguarded the=20
innermost recesses of the Temple of the Day and Truth's Tower.




Kim ventured that much of the Temple was guarded by nothing more=20
than what might be dodged or surmounted by some other Grand Master=20
Thief. More might be neutralized by a potent Wizard. But as no one=20
knew what the last defenses consisted of, they could not be removed=20
or warded.




With payment of a smile and a few honeyed words, Tom and Kim agreed=20
to take us to both the Temple of the Day and Truth, and Chakay's=20
walled holding on the New Island.




We immediately veered and turned up the Military Road to the islands=20
of the Citadel and the one called New.=20




It were a pleasant morning, and the ardent attentions paid me by=20
Fancy Tom was pleasing, however hopeless his cause. Sevein=20
eventually allowed herself to be cozened a small bit by Citizen Kim,=20
and unwound enough to where she began to laugh at his jokes. He=20
produced a small flute from inside his fine leather tunic, and=20
whilst we strolled he played a few short airs for our enjoyment.




I especially enjoyed his rendition of "Lady Greensleeves". Even=20
Sevein's eyes clouded with memories of the Fair in OrlandoFuriso=20
where we first met. Tom said the melodic air was supposed to predate=20
the arrival of Mankind on Earth, our own planet oftimes misnamed=20
Eden. Which might make it many thousands of years old.




Tom repeated the old superstitious tale of this not being human=20
kind's original home, but he did so with his own scoff.




Eventually we arrived at the River Road and turned upstream to the=20
New Island. Evidently it had once been a few smaller islands in the=20
river, north of the Citadel Isle. Since then the islands had been=20
built into one larger island. Now the richer folk of the city lived=20
here, slightly apart from the rest of us.




For the most part we saw only walls, with an occasional gate cut=20
through. We could hear occasional laughter, or the tinkle of wells=20
or children. Some had guard towers built into corners, and=20
suspicious men looked down at our motley crew of four. Most also had=20
smaller iron-barred gates set within the larger gates, and probably=20
wary House Karls within.=20




We quietly circumnavigated four large compounds on the New Island,=20
before we came to Chakay's place. Each of these four residences were=20
from the outside alike each to the other like peas in a bowl.=20




One thing the four had in common was that they had been raided=20
before, by truly knowing and cunning Master Thieves. Each Grand=20
Master had snatched great wealth from the jaws of Demons and guards.=20
Each had also been discovered in the act of robbery, and had made it=20
to safety with great difficulty. One might assume that the guardings=20
inside were increased, and most probably the greatest wealth was=20
both newly hidden and moved.




All the private houses, however, had one great flaw. They had the=20
use of slaves and servants whose loyalty to their masters might be=20
both negotiable to bribes and resentful of their lords. These=20
questionable souls had in the past explained in great detail the=20
construction of these small fastness', and the systems of wards,=20
guardians and captive Devils.




The plans and defenses of these places was known in the past and=20
would be in the future.




When we came to it, Chakay's house was much like the rest. A small=20
fortress with possible spies already inside.




A high seven meter wall enclosed a large courtyard, with the glint=20
of sharp glass imbedded in concrete on its top. One wall wore a=20
heavy dark wood gate, and within it a smaller pedestrian gateway.=20
From the street you could see little but the hulk of a large roof=20
within. When we touched iron to the walls I could feel the presence=20
of a powerful set of Demons within. Never sleeping, never eating,=20
never drinking; excepting they happily squeeze the life force of=20
some unwary burglar.




To a Demon as potent as my senses told me lay inside, the kiss of=20
iron would only anger them, not drive them back. Yet it would be=20
possible to learn much of what lay inside. Knowledge not easily=20
gained -- but possible to be gathered in.




The challenge did not daunt me or excite me, but I questioned Tom=20
and Kim further to see if they knew what treasures lay inside these=20
pastel concrete walls.




Wealth undoubtedly there was, but where inside, what degree of=20
wealth, or what, was unknown to them. Bars of unwieldy gold? Or fat=20
necklaces heavy with jewels? All unknown. The Temple of Days and=20
Truth was another matter.




We found our way back toward the center of the city, learning much=20
about the Temple and it's spiral Tower along the way.




Within the Inner Sanctum of the Temple, in one of the rooms high=20
within the Tower itself, lay the Throne Room of the Sun God. It was=20
spacious. It needed to be so. For occasionally the Sun came out of=20
the sky in his Chariot, to visit and rest himself during the night.=20




In the Throne room was the God's massive stone bed, his Throne=20
carven from a single Prophryl stone, and his golden crown and his=20
golden mace. Both items adorned with many jewels and thick with=20
wizardry from the inscriptions of spells carven upon the surfaces.=20
As an example, the Mace was impossible to grasp unless you were a=20
believer in the Sun God. It always swam out of your hands, as if it=20
were a greased shaft of ivory.




In contrast, the Crown of the Sun and Truth was lightly built, a=20
delicate filigree. Yet vital to the image of a living God, and his=20
believers.=20




According to Citizen Kim, rumor had it that it screamed in a=20
penetrating cry of anguish if an unbeliever's hands closed upon it.=20
Fancy Tom added that perhaps it also always tore or burned its way=20
through any strongbox it was laid it, or cloak it was hemmed in.=20
Then it unerringly rolled back to it's proper spot, in the middle of=20
the stone throne. Though it might have to roll ten thousand leagues.




Reverential symbols like the Great Golden Mace or Crown almost=20
always were kept with such curses or wards. They weren't impossible=20
to counter. Just difficult, and your life probably the forfeit if=20
you failed.




By now Tom and Kim both knew we were contemplating raiding either=20
treasure house, and wondered at our daring. Perhaps they simply=20
thought us daft. Or they thought us just misdirecting them as to who=20
we contemplated raiding.




Perhaps either was a Sathridin spy. Unlikely, but not impossible. So=20
a bit of misdirection had been necessary from the beginning.




We went inside some six temples, closely watched by acolytes and=20
under-priests. Suspicion was their proper nature, after all. Unlike=20
the priests at the Temple of Gorgorol, they knew they guarded great=20
wealth acquired over the centuries. A magnet for every avaricious=20
thief on the continent.




It were late afternoon before we parted ways with our two ardent=20
guides. Ardent because of the nature of men everywhere, rather than=20
because we had led them on. We had only to be comely, female, and=20
obviously not celibate, for a man to begin the process of wooing.=20
Even when faced with two paid killers such as Sevein and I. Males=20
are such lust-filled beasts.




We hurried to the "Voyager" Inn, for we had things to do and=20
preparations to make. Entering the tiny square in front of the Inn,=20
we debated waylaying a footpad or two this night, but abandoned the=20
notion as nonproductive. Assassins were to be had for a large silver=20
piece in a city like this, and our ambushing a few would not alter=20
the conditions about the Inn. Better to chip away at the attention=20
of the one who brought the evil here.




Sam was quite solicitous upon our entrance, and hurried to feed us=20
and wine us. She already had guessed Chakay the author of her new=20
distress. For a week no one but us had slept at her Inn or entered=20
at night.=20




Sevein immediately took on Naomi as a new companion, smiling at her=20
and being charming. She let the child finger the brutal scar above=20
her left eye, and let Naomi's hands underneath her clothes to feel a=20
few other notable wound-marks.




In the safety of daylight there were many who came to the Inn to sup=20
and drink, including a few bravos who could afford to eat elsewhere.=20
The meat was neither past it's prime, nor stringy tough, the bread=20
was fresh, and the stew generously spiced. I endorsed their choice=20
of feeding site.




The child Naomi finally finished most of her serving chores, and her=20
mother released her into my companion's willing hands. My big blond=20
would lay down her life for an innocent child, and I like to think=20
strangers like Sam could feel it in her.




Sevein took Naomi out to the stables, in order to brag to her of her=20
axe-throwing skills against a defenseless old tree trunk. The stable=20
hand was also much impressed. I watched her back as she showed off,=20
and remembered in vivid detail a time or two she had used those=20
skills to kill barbarian warriors.




Later, relaxing, sitting on the ground about the back door, Sevein=20
bespoke Naomi of the time she had destroyed a vicious giant with a=20
two-meter long war-mace, by attacking his knees first. I recalled=20
the mace had been less than a meter long.




Sevein also told of how I had destroyed a full-grown Wyvern and it's=20
evil mate, the Griffin, when it attacked us on a mountain path. No=20
place to go or hide, Sevein was badly wounded, yet I had torn their=20
wings to pieces with my sword.




In the reality I recalled how we had both been badly wounded by the=20
Magiked beasts, but they had not left us until I tossed the=20
Princess' Golden Girdle down into the great chasm and they had swung=20
to retrieve it.=20




What a great loss that had been, though necessary in order to save=20
our thieving lives. The Girdle was what the flying near-Demons were=20
after, in the first place. Sevein did not mention in her=20
exaggerations how during the robbery I had persuaded the Princess to=20
divest herself of that Girdle.




In my memories I tended to remember the rose-tipped breasts that=20
noble lady had, rather than the jewels on that Girdle. Nor did=20
Sevein mention that in order to unbuckle the Magiked Girdle, we had=20
had to leave the Princess both sexually sated and still a virgin.=20
That had been the very least of our difficulties.




Oh yes, I remembered the Princess very well.




Naomi could barely lift Sevein's war-ax, or her Havenite sword. She=20
had better luck with her fighting knife. To sword fight without a=20
shield or buckler meant you had to have some short sword or long=20
knife as a protective device for your left side.




Sevein had left her small round shield beside a dead nomad, weeks=20
ago. One dead nomad amongst many. Enough dead nomads so that they=20
decided to pillage the NEXT caravan, and not the one we helped=20
guard. Tomorrow Seven might search for a suitable replacement, one=20
with a nice brass boss in the center. Sevein would find one to her=20
liking, we were sure. In a large Free City like Tar-trigon all=20
things might be purchased.




Naomi's mother called her back inside to labor in the Inn, while=20
Sevein and I lingered and assessed our options while we basked in=20
the late sunlight.




It would not do to chase off or permanently rid this Inn of it's=20
nighttime guard of footpads. Tomorrow there would be a new group of=20
hired knives. It were too soon to assault the defenses of either the=20
Temple of Sun and Truth, or Chakay's fortified residence. There were=20
more wealthy places to plunder than Chakay's, however.




I seemed to doze in the slanting sun, as did Sevein. We leaned=20
against the Inn's wall and our mouths almost seemed to be motionless.




I let my mind slip into the earth, into the dead wood, into the=20
weeds, into the errant specks of dust fitfully blowing across the=20
stable. A trio of cats hung about the yard, sunning themselves.=20
There was a dog who stuck his nose into the yard, but was chased=20
off. The odd horse or two, the kitchen, voices, wind, birds, they=20
all became .... irrelevant.




A side of my mind that never slept always took note of my=20
surroundings. A part of my soul that was never lost to me wandered=20
like an oily breath out of my lips and carefully crept across the=20
yard. It weaved and slunk, barely retaining form, ignoring motion,=20
shod horses, a broom, a few birds diving for insects as they buzzed=20
in the manure, and straw deposits waiting for the next sanitary cart=20
to come by.




The dark oily breath wafted into the corners of the stable, drawn=20
towards the furtive beating hearts to be found in the nooks and=20
crannies of the buildings of men. It felt the small heartbeats and=20
veered towards the source.




There was a tiny growth of dusty weed against the inside of a=20
doorway, and underneath a lathed wall was the tiniest of hidden=20
openings. Inside the nest, a red mouse awoke to feel the urge to=20
search, and it always followed its instincts. There was something of=20
interest. Out there. It's feverishly hot little mind recognized the=20
imperatives of food, or warmth, or something. Something.




It took it almost ten minutes to furtively scurry nearer the kitchen=20
from which so much food had come in days and nights past. It went as=20
it must, as any mouse must. It's terror at being about in the=20
daylight was muted, though. It even quailed only momentarily as its=20
little eyes recognized the cats.




Yet, finally, somehow, it crossed the doorway and sought shelter=20
behind a form which screamed danger and large being at it.=20




It felt safe there, and comfortably hid in the space between=20
buttocks and beam. It was safe. It felt sleepy, so it went to sleep,=20
even as a hand gently reached back and picked it up. It stirred a=20
little as it was slid into a small warm close pocket, but a finger=20
gentled it and pet it.=20




Tiny bits of meat and grain lay in the pocket. It fed a little, then=20
curled up and went to sleep. Tonight it somehow knew it would have=20
much to do. Much to see. Many dangers to avoid. And at the end of it=20
she would come back to this warm snug nest of a pocket. It would be=20
petted and loved and fed and it would feel safe, here, in this=20
pocket. This was it's happy new home. It even knew somehow that=20
there would be other little furry creatures of it's own kind to=20
comfort it and nest with it in this pocket. In five minutes three=20
red mice lay sleeping in that pocket.




I opened my eyes and gazed at Sevein, nodding, almost smiling.




Her turn.




Naomi came to the doorway, her bare feet scuffing in the dirt. She=20
just HAD to come out and talk with this fascinating blond giantess=20
again. Perhaps she just knew Sevein meant her no harm. Many children=20
know. They just know. They are practicing their hedge wizardry=20
perhaps. Or Sevein can reach their more organized minds, as I could=20
red mice.




Naomi came back out, glancing often back into the kitchen to see if=20
her mother was ready to scold or demand her attention elsewhere.=20
Sevein told her to bring a bowl with clear water in it, and she=20
would show her how to hunt for small treasures.




Naomi scurried quickly back, hunkering on her bony flanks as Sevein=20
held the bowl of water carefully. My companion went into a state of=20
mind where she stopped moving, except for her voice and eyes. She=20
explained that it was a spell that did not always work. And when it=20
did, no one knew what the treasure might be, excepting it would be a=20
small tiny inconsequential one. Even so, Naomi was eager, full of=20
questions, anxious, greedy, hoping for a something to be her own.=20
Children had so very few of their own things, after all. A flower=20
for a pair of days, a bit of ribbon for her hair, a something.




Sevein pulled out her eating knife and carefully pricked the back of=20
her left hand. A few drops of blood ran down, and one was allowed to=20
fall into the bowl of water.




Now Naomi was to contribute a drop of her own blood. Just the one=20
drop. Virgin's blood. She winced, but said nothing as a finger let=20
fall one bright dark carmine speck for the water.




Sevein hooded her eyes, and muttered her litany. She then looked=20
down into the bowl of water, searching, peering. Then she raised her=20
eyes and stared at the shoulder of Naomi.




Naomi explored her shoulder and found a large flying beetle carrying=20
a small length of greenish ribbon alighting near her throat. It=20
crept to her hand, and then flew off, leaving the ribbon behind.




Sevein smiled broadly as the child squealed into the Inn to present=20
her newly garnered magical gift, given her by an enchanted beetle.




In a second Sam came out, and talked to Sevein about the Magiked=20
beetle, her smile realizing it were just a little trickery by Sevein=20
in order to give Naomi a something to treasure. She leaned far over=20
and gave Sevein a small buss on her terribly scarred forehead, then=20
quickly rose and went back to work.




I carefully gave Sevein her canteen, both her hands and all her=20
attention devoted to staring at the bowl.




A small figure emerged from the bowl, a creature of water, a beast=20
made up out of one of the four elements. A Golem of water, not clay.=20
It stood on its legs, it's arms akimbo as it stared up into the face=20
of its mistress. It looked about, legs spread, wondering at Sevein=20
with its featureless head as to what it could and must do. I held=20
the open canteen near the bowl, and the water Golem flowed inside,=20
making a few tiny chirps of satisfaction. There was not a drop of=20
water left in the bowl.




The top was corked, and we smiled at each other. Tonight we had our=20
spies to scout and scamper through the houses of the rich.




Tonight.




- - - - - - - - - - - - -




Sevein sent her liquid creature out first. We stood in a space=20
between two large walled houses, being non-threatening and casual.=20
Two Bravos chatting in the way idle Karls always did.




Sevein opened her canteen and let it spill onto the ground. It, in=20
turn looked once up at its mistress, then became a long line of=20
water wending it's way towards the gate.




Once there it eased underneath the spaces between gate and dirty=20
paving blocks. First it looked about it, visualizing it's path and=20
it's dangers. The Gate Guard it flowed behind, heading for the main=20
house. The Gate Sprite noticed the animate water, but it's limited=20
mind had few instructions, and none encompassed a little thread of=20
water. Being not very bright, it touched the water with a tiny=20
taloned green finger. It yelped when the water burned it, drawing=20
the attention of the guard. The guard hunkered to see the line of=20
dampness in the dirt, then laughed at the small green creature for=20
it's stupidity in touching water. In a minute both Sprite and Guard=20
had forgotten the incident.




In it's cubicle, the House Demon roused and noted the encounter. But=20
though it was immune to the touch of rain or other water, it had=20
only simple commands to bind it on this plane. It screamed at=20
intruders and thieves, and fought other trespassing Demons, but=20
aside from it's imperatives to protect and guard, it cared for=20
nothing else which occurred in the land of men. It was forever cold,=20
and like all such Demons, dreamed of better, hotter, days in its=20
past, when it lived in the nether-world.




When a mouse squeezed between gate and pave, either no one noticed,=20
or took note. Just another mouse. Two more followed it at lengthy=20
intervals.




The geas-laid kitchen cat only guarded the kitchen, and would have=20
not seen the mouse in any event. Soon all three new mice were about=20
in the large palatial home, their tiny whiskers twitching as they=20
wandered through walls, bedrooms, inner atrium, studies, library --=20
and the master's Den. A large steel and brass lockbox lay opposite=20
the Master's desk. A much smaller such box lay hidden in a space in=20
the wall beside the swiveling chair.




Outside, in the small fountain, a small head of water gazed out at=20
the courtyard, refreshing itself before entering the kitchen and=20
house. It took note of all that occurred in its view. Noting the=20
staff, the Mistress of the House and her four roly-poly children, a=20
pair of them twins.=20




The youngest had The Talent in it's earliest and rawest form, but=20
she merely played in the water with her hands for a few minutes.=20
Eventually she wandered after her mother, the small innocent always=20
eager for a little more loving.




Inside the house the three mice slowly and carefully journeyed=20
throughout the house, even to visiting the dusty space in the eaves=20
under the roof. It counted the beds and stairs, the doorways with=20
locks and the furniture throughout the domicile. But always one=20
observed and hid in the master's Den.




The Master came in, eventually, and busied himself at his desk.=20
Lamps were lit, the light mellower and clearer than ordinary people=20
might know at night. The mouse in the room at the moment remained=20
vigilant, watching, obeying it's commands.




Eventually the master finished, and closed his books. He carefully=20
closed the windows, sealing the inside from outside view. Then he=20
fished a key from off a cord about his ample belly, and used it to=20
open the large sturdy lockbox.=20




The House Demon appeared instantly when the key fit into the box,=20
and the Master performed a curlicue with his left fingers, quieting=20
the menace. Then he performed another maneuver with both hands, and=20
it lay back into the walls. The Master's important records went into=20
the strongbox.=20




Next he pushed a large stone table sitting alongside the wall,=20
forcing the floor to lift up. It was counterbalanced, and swung=20
easily for the master. It exposed a space therein. The Master=20
ignored the small box hidden under the wooden floor. He was merely=20
checking on it.




Next he went back to his desk and grabbed one leg of his desk. He=20
pulled out and up at an angle, on the leg. A space opened, and he=20
carefully inserted a tightly wrapped roll in the hide space.




He quickly closed the secret panel, and rose to dust off his clean=20
hands.




When the House Demon returned to the Den, it found nothing but a=20
tiny mouse squeezing into an old mouse hole in a space under a=20
window.




All was well in the rich man's house. The man himself was a tax=20
farmer, one of those people who contracted to give the Treasury of=20
the Free City a set amount of coin each month or quarter or year. In=20
return he was given lee to gather in the taxes of an area or a=20
narrow field of endeavor. In his case he was a Gatherer of Customs=20
duties. Everything that came into the city, or left it, paid a fee.




Carts of fodder for the horses, rolls of silk from Haven, salt from=20
the Gebben mines or the far seacoast, all paid a pence or two for=20
the privilege of entering the Free City. Copper bowls and iron=20
horseshoes left the city, but had to pay a small duty first. Velvet=20
tunics, thigh-high rolled-top Gentlemen's boots, gilt covered wooden=20
statues of the Sun God, fine steel halberds, silver earrings,=20
pyramids of incense, thick wool blankets, all of it paid coin to=20
leave Tar-trigon.




It would not do to squeeze too hard, and the Sathridin kept watch=20
that commerce was not hindered. Yet this man made his small nick of=20
the monies, and was made wealthy thereby.




He ate with his family, and many relatives (who were also employees)=20
dined with him that night. He kept a good table. His slaves answered=20
most demands quickly, and all were sated. For all his greed, he did=20
not consider himself an evil man. Nor was he. Even his lust for=20
money was muted, and his love of family genuine.




And he never noticed the mice in the walls, nor the wetness in a=20
corner.




Come morning they would be gone, back to their Mistresses. Full of=20
information and eager to tell all.=20




No one noticed the return of two female Free Swords who lingered for=20
a few minutes in a shadowy space between two great mansions.




- - - - - - - - - - - - - -






The Night Watch was more of a presence on the New Island than=20
elsewhere in the city. Their four-man patrols were vigilant and=20
aggressive. Their surly men of the watch kept the bridges to New=20
Island closed at night to all but the residents and others with call=20
to be journeying at night. Dogs walked with a few patrols, or=20
snarling Demons on a copper chain.=20




Yet they were still only humans. Frail, prone to bad shoes,=20
toothaches, irritation at their comrades, less than alert at the=20
best of times. So long as nothing alerted them, like seeing shadowy=20
figures or hearing unwonted noises, their attention tended to be=20
less than exemplary. Boredom let it be only another featureless=20
night, their minds always elsewhere.




Both Sevein and myself rose out of the jumbled boulders on the near=20
north side of the man-made island. We slid into the night cloaked=20
ways beyond when we judged it safe. Only for a few seconds were we=20
visible crossing the narrow strand so religiously patrolled. Then we=20
were amongst the mighty homes of the wealthy, hiding in stillness=20
and dark cloaks and starlight. Our faces and heads were muffled, our=20
weapons wrapped for silence, our footsteps silent.




Palatial fortress after palatial fortress we passed, quick, frozen,=20
speeding, lying to earth. Dogs and Demons broke the quietude of the=20
night sometimes, as we passed them. Men we evaded, light we=20
abhorred. Soon we were at our target.




The first grapnel quickly sped to the top of the east wall, and I=20
shimmied up it like a snake. Sevein tossed me the folded blanket I=20
laid on the broken glass embedded into the concrete on top. Wires=20
were tied to the edge of the blanket closest to the main house. When=20
we left the blanket came with us. It would not do to leave too much=20
behind us that might carry our smell or spoor. Witches especially=20
were good at following a bit of cloth to the place where it was made=20
and purchased.=20




In little time I stood delicately balanced on the narrow and=20
partially rounded ridge of cutting danger. I'd done this before.




Once on top, the night's rain providentially began. Not heavy, but=20
it helped mask my faint sounds. I ignored the danger of my hands or=20
feet slipping tonight. I did not dare slip. The rain also prompted=20
human guards to stand under overhangs, and Demons and dogs to=20
concentrate on their misery rather than their jobs. It rained most=20
nights in Tar-trigon, but we did not rely on its arrival nor aid.




Nonetheless I promised another silver piece to Gorgorol the next=20
time we went to his temple. It'd also make a good excuse for again=20
watching B'Elanna worship with her sensuous dance.=20




I disengaged the grapnel, lifting it until half the length lay=20
coiled in my hand. Sevein kept the last of my lifeline tightly=20
clenched in her gloved hands.




I twirled the grapnel around and round over my head, the metal=20
making a thin whistle in the never-quietness of the night. For many=20
the night is quiet, but that is an illusion. There is always a=20
sirrush of sound in the night. Waves, breathing, stirring of cats or=20
dogs, insects, the faint wind, the continuing patter of an=20
intermittent light rain.




I threw the grapnel with the skill of long practice, and was=20
rewarded by the feel of a very firm anchoring of the tines of the=20
hooks. I tugged again and again until satisfied that I had safely=20
grasped one of the sturdy-looking chimneys of the main house. Then=20
at my signal, Sevein beat a stake into the join of pave and wall.=20
The pommel of her great Havenite blade was more than equal to the=20
task of being a near-silent hammer, crafted as solidly as it was.=20
Sevein's muscles performed the deed in three measured blows, seating=20
the wood quickly and with a minimum of fuss or sound. She then=20
tightened the rope, twisting it around the stake and cinching it=20
taut.




Hand over hand I crossed to the red-tiled roof of the house,=20
swinging my small frame up and onto my new sanctuary. The Demon=20
sniffed me, faintly, but did not stir as I glided to the edge of the=20
roof opposite. I was above, not trespassing the grounds about the=20
main house. Most Demons were malevolent in excess, but either their=20
intellect was limited, or its geas did not fully allow for=20
occurrences beyond its simply expressed commands. This one, like=20
most of its type, simply did not care if anything was ABOVE it.=20




Another rope was played out behind me, it's length carefully cut,=20
and first of all snugly wrapped about the central chimneys. A look=20
downward, then I swung out and down on this line, to a second story=20
window usually left ajar. It opened easily. If it had been barred, I=20
would have tried others.




I silently sang into a tourmaline stone first, masking my entrance.=20
Everyone has a scent, to a Demon or a dog. A little GemSinging=20
confused the smell. The house sprite and the two mastiffs inside=20
smelled only my gem and my song, but not me. The enchantment would=20
not last long, so I must hurry.




Once inside I crept down the back stairs, missing the two boards=20
that my mice had discovered creaked. A turn at the second-floor=20
landing brought me down a tapestry-laden corridor. A soft touch to=20
the latch and I was inside the Master's Den.=20




Using my sense of touch and positioning and a little charm-given=20
sense of presence, I went immediately to the desk. The Demon rushed=20
through the walls when I opened the hide-hole there, but both hand=20
gestures, so faithfully copied from the sight and memory of a mouse,=20
calmed it and returned it to its place outside. As I said Demons=20
were either stupid or given instructions not nearly appropriate. The=20
hand gestures meant I was the Master, and that was sufficient




I took out several items from the secret place, enjoying the heft of=20
rolled gold coins.=20




Next I turned to the ornate wooden carving decorating the wall aside=20
the desk. I pushed to one side, then back and forth and to the side=20
again. The lock released and the statue leaned over, taking part of=20
the floor with it. In the darkness the small sturdy lockbox looked=20
appetizing, so I then removed the small box inside the secret floor=20
space. It went into my snug backpack. A touch told me the tiny=20
velvet bags contained papers, and those I did not remove. The statue=20
was swung back into place.




Immediately I was out the door, closing it carefully behind me. Down=20
the corridor and up the stairs. Always somehow both slow and swift,=20
yet steady, seeking to leave the house.=20




Out the window, up the rope, across the tiles bright red in the=20
sunlight to the chimneys, rewinding my rope. There were Wizards=20
called Fores-Sensics who might identify the rope and follow it's=20
trail to me and the seller. Better to take it with.




I set the pin in the grapnel, and paid out the thin line tying it=20
in. I thwanged the line, and felt Sevein lean into the rope. With my=20
lifeline thus tightened, I easily swam across the gap between house=20
roof and wall. Once there I swung up on blanket and wall, flexing=20
the string holding the pin in place in my grapnel. A yank and my=20
cunning grapnel folded in upon itself. I slid it to the edge of the=20
roof and slid down the outside wall as it swung across the gap. In a=20
second it had reached the wall. Sevein pulled the blanket off with=20
the guy wires on the far edge, and the folded grapnel fell down into=20
my waiting arms.




It was time to leave.




The river we swam, coming ashore some distance downstream of the New=20
Island. We were wet but safe, for the moment.




Back in the city proper, we did a little roof-walking and were soon=20
inside our room at the "Voyager" Inn. We fondled our treasures,=20
drank a little unwatered wine, and then fondled each other in=20
celebration.




- - - - - - - - - - - - - -




The next day we went to the street of the Coppersmiths and idly=20
judged replacements for our battered eating bowls. The price was too=20
high, we said, the young blond journeyman named Tom Pare dickered=20
with us, and eventually agreed to sell for a little less. We went=20
away with new eating bowls in our packs. Behind us we left the loot=20
from the night's labors.=20




Immediately we then went to Tuvok and let him find us a job. He=20
easily gained us one guarding a long warehouse, built back from the=20
ship and barge basin nearest the downriver gate. There was little of=20
much small mobile wealth therein, no gold or silver or precious=20
fabrics. Yet in the aggregate it's contents were of some major=20
worth. Evidently B'Elanna's recommendation was of some worth. We=20
began our new jobs the next night.




Our pasts had included such work, honorably done I might add. We=20
would make our presence as night guards conspicuous, and our=20
alertness obvious. Our movements would be random, and we would=20
neither eat, nor drink spirits, as either tended to relax the=20
senses. We wished all to know we were there, on the job, and alert.=20
The better that would-be petty thieves realized we were there, and=20
we were dangerous, the less trouble we would have.




The pay was nothing notable, but it provided for our food and=20
lodging. It would suffice for the moment. The next night we would=20
make it a point to be at work before the Bravos ringed our Inn, and=20
to return to the "Voyager" after they had left for the night.




We were settling in well.




Naturally we journeyed to the Temple of Gorgorol to give thanks to=20
B'Elanna, and for me to offer silver to the God in thanks for its=20
own little blessings. It never hurt to thank a God in the form of=20
coin, when it could be possible that they had just helped you.




When B'Elanna danced Sevein unbent just enough to let us stand near=20
the central platform. The view was spectacular.




This time (just for me - us?) she lathered an oil over her body once=20
she was naked, and had a few more erotic twists and turns of dance=20
for her god. More than one male I noted had his hands busy on his=20
cod pieces.




Sevein was quite entranced by the dance this time, and immediately=20
upon noticing it, I jabbed her in the hip.




Yet all in all, B'Elanna made religious rigor attractive. I could=20
envision coming here often.




The day after our honest work began, Citizen Kim paid a call on our=20
lodging, arriving when we were taking our supper. Mister Kim came=20
for more than the good chicken soup. He made obvious the fact that=20
he found Sevein attractive, playing with considerable conviction his=20
role as a male trying to court Sevein. For her part, my blond smiled=20
at him a great deal, making the charade a success.




Well, Sevein and I knew it for a play-act, but Citizen Kim was yet=20
to discover that his many ambitions were doomed to failure.




At least so I hoped.




Whispering supposedly coy words in Sevein's lovely ears, Citizen Kim=20
noted that the small lock box was heavily ensorcered, and the Guild=20
Wizards were still working to safely neuter its guarding spirits.=20
Success was ensured, but not necessarily imminent.




A few gems of high quality were in the other loot, as well as a few=20
rolls of large and freshly minted gold Free City Altars and Crowns.=20
Those items were yet being carefully combed for spells and enchanted=20
guardings, but we should be able to draw on their worth in a day.=20
Credit was given us in the meantime, minus the Guild fee and=20
Doctor/Coppersmith Emil's fee as our sponsor.




It was a tax, but taxes are ever with us.=20




The victim, the tax farmer, was screaming loudly and often, but=20
there seemed little for the Sathridin and Watch to do. Except=20
discreetly offer to the Guild's Grand Masters the usual ransom.




Mister Kim swore he would return when more information was=20
forthcoming. In the meantime he offered a roll of used small gold=20
Havenitev double-deuce coins as an advance. Sevein palmed it when=20
she leaned over to let him kiss her on her cheek.




Dream on, Journeyman Kim, I thought. Or hoped so, at least. I=20
quickly told my personal jealousy spasm to lie down and sleep. At=20
the same time trying not to think how sensually B'Elanna still moved=20
in my own imaginings.




No one is perfect, especially not myself.




Afterwards we gave Samantha seven good silvers and one gold coin to=20
buy good coffee and tea, a good samovar, and an injunction to add it=20
to her offerings in the dining room. Sevein liked tea, on occasion,=20
so long as it had too much beet sugar. Sevein had mostly simple=20
needs. She relished the taste of good fresh ale, well done beef,=20
sugar in her tea, and me. I couldn't fault her.




Neither one of us had forgotten Priest Chakay, though. That was for=20
the future.






END


 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 ASCEM messages are copied to a mailing list.  Most recent messages 
 can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASCEML.



NewMessage: