Prologue- The Thief

The Eternal City Palace- 6 years ago

I could hear the roars and shouts of my father's men, the Palace Guard. Person or persons unknown had breached the Palace walls. My mind whirled with a litany of thoughts. What could the possibly want. Pulling on my shirt and leather trousers, I made my way out the door. Curiosity was killing my cat and I just had to know what was going on. Five palace guards raced past me, forcing my back against the large wooden door to my rooms.

"Master. Please stay in your rooms until the threat is dealt with"

I never got a chance to answer to his request as he continued his pace down the long hallway. I may have been at the proper age to join such a fray but to do so would only send my Mother into a tail spin. Something both me and my father did not wish to listen to. I only nodded my assent even though his eyes would never see it.

Almost as soon as the hallway was cleared of everyone but me; A young, lithe female came barrelling towards me and pushed me backwards into my rooms. So stunned at the action, I fell backwards into my rear. My eyes watched as she tied rope around her waist and hooked the other end onto a large dresser made of heavy oak. I wasn't sure what she planned to do or if that thing would hold her weight. Although she seemed to think so.

I rose to my feet and made a move to stop her. She waved a finger at me and grinned. At least I think she did. She wore a mask that covered all but her eyes.

"Maximum effort" She stated, looking right at me.

The lithe female held her hands out to her sides and fell backwards from the open window. I dashed towards the window, leaning out over it's edge. I barely noticed my father and his men entering my rooms.

"Is she here son?"

"No, she escaped" I replied, pointing to another roof top.

My father growled in anger. He was not used to losing his quarry. Especially when it appeared to be female. I, on the other hand appreciated her cunning and boldness. Not a lot of thieves had the courage to break into the palace and take that which does not belong to them.

Thief's POV

My heart pounded in my chest, threatening to break free of it's bone cage. I was advised never to go near the palace; that I would be caught and killed. All I could hear from that statement was challenge accepted.

The Grand High Witch had commissioned me to steal a Dark Object from the Emperor. I didn't know what it did and neither did I care to find out. I was getting paid well but not well enough to ask questions I knew nothing about.

I had knocked the Crown Prince on his ass. Got to hand it to him, he did try to stop me. I just needed to make my escape and make it I did. When I stopped mere inches from the ground, I untied the rope at my waist and landed on my knees.

I dashed off into an alleyway and using the walls, I made my way onto the rooftops affectionately known as the thieves walkway. I turned to glance at the angry faces from whom I made my escape and grinned. I bowed and waved my prize at them. None had seen my face not even the witch who was paying me for such a bounty.

I ran along the rooftops making my way to the Grand High Witch of The Eternal City. I couldn't wait to collect my payment and have a comfortable room for the next few days. That was after I paid a certain cut to the Master of the Thieves Guild.

I arrived at The Grand High Witches villa on the outskirts of the city. Her home was modest compared to some of the other villas I had been fortunate enough to be inside. I rapped the door three times in quick succession. A few moments later I was blessed with an answer.

The girl who answered was what the witches called a Maiden. I pushed passed her. The power she possessed wasn't something I had to be afraid of just yet.

"Petra, you better have my money!" I shouted.

Seconds later she appeared holding a small bag of coins. We made our exchange of goods. Services rendered. Petra's face scrunched into a frown. It was a look I did not particularly enjoy seeing. It meant that she had something to tell me and that I would hate the news.

"Petra, spit it out. Some of us ain't getting any younger"

"Child, there are forces working against you. Do not go near the market during the day, it will be your downfall"

I rolled my eyes. That was an ominous warning and vague too. I merely shrugged.

"So long as I keep getting paid for this shit Petra and get paid well then I'll keep doing it"

Petra's wizened hand touched the side of my face. It was perhaps the first piece of affection that she had shown me in all the time I had known her.

"The love and strength of your sisters will only get you so far child. Be careful were you tread child eventually you will fall"

Her words struck a chord. It had been over a year since I had made contact with my sister's. I had only left because it was my turn to spend five years out in the world far from our clan. I smiled and left the old witch's villa. It was time to pay the Piper his cut of my take tonight.

Paying the Guild Master was mostly for show. He liked the fact that he could boast of having an Amazon on his crew. I was a better trained warrior than most thieves and I learned quick. In fact he has been the only one to see my face. I trusted him not to rat me out. The money bag felt good in my hands.

Tonight had been eventful and I could not wait to see what adventure tomorrow would bring.