PREFACE: This was the second story I wrote set in my SBS epic fantasy setting, but it’s the first published so far. I had to split it in two (which I never like doing) because it’s close to 9000 words and anything over 7000 doesn’t do well in emails. Part 2 is here.
Leaping from roof to roof, hidden by the dark of night, a hooded figure made its way toward the palace. It paused at the edge of the last building and counted to five before making the last jump, just as the guard disappeared behind a turret.
Seconds after landing, it slipped through a small opening in the wall, just before another guard appeared on the opposite end of the walkway.
Sliding through narrow spaces, the figure made its way to a maze of dusty tunnels located above the main halls. Hearing footsteps from below, and a familiar voice, it lay down and peered through a crack in the wooden floor.
There were two of them—a man and a woman.
The woman wore a velvet gown adorned with golden motifs and a circular emblem filled with stars with a sword resting on top—the insignia of the highest office.
The man bore the armor and colors of his rank, the most honored knight of all: chief of the guard, master of arms, and personal protector to the Queen.
“Ten thousand men, you say?”
The knight walked next to his charge, surveilling their surroundings as if expecting a threat.
“Aye,” he said. “If not more.”
The Queen stopped walking, startling her companion, and turned to face him, a frown on her face.
“And they do nothing?”
“They set camp in the plains two days ago, beyond the Northern Range, and have not moved since.”
“Have they found the pass?”
“According to the reports we received from the Northern Watch, none of them have come close to the mountains.”
They fell quiet as the monarch pondered.
“This makes no sense,” she finally stated.
“Perhaps they have not come for us.”
“Then why are they there at all?”
“Resting before a battle, I would assume.”
“A battle, yes.” The queen sighed. “I suppose it would be a just retribution for our sins, were they to come for us...”
“Do not speak so, my liege!”
“Ah, forgive me, Sir Ralhad. I have not slept in days. My thoughts are muddled.”
“There is nothing to forgive, but I would urge you to seek your caster’s help.”
“You speak truly, old friend.”
The two walked away, never noticing the dark silhouette that eavesdropped from above. It slinked off, pushing cobwebs aside, leaving footprints in the dust—marks that none would ever see—until it reached the secret passageway that would lead it to its destination.
With expert gestures, the figure found the hidden lever and pulled on it, opening the panel into the bedchamber. It sneaked in and looked at the sleeping man—the Queen’s only son and heir to the throne of Namadia. It slunk closer and hovered over the prince for a moment before slowly moving its hands toward the sleeper’s throat.
The man’s eyes flicked open as he caught her arms and pulled her down, a big grin on his face.
“Got you!”
She yelped but did not resist as he pressed his lips against hers. After a few seconds, she pushed away and squinted at him.
“How did you know I was here? You couldn’t have heard me!”
“I didn’t. But you always come around this time, my love. It was just a matter of staying awake long enough.”
“And how did you manage such a feat?”
“By thinking of your sweet lips, of course. I wouldn’t miss them for the world!”
She giggled as he pulled her down for another kiss.
They lay there for a long while, basking in each other’s arms.
She ran her fingers across his chest, looking at his face longingly.
“Do you love me?”
It was not the first time she’d asked, and she knew the answer quite well, but it had become like a game between them.
“Does the bird love its feathers? Does the river love its waters? Does the sky love the air? Does—”
She slapped him on the chest. “Therin!”
He turned his head to look into her eyes and smiled.
“You are the air that I breathe, the sun that brightens my days, the—”
She pressed a finger against his lips. “Hush, my love, before you make me blush.”
“But you are so lovely when you blush!”
She quirked a brow. “Only when I blush?”
“Of course not! You are always beautiful.”
She chuckled. “Good answer, my prince. Now if we could only convince your sweet mother to marry us.”
He sighed. “She would never consent. You’re a Karpa. And even if you weren’t, you’re a thief.”
“Ah, but a good one!”
“Indeed you are. You stole my heart, after all.”
“Ha! That deserves a kiss.” She pressed her lips against his for a moment, then pulled away. “But there has to be a way!”
“You know my mother. It doesn’t matter to her if you’ve renounced your family. You were born a Karpa, and in her eyes a Karpa you shall forever remain.”
“It is more they who have renounced me.” She lifted a hand before he could respond. “But your point is well-taken. I guess you must marry someone else, then.”
“I would rather die than be with another woman!”
“Do not say such things, beloved! It wouldn’t matter who you married. I could still sneak into your sheets and ravish you whenever it pleased me.”
“Ah! To be ravished by you...”
She slipped out of the bed and smoothed down her clothes, a thoughtful expression on her face.
“Do you think she’d wed you to that handsome prince from Vorth?”
He choked. “Alhindra!”
“What?” she asked innocently.
“I am not into men!”
The thief wiggled her eyebrows. “But I am.”
His eyes widened. “If you think I would share you with another man, you mischievous little imp, you are gravely mistaken!”
He jumped out of the bed in an attempt to grab her, but she deftly evaded him, laughing as she made for the secret passageway.
“As much as I enjoy hearing you calling me names, I should go before someone comes to check on you, my beloved.”
“Wait!”
She paused at the doorway and looked back. He grabbed her head between his hands and gave her a long, deep kiss. Therin smiled as he pulled away.
“We’ll find a way to be together. Somehow, someday.”
***
Alhindra was still in a good mood by the time she reached home. Whistling a cheerful tune as she made for her door, she paused and fell quiet.
With a frown, she turned to look at her neighbor’s house. She could hear swearing from within, which was unusual. Walking up to the door, she noticed it was ajar, pushed it open, and peered inside.
“Garhel? Are you alright?”
The old man jumped and swung to face the intruder. He relaxed when he recognized her.
“Oh. Alhindra. I’m sorry, but this is not a good time.”
“What’s wrong?”
He waved his hands in the air as he started pacing.
“A book was stolen, that’s what! One filled with dark spells no one has dared to utter in centuries. And, of course, I am being blamed for it!”
“Huh? Why would they blame you, of all people?”
The old man was an archivist at the library. He was the kindest and purest human being Alhindra had ever met.
“I was on watch when it happened.” He sighed. “They’re right, aren’t they? It’s all my fault!”
“Of course not! Don’t be silly.”
He shook his head, moaning. Then suddenly turned to face her again, squinting.
“Tell me it wasn’t you who did it! It wasn’t you, was it?”
“What? Me?” She was offended that he would suspect her. “I would never do that to you! You are a friend! How could you say that?”
He deflated and fell into a chair, cupping his head in his hands.
“I’m sorry, Alhindra. I’m not thinking clearly. Of course, it wasn’t you. I trust you. Oh, what am I to do?”
Her annoyance dissolved as she saw the man’s despair.
Garhel looked up, blinking.
“Could you... maybe...” A spark of hope lit up his eyes. “Yes, yes! That’s it! You must steal it back for me!”
“What?”
He jumped to his feet and grabbed her by the shoulders. “You would do that for me, wouldn’t you?”
“Get the book back? Well, yes, I suppose, but—”
“Splendid! Now I know everything will be alright!”
“But Garhel, do you know who has it?”
He froze and stared at her.
“I can’t steal it back if I don’t know where it is,” she clarified.
“Oh.” He let go of her and started pacing again, tapping a finger against his lips. “Well, let’s see. Obviously, I do not know who took the book, but there are not so many who might have an interest in a work of this sort. Why they wouldn’t just consult it at the library, though, is beyond me. What has the world come to if the sanctity of libraries is no longer respected? What, then? Will they steal the milk from the mouths of babes next? This is—”
“Garhel?”
The man could be long-winded when he started on one of his rants, better stop him early.
With a start, the archivist stared at her, then grinned sheepishly.
“Ah yes, sorry. I, uhm, I could make you a list of those most likely to want the book and to, well, hire someone to steal it.”
“That would help. I am thinking, though...”
“Yes?”
“If I could take a look at the room where the book was taken, I might be able to identify the thief.”
“Really? How would you do that?”
She smiled. “Every thief has signature moves, though most people know nothing about it.”
“I see. Well yes, of course, you can see the room.” The old man tossed a hat onto his head and went straight for the door. “Come! Let’s go right now. Let’s not waste any time.”
***
The room was in the middle of the library. They had to walk through several halls and past many employees before they reached it. Further, the theft had happened at night, when the place was closed.
Alhindra stood there, studying the shelves and tables, then considered the doors. Each opened into either a hall or another room.
“I don’t know how they did it,” muttered Garhel. “It’s simply impossible! How would you have done it?”
She walked around the room, knocking on the walls, and checking under the tables.
Finally, she looked up. Grinned and pointed.
“I’d have gone through there.”
The archivist followed her finger with his eyes and gaped.
There was a small window in the ceiling.
“But that’s so high, not to mention narrow! Surely, no one—”
“Could you get me a ladder?”
“What?”
“A ladder, Garhel. You know, a wooden thing with rungs that you can use to climb.”
He blinked a couple of times. “Ah. Yes. A ladder. We do have some to access books stored on the higher shelves. There should be one around here... I’ll be right back.”
The old man rushed out, and she turned her eyes back to the ceiling. It was small, yes, but not so small that she couldn’t squeeze through. She knew a handful of others who would be able to as well—including a couple of men. If she could confirm this was the point of entry, it would significantly reduce the list of suspects.
Garhel returned with a ladder, though it seemed too short to reach the window. When she pointed this out, the archivist grinned. He pushed a knob and an extension popped out, doubling the height of the tool.
“We normally lean it against a wall,” he said, “but the window is in the middle of the ceiling. That is a problem.”
“Then you’ll just have to hold it, won’t you?”
Before he could respond, she hopped on the first rung and deftly made her way up.
The old man cringed under the weight, trying to keep the ladder stable.
“Oh, dear me, child! I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be quick.”
“I’m not a youngster anymore, you know. I’ve become quite a frail thing...”
Even as the man blabbered on, she reached the window and studied the slit between its edges and the ceiling. She spotted signs of tampering and chuckled. “Just as I thought.”
“What’s that, Alhindra?”
“Nothing,” she said as she pushed the window open—it was easy enough from the inside. “Just hold tight down there. I’m almost done.”
“Hurry! The pain in my arms is maddening!”
She ran a finger across the surface. It had not rained since the theft, so there were still traces of fabric. On the side, she saw the metal protrusion where her colleague would have fastened the rope. She squinted, staring at it for a moment, then nodded.
“Coming down!” she called out as she pulled the window shut and began her descent.
The ladder shook, and she wondered that her friend had not let go.
When she reached the floor, she grabbed the sides of the tool to relieve him.
“You can let go now.”
The man sighed and slumped into a chair, wiping the sweat off his forehead.
“That wasn’t very kind of you, child. You nearly gave me a heart attack there.”
She clicked her tongue. “Come now! You’re as sturdy as a rock. Besides, the exercise will do you good.”
He grunted. “Did you find something?”
“Oh yes. I know who the thief is.”
The man jumped to his feet, apparently reinvigorated by the news.
“Splendid! Let’s go see him right away!”
He started for the door, but she grabbed his arm and shook her head.
“No, Garhel, I’m sorry, but you can’t come with me.”
“What? Why not?”
“It’s a code between us. We do not give each other up.”
“But you’re not—”
“Let’s put it this way. I couldn’t tell you his name. If you came with me, you would know who he is, which is no different from me giving him up. So, I’m sorry, but I’ll have to do this alone.”
The archivist fell back in his chair with a big sigh.
“Fine.”
She chuckled as she set the ladder against a wall.
“Don’t be upset. I’ll get to the bottom of this, I promise.”
***
The streets of Aghad were unusually busy as she pressed through the crowds, headed for the square where she knew she’d find her colleague. When she saw men raising stands, she stopped and called out.
“Hey, what’s all this about?”
One of the workers glanced at her. “Haven’t you heard? The Queen’s holding a special reception tonight for all the nobles of the kingdom.”
“Gonna pick a wife for her son,” said another. “Was about time, too. He’s old enough to be a father already.”
The other snorted. “My brother was a grandfather when he was his age!”
“Wait! What? A wife? For the prince?”
The second man looked at her. “Aye. Whoever produces the most unique gift will win his hand.”
She blanched.
“Enough blabbering!” called out a third man. “People will want to sit to watch the procession, and they better have their seats ready way ahead of time. They’ve paid already! We’ll be in deep trouble if we can’t deliver. Hurry up, then!”
They went back to work, but Alhindra barely noticed. Her mind was reeling.
This couldn’t be happening!
She couldn’t let the Queen do this... But how would she stop her?
The thief nearly ran off in the opposite direction, but she froze and took a deep breath.
You made a promise, girl! Finish what you started, then you can focus on saving Therin.
She turned and raced toward the square.
***
Eben Nhurey was a thin and pale man who spent most of his days roaming the streets of Aghad. Alhindra found him cutting purses on Market Street, just like she had expected. It was a good place for business because of the constant crowds milling about. He jumped when she grabbed his arm and pulled him into an alley.
“By all the gods, girl! You scared me half to death! You should know better than to sneak up behind me when I’m working.”
“Sorry, Eb, but it’s an emergency.”
He smoothed his clothes over, shaking his head.
“It had better be! What’s this about?”
“That book you took from the library—”
“I took nothing.”
She snapped at him. “Oh please, I don’t have time for games! I could tell it was you from the marks you left behind.”
“I left no marks!”
“See! I knew it was you.”
He grunted. “So what if it was?”
“I need the book back.”
Eben stared at her. “What in Odril’s name has got into you?”
“I’m serious, Eb! One of my friends is an archivist and he’s getting blamed for the theft. I promised to help him.”
“You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep, Lhin. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t give you the book. It’s not like I stole it for myself.”
She made a face. “You already gave it to your client?”
“Hon, it’s the first thing I did. Went straight from the library to his place.”
“Alright. Then tell me where I can find him.”
“This is ridiculous! You’re wasting my time, Lhin.”
He started back toward the crowd, but she caught his arm to stop him.
“Did your client swear you to secrecy?” she asked.
“What? No, of course not, but—”
She dangled a fat purse in front of him.
“Then give me his name and you can have this.”
He hesitated, then grunted. “Fine. For all the good it’ll do you... Hrovar Durzak is the guy who hired me. He lives in that white tower, right there. Fifth floor.”
The thin thief pointed at a structure that loomed above the surrounding buildings, then snatched the purse as she glanced back.
“Nice doing business with you,” he said as he ran off.
Alhindra didn’t care. She had what she wanted.
Pulling out the list Garhel had made for her, she went over the names and found Hrovar’s in the top three.
“Alright,” she muttered to herself, “time to pay this joker a visit.”
***
The tower was well known to every citizen, not only of Aghad but of the entire kingdom. It was where lived the wealthy and those closest to the crown. She knew it even better than most as she had grown up in that place, and her family still owned an entire floor. If she went in through the front door, they would know she was there within minutes, and that was not an option.
However, there were always other, more unorthodox ways into a building if you took the time to study it. Except today she didn’t have the time—or, rather, she lacked the patience. Fortunately, she knew this tower so well she remembered a trapdoor that led into a cellar. From there, she could make her way up through the air shafts in the walls.
A few minutes later, she was climbing, from slippery rung to slippery rung. They had put these in for workers who might need to fix things in here, but they were rarely used and waste had slimed them up. It was not her favorite part of the job, but she was used to it.
When she reached the fifth floor, she crawled into a horizontal shaft that ran above the ceilings. There were grilles spread across the surface through which she could spy on the rooms and halls below.
She paused when she found a man standing in front of a dais where rested an open book. He was reading from it, but the words that came out of his mouth were strange, guttural, and in a language she had never heard before. On the other side of the dais, facing Hrovar, was a small table with a large egg on it. It sat comfortably on a pile of cloths that kept it from rolling off.
After a few minutes, the caster growled and threw his arms in the air.
“Gods be damned, this isn’t working! What am I missing?”
He paced back and forth a few times, glaring at the book, then suddenly turned and walked out of the room.
Alhindra waited a moment, then pulled on the grille.
It did not budge.
She cursed.
Pulled again.
Still nothing.
Thinking quickly, she drew a metal cord from her pouch and rolled it around one of the bars. You’d normally use it to tie things together, but there was a little magic in this one—just enough to make it sharper than you’d expect. All it took was a little tap on its surface, and it would tighten until whatever it held was sliced in half. It could cut through almost anything.
She tapped its surface and watched as the material contracted. Within seconds, she heard a pop when the metal snapped. She pulled on the cord, and it came loose. Hoping the caster wouldn’t return before she was done, she quickly tied it to the opposite edge of the bar and held the cutoff bit so it wouldn’t clank to the floor when it broke off. She set it down in the shaft next to her, then worked on another bar. Then another. Until she’d made an opening large enough for her to slip through.
Alhindra jumped down into the room and went to the dais. She looked at the book and frowned. The man had left it open, but she couldn’t make sense of the writings. There were images, too, of a snake and an eagle. She slammed it shut and grabbed it, then paused as she looked up. How was she going to get back up there?
Her eyes drifted to the table. That could do the trick, if she removed the egg. She put the book back on the dais so her hands would be free, then pulled the table under the opening in the ceiling. Seizing the egg, she was surprised at how warm it felt. She planned to place it on the ground, but a part of her loathed the thought of leaving it there. On a whim, she wrapped some of the cloths around it, and made a sling with the rest so she could hang the thing on her shoulder and free her hands.
This done, she jumped on the table, leaned to grab the book, rose on her tiptoes and slid it into the shaft. Then, grabbing the edges of the opening, she pulled herself up. Careful not to bang the egg against the surfaces, she slowly made her way back to the central shaft, then down.
Alhindra hated leaving such an obvious trail, but there was no helping it. It was quite risky, too. She could only hope Hrovar would not return before she was far from the tower, or he’d have the guards waiting for her at the trapdoor—if not in the cellar.
She breathed a sigh of relief when she found the coast was clear, on both sides, and rushed as far from the tower and as fast as she could.
If you like my writing, please consider buying a copy of my novel, upgrading to a paid subscription, or making a Paypal or Ko-fi donation. As an independent author, any of these would help a lot!
Want to read more of my epic fantasy? Check out these stories:
The Fall of Vaeldur (a man attempts to save a creature from a life of servitude)
Throne of Dagoth (Thimmin and Kelle set out to steal the King’s throne… What?)
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Thank you!
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Text (c) 2025 by Alex S. Garcia.
Header: royalty-free stock images, edited by me.
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