The Noblest Thief

Kasca: The City Of Dorn

Chapter 1

Fear crept into me as the warning bells echoed around my stone hut. My eyes followed my brother, watched him sprint from the room. Where was he going? I ran after him, my own footprints tracing his path into the dawn.

Lights flickered on in the village houses around me. Panicking, people emerged from their houses, searching for a threat. Was it another raid?

I emerged into the City Square, my feet stinging from the cold snow underfoot. The cobblestone square was crowded with people. Their attention was centered on a horse. Was it a messenger? As I got closer I discovered it was no typical message, but one far more sinister. Draped across the neck of the horse lay our scout, three arrows buried in his back. As he was lifted from the horse I heard someone shout- he was conscious. My feet carried me towards the man, I could help him.

I heard a familiar voice call my name from the crowd. It was Jain. She leaned over the body of the scout and placed her hands on his chest. Her power seeped through her fingers and into his heart. She was giving life energy, referred to as Yulei, a vital part of a healers practice. Jain had the gift; the skills of healing had blessed her since birth. She'd been teaching me ever since my parents discovered that I too was a healer.

Our city lay on the outskirts of Lovell. The Gifted rarely found teachers in such small places. I remembered the day the other Gifted left for the big city. They were all my friends with different talents; speed, charisma, shifting and intelligence. I was also given the opportunity to leave, but I couldn't desert my family, nor could I leave my brother; who was my best friend.

"They -they're coming. Soldiers... a whole army." The scout said. My heart raced.

"I've given him enough energy to go through with further healing. But he should be moved from here." I noticed the masses of people gathering.

I followed as a few men carried the scout to the Great Hall. The important city members were inside, the Lord, the General; his few soldiers, and several council members. Lord Bailen instructed us to set up the Hall as an infirmary, to treat the casualties that would soon fill the space. The Great Hall was huge. Our hospital wasn't built to accommodate the injuries of war.

"You men, Help these women." The Lord then turned back to his council.

"Our scout came from the Eastern exit, so that's where the army will be approaching from. We have defended our home against such plunderers before..." He set his face in a determined grimace.

"Take men from the other three entrances, station them at the Eastern Gate. We'll fight for this city." Lord Bailen took action. I saw him turn to a soldier, "Gather and arm your people. Send them to the Eastern Gate. Understand?"

The men turned to leave, but one soldier spoke; halting their progress. Sir Rodrik was well into his forties, but something in his stance made him look somewhat stronger than the young and fit Lord Bailen.

"We'll stand no chance fighting like that."

"I think we know how the odds are in this battle." Lord Bailen grew red faced.

"What I mean to say is, the soldiers expect us to attack them head on. What if we took them by surprise? Use our advantages. We know the city better than they and the Eastern Road will lead them straight into the City Square. If we have enough people accomplished with a bow, we can have them surrounded by archers. Have men at each entrance so we can fight one on one. Make use of our numbers." Everyone in the room turned to stare at him.

"You mean, just allow them to walk straight into the middle of the city?" Lord Bailen turned, and we all waited, "Sir Rodrik, your crazy plan might work." I turned my attention back to the scout.