Guild of Thieves

Chapter Two

I was woken by a door slamming. I was instantly standing on the balls of my feet, hands raised and ready for anything. I fought back the wooziness from last night. I looked and saw an angry man standing in my room. I knew his profile. He was Remin's son, Shadik. The old wooden door barely hung on its hinges, swinging pitifully behind Shadik.

He was seething. His face was red with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. I wasn't sure what he was so mad about. I was still in my torn clothing from the night before, blood still staining it. Shadik pointed a calloused finger my way.

"You're a woman!" he shouted angrily.

It struck me like a slap to the face. How could he know? Then I got my answer. Of course! The healers must've told him, blowing my cover. I mentally cursed. I kept my inner turmoil concealed, showing no emotion.

Remin strolled up behind his son and laid a calming hand on his shoulder. Shadik lowered his arm and tried to compose himself. Remin stepped forward to take his place. He snapped his fingers, followed by a servant bringing in a stack of clothes. The clothes were set on the edge of my cot. The servant bowed to Remin and left the room. I glanced over at the clothes.

"You can give it up now. We already know you're a woman, though that does not change my view of you. It simply means you are one dangerous woman. Now as part of my guild, you must follow my rules, including punishment," he said.

"Since when was I part of your guild?" I signaled.

"Like you have any other choice? If the truth of your sex somehow was leaked onto the streets, your reputation would be shattered. No more customers, no more money, nothing," he explained.

I realized he was right. Women were nothing in this world. They were about as low as slaves. My choices were living a life of poverty or joining this guild. It didn't matter how good I was, men would want to pay for other things if they found out I was a woman.

I was about to begin using hand gestures, but Remin stopped me with an upraised hand.

"From now on you must speak unless you are on a mission that requires stealth," he ordered.

"I will only join your guild because I have no choice. I have conditions, however. No man is to ogle me. If they do, I can teach them a lesson they will never forget. My only other condition is that you treat me with respect and like any other man. Also, I want my clothing repaired," I demanded quietly.

I almost never spoke, so I was naturally quiet. Remin nodded and turned to leave. He shut the door behind him, leaving me alone in my room. I landed softly on the floor and stripped down. I changed into the clothing he had left for me and frowned. Anger boiled within me. No, anger was too little. Pure rage seethed inside of me.

It was a low-cut cloth shirt with sleeves coming down to the elbows. It was held tightly to my body by a leather corset. It was paired with tight green trousers, accentuating my curves and exposing the top of my bosom. I slammed the door open, not caring if I made a scene. I looked around and grabbed a man by the front of his tunic. I lifted him off of the ground and slammed him up against the wall.

"Remin. Where is he?" I demanded.

"Western hall, fourth door on the right," he stammered.

I dropped him to his feet and stormed off. My boots pounded on the ground as I stomped through the building. I ignored the strange looks and came to a stop in front of the door. Without knocking I barged in, hatred fueling my actions.

Remin, Shadik, and a tall man with dark skin sat at a table. I marched over and slammed my fists down on the wood, making it creak in defiance.

"How could you? I demand a change of clothes," I seethed.