Blood of the Righteous

The Curiosity Shop

David browsed around the trader's shop, pretending to be interested in what he viewed.

The plump owner came up to him. "I am Master Charles, proprietor of this shop. Do you see anything you like?"

David addressed him without looking at him. "Oh, I like plenty of what you have. There are some fine curiosities, Master Charles. However, I am not finding what I am looking for."

The merchant looked around to make sure no one could hear, came in closer to David, and lowered his voice. "I see. And what makes you think I have any of those items?"

David looked at him with an 'isn't it obvious' expression. "I've traveled to seven different kingdoms and probably 20 ports. Your shop is located in a less than reputable location, and wouldn't be frequented by people looking to buy this frilly merchandise. I've seen a dozen shops like yours. Now, what I need are a good set of lock picks."

Master Charles smiled. "Come with me in the back, young sir. I even have some of the various styles of practice locks for you to try them out on."

"Sounds good!" David followed him into the rear of the shop. The room was lit only by lanterns. Once Master Charles closed the door, the lanterns were the only source of light. David let his eyes adjust. Tables lined the walls of the small room, filled with every type of thieving tool imaginable. Grapples, lock picks, daggers, leverage bars, glass cutters, medicines, acids, even a table with special arrows. David picked up an arrow with an odd-looking head. "What's this do?"

"That, young man, is a noise maker arrow. Good for diverting attention of guards while you make your way to safety. Here, watch this." Master Charles picked up a small black pouch, no bigger than an egg and threw it on the ground.

David was temporarily blinded by a flash of light brighter than the sun. "Argh!" he yelled. He stood blinking as splotches of color fought their way through the blackness that used to be his vision. "Impressive. When will it wear off?"

"Give it a few more seconds."

Slowly David's sight returned to him. "I have to admit that I've never seen such a collection. No wonder the hired guards in New Portsmouth have such a poor reputation."

Master Charles beamed with pride. "Now, the lock picks." He took David over to a table in the back of the room. "These are some of the finest tools created from the ingots of Lystra, which as you know produces some of the finest metals in the known world."

"Yes, I am aware." David's attention was draw to a set that was the most extensive collection of picks and keys that he had ever seen. It was even better than his mentor, Dunkirk, owned. "How much for these?"

"You know quality, that's for sure. I put that collection together myself. Seven gold and it's yours."

David scoffed. "I see I've paid you far too many compliments. I mistook you for a man of honest business dealings. Honor among thieves and such."

Master Charles raised his eyebrows. "You, sir, are more than a petty thief. Normally I would talk about how they were an investment and you could make up the money in a single night of burglary. So, what do you propose?"

"It looks like you've made this set from two smaller sets. I figure they were a gold and five silvers each. So, give me your five best practice locks. If I can crack all five in under fifteen minutes, I pay you four gold. If I can't, I'll pay you eight."

The merchant grinned. "Make it ten minutes and you have a wager."

David thought for a minute and nodded. "I'll probably lose my shirt over it, but provided there is no interference, deal."

Charles reached into a bag under one of the tables, sorted through the locks, and chose five. He locked them and laid them out, and pulled out an sandglass. "Whenever you are ready. There is enough sand in this glass to run five minutes."

"Turn it!"

The merchant flipped the sandglass. David picked up each of the locks and studied them. He carefully selected the appropriate tools for each of them. Before half of the sand ran through on the second turn, the final lock popped open.

"That, my boy, was most impressive! Whoever taught you must have been a master."

David counted out four gold. "Pleasure doing business with you, Master Charles. I will most definitely have to come back when I have more time."

"It was a pleasure. I'd ask your name, but in my line of work, it's best I don't know."