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swerving at the last moment.
Grimm considered erecting a magical ward around himself and his companions,
but the spell might place a considerable drain on his store of magical energy.
Xylox told him often enough that a prudent mage guarded his strength until it
was needed, and the advice seemed sensible.
As a small figure barged past him, Grimm felt a slight tug at his pocket. His
right hand shot out and grabbed a small wrist. Looking down, he saw a small,
scruffy urchin struggling in vain to get away from him.
As this seemed only to be a small boy of maybe twelve years, he did not want
to call down the wrath of whatever passed for the law here in Griven.
Nonetheless, he thought that instilling a little fear into the pint-sized
would-be pickpocket might dissuade him from persevering with a life of crime
that might lead to the gallows when he was older.
"Thief, know that you have attempted to steal the purse of a Guild Mage, he
growled. Do you have any idea of the gravity of your offence? I may well..."
At that moment, another of the city's guards arrived.
"Leave it to me, Lord Mage, the man said, saluting. We don't like thieves
here. I'm sorry that such a thing should happen to you in our town."
He grabbed the child by the arm and began to drag him away.
"Ah yes, we've had trouble with this one before, the guard said, turning the
urchin's face into the light with a rough hand. She'll learn the error of her
ways soon enough, and no mistake."
She? As Grimm looked closer, he could see that the pickpocket was no boy of
twelve, but a small girl. Her face wore a mask of defiance, but her complexion
was pale and blemished, speaking of a life of hardship and malnutrition.
Turning to the guard, Grimm asked, What is the punishment for thievery in
Griven?"
The guard thrust his hand under the girl's chin and turned her face left and
right in appraisal. A girl such as this, Lord Mage, of a suitable age ... I
guess she'll go to the slave block at the weekend. Five years or so as a
bonded concubine ought to make her regret her thieving ways."
"Do you intend to wait there all day, Questor Grimm? Xylox called
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impatiently.
"A few moments more, if you please, Questor Xylox, Grimm replied.
Turning back to the guard, Grimm forced onto his face what he hoped was a
lecherous look.
"Good watchmen, he whispered, smiling, we are both men of the world. My
visit to Griven will not last until the weekend. How much might a slave girl
in this condition be expected to fetch at the block?"
The guard mused. A young girl like this, washed and dressed in seductive
clothes ... I'd guess seven gold pieces or so."
Grimm drew a deep breath; he did not know the Grivense penalty for attempting
to bribe a city guardian, but he was about to find out. With a forced smile of
bonhomie on his face, he draped a friendly and conspiratorial arm around the
guard, whilst the girl regarded him with cold, flint-like eyes.
"If I were to offer a bid of ten gold pieces, the mage said, I feel sure I
could rely on a loyal public servant like you to ensure the relevant forms and
bills of sales were completed."
The guard cast a few furtive glances around him. Fifteen, he muttered.
"Thirteen, Grimm countered.
"Done, the guard whispered. Thirteen golds, six to be paid in advance."
"Done, Grimm agreed, holding out the requisite six gold pieces.
"Meet me at the town guardhouse in three hours, the guard whispered. I'll
bring the signed and stamped ownership papers, and you bring my ... our seven
pieces."
"I'll be there, Grimm said. Just remember one thing, my friend. Attempting
to cheat a Guild Questor could cost you a lot more than thirteen pieces of
gold. This is just a friendly warning. I trust you will regard it in that
light. I also want your assurance that I will receive untouched goods for my
money."
The guard nodded earnestly. I know better than to mess with men like you,
Lord Mage. She'll be waiting for you, just as she is.
"Come along, girl, he said, yanking the girl's wrist. She went along with
him, but she cast a look of purest hatred over her shoulder at Grimm.
"What are you doing? Xylox demanded. A Guild Questor buying a street urchin
as a concubine the concept is outrageous!"
The Senior Questor's knuckles were white as he gripped his staff. Tordun and
Crest seemed no happier than Xylox, their expressions dark.
"Oh, come on, fellows! Grimm protested as soon as the guard had left. What
sort of person do you take me for? The moment the papers are handed over, I
will give them to the girl. She will be free to go; perhaps she will choose a
more lucrative and licit career from now on."
The two warriors looked relieved. I never really doubted you, Questor, Crest
said, embarrassed. But you were a very convincing actor."
A sudden thought seemed to flit across his brow. It looks like I'd better
keep my more larcenous talents well hidden round here. The thought of being
sold off as a pet stud to some bloated noblewoman doesn't appeal to me!"
Xylox snarled, So, are you going to spend your money on every thieving little
waif or stray who comes your way? Thirteen gold pieces to buy freedom for a
reprobate girl who will doubtless end up in the same predicament a week from
now; hah! I take no pleasure in saying this, Questor Grimm, but you have been
spendthrift and reckless."
"With respect, Questor Xylox, Grimm retorted, it is my money to spend as I
see fit. Call it a moment of madness, if you wish, but I will not have you as
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