A Thief at Heart

The Thieves Guild. Written by Jake Kerr, episode fifty nine. A thief at heart. He was rolled in on a makeshift chair, its rough wooden wheels, protesting against the fine grass of Polo's private quarters. The roof top garden was a riot of life, a testament to Polo's power to nurture and command growth. Allard felt the irony of it. He, a broken man in a crude wooden cage, was now a permanent fixture in this perfect living world. He was a piece of dead wood in a thriving forest. Polo was not alone. Esma, his old, white bearded deputy, stood beside the living throne, a sheaf of parchments in his hand. The reports from the outer fields are excellent, guild Master. The silos are overflowing, we have increased yields for the third season running. And the inner fields. His gaze was fixed on some beautiful flower ah Lard couldn't name and had never seen before. As expected consistent, there is minor grumbling about the outer fields receiving the best seed and priority with the manure to feed the fields. But the animals are in the outer fields, and this is not unusual. Allard remained silent in his corner, a shadow in the bright morning sun. He had heard this report, or a version of it, three times now, and each time the same word pricked at him, grumbling. There was no such thing as usual grumbling. There was only contentment or grievance. Polo finally turned his attention from the flower. He looked from Esmer to Allard, a flicker of something annoyance perhaps, or a grudging respect in his eyes. My adviser is quiet. Do you have nothing to add to this good news? Allard? I have a. Question, Allard peered at Esmer. I am ignorant of your labors. Can you explain the seed distribution? Esma stiffened, a flash of irritation on his face. It's a simple rotation designed for efficiency. The inner fields, being closer to the silos, receive their allotment first to streamline planting. The outer fields receive theirs in the following week. And the equipment, the plows, the harvesters. The newest tools are tested in the inner fields for a season before being rotated out. And the manure. You say it is closer to the outer fields as the seeds are to the silos. Do you thus rotate it with the inner fields the same way. Esmer stared at Allerd before replying, no, the manure is distributed on a need basis. Ah, so the inner fields, with their harder and rockier soil, receive the bulk of the fertilizer. It is distributed on a kneed basis, as I said. But you stated that the arta fields received more as it is closer. Did you not enough? I have my report, Esmer, my friend, you may return to your duties. The old deputy bowed his head to Polo, gave Alad another glare, and left the room. Alard remained quiet, wondering if Polo was upset that he confronted his friend and deputy. Polo had asked his counsel, but he was also a proud man who could just as easily be thankful for the counsel as angry at his deputy's report being questioned. Polo resolved Allard's uncertainty with a simple sentence, it appears I need to ask more questions. Yet, when he returned his gaze to Allard, he did not look pleased. He looked like a man who had been forced to acknowledge a crack in his perfect world. You have a talent for uncovering unpleasant truths. Before Allard could reply, Polo changed the subject. Let us speak of unpleasant truth Quinto waited. He has concerns about our new guildmaster of the Craft Guild. He does not trust him as a leader of a guild of being able to manage the minutia of things like resource allocation. The reference to Esmer was clear. A lad had pushed for Rogers's appointment, had maneuvered Polo into seeing him as a hero. Of the people. Quinto is a man of honor. He sees a hero and assumes simple action. He does not see the man. And what is the man? A hero? As you said, a man to rally the city. Polo's voice was laced with surprising skepticism. Clearly Quinto had disturbed Polo with his views until recently. He wasn't even a captain. You forget the value of loyalty, of dedication. Yes, it is the guild master who manages his guild. But is it really he who oversees the distribution of manure? Or does he trust others? Allard's pointed reference was clear, but Polo's response wasn't of anger, but a sigh. Another truth, this one practical, if not a pleasant. You are speaking of a leader who can have others follow him and do what he asks, even if it is unpleasant or difficult. Perhaps the most important trait of a guildmaster is instilling loyalty. A lad thought of Pietro, who inspired loyalty by his actions and who he was. But it is more than that. The guild master inspires loyalty by being loyal himself. Allard paused, but Polo didn't reply. He gave a slight nod and turned away, appearing lost in thought. Taking in a Lad's words, Roger's loyalty is to the people who have been abandoned. He wheeled his chair forward a few inches, the crude motion of physical punctuation to his words. And that includes the craft Guild, who are leaderless and lost. Ness does not need another politician or another guild master who desires power or sees his own people as pieces on a game board. It needs a symbol. The craft Guild needs a symbol. It needs a man who has bled for the citizens you yourself claim to serve, the people in the pit, the families who fought with pitchforks and broomsticks. They don't follow a title, They follow the person who was loyal to them. He paused, letting the words settle in the fragrant air of the garden. Polo again didn't reply, and Allard made one final comment, one he hoped would be a small step down the path of helping his own guild. Even the boy Raylan, who began his journey as boy dismissed as irresponsible and showered in piss and garbage, instills loyalty in his people because he is loyal to them. You make a compelling argument. A hero is indeed a powerful tool. He turned and the warmth was gone from his voice, replaced by the chill of absolute authority. Don't think I missed your comment about Raelan Allard. I value your wisdom, but the reason you are still in chains is that you are a thief at heart. And Raelin, no matter how courageous and loyal he is to ness, is also a thief at heart. I will deal with him when the time is appropriate. The podcast Alchemy production