A Vote Secured

The Thieves Guild written by Ja Kerr, Chapter seventy two. A vote secured, Vesper walked out of the Guildmaster's library, his mind a cold, precise calculator. During the entire journey back to the tower to see Raylen, Vesper had confidence in him. But confidence is not a guarantee. Thankfully the guild master had said yes now, time was their enemy. He found Mahler in the cavernous main hall, standing near the Great Hearth, her gaze lost in the flames, she looked up as he approached. He's in. He'll give us his vote. We need to leave now. He turned, expecting her to fall into step beside him. She did move. Vesper stopped and looked back. Mailer's face was a mask of calm, almost serene. He walked back to her what he knew. He didn't need to say anything more. I'm staying. His eyes narrowed. We agreed vengeance for Allard. This is the path. This is the first step on that path, or the third whatever, but it is the path. This is now your path, It's Cartch's path. I need to watch the tower. Darla is here, Prosper. She seemed to be searching for a reason for a logic that would satisfy him. But Vesper knew a blade and a romantic partner was a toxic combination. He cut her off. Vesper had no time for her domestic responsibilities, duties or desires. Fine, he didn't care about her reasons, only her utility. She had just made herself useless to the great doors. Ready to leave. This was cleaner anyway, fewer variables, wait Raylan's voice. Vesper turned. The guild master was descending the main stairs, shrugging into a dark, plain cloak. The uncertainty from the day before was gone. He carried himself with an authority that reminded Vesper of his first meeting with him. I'm ready, Vesper nodded. Apologies, guild Master, but you are not. Raylan raised an eyebrow. You're a target. You walk out that door, you're a dead man. If Polo or Quinto see you. To Vesper's shock, Raylan laughed. I just wandered through the upper quarter for days. I think I'll take my chances. Vesper didn't say anything, and Raylan added. Plus, I'll have you at my side. A low, cold laugh escaped Vesper's lips. You're not safer with me, guild Master, As I said, you're not ready, and what do I need to be ready? You need Felos and paused and then smiled again. He'll enjoy that. Even if I feel it's not necessary. We'll grab him on the way out. Raylan turned and started walking. Vesper glanced back one last time. Maela was still standing by the fire watching them. A new figure, Darla had emerged from a side hall and was now standing beside her, a hand on her arm. The sight bothered Vesper for a reason he couldn't explain, wasted talent, a lack of loyalty. It didn't matter, Maela had made her choice. He pushed open the heavy door and stepped out to Raylan chatting with the Mighty Guard. Felo's a podcast Alchemy production