A Wolf In The House

The Thieves Guild written by Jake Kerr, Chapter ten, A. Wolf in the House. Karsch checked the lock on his office door for the third time. It was locked lately. The heavy click of the bolt didn't bring the comfort it used to. He walked back to his desk, stepping over a pile of ledgers he hadn't had the stomach to open. The Merchant Tower was on a precipice to the city. It looked flushed with health and power the guild that had conquered the Craft Tower, but Karsh knew the truth. It was bankrupt. If Vesper won the vote, Karsh could seize the Craft Guild's assets and bury the Merchant debt. He would be the savior. But if Vesper lost, the Snake rogers would quick understand that he now owned the Craft and Merchant guilds. Kash knew the outcome of that future. A sharp, rhythmic rapping came at the door, not a servant's timid knock, a soldier's demand. Kash smoothed his tunic, took a breath, and unlocked the door. Jasper stood there. He looked different than the uncertain boy Kash had interviewed weeks ago. He wore the heavy polished plate of the Captain of the Merchant Guard, the blue cloak falling perfectly from his shoulders. He didn't bow. He walked past Kasch, his boots clicking on the marble, and made straight for the wine decanter. Guildmaster Jasper poured a generous glass of the vintage that cost more than Jasper's armor. I did not for you a drink, Captain, and I didn't ask. He took a sip, grimaced, and set the glass down on a stack of urgent yet ignored papers. You summoned me urgently. I assume this isn't to discuss guard rotations. He turned his cold, ambitious eyes on Carch. So what does the ruler of the city need from his loyal dog? Karch walked behind his desk. He needed the barrier he had made this boy. He had plucked him from the rank and file and given him a tower to conquer. But looking at him now, Karch realized he might have fed the wolf too much raw meat. I have a contingency that requires discretion. The vote for the craft Guildmaster is in four days at harvest House. I heard word gets around. You know it's amusing how terrified the Mighty Polo is of just walking around the city. It creates complications if the vote goes against us. If Rogers wins, then we lose our leverage over the craft Guild. Jasper shrugged. It sounds like a challenge, but not a disaster. Karch squeezed his nose between two fingers. He was in a difficult spot. He wanted to use Jasper to secure his escape if he needed to, but he didn't want Jasper to know why he needed to escape. What it sounds like is of no concern to you, Captain. If the vote fails, I need to leave the city. Now. That does sound like a disaster. Jasper smiled, and Carch suddenly realized he hated the boy, loathed him even but at this point he had no one else. There are complications which require discretion. I see, I need a swift boat near Harvest House. We are to quickly move to the Great Gate, where we will dock in the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter. This is getting even more interesting. Shut up, Jasper, I need to get out the Main Gate as quickly as possible. That is the nearest dock without a guild affiliation. And where are you heading. Carch was on the verge of canceling the whole exchange with Jasper when the young man held up his hands. Never mind, I don't need to know. What I am more interested in for that quite interesting scenario is who will be the master of the Merchant Guild. Karch suddenly realized Jasper's ambition, and with utter delight at the young fool's ignorance, he leaned heavily into it. I don't care, Jasper. You can run the guild. Take this office, fix the window, play nice with Rogers. But if Vesper loses that vote, I need you to get me out of the city. Jasper's delight was so obvious it was nearly obscene. Consider it done. The captain stood up. I will make sure you escape to safety. While I Jasper never finished the sentence, but Karch smiled thinking over how Jasper intended it to end. Yes, you can sit in this office, you can wear the ring, you can call yourself guild master, and you will be Roger's slave. A Podcast Alchemy production