Page 3 of The Sorcerer's Thief
“Stop!”
“Intruder!”
Slowed down by heavy boots, protective armor, and dull wits, they don’t stand a chance against my speed and agility. With their drawn—too late, mind you—weapons clattering, the menholler to anyone within hollering distance, probably waking half the castle in the process.
No matter. I live for a challenge. My heart beats wildly, and gooseflesh prickles down my spine.
This is what it’s like to feelalive.
What will I do without the exhilaration my livelihood brings? Get a real job? No, thank you. Shall I farm? Raise chickens? Tend a herd of goats?
Everything else sounds dull in comparison.
I haven’t a clue what’s next for me. All I know is that moments like this are what light me on fire.
The chase.
The high.
The eventual victory at the end of the game as I admire my most recent haul of prizes.
My chest burns as I run all out. Ralossi Palace is a maze of white marble hallways, great rooms, long staircases, hidden passages, and shadowy nooks.
Rather than taking the shortest way like any normal thief would, I blaze a trail right through the famous ballroom with its thousands of sparkling faerie lights illuminating a false night sky above. I’m a tourist after all. Got to see the sights.
The spectacle is as magical to behold as everyone says, even if I’m racing through it like I’m being chased by dozens of angry palace guards.
Because Iambeing chased by dozens of angry palace guards.
They’re multiplying like rabbits.
No matter. I’m fine. Still good.
So long as the archway ahead of me stays clear, I should be able to skirt through the entryway and make my escape into the night.
“Get him!”
“Faster!”
Uh-oh, sounds like they’re getting closer. I put on a burst of speed.
Just when the thrill of a victory lies merely a few paces ahead, a burly guard throws himself into my path.
Slammed sideways, I crash to my hip and roll.
That’s going to bruise.
I scramble to my feet to make my getaway.
Hands grab my arms. More than two.
Snail’s slime!I wriggle, then go completely slack so they’ll loosen their hold. It works but barely. Twisting, I lunge away and barrel toward the exit with everything I’ve got.
Another hit from the side. I’m dazed. The world spins. I hear colors.
That can’t be good.
“Hold him still this time,” someone yells. Whoa. A big someone. This guy is huge. And silver, like granite in the sunlight after a rain. With wings. Is that a gargoyle? Double whoa.
