The Loot (standard:fantasy, 3530 words)
Author: Belias	Added: May 25 2002	Views/Reads: 3222/2051	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
An ex-military officer swears to rid the land of outlaws and thievery.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story


A young guardsmen approached cautiously.  He knew better than to
interrupt either of these men without due-cause.  Suddenly the 
Commander forgot about the lieutenant and allowed himself to be lead 
down a narrow passage.  As they passed into the opening of a smaller 
compartment, Commander Romulus stepped over the body of a fallen 
soldier. 

Lieutenant Kwen noticed that the arrogant veteran only huffed in disgust
at the man who had obviously tried to open a secret compartment, only 
to set off the trap therein.  The man he noted was no older than 17 and 
probably a new recruit. 

The room was covered in sacks and chests of all different sizes,
containing all sorts of jewels and works of art.  Though the shear 
amount of loot still did nothing to draw your attention away from the 
centerpiece of the collection... The statue. 

Even in the dim light of the torches, the statue glimmered with the
magnificence of it's beauty.  The image was of an elven man, so 
handsome some might call him beautiful.  He wore a long cape and a 
shirt of chain mail that could only be of elven chain.  With closer 
inspection, the commander quickly saw the sword strapped to the elf's 
back, the intricate detail of the hilt proved to him that the image 
could only be of one man... 

"Belias..?" 

The Commander huffed loudly.  "Of course it's Belias.  My only question
is why would anyone make a golden statue of one of the most notorious 
thieves in the land." 

"More importantly," pointed out the subordinate, "who could steal from
him?" 

"You sound like you admire this rouge?"  Commander Romulus questioned
angrily.  "I assure you that he too will fall to justice." 

Walking around the statue, the lieutenant examined it more closely. 
"What detail?" 

"Cease your prattling fool.  It's just more loot, although this one may
be melted down and the gold to be put to better use.  Have your men 
begin moving this stuff out... and let them know that if anything is 
missing I shall have their head." 

The commander, confident that his orders would be followed to the
letter, left his minions to the labor.  He would return to his 
luxurious accommodations, supplied to him by the governor of Cyperien.  
He was sure that the riff raff that these people called guards would 
skim some but most of them being cowards would not. 

It took the men ten hours of nonstop labor to carry all of the loot to
the wagons and ferry them into town where they were put into a special 
vault within the castle walls.  The safe was made by the brilliant 
craftsmen of Cyperien, who were reputed to be the most skilled in the 
land.  These craftsmen assured the king that no thief would ever be 
able to penetrate it's defenses. 

As the last of the loot was brought in, the men stopped to admire the
golden statue for a moment.  Though they knew not to let the Commander 
know it, they did admire the beauty of the craven image. 

The large slab was rolled into place as the men left.  All of the
contents of the safe were now the property of Cyperien and it's people. 


Twelve hours after the men had found the loot, the statue stood in the
dark, it's beauty unseen by any.  One minute after, the spell wore off. 


'By the demons that spawned my soul, I thought that damn spell would
never wear off,' thought Belias.  He squatted and stretched, shaking 
off the torturous feeling of not being able to move.  He could hear and 
see in his line of sight but could not even feel the wind as he was 
moved to the wagon. 

As he stepped from the pedestal that supported the statue, he realized
that even his elven eyes could barely penetrate the darkness of the 
vault.  He knew that time was short, as air in here would soon run out. 
  He took the silver chalk that Tavaris, a mage he'd hired, had given 
him.  As he was instructed he drew an arcane symbol on the vault floor. 


He knew that he had to draw it exactly as he'd been shown.  Magic was
nothing to play around with.  He'd gotten angry at the sorcerer when he 
suggested it was too difficult for him. 

"I have designed and penetrated more security systems than you have ever
seen.  I think I can draw a symbol on the floor!" 

It took him only about fifteen minutes to complete the drawing.  Now was
the more difficult task for the thinly built elf.  He had to move all 
of the loot to the symbol.  Most of the things were easy enough, though 
there were chests of gold in this room that he had to struggle with.  
He knew that his greatest weakness was always his physical strength. 

Not until all of the loot that could be moved to the circle was, did he
stop.  Suddenly, as he stopped to catch his breath, his head began to 
spin.  He knew that his air had just about run out.  He took from his 
pouch, a ring that belonged to the hired magic user.  A twist of the 
jewel that decorated it allowed the needle to spring out.  A drop of 
blood activated the homing spell that would allow it's owner to scry 
it's location. 

Carefully, the elven thief rested the ring on top of the stacked loot. 
"All right Tavaris, bring it all home.  Don't get greedy while I'm 
gone.  I'll cut out your black heart if you do." 

One moment the loot was there, stacked on top of the arcane symbol...
The next, it was gone. 

In addition to the thick walls and concrete slab, there were two guards
posted at the entrance.  They stood ever vigilant for any attempt to 
break into the vault.  They both knew that the rewards for a job well 
done were great as was the penalty for failure.  Neither moved, keeping 
their eyes forward and backs straight.  The silence was maddening but 
neither would risk talking. 

'Knock... Knock' 

At the sound, both jumped suddenly.  It was crazy but it sounded like it
came from behind them.  Warily, they peered from the corner of their 
eyes at one another as if expecting the other to know the truth. 

'Knock... Knock' 

The second knocking confirmed it.  There was knocking on the vault
door... from the inside. 

"Maybe someone got locked in by accident?" 

"I don't know... I guess it's possible." 

"He may be suffocating!  Better hit the lever!" 

Instantly the guard ran for the large wooden lever that when released
would cause the vault door to open.  Normally no one but the Commander 
could order it to be open but if they waited, whoever was in the vault 
would be dead. 

The lever slid down easily.  As the weights were released, a clicking
could be heard.  Slowly the heavy rock slab was pulled aside revealing 
the darkness of the vault... the very empty vault. 

As the realization that the room was empty took ankor in their minds,
both guards drew their swords.  Both men were chosen for their large 
builds and intimidating looks.  Both were men to be reckoned with.  
Their large bastard swords were poised, waiting for something to spring 
from the darkness. 

Carefully, both entered the empty chamber, their hearts beating with
fear and wonder.  All of the loot was gone.  They knew they would be 
blamed and killed.  All that was left was the statue, covered in a 
white sheet. 

One guard decided to examine the dark corners of the vault while the
other moved to the statue which stood in the center of the room.  With 
care he kept the metal piece of sculpture to his back in case the room 
wasn't as empty as it seemed. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------- Suddenly, the elf made his move.  His sensitive hearing told 
him exactly where the soldiers were.  The sheet that he had used to cove
r the fact that he was no longer a golden statue was thrown over the gua
rd's head.  What light came in from the hall was blocked, leaving the st
artled soldier blind. 


He would not be so easily taken.  The frantic guard turned and sliced
where his assailant should have been.  If his blow had struck, it would 
have definitely killed the thief, however, it was not to be.  His 
inhuman dexterity once again allowed him to easily dodge a lethal blow. 


He'd ducked under, rolling to the fighter's flank.  He knew even as he
struck the guard that it would have little effect.  It did manage to 
infuriate his opponent more.  The warrior determined quickly where the 
weak blow had come from and struck with the most ferocious attack he 
could.  He felt his blade strike flesh and blood, severing it 
completely through. 

"I got him!" called the soldier proudly. 

Only now did he take the time to remove the sheet.  He saw his fellow
guard, lying on the floor in a pool of his own blood.  His head he 
watched roll across the floor to rest against the far wall. 

Stunned only for a moment, the fighter quickly saw that his assailant...
the spitting image of the statue... rested against the ceiling.  The 
powder flew with such speed and accuracy that it was impossible to 
avoid.  As the guard reeled from the pain of the blinding powder 
Belias' ring of levitation lowered him to the ground. 

As expected from such a thug, the behemoth's rage quickly dispelled any
pain that he felt and he flew at the frail elven thief like a charging 
bull.  With practiced ease, the blow was side stepped, while a tiny 
space between bands of armor was found.  Demon's Vein dug deep, 
spilling blood and drinking in the man's soul.  When the sword was fed, 
it was very powerful so Belias made sure it was fed often. 

Once the unpleasantness was over, Belias could concentrate on the task
for which he was hired.  Morell had hired him to find and rescue his 
daughter.  The loot in the vault was just a fringe benefit. 

As he heard the footsteps of many running guards, Belias used the cloak
of shadows to transform himself into a bat.  It was a simple matter to 
fly past the charging horde and make his way to the cells. 

The single guard at the door fell easily to a dart, dipped in a little
poison.  As the keys were found and the door open, Belias could feel 
that something was wrong.  He slipped the large brass key ring, holding 
the single key for the door into a pocket in his cloak and carefully 
examined the room.  There were no other guards that he could see.  He 
expected at least a few.  Without a sound, the infamous cutpurse 
stepped into the room.  There he saw three cell doors. 

It was not until he was halfway to the doors that the trap he knew
awaited sprung.  From behind four tapestries stepped four men armed 
with medium crossbows.  They were placed  around the room so that there 
was little chance of shooting each other in a crossfire.  From the 
middle cell door emerged Commander Romulus. 

"Bravo...Bravo...Belias, isn't it?" 

"I am Belias, Commander Romulus ? isn't it?" 

"You've done your homework then?  I can only guess that you are mad
then, to think you could outwit me.  Did you really think that that 
statue would fool me?" 

"Morell talked, didn't he?" 

Obviously annoyed that this cretin, Belias knew that it was an informant
and not his keen sense of detection uncovered his plot. 

"...Yes... the fool decided that your plan was too risky.  He traded his
daughter's life for yours.  Loyalty among thieves... What a crock." 

"Apparently, you seem to be right." 

"If you don't want to be shot, I would suggest that you disarm
yourself...slowly." 

One at a time, Belias dropped his weapons.  The daggers sheathed at each
wrist and ankle, his own hand crossbow that he kept around his belt, 
the sash that kept his poisoned tipped darts and finally 'Demon's Vein. 


Lieutenant Kwen  until now stood silently next to his commanding
officer.  When all of Belias' weapons were on the floor he approached, 
gathering them in his arms.  They were placed inside a cabinet which 
was then locked 

"The problem with thieves like you Belias," spoke the blustering
commander, "is that no matter how many weapons you carry, they cannot 
make up for a lack of skill." 

"I see your point."  With very little movement, only a flick of the
wrist, the large key ring flew across the room.  The cold metal struck 
the trigger-finger of the archer to his right, causing it's bolt to be 
released.  Belias had only tried this once before and it took nearly a 
week for his hand to heal.  Today, though his skill was unerringly 
accurate. 

The bolt was caught and thrown in the same fluid motion.  'In a moment
the other archers would fire away and slay him for certain,' he 
thought, even as the bolt struck the left hand of the man directly in 
front.  The pain and surprised caused him to jerk his hand to his left 
and pull the trigger of the crossbow. 

The archer to Belias' right was struck in his side.  Belias had been
shot several times and knew that almost anyone would be stunned, if 
just for a moment.  As he moved to his right, the bolt he feared most 
hit it's mark. 

Though his well made elven-chain mail took the brunt of the damage, the
tip managed to penetrate.  The sudden pain almost threw him off long 
enough for his target to recover.  The archer who had begun to re-aim 
found his weapon being guided by his intended target.  The archer he'd 
struck with the keys had nearly reloaded his bow when the bolt tore 
into his neck.  He fell, gurgling in warm blood. 

In a matter of a second, Belias still holding onto the end of the
crossbow used it to block the shot of the man to his right.  The 
crossbow and bolt both broke from the impact.  Lieutenant Kwen  watched 
this blur of action, amazed at the elf's speed and accuracy.  He'd 
never seen any either human or elf move like that. 

The practiced pickpocket found the dagger the archer had sheathed behind
him, using it to pierce the young soldier's eye, killing him instantly. 
 There was only two left archers left. One slightly to his right and 
one flanking his left.  He knew that he'd have to contend with the 
Lieutenant  and Commander sooner or later but they would wait for the 
archers to act before jumping into the middle of the fray. 

The one to his left frantically tried to notch another bolt when the
broken  crossbow of his fallen comrade came sailing into his weapon, 
breaking the string and rendering it useless.  He looked on hopeful 
that his colleague would finish this fool. 

Belias gauged his timing down to the last instant.  As the archer pulled
the trigger, he bolted to his right.  Before the bolt left the weapon, 
the man realized the thief's strategy.   Remarkably Belias spun around 
the missile, allowing it to continue it's journey until it struck the 
bewildered, unarmed bowman. 

As his companion fell dying, The other quickly grabbed another bolt. 
Once it was notched, he raised his weapon to aim.  The last thing he 
saw was the dagger soaring towards him.  He prayed he would be 
remembered well. 

Pain ripped through Belias' side as he rose from his crouching position.
"Yes, I completely agree.  A weapon cannot replace skill Commander." 

The burly mountain of a man strode into the center of the room.  "We
shall see rogue... We shall see." 

"Are you to attack an unarmed man sir?" 

The honorable man paused for a moment.  "Lieutenant Kwen, give this
cretin  your sword." 

"Sir?" 

"You heard me Lieutenant.  Do I have to repeat myself?" 

"No sir," answered the warrior. 

The young man pulled his sword from it's sheath and hilt first handed to
a smiling Belias.  "Thank you my good man.  I shall deal with you in a 
moment." 

"You pompous, arrogant... aarrrgh!"  The Commander charged with the
strength of a wild beast.  "I shall cleave you in half!" 

The blow struck Belias' sword, wrenching it from his hand instantly. 
With his left hand, Belias flung the contents of a small glass vile 
that he kept in his cloak.  The white powder sailed through the air... 
only to be blocked by Commander Romulus's left arm. 

"Hah!  My men told me about the body of my guard upstairs.  Your
blinding powder is only useful if it strikes the eyes." 

Belias stepped back, weapon less and smiled at the gloating war-horse. 

"What are you smiling about little man.  You are about to die." 

"You are right Commander, my blinding powder does need to make contact
with the eyes to work.... My sleeping powder however, works with just 
contact with one's  skin. 

Even as the rogue spoke, the commander could feel himself getting
lightheaded.  His smug smile was swept away.  For the first time in his 
life the warrior knew fear.  He knew he was going to die even as he 
sunk to the floor. 

Belias watched the sleeping man for a moment... until he realized that
Lieutenant Kwen  was approaching. 

As they came in arm's reach, Belias extended his hand.  "Your contract
is fulfilled sir." 

The lieutenant raised his hand to take his.   "And as your end is
fulfilled, you are welcome to do business in Cyperien, so long as there 
isn't too much bloodshed. 

I think we're going to get along fine Lieutenant Kwen .  Now if you
will... I would like to take the girl.  Morell owes me for his 
betrayal." 

"Your going to kill her?!" 

"Oh no.  He'll pay handsomely for her return, I'm sure." 

THE END


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