The Princess's Ransom Page 3

faces.

  “Why?” she asked Nayfor.

  “Are you a witless fool, girl?” he asked without emotion. “Many of us are in the King’s dungeons now and you have endangered all of us by disregarding our rules. Not only did you rob a King’s Messenger who was carrying the Princess’ ransom but you also used magic! You’ve been a good provider in the past, Ven, but we can’t let you stay and imperil us any further. We’ve hidden you from the search and you can stay until tonight but you must be gone by morning. Do you accept this?”

  Maeven slumped visibly. “I accept,” she murmured.

  Nayfor nodded and all but two of the other thieves left. These two moved and gripped Maeven by the arms as Nayfor unlaced her jerkin enough to reveal the Thieves Sign. She stiffened realizing what was to come. Nayfor took a tiny long handled iron from the fire in a small brazier that was burning on a side table. The red-hot end formed a cross and it was touched over the Thieves Sign. He was not a cruel man so his action lasted no longer than necessary and was therefore over quickly but the pain remained.

  Maeven had managed not to scream and when released was allowed to re-lace her jerkin. Only Nayfor remained in the room when she finished and he was staring at her with expressionless features. She straightened under his penetrating gaze.

  “You planned all this,” he accused, raising the cooling iron to emphasize his point. “Why?”

  “You said it yourself, Nayfor,” Maeven told him, her whole manner full of satisfaction. “He was carrying the Princess’s ransom. I just bought my freedom!”

  Nayfor stared at Princess Maeven then turned his back and walked away.

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  The full novel is due to be published in 2015.

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