Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Shadow Play

Two figures stood in the treasure hold chamber. Lantern light created long shadows as Symon pulled out his ledger and tapped the chest that belonged to him. Serafina watched with cool eyes as the chest opened. Symon pulled a small sack of coins and placed them inside. He closed the chest and turned to the elder raven as she looked at him with proud eyes. She lifted a hand and touched his shoulder.

“You have earned enough to be taught proficient skills, or as we like to commonly refer to as, taking the path of a professional,” Serafina smiled.

Symon nodded, but his eyes were dark. “I wish I had earned it a lot sooner. We could use better skills for tonight’s job.”

Serafina gave him an understanding smile. “You all have learned enough to have a better chance at success. A guild isn’t about a single person within it. It is about a family working together for a common goal. Everyone upstairs has something to bring to the plan, including you. I will also be close by, watching everything to ensure it is a success. I will not let any of you fail.”

Her eyes took on a serious gleam as she continued, “Symon, you must lead them. They will be looking to you for guidance and support.”

Symon stared at the elder raven. “But you’re the leader of the guild.”

The woman in black let out a small laugh. “There are different roles for everyone in the guilds. I have a lot of knowledge for guild politics, but my past as figurehead for a failed guild holds me back from doing errands. My place is to keep the guild together, but your place is spearheading errands and jobs until our guild is back to full strength.

“It may not be official now, but when you learn and earn enough, I will need a right hand to run the guild. I want that right hand to be you.”

“Thank you, Serafina. I would be honored,” Symon smiled.

The woman in black pulled her hand away. “Let’s get upstairs and prepare. We leave in an hour.”

Serafina turned and made her way for the stairs. Symon followed.

Ledger in hand, Symon opened it to the front page.

Symon

Raven Guild Rank: Proficient

 

Copper Rooks: 712

Silver Knights: 500

Gold Queens: 13

Platinum Kings: 0

 

Natural Abilities

Shapeshift: Minor (Fox)

Shapeshift: Vulpine Form

Imprint

 

Skills

Flee: Proficient 

Pickpocket: Proficient

Hide: Proficient

 

He noticed he indeed reached his next rank, but nothing else changed.

At least now, I can learn a host of new skills, after this job is finished.

He put the ledger back in his jacket as he followed the elder raven

The pair made their way up the stairs and onto the main floor. They walked along the corridor until they reached the stateroom. The door was partially opened as they stepped inside. Once inside, Symon closed the door behind them.

Everyone was inside, standing and talking to each other. They stopped talking and turned their gazes to Serafina and Symon as they entered and joined them.

Symon noticed Cedric was wearing a mortuary uniform and a top hat. It was the style of those who worked with handling the dead. Nyana and Qin were wearing new, plain looking clothes. The kobolds stood side by side, Qin giving Symon a nod and Nyana smiling at him.

Olivia stood in a tight, black outfit, complete with a hooded cloak. She had a belt around her waist filled with an assortment of tools and small satchels. A mask was pulled down at her neck as she looked at Symon with vibrant eyes.

When Symon reached the edge of the table, he saw a familiar map laid flat and a small sack at one of the corners. The map had a faded outline of a mansion, displaying each floor in minute detail. His eyes scanned it, seeing the various entry ways and exits. He, and everyone else in the guild, spent the day studying and committing it to memory. It was the last task that needed completed on the day of the job.

“You all know your tasks,” Serafina said as she looked to each of them in turn.

Heads nodded in agreement.

She continued, “The name of the mark is Theodore Chambers. He is a vivisector for the Illusion academy. The man has a notorious reputation of cheating anyone he can, loves his drink, and treating women like he owns them. He has burned every bridge in his life except for one, his employer. He is generally hated among his constitutes, and that makes him an easy mark. He doesn’t have many allies and should he complain to anyone, he will not be taken too seriously.”

Serafina pointed to the map of the mansion, “He doesn’t keep many servants, not because he can’t pay them, but because he is incredibly rude and has hurt a number of them with his tantrums. He does have a butler that has stayed at his side for over a decade.

“The mansion doesn’t have any guards, but it does have may enchantments to prevent common thieves from breaking in. Good thing we are not so common.”

Chuckles filled the stateroom.

The elder raven continued, “All entry points, from doors to windows, can only be opened from the inside. From the outside, doors require a key. Theodore and his butler are the only one with the keys. We do not have a key, so we have to be creative with getting inside.”

Serafina moved her finger to a large room on the second floor. “This is his Study and where he keeps his safe. It is imbedded into the wall. Thankfully, the man lacks any imagination, for it is hidden behind the largest portrait. The safe room is big enough for one or two people to be inside. My information I purchased, speaks to many chests filled with knights, queens, and kings, but we don’t know the full amount.

“You all know your parts to our shadow play. Retrieve as many coins as you can carry and make your way to the sub-level. The entrance to the sewers is enchanted to not be open from the sewer side, but it does not stop anyone from opening it from the inside. I have already inspected the tunnels underneath and marked the way out with white chalk arrows.”

The woman in black picked up a small, velvet sack and turned it over. Silver rings fell out onto the map. She picked one and held it up for all to see.

“These rings will allow all of us to communicate. They are enchanted to connect to minds of everyone wearing this particular set. No one other than a high mage, will be able to break into the connection to listen, much less detect us.

“I will be wearing one as well, but know this, I will be to the shadows as you all perform the job. I will only offer advice if you need it.”

She looked across the table to the young man with black hair and red tips along his temples. “Symon will be leading this job. He has my trust and backing. Follow his lead.”

Everyone looked to Symon, smiled and nodded.

I better not mess this up.

Serafina continued, “Despite every advantage we may have, it is important to know, anything could change in a blink of an eye. Whatever happens, this is robbery, nothing more. Do not vandalize, or leave any kind of mark or clue behind. We must act swiftly, to ensure we are long gone before anyone notices we were even there. Do we understand?”

“We understand,” the group said in unison.

The elder raven grinned. “Let’s make your first job one to remember.”

***

A chilly breeze rushed through the streets of Gray Gate. A late evening mist filtered in from the sea, climbing over the eastern walls New Town and Old Town. Cloudy tendrils flowed with the breeze, crawling over cobblestone streets.

The mist and chill caused most citizens to stay inside their warm homes, or seek shelter in taverns. City guards huddled at their posts as the cold mist sank into muscles and bones.

On a dark street, a horse drawn carriage rolled through. The clopping of horseshoes echoed off buildings as it slowly made its way down a street. The gloom grew with each passing moment, shrouding the city of mages in a thick, cloudy soup.

Cedric looked ahead. Dark circles were painted under his eyes, like he had been awake for days. He reached up and touched the rim of his top hate to make sure it stayed on his head. The chill bit through his cloak and he tried to not shiver. Heart beating strongly, he glanced around to make sure they were not being followed.

Inside the carriage, Symon and Olivia sat across from each other. In between them were a pair of small coffins. Locks were slid into place along the edges. The carriage rocked over the slightly uneven cobblestone street.

Symon kept his gaze on the coffins, his heart hammering in his chest. The pressure began to mount as they rode along.

“What happened to the confident rogue who tracked me down?” Olivia smirked.

Symon blinked and lifted his gaze to look at the masked, and cloaked raven across from him.

“It’s one thing to look out for myself. It’s another thing to look out for myself and everyone else,” he said in a low tone.

Olivia nodded. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but I believe the job will go very well.”

“What makes you believe that?” Symon asked with a small smile.

Olivia returned his smile. “I’ll tell you after the job is done.”

Symon’s smile grew wider when a voice slipped into his mind.

“I can hear you both mumbling back there. Keep silent!” Cedric said with a hard edge.

 “Focus on the road,” Olivia shot back.

“I am! Just focus on your part. You may have been an actor, but I’ll show you how to truly be a character!”

“Is there enough room up there on the front seat for you and your ego?” Olivia giggled across minds.

Cedric mentally laughed. “Nay, we’ll need a bigger carriage.”

Symon, Olivia, and Cedric laughed in a shared connection between minds.

The carriage rolled on. Cedric looked ahead and saw the street sigh he was looking for.

“Ocean Lane is approaching. Get ready,” Cedric said.

Cedric pulled back on the reins, the horses slowing down.

Olivia stayed low as she stood up from her seat. Crouched down a little, she made her way to the back door of the carriage.

“Good luck,” Symon said.

Olivia nodded.

The carriage rolled to a stop. The young raven pulled back a small curtain and looked out to the street. Lanterns glowed with thick auras in the misty air. The street itself was devoid of people in the late evening.

The latch to the door was unlocked. The backdoor to the carriage opened halfway, Olivia slipping out and onto the street. Symon closed the door and looked out the window. Olivia’s cloaked form slipped into a nearby alley and she was gone.

With a flick of the reins, the carriage began to move again. Cedric stared ahead as the mist began to part. He looked at the large mansion. It stood dark and ominous. A small grassy field surrounded the building. Where the grass and street met, a high, wrought iron spiked fence surrounded it. Cedric glanced around to see that the mansion took up its own block. It didn’t share a fence or wall with any of the surrounding buildings. Streets ran around the property as it stood like darkly against the pale mist.

“You’re turn,” Cedric said as the carriage slowed.

Symon nodded. He took off the ring on his finger and placed it in his mouth, under his tongue. He then took off his clothes a piece at a time. Boots came off first. Next was his leggings, jacket, and shirt. When he was nude in the back of the carriage, his body began to change.

Muscles and bones shifted into new angles. Dark reddish fur sprouted, along with white fur under his throat and black fur along his shifting limbs. Hands shrunk into paws, as did his feet. A fluffy tail spouted and waved. Symon’s face elongated into a snout. The ring remained under his tongue as he stood in his fox form. With a push of his head against the door, it opened.

Cedric peered over the side to see a slightly larger than normal fox silently leapt down and darted into an alley. He smiled as he looked ahead and snapped the reins. The carriage started to move again.

The thin raven saw the front gates to the mansion before him. He glanced to the right to see the side entrance gate. He pulled one side of the reins and the horses turned onto a side street. The horses and carriage made their way along until they reached the side gate. They slowed to a halt and Cedric stepped down. He stepped to the wide side gate and looked from left to right. When he saw no one around, he glanced down to an odd purple crystal next to a strong lock. The author smiled as he lifted his hand and touched the crystal. It glowed brighter and pulsed as the man waited.

“Yes?” came a low voice from the crystal.

“I have a delivery for Lord Chambers, something he may be interested in,” Cedric said with a rough tone.

“From where?” the voice said from the crystal.

“From Night Slumber Mortuary. Mortician Kramer said it would be of great interest to the lord of the manor, like the previous ones,” Cedric said with a slight, New Town accent.

There was silence for a moment.

“Should I come back another time? They might not be as fresh as Lord Chamber’s likes.”

The crystal glowed brighter as words came out. “Lord Chambers is out for the evening. He will not be able to pay until he sees the delivery.”

“It matters not to me. I still get paid for the delivery. It’s a cold and wet evening. I would hate to make a second trip. Lord Chambers can send payment to my boss later. I just want to finish this deliver so I can warm my bones in the Spirit District, if you get my meaning.”

Again, a moment of silence remained.

Cedric tapped his foot, an eagerness clawing at his nerves.

The crystal glowed bright again. “Come in and leave the delivery. I’ll tip you for your troubles.”

“Aye,” Cedric smiled as he was ready to pat his own back.

The gate clicked and opened. Cedric opened the gate wide. He then took hold of the leather harness on one of the horses and led them inside. He let go, jogged to the gate and closed it behind him. It locked into place.

Cedric took a deep breath as he took hold of the harness again and led the horses and carriage over a smooth, stone path to a set of double doors on the side of the mansion.

The double doors opened and a bald man with hawkish features stared at Cedric. He beckoned with his hand, Cedric nodding and leading the horses and carriage. Warmth flowed over Cedric’s face as he stepped into the garage.

The bald man in a regal robe closed both doors once the horse and carriage were inside.

Cedric circled around the carriage and opened the back. He quickly grabbed Symon’s clothes and threw them into the back. The moment they hit a corner and slid down, the butler came over and peered in.

“The seem rather small,” the butler said with shrewd eyes.

Cedric nodded. “Aye, they are small. A pair of kobolds. They died under mysterious circumstances, but my boss mentioned when he inspected them, he could detect unusual amounts of mana. He thought of Lord Chambers and wanted to get it to him right away.”

Cedric reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a scroll. He unfurled it and presented it to the butler. The hawkish man took it from him and looked it over.

“As you can see, it’s official. Since they don’t have any living relatives, they can be sold to a vivisector for exanimation and research,” Cedric mentioned.

The butler looked at the document. He scanned it, seeing that it indeed looked genuine and written my Headmaster Mortician Kramer himself. The butler nodded, rolled up the scroll, and stuffed it into an inside pocket.

“This looks in order. Take out the coffins and put them on the floor over there. I have to inspect them before you can leave for that drink.”

Cedric nodded. He grabbed one coffin and slid it out. He carefully lifted it up and carried it over to the place he was instructed to place it. The coffin was light in his hands as he placed it down. He went back and pulled out the other one. He placed it right next to the first one.

The butler stepped over and looked at them. “Open them,” he instructed.

Cedric nodded and crouched down. He pulled back on the outer lock on one, then the other. He took hold of the lid and opened it. He did the same with the other.

The butler looked down to see two, dead kobolds. He stepped closer and knelt to one knee. The kobolds were plainly dressed. Eyes were closed and snout partially opened.

“They do indeed look fresh,” the butler mentioned before pressing his fingers to the side of Qin’s throat.

Cedric watched with alert eyes. A memory played on of giving them each a potion. The pair quickly grew sleepy and laid down. Despite his misgivings, her closed the casket lids and hoped they would be okay.

The butler touched Qin’s neck and waited to feel a pulse.

“If he thinks they’re alive, I’m going to have beat him to submission,” Cedric thought.

“Have faith,” Serafina chimed in. “He will be fooled.”

The butler pulled back his hand and stood up. He turned to Cedric with his shrewd gaze.

“Close them up,” he ordered.

Cedric nodded. He bent down and closed the lids, sliding the locks into place. When he stood up, the butler pulled his hand from another pocket and held it before the man in the top hat.

“For your trouble,” the butler said.

Cedric put out his hand, palm up. Three rooks and a knight fell into his hand.

Cedric feigned surprise and gave the butler a wide smile. “Thank you. This is most generous.”

The butler nodded. “Always better to pay enough to keep things quiet, if you get my meaning?”

“Indeed, I do,” Cedric grinned.

“Enjoy your evening. Have a drink on my,” the butler said with a small smile.

“I will. Again, thank you,” Cedric said as he walked back to the horses and carriage.

The butler opened the doors again and Cedric led the horses and carriage out. When he was outside, he glanced over his shoulder to see the butler closing the gates and a thick lock sliding into place.

“The help has been delivered. Heading to the next location,” Cedric said.

The man with the top hat led the horses and carriage to the open gate as a gentle drizzle began to fall in the dark evening.

***

Cold drizzle fell from the misty sky. Shadows remained as lantern light reflected off falling drops. The scent of rain masked the many different scents of Old Town and the chill kept most indoors, some residents looking out windows at the dark sky and falling rain. 

Far below, on city streets, a large fox darted from shadow to shadow. Dark green eyes stared out from the darkness as rain soaked into red fur. The excitement of the moment kept the fox’s heart beating at a fast pace, barely keeping the creature warm as it darted across a cobblestone street and between tall, wrought-iron bars. It bounded across the wet grass, turned at a corner of the mansion and slinked along the back shadows of the large home.

The fox glanced around, scanning through the mist to find where it needed to go. The ring remained firmly under its tongue, but the fox quickly realized he was cut off from the group. The ring had to be on a finger for him to communicate. A concern dripped along his thoughts as the rain may hinder a fellow raven’s attempt to get across roofs.

She will have to manage. I can’t do anything to help until I get inside.

The fox glanced around until it spotted what it was looking for. A large pipe was bent and letting out a stream of water. The fox padded closer and looked at the exit pipe. A dead rat laid next to it. The fox sniffed at it, detecting it was fresh. A quick glance showed the rat’s feet were horribly burnt to the point of nubs.

The protective runes might be stronger than the ones I endured during Serafina’s training.

Symon crawled closer to the mouth of the pipe as a steady stream of water flowed. He remembered speaking with Serafina after he completed his training, she informing him that any fence covering drainage pipes always get stuck with debris. Open pipes flow better, but to keep the vermin out, runes were inscribed on the inside and at different points, incase a rat or other creature got lucky passing over the first one.

Time to put my training to the test. I better hurry before more water comes down. Don’t want to get stuck and drown.

The fox laid down and sniffed at the pipe again. With wary eyes, the fox crawled in, his wet tail vanishing as he made his way in.

Water flowed against Symon’s underside as he pushed on. The tunnel was small enough to only allow him to move by inches. He sniffed at the air, trying to catch the scent of mana from a protective rune.

The pipe pressed at him from all sides as he crawled along. Darkness blinded him, but the flow of different scents filled his wet nose. The deeper he crawled the more water began to flow. Fur soaked, he pressed on.

The chill sank deeper into the fox. His nose wrinkled as he caught a familiar scent. Moving a paw out in the water, he touched the edge of a carving on the metal pipe.

First rune. They only activate if a certain weight touches it.

The fox continued to sniff as water flowed around him.

The pipe at the guild house was a little bigger. If I had another inch, I could get past the rune, but it’s a tight fit.

Symon thought of Nyana and Qin in the coffins and he firmed up his resolve.

The fox pressed his paws to the sides of the pipe and began to push and crawl. The space was hair thin between his belly and the bottom of the pipe. Slowly, he crawled along, smelling the mana from the rune, but unable to see.

If I release from the pipe walls, I’ll get a big shock to my belly. I have to ensure I’m far enough.

The fox crawled on with tense muscles. Pains bled into his shoulders and hips as he painstakingly pushed against the sides of the metal pipe and keeping his belly off the floor of it. In the pitch dark, Symon couldn’t tell how far he traveled. It could have been a few inches, or a few feet. Distance was lost in the dark and the sloshing waters distracted him. When his legs began to shake, the fox pushed on until a back leg slipped.

The fox’s eyes widened, ready for a powerful shock, when none came.

You are reading story The Raven Guild at novel35.com

Relief washed over him as all his paws touched the bottom of the pipe and he crawled on.

One down, not sure how many to go.

The water began to rise as the fox pressed on. When the scent of strong mana touched his nose, he froze.

Symon pushed out a front paw and touched the edge of a rune.

Something doesn’t feel right. The scent of mana if much stronger.

A paw slid up the side of the pipe and touched the edge of a rune on the right side. He then moved his paw to the left, feeling the edge of the rune there as well. Looking up in the darkness, he stretched his paw up and touched the top part of the pipe, feeling the edge of the rune again.

The protective rune fills this whole section of the pipe. There’s no way to get across without getting a powerful shock.

Again, Symon thought of his guild mates.

I have to get through. I’m bigger than a rat, and may be able to handle it. Most creatures would turn back from a shock, but I can’t let my guild down.

The water began to rise, splashing against his nose.

If I wait any longer, I will either get washed away, or drown here. It’s now or never.

The fox gulped down some air and braced its paws. Holding his breath, the fox scrambled along the pipe. Light flashed as electrical shocks arced into the fox. Legs pushed as the shocks blinded Symon with pain. The stench of burning fur filled the water-filled pipe as he pressed along. Zaps and shocks stormed on as Symon grunted. The rune covered section of the pipe seemed to go one forever as zaps slammed into him. His body trembled as he fought through it. Remembering the shocks in his training, he grunted as he pushed through.

When the pain was nearly too much, it stopped.

The fox gasped for air as more water rushed into the pipe. The rain water splashed into his pointed face. Triangular ears were folded back, but could not stop water from seeping in. The pipe began to fill.

I…have…to…get…through.

A deluge of water came down the pipe and the fox was submerged as it pushed through in the primal darkness.

***

Olivia stood on a high roof, overlooking the street and the gated mansion before her. She looked it over, trying to measure the distance from the roof she was on to the slanted roof of the mansion. Rain began to fall and a nervous edge crawled down her spine, knowing the rain was only going to make this jump treacherous and slippery.

“Can you make the jump?” Serafina asked from their connection.

Olivia was silent as she continued to stare at the distance.

“Olivia?”

The dark sky and rain muted out all other sounds. Despite the chill, the sound of the rain soothed her nerves. She turned around and walked back as far as she could go. She then turned around with her hood over her head. Amber eyes stared ahead as confidence and conviction filled her heart.

Knees bent, the young raven burst forth into a running start. Legs pumped as she kept her focused gaze. She breathed normally, her heart pushing her to success. She reached the edge of the roof, planted her boots on the rim of the roof, bent her legs and launched into the air.

From street level, a shadow leapt across the wide gap.

Olivia’s eyes never blinked as she soared across the rainy and dark sky. Her heart leapt in her chest as she calculated she was short of reaching the other side. Hands and arms reached out in a desperate moment to make it across. Fingers outstretched, she gabbed onto the edge of the roof and the front of her body slammed into the top side of the mansion.

Olivia hung for dear life by her finger tips. Pain radiated from her ribs. She gasped and held on as rain fell. A low moan dripped from her lips as she raised a hand and took a firm hold of the old stone and metal roof. Fingers blazed with pain as she reached over with her other hand and grabbed the edge. With all her might, she hoisted herself up. When her top half curled over the side, she huffed as she reached over and helped pulled herself up. When she was fully on the slanted roof, she glanced around to nearby dwellings to see if anyone saw her. To her relief, curtains were closed as the rain obscured the city.

The young raven slid down the slanted roof until her boots touched a gutter. She touched her side, pain and a tenderness throbbed.

“Olivia, that seemed like a hard landing. Are you okay?” Serafina asked.

The raven gave a small nod and held up a thumb’s up to Serafina’s hidden gaze.

“I think I bruised a rib, but I can keep going.”

The connection was silent.

Olivia laid herself flat along the gutter, her cloak helping her blend with shadows.

“Symon, hurry up before I lose my nerve,” the raven said as she rested in the rain.

***

The dark basement trickled and sloshed with water. Pipes along a wall pointed down to large barrels. Water overflowed and spilled out, with small rivers leading to a drain. One of the pipes shuddered. An instant later, a furry body fell through and into a waiting barrel.

The water in the barrel splashed and churned before a wet, furry body leap out and crashed onto the hard, stone floor.

The fox huffed and gasped for air. He laid on his side, soaked to the bone as eyes glanced around in the near dark. A simple lantern was aglow by a set of stairs.

Symon turned onto his paws and stood up. He shook his head, spraying water away from him. His shaking traveled down his spine to the rest of his body, water spraying everywhere. When he was partially dry, he pointed his eyes and snout toward the stairs. The ring was still under his tongue, but could not communicate with the rest of the group.

I have to get upstairs. It will be easier to sneak around if I stay in my fox form.

The fox trotted across the cold, damp basement. He reached the stairs and began to climb them. When he reached the top, he saw a simple handle to the door. Reaching up with both front paws, he pushed down on the handle and the door opened a few inches.

Pain glowed along parts of his body. The fox turned his head to see some of his fur was burnt, with patches of it missing to reveal his skin underneath.

I was lucky. If I touched the runes any longer, I may be in worst shape. I have to ignore the pain and keep going.

The fox looked at the thin opening and slipped out into the main floor of the mansion.

New scents of rugs and incense touched his sensitive nose. Hints of flowery perfumes filled his senses. It was almost to the point of overpowering his nose as he padded deeper into the large home.

Pointed ears pointed ahead, listening intently. Any sounds of footsteps or talking would alert him to hide until they passed. Symon was glad to know there was minimal staff this night, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t run into the butler, or maids.

The fox slinked along the dimly lit halls of the mansion, darting under small tables and peeking into empty rooms. The entire place oozed of shadows, the pitter patter of rain outside adding to the atmosphere.

The fox turned into the main foyer and looked at the stairs leading up. He lifted his snout, looking at the second set of stairs on the second landing, leading to the third floor.

I have to be quick to ensure I’m not spotted.

Watching and listening intently for a few seconds, the fox heard nothing but the rain outside. With a dart and a hop, he was on the stairs and climbing them quickly. The fox slipped along the second landing and leapt onto the stairs leading up to the third floor. Heart beating in his furry chest, he made his way onto the third floor and darted for a small room across the connecting corridors.

Symon glanced around, seeing that the room he was in didn’t have any windows. Turning around, he darted out and padded along carefully, his senses alert. To his relief, the upper floor seemed devoid of any staff. Though, he didn’t let his guard down as he snuck into room after room.

When the fox slipped into a room, he glanced up to a pair of windows, barely seeing fingertips outside and at the top of the window. He rushed over and stood on his back legs while paws touched the window and looked out at the rain and fingers. He tapped a paw against the glass and the fingers curled up in response.

The fox looked up at the window lock with a small rune on it.

The rune will alert the whole mansion if she tried to break in. No way I can open it this form.

The fox got down and opened his maw. The ring fell onto the rug with a muted sound. The fox’s form began to shift and change. He grew bigger and stood on two legs. Fur sank into his body as muscles and bones repositioned themselves. In a few moments, Symon was back to his normal, nude self. He bent down and scooped up the ring. He placed it onto his finger and a connection returned.

“I’m here and on the third floor,” Symon said.

“Good, I’m soaked out here,” Olivia said.

“Carriage is at the agreed upon street corner,” Cedric mentioned.

Symon reached over and slid back the window lock. He lifted the window before backing up and cupping his groin.

A cloaked figure slipped down and into the room. Olivia’s cloak dripped as she turned and closed the window, locking it once again. Her hand moved to a thick pouch and unlatched it. She stepped back, closed the curtains, before digging into the pouch and pulling out two pieces of clothing. She tossed it over her shoulder to Symon’s feet.

“Hurry up and get dressed,” she ordered without looking back.

Symon grabbed the clothes, putting on the thin black leggings and then his black shirt. His feet were still bare.

“Alright, I’m dressed,” he whispered.

Olivia turned around to see Symon’s disheveled self. She reached into another pouch and pulled out a potion vial with a red liquid. She tossed it to Symon and he caught it.

Symon looked at the vial in his hand and smiled. He turned his attention back to the soaked raven.

“The print shows the Study on the second floor, south side of the mansion. Work on the safe while I set the second part of the plan into motion. Nyana, Qin, and myself should be back upstairs to help carry everything out,” Symon explained.

Olivia nodded. “I’ll be waiting with an open safe,” she smiled.

Symon nodded. “Good luck.”

The pair looked at each other for a tiny moment before Symon turned and moved to the doorway. He peeked out to see the corridor was empty. With a small inhale, he stepped out silently and made his way back down the corridor.

Olivia followed. She looked out the doorway to see Symon disappear around a corner. She waited for a few more moments before slipping out and making her way carefully along the corridor and to the stairs.

Symon listened intently as he made his way down the stairs again. In his true form, it was much riskier, but if he changed back to his fox form, he wouldn’t be able to communicate with the others or carry the potion in his hand.

To his relief, the mansion appeared almost deserted. The rain outside made a comforting white noise as the dimly lit corridors gave off an ominous mood. Stepping lightly, he rushed down the stairs to the main floor and darted to the south side of the mansion.

Images of the mansion print filled his mind. It was a little fuzzy, trying to remember every nook and cranny of the mansion. Despite studying the print over and over again, some of it simply didn’t stick. As if instinct took over, he moved to a worn, red door. He touched the doorknob and gave it a turn. He opened the door and stuck his head in for a quick glance. His heart nearly leapt in his chest, seeing a pair of small coffins on the partially wet floor.

Symon slipped in and closed the door behind him. He rushed over to the coffin and opened each one in turn. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked down on Nyana and Qin’s still bodies. Pulling out the cork, he knelt down to Nyana. One hand opened her mouth and poured a few drops down her open mouth. He then turned to Qin, opened his mouth, and poured a few drops into his mouth.

Symon picked up the cork and resealed the potion bottle. He placed it in a pocket and simply looked down at the kobolds and waited.

Time ticked slowly as the sounds of rain continued outside.

Nyana’s eyes trembled before they opened. The kobold sat up and looked at Symon’s smiling features. She smiled as Qin sat up in the second coffin.

“Welcome back,” Symon said to both of them.

The kobold shook their heads, knocking away the sleepy cobwebs. They crawled out of their coffins and quickly closed them.

“The kobolds are awake,” Symon said with enthusiasm.

“I could have used a little more sleep,” Qin said.

“Who knew coffins were so comfortable,” Nyana giggled.

“Stay to task,” Serafina said with a firm edge.

Symon and the kobolds glanced to each other and nodded. Nyana and Qin picked up one coffin and held it sideways, Nyana at the front and Qin at the back. Symon lifted up the second coffin and held it easily in his arms.

“I know where the basement is. Follow me and stay close,” Symon whispered to his fellow ravens.

The kobolds nodded in agreement. They moved to the doorway and Symon opened it. He peeked through to see no one around.

The trio moved quickly into the corridor and followed it. Hearts raced as they glanced around with alert eyes and ears. When they reached the basement door, Symon opened it and they all made their way down, the door closing shut behind them.

Reaching the basement floor, the kobolds followed Symon. They made their way along, seeing a few cobwebs, stacks of crates, and the sound of rainwater spilling into rain barrels.

Symon led the way with a small coffin his arms. When he reached a round, metal lid on the floor, he put the coffin down and inspected the lid.

The metal lid was covered in runes, intricately carved into the surface. It perfectly fit with the stone floor. A foot away from it, were several drainage grates, water dripping down into the darkness.

Serafina said the sewer lid cannot be opened from the outside, but it should be easier to lift from the inside. I hope I don’t get shocked.

Symon took hold of the edges and pulled. The lid didn’t budge. He tried again and it barely shifted.

Qin opened his coffin. He knelt down and grabbed at the inner upholstery, his little clawed fingertips tearing away at it. When enough was torn away, he lifted the padded bottom to reveal a pair of boots, a curved bar, and folded sacks. He grabbed the bar, stood up and walked over to Symon’s kneeling form. He slid the bar over his shoulder.

“This might help,” Qin grinned.

Symon turned his head and shot the kobold a grin. He took hold of the bar and stabbed the curved end into the thin line around the lid. Using leverage, he popped the lid up and, thankfully, was not shocked.

He took hold of it, pulled it aside and shoved it just enough to the side to give full access. A sewage stench flowed up. Symon, Nyana, and Qin wrinkled their noses.

“I can’t believe this is our only escape,” Qin groaned.

Nyana stepped back to the coffin and began picking up empty sacks.

“We have to hurry and help Olivia,” she said as she stood up with an armful of folded sacks.

Symon and Qin took some of them from the short kobold. A voice touched their minds and the trio stood still and listened.

“I’m in the Study,” Olivia stated.

“We’ll be up shortly to help,” Symon said.

“Good. Make it quick. I’m getting a creepy feeling and I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to.”

“On our way,” Symon said.

The raven looked at the two kobolds. “Let’s go,” he said with sly grin.

***

A cloaked woman stood just inside the large Study. Olivia glanced around, the only light coming from street lanterns outside. It gave the large room an eerie mood. Long shadows painted sturdy books shelves embedded into walls. A fireplace stood at one end of the room, complete with a comfortable chair, a round table, and several cushy chairs around it. One side of the fireplace had shelves filled with bottles of spirits and glasses. A small closet door stood beside the shelves of spirits.

The other side had a large painting of a beautiful woman staring at nothing. Despite the many shadows, they could not obscure the woman with her arms folded neatly before her. She wore a white dress and had delicate, porcelain features.

Olivia turned her gaze to the other side of the Study. A thick, heavy desk stood with a chair behind it. Bookshelves lined the wall behind the massive desk. A rug covered the floor with a myriad of swirling designs.

The raven turned her attention back to the fireplace and the painting hanging beside it. She stepped over to she stood before it. Mentally, she pictured the room design, knowing there was a void behind the painting that wasn’t much of a void.

She stepped closer and ran her fingers along the edges of the painting taller than herself. Fingers touched the bottom and then the left side. Not finding anything, she ran her fingers along the right side, closer to the fireplace. When she touched a small lever, the raven smiled to her self and clicked it up.

The painting detached from the wall a few inches like a door. Olivia pulled the painting wide until it touched the bookshelf to the left. She eyed the piece of the wall that went with it, revealing a metal door and a strange lock in the middle.

“No time to waste,” Olivia said and reached for several tools at her belt.

The raven knelt to her knees and looked at the lock and handle. She instantly saw that it was similar to the one she practiced on at the guild house, but it seemed to be slightly different. A few runes stood out along the edges of the odd lock, ones she didn’t recognize.

“The lock is slightly different than the one I practiced with. It has a few runes along the edges,” she said over the shared connection.

“Tell me what you see,” Serafina asked.

“I see an eye rune at the time, followed by what looks like a diamond rune to the side, and a pair of lightning bolts.”

The connection was silent for a moment.

“The runes indicate if the lock is not opened properly, it will seal shut, alert the owner, and may even blast anyone who opens it with lightning bolts. No room for error with this one,” Serafina said.

“Nothing like a challenge,” the raven whispered to herself.

She spied the keyhole. Hands moved to her belt pulling out thin, metal tools. Lifting her hands, she stuck one thin rod in and held two more between her fingers. Working meticulously, she careful slid in another grooved rod. Her heartbeat was steady as she took the third rod and slid it in.

Fingers working with delicate skill, she gently felt around with all three rods, trying to hear the familiar clicks. During her practice, starvation forced her to focus, feeling around through the gentle bends of the rods and the many clicks from within the lock. Moving all three rods was like trying to work with a shifting puzzle, each piece already in place, but requiring small movements to arrange them into another proper place.

The pain along her ribs dimmed to the point she mostly didn’t feel is any longer.

One rod clicked into place and Oliva let out a sigh of relief that she was blasted by lightning bolts. She moved the second rod and it clicked into place. The third one shifted and moved, the raven searching for the right groove. When it slipped into a spot, Olivia smiled to herself.

“All that practice helped,” she whispered as she reached for her belt and pulled out a thick, iron tool.

She gently clamped it to the raised metal knob with the keyhole in the middle. She tightened it around it and held her breath as she turned it.

The entire knob clicked and turned until something heavy shifted. Gears turned as Olivia didn’t blink. There was a click and the door opened.

“Well done,” Olivia whispered to herself.

“We’re almost to the Study,” Symon said over the connection.

“Good. The safe door is open. Let’s get this loot out of here!” Olivia said back.

The young woman opened the door and a magical lantern blazed to life. Her eyes widened as light illuminated the inside of the closet sized chamber. Shelves lined the walls and on each of them were chests of different sizes. They were immaculate, metal edges gleaming in the lantern light.

The door to the Study opened. Olivia turned around to see Symon poke his head in. Seeing that the Study was safe, he slipped in with Nyana and Qin following. Qin closed the door behind him as Symon and Nyana moved to the now open safe.

“You did it,” Symon smiled.

“We did it,” she winked.

Qin stayed by the door as the three ravens turned their attention to the stocked safe.

“Just from the chests alone, there might be enough loot for all of us to get promotions,” Symon said with astonished eyes.

“Maybe buy a few nice things for ourselves,” Olivia added with a nod.

“Let’s get the loot out before…” Nyana was cut off by her cousin.

“I hear footsteps and talking!” Qin said with a harsh hiss.

Eyes widened as they listened, voices carrying and getting closer.

Symon turned to Olivia as he took charge, “Get inside the safe and we’ll close the rest behind you. We can’t chance trying to open it again.”

Olivia blinked in horror at the suggestion, but didn’t protest.

“What about us?” Nyana asked with worried eyes.

“The closet, by the shelves of spirits,” Olivia said quickly.

“They’re getting closer!” Qin whispered in a panic.

No other words were said. Olivia watched with fearful eyes as Symon and Nyana stepped back. Symon took hold of the safe door and closed it, giving Olivia look of confidence before closing the door shut. When the door was locked back into place, the lantern went out and darkness filled the walk-in safe, with Olivia inside.

Symon took hold of the painting and swung it closed in one, smooth move. When it locked into place, he and the kobolds rushed to the closet beside the spirits. Symon opened the door and the kobolds rushed in. He stepped in and closed the door behind him as clothes crowded around him.

The moment the closet door closed shut, the door to the Study opened.

“I understand this is urgent business, but couldn’t it have waited until morning?” a gruff voice spilled into the Study.

Symon and the kobolds listened as it sounded like two people entered the chamber.

“I’m afraid this couldn’t wait. The cover of the rain created a perfect opportunity to speak without being spied upon by outsiders,” came a sultry, feminine voice.

“You must be cold. I’ll pour us some drinks,” the man said as he stepped into the room.

“The cold and heat don’t bother my people, but thank you, a drink will be welcomed.”

The sounds of glasses and bottle were heard for a moment. Their sounds stopped as Symon listened intently. Two bodies sat in cushioned seats before s topper was pulled from a crystal bottle.

“So, what kind of the business does the Demon Guild wish to speak with me about? I’m sure it’s nothing nefarious,” the man chuckled.

“The kind of business that will be very profitable for all parties involved,” the woman said with a sly tone, followed by a haughty laugh.

You can find story with these keywords: The Raven Guild, Read The Raven Guild, The Raven Guild novel, The Raven Guild book, The Raven Guild story, The Raven Guild full, The Raven Guild Latest Chapter