Queen of Thieves Box Set Page 2

  Master Velvet patted her head and placed a kiss on her forehead. "There's a good girl."

  Viola suppressed a shudder. She wanted to pull away, but that would make him angry. He had the same wild look she'd seen in Papa's eyes when he found his bottle empty.

  "Now, off with you."

  Stomach twisting, Viola hurried to her bunk. A ratty, moth-eaten blanket lay in a heap at one end of the bed. The straw-tick mattress was lumpy and uneven, and the wooden frame dug into her back.

  Maybe Papa will come for me in the morning and take me home. He had to. She didn't want to spend another day in this dark place. She hated the way Master Velvet touched her and looked. I just want to go back to my sewing, mending, and gardening.

  Master Velvet's voice brought her hopes crashing to the ground. "Sleep well, my cherubs. Tomorrow, you begin a new life."

  The door shut with a clang, plunging them into darkness. The room filled with hushed sobs and whimpers. Viola shivered and pulled the ragged blanket up around her shoulders. She longed for her own bed, with her comforter that smelled like Mama. She wanted to smell the violas, lilies, and roses in her garden, feel the soft earth beneath her toes.

  Mama's words came to her. "Stand tall, my flower, no matter what. Always keep your head up."

  Tears flowed anew and she didn't stop them. I'm trying to stand tall, Mama, but I'm scared.

  When she closed her eyes, Master Velvet and his leering grin filled her world.

  Chapter Two

  "Please!" Papa knelt in the mud, fighting to break free. "Give me a little more time and you'll have the gold I owe you." Terror echoed in his voice. "My family will starve!"

  A giant stood over Papa, a nightstick in his scarred hand. "You know the rules, Girard. This is the second month now. The Night Guild has to maintain a standard."

  "But, Grien—"

  The truncheon struck and bright crimson sprayed from Papa's nose. He cried out and crumpled, but the monster didn't stop hitting. The meaty crunch of the blows assaulted her ears. The reek of urine, blood, and fear filled the air. The giant monster’s roaring laughter set the ground trembling.

  Why is he doing this? A spark of anger surged. She charged the big man and beat at his legs with tiny fists. "Don't hurt my papa!"

  The door to the cell clanged open. Bright light streamed into the room, jolting Viola from her nightmares.

  Master Velvet's voice greeted her. "Wake up, my little tyros! A new day awaits."

  She rubbed eyelids puffy from crying and heavy with fatigue. How long did I sleep? Tears soaked her pillow still. Not more than an hour or two had passed.

  "Get up, the lot of you." His kind demeanor fled, replaced by harsh impatience.

  Viola forced herself to stand. Why is he waking us up now?

  "Last one up forgoes breakfast."

  His words galvanized the others to action. Blankets rustled and feet thumped to the floor behind her. Viola lowered her hands as her eyes adjusted to the light. Master Velvet stood in the doorway, torch in hand. He looked no more kempt than yesterday. Indeed, he wore the same clothes. His bright waistcoat contrasted with the dull colors of the windowless chamber.

  "Your first day in service to the Guild begins." Master Velvet's dark eyes studied them, his voice cracking like a whip. He tossed a sack into the center of the room. "First order of business, get dressed."

  The sack fell open, revealing dun-colored tunics and breeks.

  "The clothing you now wear is your final connection to the life that once was. No more. Shed your former lives to don the robes that mark you as apprentices of the Night Guild."

  The other children scrambled and fought for clothing, though all were identical. Someone shoved Viola backward, sending her sprawling. By the time she regained her feet, only one item of clothing remained in the satchel. She held it up—it looked twice her size.

  "Give me that!" A heavy-set boy snatched the garments from her hands. "These are more your size." He threw another set of clothing in her face.

  The boy towered over her, and she shrank beneath his glare. He'll just hurt me!

  Viola swallowed her angry words and pulled the floral dress over her head, taking it off. She shuddered. Master Velvet's eyes lingered on her for too long. Hunching to hide herself, she tugged on the breeches and tunic. A tear slipped down her cheek as she fingered the pink ribbons.

  "Now, bring your clothing here." He retrieved the sack and held it open.

  The children shoved and pushed to be the first to deposit their garments into the bag. Viola hesitated, not wanting to part with her dress—she'd worked so hard on it. Master Velvet's eyes skewered her, chilling her to the bone. She skittered forward to comply.

  "And those." He yanked at the ribbons in her hair.

  Swallowing, Viola pulled the bright bows free and dropped them into the sack.

  Master Velvet hefted the bag. "Say goodbye to these, my tyros. You will never see them again. The clothes you now wear are the only robes you will own until you have proven yourself worthy."

  Worthy of what? Viola wanted to ask, but feared his reaction.

  "Now fall in."

  Viola stared at Master Velvet, confused.

  "When I say 'fall in', you poxy runts, you form up in a line." Master Velvet's face reddened and his voice rose in pitch. "Got it?!"

  Viola hurried to join the line of children.

  Master Velvet bared his teeth. "I said, do you understand?"

  "Yes!" Viola added her voice to the chorus.

  "Yes, what?" The look in Master Velvet's eyes threatened torment.

  "Yes, Master Velvet!"

  "Good." Master Velvet stroked his scruffy chin and jerked his head toward the open door. "To the Menagerie, single file. You will each be given a number. That is your name for as long as you are under my charge."

  "Yes, Master Velvet!"

  Master Velvet counted each of the children as they passed through the door, shouting each child's number into their face.

  "Seven!" He sprayed spittle.

  Viola clenched her fists and waited until she'd rounded the corner to wipe her face. It will just make him angry.

  Master Velvet jogged past. "Hurry it up, tyros! No dawdling."

  Viola broke into a run, trying to keep up with Master Velvet's long-legged pace. She hadn't slept enough and the food from last night churned in her stomach. Her heart thundered in nervous anticipation.

  Master Velvet led them to the huge room where they'd eaten the night before. Lanterns and torches filled the open space with dazzling light, illuminating every corner. The wooden table stood bare. A dozen wooden pails surrounded a pair of barrels at one end of the monstrous chamber.

  "Your training begins here in the Menagerie, my little tyros. Each of you, take a pail."

  Viola shuffled forward, too tired to move faster.

  "Hurry it up! Your breakfast depends on your speed, tyros."

  Viola gripped a pail, but the big boy who'd taken her clothes ripped it from her hand and shoved her away. "Get your own!"

  "Twelve!" Master Velvet's voice cracked. "Not a word from you! Get in line."

  With a sneer, the heavyset boy hurried to fall in.

  "Seven!" Master Velvet glared at her. "Get your pail and get in line! Or do you not want to eat today?"

  He's talking to me! I'm Seven! She stabbed a finger at Twelve. "But he—"

  "One more word of excuse, Seven, and you won't see food for a week. Is that understood?"

  Viola snapped her mouth shut. Seizing a bucket, she took her place in line. Her hands trembled and anger twisted her stomach in knots.

  Master Velvet clasped his hands behind his back. "Your training today is simple, tyros. These buckets in your hand are the first tools of your trade. Fill them in this barrel and bring the water to the barrel down there." He pointed to the far end of the room. A second pair of barrels stood there, a seemingly endless distance away. "Do you understand?"

  "Yes, Master Velvet!"

&nbs
p; Master Velvet nodded. "Three, step forward and fill your bucket."

  The boy named Three obeyed. Filling his bucket, he staggered across the room. One by one, the children responded to Master Velvet's barked orders.

  "Spill a drop and skip your meal, tyros!"

  When Viola's turn came, she groaned at the weight. Water sloshed with every step. Smaller than the others, she struggled to keep pace.

  Master Velvet walked alongside them, shouting at the top of his lungs. "The first one of you to set down their bucket will carry double on the return trip. Do not let those buckets touch the ground or by the Thirteen, you will feel my wrath."

  Every muscle in her body ached. Her lungs burned. The bucket handle cut into her hands and she couldn't feel her fingers. Yet she refused to give in. I have to do it, no matter what! She didn't want to find out what happened to those who failed.

  "Keep up, little girl, or get out of my way!" The heavyset boy hurried past, carrying his bucket as if it weighed nothing.

  Water spilled as, one by one, the other children emptied their buckets into the barrel.

  "Seven, you're falling behind!" Master Velvet stood beside her, his dark eyes and scruffy face uncomfortably close to her. "If you want anything more than a crust of stale bread to eat, you'd better pick it up!"

  Viola shrank from Master Velvet's anger. She wanted to cry, to scream, to protest that the bucket was too heavy. I won't! Not with Master Velvet so close.

  Gasping for breath, she staggered on until she reached the barrel.

  Master Velvet screamed in her ear. "Now, empty it into the barrel!"

  Her head barely reached the barrel’s top. Muscles quivering, Viola wrestled the bucket toward the wooden lip. When she shifted her grip, the pail emptied its contents all over her.

  "Seven!" Master Velvet's eyes blazed. "What did I tell you would happen if you spilled?"

  Viola cringed. "N-No food, Master Velvet."

  "Then why in the name of the gods did you spill, tyro?"

  A sob burst from her throat. "I-It was too h-heavy, Master V—"

  "Excuses!" Master Velvet's voice cracked like a whip. "Now you'll have to start all over again."

  "B-But…"

  "Did I give you leave to speak, tyro?"

  Viola shook her head.

  "Then do as you are commanded," Master Velvet growled and stepped forward. "Now!"

  Tears streaming, Viola hurried across the empty space. Sobs shook her shoulders. It's not fair!

  "I said run, tyro!"

  Viola sprinted, ignoring the protest in her legs. Fear of Master Velvet lent wings to her feet. The rattling pail mocked her failure with every step. Reaching the barrel, she refilled her bucket. Water soaked the front of her tunic and breeches as she carried it, dripping and splashing, back across the room. Her cheeks flared. It's not fair! Anger and frustration burned in her chest. She refused to meet Master Velvet's eyes or glance at the other children.

  "Faster, Seven, or by the gods, you will fail. You don't want to find out what happens to tyros who fail on their first day."

  Arms shaking, lungs afire, she lifted the bucket and splashed its contents into the barrel.

  "Get in line, Seven!" Master Velvet beckoned and Viola hurried toward him.

  "Fill the bucket again!"

  The second barrel held rocks. Master Velvet helped pile her bucket high and shoved her on her way. Viola's hands ached, but she refused to set the bucket down. The anger in Master Velvet's eyes reminded her of the way Papa had looked at her.

  Better to be quiet, just like in the house with Papa. I can handle a little pain.

  Chapter Three

  We've been at this for hours! When will he let us rest? Mind numb from hunger and fatigue, Viola placed one weary foot in front of the other. Blood dripped from cuts in her hands, arms, and forehead.

  Master Velvet refused to let up. "Your past is gone, your families forgotten. You have no names, no identities. You are nothing more than a number until it is deemed fit to give you a name."

  The children called out as one, "Yes, Master Velvet!"

  "Everything you are, everything you will be, you owe to the Night Guild. We are your masters, your creators, your gods." The tirade had repeated for endless hours, but Master Velvet never seemed to have enough.

  "Yes, Master Velvet!"

  Master Velvet's voice cracked like a carter's whip. "Disobedience will be punished harshly. Obedience will be rewarded well. Learn this and you will flourish in the Night Guild."

  Viola's legs wobbled, her shoulders ached, and her arms shook from exertion. "Yes, Master Velvet!"

  "Forget everything you know. Forget life outside this room. You eat, sleep, and shit at my command."

  "Yes, Master Velvet!" Viola's voice cracked from thirst and fatigue. She wanted to lie down, to close her eyes, to sleep.

  Master Velvet snarled in her ear. "You live and die at the pleasure of the Night Guild. You belong to the Guild mind, body, and soul. What are you?"

  "We are tyros, Master Velvet."

  He crouched beside her. "And what are tyros?"

  "Lower than dirt, Master Velvet!"

  A satisfied smile spread across his face. "Empty your buckets and set them on the floor beside the barrels. Double speed, my drudges."

  Viola tried to move faster, but her feet refused. By the time she reached the barrel at the far end of the room, only one other child remained. The boy, barely taller than her, had yet to empty his bucket. He strained to lift his heavy load. His hands trembled uncontrollably—a permanent condition that made even eating and drinking difficult. Water splashed down his tunic, turning the dirt to mud.

  Emptying her pail, Viola dropped to the sodden ground with a half-sob, half-groan of relief.

  "Get up, tyros!" Master Velvet would not let them rest.

  Tears of exhaustion and frustration streaming, she climbed to her feet. Though her back protested, she forced herself straight when Master Velvet approached.

  Stand tall, no matter what. Mama's words echoed in her thoughts. I'm trying, Mama, but I'm so tired!

  "Chow time, my drudges. You'll find that table over there loaded with delights to fill your little bellies. Eat. You have done well."

  Someone had piled the table high with fruits, sweetmeats, and treats. She'd been too exhausted to notice. The scent of fresh bread, cinnamon rolls, and pastries wafted toward her. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation.

  Master Velvet placed a hand on her shoulder. "Not you, Seven. You were the first to fail, so an example must be made."

  "B-But…" Viola couldn't put up more than a weak protest.

  "Off with you, Seven. To your bunk and reflect on your weakness." His dark eyes held no kindness. "Pray to the Watcher for strength to survive."

  "Y-Yes, Master Velvet." She turned away to hide her tears.

  "Perhaps you'll try harder tomorrow, Seven." He spoke without a trace of compassion or pity in his voice. "If you want to have any hope of survival here in the Night Guild, this will be the last time you fail."

  Hunger gnawed at Viola's belly, but it could not outweigh the bone-deep weariness. She forced herself not to look at the other children, to block out the sounds of their eating. Feet leaden, she turned to the tunnel that led to their sleeping quarters.

  Tears flowed in earnest once she reached the darkness of the passage. Sobs of anger, desperation, and frustration washed over her, shaking her body like a leaf in a whirlwind.

  Slamming the door shut behind her, she threw herself onto her bunk and buried her head in the thin pillow. She didn't care that her clothes were soaking wet or that she hadn't had any water to drink for hours. She wouldn't allow any of the others to see her cry.

  Bright Lady, hear me and protect me in my hour of need. Her parched throat refused to form the words.

  The prayer had comforted her in the past, but now it felt empty. The hunger, exhaustion, and thirst remained. Minutes ticked by in silence. Nothing happened.

  She ball
ed her fists and swallowed the ache in her belly. Down here, she was all alone. The Bright Lady can't hear me.

  Why would she? The goddess of healing hadn’t heard when she'd prayed for Mama and baby Rose. The gods were far away, if they cared at all. Mama was gone and Papa had left her here. In this place, she was the only one she could count on. She had to be strong, just as she had been after Mama died.

  I will get through another day. Just one more.

  * * *

  The nightmare came again.

  "Don't hurt my papa!"

  The giant snorted and seized her wrists, squeezing hard. His face blocked the sun as he bent low. "You're a fiery little'un, aren't you?"

  Terror raced through her at the sight of his crooked nose and blood-colored beard. An inferno raged behind his eyes and the heat of his breath burned her skin.

  "Your papa owes us a lot of money, little one. We're just here to collect." He revealed long fangs dripping crimson saliva. "Just be thankful we're not taking you as payment."

  Her eyes fixed on the big stick as it rose and fell.

  "He knows why we have to do this. He brought this on himself."

  Something cracked. Papa screamed and slumped as the giants released his arms. Blood mixed with the mud of the street, staining the cobblestones bright red.

  A brilliant figure bathed in white light burst into view. Mama. "Leave them alone!" She reached for Viola, but one of the monsters seized her and held her tight.

  "Mama!" The girl struggled in the giant's iron grip. "He's hurting me!"

  "Please," Mama cried. "Let the little one go! She has nothing to do with this."

  The fiery-eyed monster released her and she fled toward the bright figure.

  "Go, Viola," Mama urged. "Run to the garden and stay there!"

  The little girl dashed away and stepped into a garden of perfection. The smell of dirt and grass, of roses, lilies, and violas soothed her. She loved the garden; she could play in the soil, work with Mama, and care for the vegetables and herbs. It would hide her from the monsters that hurt Papa and made Mama cry.