by Frederick Kessinger

Created on: December 04, 2008

"Okay, so we have twelve between us now."

"Twelve and a ring"

"Fine, twelve and a ring. That's enough, right?"

"Enough for what?"

"For a room, and a meal, and even a few drinks. Come on Siv, I don't want to push our luck with this."

"Luck has nothing to do with it Dayle," Siv rolled a gold coin across his finger tops and back again "It is all skill."

"Well, it's a skill that won't help us if you pick the wrong pocket and get caught."

"This place is packed with people that want nothing more than to be done with their marketing and get back home. They are so secure about the fact that this city has the lowest crime rate in the whole North that they'd never dream of guarding their purses here. Look how happy and carefree they all are." Siv swept his arm out to indicate the scene before them.

They stood in the opening of an alley at the southeast corner of the market. The people were indeed happy and carefree, and so abundant that there was barely room to pass one another without bumping. The perfect setting for a pickpocket.

"Besides," Siv added with a sidelong glance at his companion, "I have other skills, as you well know, and should they be required, I am up to the task."

"You have other duties as well." Dayle reminded him. "If we don't make that meeting tomorrow night, we won't pass initiationand likely won't survive to regret it, either."

"We will make the meeting Dayle, and we'll be well fed and rested when we do, maybe even with some new clothes." Siv winked at Dayle then turned back to survey the crowd. "Besides, when was the last time you had this much fun?"

"I'm not having fun, Siv. This is business, and we need to stay focused. I say we go now."

"And I say you are being a nervous coward." Siv quipped with a small grin. "Relax a little and try to - hey, that one there." Siv indicated a rather rotund gentleman heading for the center of the square. "Look at the size of that purse! You circle around and come from the front this time, and I'll trail him."

"Siv, you don't mean to take the whole purse, do you? A hand in the pocket is one thing, but a whole purse will surely be noticed."

"By the time he notices, we'll be gone Dayle. Now go!"

Dayle turned back into the alley and headed off at a trot to circle around. Siv began to pick his way through the crowd to get in line behind the man. He was careful never to lose sight of him, but not to be so obvious about following him, just as he had been taught to do. After a few minutes Siv spotted Dayle moving toward the man, and

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