by Ryan Brenner

Created on: October 29, 2009   Last Updated: October 30, 2009

The following is an excerpt from a mystery/adventure novel entitled The Street Thief's Apprentice.

Chapter 3

The figure moved away quickly. Simon tried to snap back to his senses, but the visitor had startled him so completely he had to consciously think about taking breaths. He moved slowly to the door; slinking against the wall, he became a shadow. Cautiously, he poked his head around the doorway, and checked the alley. No one was there.

Simon had never believed in ghosts, and he knew enough about the streets to know he was not the only thief in this town. Yet, he had never seen someone disappear that swiftly.

He stepped out into the blackness of the alley. Clouds covered the sky above, blanketing the light of the moon. The lack of light did not bother Simon though. It's an odd thing being a thief. Most children fear the dark. He embraced it. It was his cover, his protection, he felt safe in it, and it hid the tears from the others when he cried at night.

Simon made his way back to the main street, and crossed the town square. In the center was a great marble statue, crumbled slightly and leaning to the side. The once strong right arm of the general immortalized there was gone; taken by weather, or loosened by someone with a few stones and a vendetta. Simon stopped for a few seconds and gazed upward at the statue wondering what it was like to be great, to be a ruler, to have respect, and to do something that mattered, something that people would remember. Even now the lifeless eyes looked out over the city with a sense of purpose as if he were still watching the prize he had won so long ago.

Simon froze. He felt something, something that was not right. Simon had the feeling he was not alone. It was crucial for him to know when eyes were on him, and he felt them now. It was a skill that a thief needed to have. He looked around the plaza cold clouds of breath slowly disappeared before him as he inhaled and exhaled. He waited, and listened, drawing nearer to the statue unconsciously hoping it would conceal him. He turned back to look in the direction from where he just come. He saw nothing but the faade of buildings and the empty cobblestone street. But, someone was their concealing themselves. Simon could sense it.

He waited and nothing happened. It was completely dark now. The lamps had burned to tiny flickers. A cool breeze whistled sending dry leaves scratching along the streets. Still, nothing moved.

Maybe he was imagining things. Maybe it had been enough

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