by Ryan Brenner

Created on: November 07, 2009   Last Updated: November 08, 2009

This excerpt is the fourth chapter of a mystery/adventure novel entitled The Street Thief's Apprentice.

Synopsis: Simon, the apprentice, has just returned from a mission for Danton. He has been followed on his return to the thief's hideaway. Anna has met the mysterious rider, and struck a deal to save the gypsies. She must get something he wants from a drain in the town square.

Chapter 4

Danton glared at Simon with a fierce rage. "Answer it," he said through clenched teeth, while he reached under the small table.

"Who's there?" Simon called through the door.

"It is I, Casat," returned a weak voice.

Simon opened the door slowly, and peeked onto the rickety balcony. There stood Casat, wiping his hands on a dish rag.

"I am sorry to bother you," said the thin man, his eyes tired from a day of work and longing for sleep.

"Who is it?" Danton demanded suspiciously.

"It's Casat," Simon answered.

"What does he want at this hour? The rent is not due."

Casat, a frail man sensing he was not welcome stammered an explanation, "I do not mean to bother you this late, but someone is in the street looking toward your window. I would not mention it, but he is giving the customers quite a fright."

"Who is it?" Danton inquired.

"It's dark. I did not see a face," returned Casat.

Danton nodded to Ber who had been occupying a chair in the corner; he dutifully walked to the door, fingers tightly wrapped around his knife, barging passed Casat and Simon and headed down the steps.

"Thank you." Danton's dismissive tone told Casat the conversation was over and he could return to the tavern.

Simon waited for Casat to turn to him before closing the door. He felt a twinge of pity for the man who was respected by no one. Simon tried to tell the innkeeper he understood the humiliation Casat was feeling with a weak smile. He could still feel Danton's cold black eyes upon him as he closed the door and walked to the window gazing into the street below. Ber was making his way toward a cloaked figure. The pale moon passing between a break in the clouds bathed them in soft blue light. Simon knew the visitor would soon move on. Though Ber did not speak much, his girth was enough to make any person do what he wanted.

"I thought you said they did not see where you went," Danton said coldly. "Now whoever this is knows where you are, and consequently knows where I am too. What do you have to say for yourself boy?"

But Simon did not answer. He was watching the scene unfolding in the street below. Quite

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