13 March 2013
Tpek and I followed the road to the main gates of Khea, two huge black iron doors standing out against the bleak stone walls. The doors themselves were engraved with the motto of the Khea Abyss Guard - Ever Watchful. They were open, but the twelve heavily armed guards at the entrance gave the clear impression that the city behind it was as secure as a fortress on the moon. "Impressive," Tpek murmured, as a hunter sizes up his prey. "Wait until you see the Abyss," I responded. "I'm sure that be holding the mighty splendour of the Abyss will be the crowning moment of my existence." He responded sardonically. "Once we're inside, we split up." I instructed, ignoring his obvious sarcasm. "Go and scout around the town. See if you can find any easy entrances and so on. I'll meet you in the Noble Rat Inn in two hours to give you the details." "Got it." Tpek said, as if he was used to this sort of planning. "See you tonight." I grinned. "Good luck."
Once we had split up, I knew what I had to do. I'd had instructions from the Hierark. This was what the journey had all been about. I took a deep breath and began to walk up to the citadel of Khea. Half an hour later, I reached the Hierark's office. The Hierark's of Khea have ruled the city for as long as the Abyss existed - over 600 years. Starting as merely the head jailers of the Abyss, their influence had grown to the point that they were head of the armed forces of Khea, chief judge of Khea's judiciary system, and High Lord of the council. At the top of the Hierarchy sat the Hierark, who ruled both Khea and the Abyss with and iron fist. I carefully knocked on the door of the Hierark's office, and when there was no reply, silently opened the door. I was surprised by the starkness of the room, without furnishings of even a picture. In the centre of the room sat a desk, and at the desk sat the Hierark. Although he hadn't answered my knock, was looking directly at me. "You will sit." He said, gesturing to a chair at the other side of the desk. It wasn't a request, or even an order. It was a statement of fact. I sat. "Did you find him? Is he here?" The Hierark asked excitedly, his bright blue eyes greedy. "Yes, Lord." I replied. I felt guilty for betraying Tpek like this, but it had been the plan all along, and I couldn't disobey the Hierark. I had been raised in Khea, raised in the belief that his word was law. I couldn't disobey the Hierark. "Good." He said. "You have done your job well. I trust that you will perform the rest of your task successfully." "Thankyou, Lord." I got up, about to leave, when he spoke once more. "You haven't become too attached to the thief, have you?" I turned to see those pitiless eyes staring right into me. "No, Lord." I lied. "That is as it should be." He said, "He is only a thief, after all. You may leave now."
After my discussion with the Hierark, I guiltily walked to the Noble Rat Inn to meet Tpek. The Noble Rat had once been a grand inn, the most frequented in Khea by far. Now, however, it was a gloomy place, with a few silent clientele quietly drinking themselves to death. That was why I'd chosen it as a place to meet Tpek. The thief was sitting in the darkest corner of the already dim tavern. The scene was so similar to the one three weeks ago when I'd first encountered my friend that I felt as if I'd walked back in time. He gestured for me to come and sit with him. I walked over, trying not to look guilty. "What's wrong with you?" Tpek asked in response to my gloomy expression. "I'm just a bit worried," I said hastily, "It's nothing." "Good." Said Tpek, "Now can you give me the details." I told Tpek a jumble of made up information, sending him directly into the jaws of the Hierark. He grinned, got up and said, "I'd better get down to business then. Bye." I smiled falsely. "Good luck." And with that he left, I watched him walk out of the door, knowing that his might well be the last time I saw him. I felt guilt rising within me, and realised that I had just sent my friend into almost certain death. "Goodbye, Tpek." I muttered.
Heart Of The Thief - 6 • Opuss № I