{NOVELETTE} A Heist To Remember - Part 08

The city around her buzzed with activity. The night air was fresh on her face as she scampered past people in expensive clothing who gave her queer looks. They could all receive King’s judgement for all she cared. The taboo – it was real – which meant these people were lower than scullions. She worshiped them this morning, but now she despised them ferociously.

Violetta ran endlessly, the sounds of pursuit still behind her; however, more distant. Of course she couldn’t lose them completely, she was like a black stain on a colorful canvas running through the Forum streets. She had to get out of the Forum and luckily she was almost there. Violetta crossed the Northern Bridge, reaching the Residential Area. She could see the ginormous gate now. Where was the thief? Did he get caught? Was she going to get caught as well?

Her panicked thoughts started to intensify as she spared a glance behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief as there were no pursuers. For once her enhanced speed and stamina proved useful.

Violetta crossed alleyway after alleyway. At last she crouched behind some shop, Northern Gate not twenty paces away from her. She could see an unlit house from this position, on the other side of the gate entrance. That had to be the house with the secret exit. The fact that Arcanadel had any concealed pathways to begin with was disconcerting. How many Outsiders entered the city this way? The thought gave her shivers.

Meanwhile, she had to catch her breath. Unless that thief’s shadows gave him increased speed as well, she had some time to rest while waiting for him. But what if he was already caught?

Violetta observed the gate entrance; it was closed of course. There was an armed guard standing on each side, both seemingly alert. The gate was massive, made to allow entry of large caravans; Arcanadel was a port city after all. However – like most of these massive gates – it also had smaller doors on the inner sides of the larger ones, meant for foot traffic. Now how was she going to –

Someone grabbed her by her collar and lifted her up. Violetta struggled, trying to wiggle herself free, but to no avail. Whoever held her was significantly stronger than she was. She was quickly losing strength as the collar chocked her. She gaped in horror as the figure brought her closer and closer to the gate guards. They grinned impishly as the man flung her on the stone walkway in front of them.

“Nice job Bos.” One of the men said.

Violetta’s vision was blurry from near suffocation, she could feel pain coming from all over her body.

“Why do you maggots want to leave the city? Don’t you know what’s out there?” The brute spat.

Breathe, she had to breathe. What do I do? What do I do? Her vision started to clear up. Hands grabbed her by the shoulders, hoisting her on her feet. The three guards surrounded her, looking down at her, faces terribly ugly and scary.

A crash from somewhere nearby made them all spin around. “What was that?! Go check it out Bos, she might have others with her.”

The brute murmured something as he stalked towards the noise. The two remaining guards returned their attention to Violetta. The closer one smirked disgustingly. But then, he frowned. Violetta could feel something moving around her. “What the – “ The other guard started, realizing they were not alone.

Violetta stared in amazement as the enraged guard’s keys flew across the pathway, hitting the door. Realization of what was happening suddenly struck her. “Bos, get over here!” One of the guards yelled right before he got jumped by the near-naked thief. Thankfully he had managed to procure some breaches for himself. “What in damnation is going on?”

This, this was her chance!

Shadows embraced her as she ran on silent feet towards the door, reaching it in seconds. She turned and saw the thief getting punched off the guard. Why didn’t he leave? Even if the secret entrance was unreachable, he could have just swiped the keys for himself and escaped. Seeing as how she provided the perfect distraction for the guards… But instead, he threw the keys, knowing she could get them undetected… Was he…

Go. He mouthed to her, before getting kicked square in the face, the brute finally joining the guardsmen.

“What. Where’s the…? The gate! You dolts the gate! She is getting away!”

In spite of trembling hands, Violetta had already unlocked the gate. She pushed it just enough so she could squeeze through. She spared a final glance at the righteous thief, face bloodied he looked straight at her – and he was smiling. Bastard.

Violetta couldn’t get caught now, she mustn’t. The guards started running for her, but it was too late. She leaned on the gate, slamming it shut, then pushed off it and started sprinting away from the sacred city. Shadows following.

As Violetta ran she heard the heavy gate open and guards shouting; however, she already had a small lead on them, and gained an advantage with every step. I did it. She panted. I’m out.

Relief and dread swept over her. Outside the city walls. She had never been outside before, but she knew the city’s protection was not limited to its walls. The thief promised this rundown bar was protected as well. The thief, she hadn’t even gotten his name…

She followed the tenants of the Children of the Saviors, and betrayed him. She then followed those same tenants to rescue him – what a joke. Everything she knew, everything she believed in, was a joke.