Of Reading and Writing

I've been working on writing a novel for some time now, but a myriad of setbacks have thrown this pet-project into my backlog. As most of you know I have had some free time lately, so I've picked it back up. Well, today is your lucky day. I'm going to submit an excerpt for your viewing pleasure. Keep in mind that I cannot set paragraphs and indentions in this type of format. Enjoy!


The shadow kept its eyes fixated on the room below. The men seated at the table had been arguing for what seemed like ages, and dawn was due in another hour. Lucky for Josef, patience was one of his many virtues. One of the men seated at the table, a noble by the name of Hugo Ironwade, was of particular interest to Josef. He had made to many inquiries about Josef and some of his associates, and Josef was not a man to be trifled with. Being a thief wasn’t easy in the Crown City of Grovesport, but Josef always loved a challenge. For now he was a thief, but tomorrow he might be a sailor, or a trader, or even a noble. To say that he led an interesting life would be an understatement.

Hugo had become increasingly restless as the night wore on. The summer heat was apparent in the room as rivulets of sweat washed down his round, pink face. He dabbed at his face with a miniature towel that sported the letters H.I. embroidered across the front. His thick mustache constantly twitched at the rate of his heartbeat -- sometimes faster, sometimes slower. He must be terrible at cards, thought Josef. It was a wonder the man could even sit up straight with all the garb he had wrapped himself in. A bright red and blue cloak overshadowed his overly large girth. Straining against the weight was a silken white shirt tucked in to dark blue pantaloons, which, to the disgust of Josef, was all the rage right now amongst the nobles.

“My lords, we must come to a decision regarding the importing of lilac petals. I can’t stress enough how much I need those petals for my, err, work.”

“Your precious petals are of little concern to me, Hugo, as is your fascination with little boys. You should count yourself fortunate that I do not whisper about your habit to the king.”

“But, but, you wouldn’t dare! I have paid you well; I have paid all of you well for your silence! Besides, we have successfully cornered the market in this city. What crime is it if I feel the need to spend my money like this? You know all to well that you could jeopardize our whole plan if you whispered to the wrong person. Am I right, Loci?”

“Bah. Enough of this. We have more pressing matters than your perverted fantasies. You can have your stupid aphrodisiacs.”

Hugo allowed himself a private smile. My precious hobby shall continue, he thought.

Josef frowned in disgust. He knew that Hugo was involved in shady dealings, his informants had told him that much. But he had no idea it was this extreme. To make matters worse, Hugo had somehow captured one of Josef’s little messengers and taken him in for his sick hobby. The boy named Bran was almost like a brother to Josef. He was barely 7 years of age and had already shown great promise as an information gatherer. Two nights before, when Bran never returned to Josef, he knew that something was wrong. Now I know, and you cannot escape me, Hugo.

At some point the nobles had discussed everything on the table and they were beginning to take their leave. Josef allowed himself a private smile as Hugo remained behind, just like his informant had said he would. Josef was about to let himself down into the room when something unexpected occurred. Another shadow dropped down from the far rafters, and Josef nearly cursed at himself for not noticing it earlier.
The shadow unveiled itself ever so slightly, but it was still hard for Josef to make out any definite features. Hugo smiled as he nodded intently at whatever the mystery person was saying. This went on for another hour, and then the shadow disappeared up into the rafters almost as silently as it had come down. Josef cursed at himself again for his negligence. He watched as Hugo left the room, and then waited another ten minutes before climbing up onto the roof.

By the time Josef reached the roof dawn was settling in among the city. He cursed to himself again. I must be getting old, he thought. Josef was uncertain how old he really was, but his best guess placed him at around eighty years. He had grown up as an orphan in a monastery, but even the monks had trouble placing an age on him. This was undoubtedly due to his strange heritage. Josef’s boyish good looks and slightly elongated ears were telltale signs of the Elves of Silverpine Isle. However, his naturally dark hair and tan skin were most definitely traits of those living in the Kingdom. Josef’s unique makeup was both a blessing and a curse, so he went to extreme lengths to hide his identity. His current occupation, that of a thief, suited him well for the time being.

Josef made his way across the rooftops as silently as possible. He had to take extra care now that it was daylight, but that only proved to be a minor inconvenience. As he made his way back to the dilapidated building which he and his associates called home, Josef couldn’t help but wonder who the mysterious man was. This could be trouble. I need to find out where Bran is, and it looks like I may have to deal with a nameless enemy. Josef was brought out of his revelry when a voice stopped him dead in his tracks.

“This makes two times in as many hours that I’ve caught you sleeping on your feet. You’re not much of a thief, are you?”

Josef knew he had been caught, and he silently cursed at his bad fortune. Rather then turning around and facing his assailant, he spoke in even, hushed words.

“So, you knew I was up in the rafters. I figured as much, but I must admit I’m surprised you would seek me out first. Not much one for form, are you?”

The shadow laughed. “At least I’m smart enough to do my research ahead of time, Josef.”

Josef sighed. He had been caught. He didn’t know how, but someone knew his secret and was willing to expose it. He had to act fast. As quickly as an alley cat Josef spun around and made to flick a well-hidden dagger that was up his sleeve. However, before he could release it his breath caught in his throat. Instead of a man, as he had thought, before him stood a woman of extraordinary beauty. Her long, silver hair contrasted only slightly with her deep green eyes. She had discarded her black outfit and had slipped into something a little more revealing. A light green dress of the gaudiest sort showed ample cleavage, and was cut well short above the knees. If Josef didn’t know any better he would have sworn he was looking at a common lady of the night, but nothing about this mystery woman’s composure suggested at normalcy.

“Surprised, Josef? I know you thought I was a man, but one of my many talents is to confuse the senses. In fact, you and I have talked on many occasions, though you were unaware of it.”

Josef had lost all composure and just sat staring at the woman. He had never been so humbled in his life. He was about to say something, but thought better of it. Let her speak, he thought. Perhaps she will slip somewhere and I will have the advantage.

“Am I making you uncomfortable, Josef? Aren’t you the least bit curious as to how I know you?”

Josef knew he was being mocked, and furthermore she would not reveal anything until she was ready. He reluctantly decided to play along... for now.

“Who are you? And how do you know my name?”

“Two fair questions, but I will not and cannot answer them, in that order. However, I do have a proposition for you.”

Josef glowered. “Well I suppose I don’t have much of a choice. So ask it already.”

“Now now, Josef. No need to be snippy. I am well aware of what you do, and furthermore I know that Hugo has a certain little informant you want back. I was hired by Hugo to kill you, and I may yet fulfill that deed. However, it suits me even better to keep you alive for the time being. I want you to know that I can kill you at any time, any place. Keep this in mind as you listen to my proposal and you may live to see little Bran come back untouched.”


Keep in mind that this is an unfinished work, and as such in need of lots of editing. Still, the idea is there. Hope you enjoyed.