Chapter 5 - A Flute and Daggers

Matthew stood looking himself over. He still wasn’t sure how Vansen had managed to get ahold of two House Danar serving uniforms, let alone uniforms that fit them both. Even though the uniform was that of a servant, the clothes were still of a better quality than Matthew had ever worn. The slacks and jacket were completely black with a gray stripe that ran the length of the leg and arm. Underneath the jacket Matthew wore a pure white shirt. It had taken Matthew a few tries to get the buttons done up correctly, he wasn’t use to dealing with them, but he though he at least looked the part of a servant.

Vansen had told him that he needed to wash his hair and get as much of the grease that had collected in it out. Matthew had sense pulled his shoulder length, black hair back into a low ponytail in order give him a cleaner appearance, or so he thought. Matthew wasn’t sure if any of the crew, if they walked past him at that moment, would recognize him. Matthew knew that when Vansen had finally approached him, having cleaned and groomed himself also, Matthew had to look twice to be sure it was him.

“So, you remember the plan?” Vansen asked, looking Matthew over and nodding in approval.

Matthew nodded. They had planned out as much as they could with the knowledge they had. They knew that most of the servants that would be serving the meal would be arriving at the manor just before the guests began arriving. They would be using the servant’s entrance on the west wall of the keep. Once in, Matthew and Vansen would continue to play the role of servants until after the dinner course was served. That was when they would have the most amount of time to get away and all the guests would be focused on their meal. It was then that they would make their way for the vault.

“Good, let’s get moving, we don’t want to miss our chance to get in,” Vansen said as he motioned towards the door.

The two had used an abandoned tailor’s shop to get ready. It was nearby the keep, as near as they could manage, and it had access to the alleyway behind the building. They exited the door and made their way down the alley to the street. Vansen scouted the street before heading out. Matthew followed.
They kept a quick pace. Anyone that saw them would simply see two servants hurrying in the direction of Keep Danar. As they approached the keep, Matthew’s jaw dropped at it’s size. He quickly composed himself and continued on. He knew that House Danar was one of the more powerful high houses, and he’d seen the keep before, but never from so close. The craftsmanship was extraordinary and it was enormous.

Matthew saw a group of people wearing the same clothes he and Vansen wore and pointed them out. Vansen nodded in agreement as they cut towards them. They joined in with the group and continued on towards the keep.

The conversation in the group was light, mostly concerns about pleasing the right nobles and such. That was until one of the servants looked at Vansen and Matthew, “I don’t recognize you two,” the young man said with a questioning look on his face.

Matthew’s throat clenched and his eyes darted to Vansen who looked back at him before looking back to the servant that had pointed them out. One of the other servant’s chimed in, “They are probably just two of the new hires for the banquet, I’m sure there will be plenty of faces you don’t recognize tonight.”

“Yeah, we were just hired for the night, though we’re hoping to please the right people and find something more permanent,” Vansen said with a slight laugh. Matthew released a held breath and nervously chuckled.

“Well,” the first servant started up, “there are a few things you should keep in mind. Do not speak to any of the Danar family unless they address you directly. Keep your heads down and mouths shut and do everything the mistress of servants tells you without missing a beat and you should make it out tonight with a few coins in your pockets at least.”

“Thank you,” Matthew replied, “the help is appreciated.”

“It’s no problem,” the second servant said, “we were all new once. We’ve got to look out for each other. Without us, the noble houses would fall to the ground. They think with all their money and power everything is possible, but we’re the ones that actually make it so.”

The group laughed as they approached the servant’s gate. The guards herded them all in without a second look, all they saw was the uniform and that was enough for them. Inside the small gate was a well kept garden with paths criss-crossing through it. Matthew saw plants that he’d never seen before and bushes cut to look like animals or men. He was relieved when he noticed Vansen’s eyes wandering over everything too.

Soon the group entered the keep proper and began to weave their way knowingly along the servant’s corridors. Matthew felt that he knew the passages as well. One of the other items that Vansen managed to get ahold of was a map of the corridors of the keep. He and Matthew had poured over the map the day before, each one memorizing groups of passages. Between the two of them they knew every corridor between the west servant’s gate and the vault, as well as the passages between the servant’s chambers, where they would wait until they were summoned, and the great hall.

They had come up with multiple paths to get to the vault, as well as to get out of the keep in their planning. Matthew felt good at the preparation they had put into the job, though now that everything was in action, he questioned whether or not they would be able to pull it off.

Soon they stood in a large, poorly lit room. At one end was a platform with two braziers lighting it up, marking it apart from the rest of the room. Inside the room stood servants. Matthew was surprised at the large number of people that he stood among, all wearing the black and gray of House Danar. The men wore identical suits to Matthew and Vansen, and the women wore long dresses with a gray stripe traveling the back of the skirt and the same stripes on the arms as the men’s suits. It was as if they were a part of an army, all wearing the same thing.

Everyone milled about until a larger woman, wearing the same dress as the other women, except marked with silver instead of gray, stood on the platform at the far end of the room. Suddenly the room was silent.

“Very good,” the woman said with a smile. Her voice carried clearly throughout the room, reverberating off the walls, “I am Mistress Katherine, the mistress of servants for House Danar. Many of you are permanent servants here at the keep, however for those of you that were hired for this evenings event, I will explain how things work. First, my word is law to you, only overruled by the nobles you will be serving. If you do not do as I say, you will be removed from the keep and sent on your way, your name will be added to the list of names which have been barred from serving in this keep. If your actions are as such to deserve it, your name will be passed among the other houses, barring you from working for any of them.

“If one of Lord Danar’s guests this evening have in issue, you will bow and scrape, giving assurances that it will be dealt with immediately. As soon as you are released from their attention you will find either myself or one of my overseers,” the woman motioned to a group of men and women standing to either side of her, each one marked by the silver stripe, “we will deal with the problem. You will do nothing to disrupt this evenings festivities.

“When serving the guests, you will not speak unless you are addressed and then you will keep your words to as little as possible. Everyone will be addressed as either my lord or my lady with no exception except for Lord Danar and his family. Should you be honored enough to be spoken to by any of the family, they are to be addressed as high lord or lady. Now, we have a busy night, relax for now, you will be summoned when you are needed. There is water and bread here in this room for you all. Drink just enough water to keep you hydrated and eat just enough bread to give you the energy to last the night.”

Then the woman and her overseers stepped off the platform and hurried out a side door. The servants all seemed to release a collective sigh after the door shut behind them and the conversations picked up again. Vansen and Matthew made their way to the table with water and bread, each one taking a small glass and piece of bread before finding a corner.

“All right, we have to make it through the serving of wine, salad and dinner,” Vansen said quietly, reciting the plan to Matthew, “then we have to break away from the other servants and make our way to the vault. We will only be able to take the servant’s corridors so far, there are none that go directly to the vault.”

“I know Vansen, you don’t have any reason to worry yet,” Matthew said, his own nerves causing gooseflesh to run up and down his arms and back.

Vansen smiled, “Let’s hope you can keep that cool head of yours.”

——————-

Matthew was breathing hard as he exited the great hall and entered the serving room. He set the pitcher of wine he had been carrying on the great wooden table. It felt as if his arms would fall off. The pace of the servants was ridiculous. There were some that seemed as winded as he was, though others grinned knowingly, other laughing outright.

He quickly scanned the room, glancing at the doors and tables, hoping to spot Vansen. A hand slapped him on the back and Matthew spun. It was Vansen. He seemed to be breathing hard too.

“It’s time,” he said, taking the opportunity to collect his breath, “we’ve got to get away.”

Matthew nodded and they started back towards one of the doors that led into a servant’s hallway that they would usually be taking back to the large, cavernous room that they’d started in. The ducked into the low hall and made their way through the poorly lit passageway.

Matthew was ahead, counting branching passageways. “This one,” he said as he quickly turned down a new corridor.

Vansen looked behind them before ducking in behind Matthew. The continued their journey, snaking their way through the dark halls. They continued down, Vansen sometimes pointing out turns they needed to take that Matthew had missed. Finally they came to a dead end, or so it appeared until Vansen felt for the small handle. He pushed and the wall swung open. He poked his head into the hall beyond and looked down each direction before pushed the door the rest of the way open and darted out. Matthew followed, taking the door and pushing it back closed. If not for the slight cutout from the panel, it would have fit seamlessly into the wall. He supposed the noble’s paid the appearance no mind if it kept servants out of sight.

Vansen led down the hallway. Matthew was glad to be able to stand upright after so long in the servant’s passages. At every corner Vansen stopped, looking around to be sure the way was clear, before continuing on. The two eventually came upon a stairwell leading down to a lower level.
They started down the stairs. Before long they reached a platform with a heavy wooden door, reinforced with iron straps. Vansen pulled out a small device from one of his pockets, Matthew did the same.

“There should only be two guards,” Vansen explained, “I’ll go in first, you come in when you think it is clear.”

Matthew nodded and pressed himself up against the wall. Vansen opened the door and stepped in. The door closed and Matthew hurriedly pressed an ear to it. He could hear unfamiliar voices, then Vansen’s voice. Matthew listened for a few more moments before pulling open the door to peek in. Matthew saw two large men. One stood with his back to the door and the other stood facing Vansen, the two boxing him against the wall and blocking him from the door. Matthew started in, seeing Vansen’s eyes quickly dart to him before returning to the large men.

Vansen moved like a snake. His arm snapped out, slamming the small device into a guards neck. The guard with his back to the door began to draw his sword. It wasn’t fast enough. Matthew dashed up behind him and pressed his device against his exposed neck. There was a small click as the spring released and drove the poison-coated needle through the man’s skin.

The two men buckled before falling to the floor. Vansen grabbed a key from one of the guards and smiled to Matthew has he dangled it before him. The two hurried to the next door. This was appeared to be completely made of iron. Vansen used the key on the heavy lock, removing it and pulling at the heavy door. It slid open about a hand’s width and the two of them grabbed the side, wrestling it the rest of the way open.

Vansen grabbed a torch and headed into the next room. He lit two brazier beside the door that illuminated the vault before them. Matthew’s jaw fell open at the wealth before him. Chests he imagined had to be full of gold and jewels were stacked against one wall. One the other hung ornate tapestries and other wall decorations made of various precious medals and stones.

On the other side of the room were pedestals, “What we’re after will be over there,” Vansen said as he began walking the length of the room.

Matthew followed, staring at the wealth that surrounded him. When they reached the pedestals, Matthew’s awe increased.

“So, what is it we’re looking for?” Matthew asked, realizing he still didn’t know.

“A flute of gold and silver,” Vansen said plainly.

“A flute?” Matthew asked.

“Yeah, Miktan said that at some point in the past his flute was taken by Lord Danar. I’m not sure what the story is, but that’s what we’re here to get back, you look over here,” Vansen pointed to his left, “I’ll check the other side.”

Matthew wove his way through the pedestals, looking over each one. His eyes fell upon one particular. Upon it sat not the flute, but two daggers setting in a leather harness of sorts. He carefully pulled the blades from their sheathes. Each one seemed to be made of one piece of metal with worn leather wrapping the grip of each. Only one edge was sharpened, the light dancing off the slight curve of what looked like a razor sharp edge. What seemed to hold Matthew’s attention was that they were black. The light glinted off them, almost seeming to dance.

Matthew looked over his shoulder at Vansen who was still looking over the pedestals looking for the flute. He looked back at the daggers and couldn’t resist. He quickly returned the daggers to the harness and after removing his coat, he slid his arms into the loops. The harness was made so that he dagger sat in the small of his back. He put his coat back on hurriedly and turned to look at Vansen just as he turned to look back at him. The other shook his head and Matthew did the same in response. Matthew was glad he had not been seen. He was not sure what he would do with such weapons, but having them felt right.

He continued to go over the pedestals until he heard Vansen behind him, “I’ve got it,” he said, holding up an ornate flute. He produced a canvas tube and carefully slid the instrument into it before looking back at Matthew, “All right, let’s go.”

The two turned back to the door and hurried out, pushing the heavy iron door back closed and replacing the lock. The two then rushed back out the room and up the stairs. They found their way back to the servant’s corridor they had used to make their way in and ducked in. They wove through the passageways, avoiding the ones that led to the serving room and the large room with the rest of the servants. The found the exit to the garden. They ran down the path, slowing and catching their breath before they would enter the view of the guards that would watching the servant’s gate.

As they approached the gate hurriedly, one of the guards held up and arm. The two stopped, “Shouldn’t you two be in there?” He asked, pointing back to the keep.

“It seems that Lord Tyaldurn was displeased with High Lord Danar’s choice in wine this evening. When he voiced his opinion, High Lord Danar challenged him to provide a better wine. We have been ordered to Keep Tyaldurn to fetch it,” Vansen’s voice was steady throughout the lie.

“It takes two of you to fetch a bottle of wine?” The second guard asked, raising an eyebrow.

“A bottle of wine, no, but you don’t expect me to carry a cask of the stuff by myself, do you?” Vansen replied with an amused look.

The two guards looked at each other for a moment before looking back at Vansen. Matthew felt himself tighten. The whole job had gone so smoothly thus far, Matthew hoped that the pattern kept up.
“Fine,” the first guard said as he pulled open the gate, “be quick about it. It sounds like the High Lord is in one of his moods and I’d rather not add to it.”

The two nodded and hurried out the gate. They ran for all they had getting away from the keep, hoping that they weren’t discovered.

They eventually stopped in the middle of an intersection, breathing heavily. Vansen pulled the canvas tube that held the flute out of his coat where he had hidden it.

“Here,” he said, handing the flute towards Matthew, “take it to Miktan.”

“Me,” Matthew asked, confused at Vansen’s actions, “I thought you would take it to Miktan.”

“I would, except that guard managed to stick me a bit with a dagger before the drug took effect,” Vansen pulled back his coat to reveal blood staining most of the right side of his white shirt.

“Are you okay?” Matthew asked, concern heavy in his voice.

“I’ll be fine, I just need to get back to the warehouse and get this looked at. You,” he said emphatically, “need to get that to Miktan, now go, I’ll see you when you get back to the warehouse.”

“Okay,” Matthew agreed, “you’re sure you’ll be all right.”

“I’ll be fine,” Vansen said, a tone of command in his voice, “now go.”

Matthew nodded and took off one of the streets. He looked back when he reached a turn and saw that Vansen was already gone.