Two : The Thief
After I exited Estuary Slums, I came upon the path that led around the side of the mountain and to my destination. It was a pristine road that was kept clean by the misting spray of water from the massive downpour of rapids it arched around. The white painted wooden structure was lined with light marble stones for decoration. The thundering roar of the nearby waterfall drowned out any other sounds in the area and it made the air I breathed in moist and uncomfortable. On either side of the path were elegantly crafted rails to prevent anypony from falling off to their death. Unicorn shapes embedded each of the painstakingly carved pieces of wood that showed off the skill of the carpenter who shaped it.
Every five meters along the path was a tall flagpole that held King Sombra's symbol high and proud. The royal flags blew in the wind, twisting his crest symbol this way and that. I didn't need to watch the flag until it stilled to figure out what the crest was, I knew it by heart. It was a deep red circle with a black line down the center of it like a cat's eye. On either side of the red circle were two black shadowy wings. A great golden crown and a fearsome red horn sat upon the eye. Behind it were three dark purple spires on a lighter purple background. I have seen that symbol since I was a foal and I resented it. The same symbol was etched into the marble below my hoof and I was glad to be stepping on his precious declaration of power.
On each of the flag poles there were lanterns hung to keep the path lit at all times with an ethereal magical flame. In between each of the posts sat a bench overlooking the magnificent view of the landscape below that was Equestria. I never really cared for the scenic view, I enjoyed other visual indulgences. I often saw cities from a high angle as the rooftops were the thieves' highway and I frequented them often. It's hard to be appreciative of a view when you see it nearly every day. This view was no different despite its rolling hills and valleys of farmland instead of the cobblestone roadways and tall brick buildings that I was used to.
As I reached the end of the curved hoof built road, I came upon a set of stairs that would lead me up to the metropolis. I climbed them to their peak and I was greeted with a familiar sight. Canterlot was quite a bit different from most places. It was built into the peak of a mountain and it sat as the highest ground-bound pony built structure in Equestria. The only thing higher than this place was the pegasai cities built into the clouds. How pegasai built anything out of clouds was a mystery to me so don't ask. This was its only entrance so they didn't need any walls to keep them safe from an enemy attack. I suppose if they had the advantage of the sky, the city would fall. Then again, King Sombra would never let that happen.
The crowning point of Canterlot was the massive castle that rose above it all, even the mountain top. It was common knowledge that this was only a sort of second home to King Sombra; he only stayed here when he wasn't in the Crystal Empire. Alternatively, one of his paramounts rule in his stead, a slate gray unicorn mare named Crown Jewels. The other buildings in the city were also constructed to be tall but not quite enough to surpass the castle. The hotel that faced outside of the city wasn't nearly as towering as some of the others but it was quite the architecture. Beside it was a stable and parking garage for traveling merchants to park their waggons and rest their mules or cattle. It was a long, dangerous trek to the mountain peak from the old lava tunnels that weaved through the alp. Some offshoots were still active with the boiling slag and travelers sometimes got lost and perished.
In between the two structures stood a thick wooden gate reinforced with metal. I could see many slaves that were chained to the large door as a means of opening and closing it with a crack of their master's whip. With no demands for them at the moment, they were all curled together for warmth as they tried to sleep. Above the egress was a pathway so the King's guards had a better vantage point to see ponies coming and going.
The King's guards were called Shadow Nights. They wore black uniforms with red trim, silver buttons and gunmetal gray saddlebags with black edging. The King's symbol was on a patch on their left shoulder, bars and stars adorned their right to show their rank. They were each clean, well shaven and had the same mane and tail style no matter their sex. The only differences were their coat and mane colors.
The guards stood at attention all around their post to keep the unwanted riff raff outside of their domain. This included me, of course. Canterlot has very strict laws on who can live there, who can visit and exactly for how long. The ponies of Estuary Slums and these merchants outside didn't fit the ticket and neither did I. I may be an undesired guest but I'm not going to take no for an answer. I'll find my own way in.
While a Shadow Night was speaking with another, referencing the clipboard in her hoof several times, I made my way to the side of the inn and hid myself from their view. I unlatched my bow from its hook under my cloak, grabbed an arrow from my quiver and shot it at the tallest point of the building. The rope that was tied to the shaft dangled down, allowing me to climb to the top with ease. Not one for wasting good supplies, I pulled the arrow out of the wood and packed it away into my saddlebag.
I crept along the roof to an adjacent building that was taller than the one I stood on. Just as I was about to climb up to the window that was within my reach, I could hear the sharp snap of a whip. Out of curiosity, I made my way over to see why they were opening the gates at this late hour. Below me, the slaves pulled the heavy wooden structure and a little filly was escorted out of the city by a couple of guards.
A little gray foal with a long blue mane limped along and grunted in pain. Not hobbling fast enough for their liking, they kicked her forward and she cried out when she landed on the cobblestone. I could see the reason for her discomfort, her left foreleg was swollen and purple. Obviously a nasty wound but I could not see the true extent of it from how high up I was.
The mare with the clipboard stood in front of the foal, spat a code of letters and numbers, addressing the filly, and telling her she was to leave. She apparently wasn't fulfilling her quota at the workhouse and therefore was exiled. The foal tried to talk reason into the guard pony but was only given the threat of 'flying lessons' in return which I took to mean they would toss her off the side of the mountain. She gave up shortly after, knowing she wouldn't win that fight, and began to drag her dead limb down the stairs and towards Estuary Slums.
This fate was quite common for orphaned foals unfortunately. Despite how bad I felt for her, there was nothing I could do. Good luck kid. Time for me to get back to work.
With a short hop, I managed to grab onto the windowsill and pull myself in. I took a quick peek around to make sure I was alone and wouldn't get caught. I wasn't alone. There, sleeping in the bed next to me was a mare, mouth hanging open and drooling on her pillow. Charming. As long as I stayed quiet, and I am very skilled at being quiet, I should be fine. The soft boots I wore on my hooves kept the sound I made when I walked to a minimum; better than my hard hooves clicking against stone or wood and alerting everypony to my presence. I moved to the nearby dresser and took the bits that sat atop it as well as the silver laced pen. Browsing the papers that the writing utensil was laid on, I determined she was trying to write a love letter of sorts. Several scribbled out drafts, each version only slightly different. What a waste of paper. Moving on.
I walked down the hallway, noting how many doors I had to choose from. The door I had just came from, two locked doors to my left and a right turn up ahead. Along the walls were common paintings that filled the expanse of walls, renditions of a boat on a raging sea. Somepony liked ships, apparently. There was a bird cage with a canary sleeping in it and a side table with an unlit lantern to take up empty space in the hall. As I turned the corner there was a large podium that held a hoof built ship in a bottle. It was a sizable bottle but I imagine trying to fit all the tiny pieces through the opening would have been a pain to do. It wasn't worth trying to steal so I left it alone. At the end of the hallway was another window, my own personal access to the city.
I grabbed the gold plated lighter that was left on the windowsill and looked outside. I could see several guards wandering the streets. None were near me but they were walking in my direction. Swiftly hopping out of the window and landing on the cobblestone street below, I made my way to a nearby hay cart to conceal myself. Surprisingly, for being King Sombra's elite guard force, they weren't very observant. It wasn't hard to stay hidden as they walked past me, unawares of my presence. I, on the other hoof, noticed a hefty coin purse on one of the guard's belts. As they casually strolled along, I moved behind them and followed, listening to their conversation. Carefully creeping closer and reaching for the small pouch.
"Yeah, they caught a small band of rebels in the Eastern district yesterday. Only four of them but they were trying to break into Barron Silver Mane's manor." The white unicorn said to her partner.
"Tsk," the green mare rolled her eyes, "Those idiots will never learn. They can't just take somepony's property. You know, if they would just submit, this place would be a whole lot better. The Kings have done great things for this land and they just can't see it."
The white mare swished her tail, "Well, some ponies just can't open their eyes and see the bigger picture. They only think of themselves and their selfishness is what's ruining this country."
As soon as I was close enough, I easily snatched my most recent target and pocketed the goods into my saddlebag. I turned around and began to trot off in the opposite direction and toward a much more expensive prize. I passed several buildings with locked doors, a few ponies quietly chatting and more guards but no pony paid me any mind since I kept out of sight. I weaved through the maze-like city streets before I finally came upon a canal. Not wanting Thief to get wet when I dipped myself into the water, I encouraged my little friend to climb on top of my head so she would stay dry. Once she was safe, I slowly descended into the chilly liquid, trying to keep myself and the drink quiet.
The waterway allowed me a shortcut, bypassing a known guard checkpoint that usually blocked the road. Once I reached a metal sewage drain I could go no further. That's alright, this was my destination anyway. Peeking above the bricks that made up the canal, I could see the wall protecting the estate stretching out to either side of me. Hung on the barrier above my head was a lit torch. Too bright for my taste. I took my bow out again but this time I grabbed a different arrow. One with a small balloon tied to the end that was filled with water. I fired at the flame and just as the thin wooden rod knocked against the wall, the small thin bag exploded, extinguishing the light source.
The sound of hoof steps caught my attention. I could see a pony beginning to walk around the corner. Another guard but not a Shade Night; a hired thug that was paid to act professional. The pony's muzzle was faintly illuminated from the end of the cigarette he held between his teeth. My ears folded and I sunk down further into the water. I heard him grumble a complaint that the light on this side was out, irritated at the wind. Apparently this wasn't the first time the torch had expired. After a moment, he turned around and began to walk back around the wall, giving me my opportunity to exit the waterway.
Still dripping wet, I crept over to where the tail end of the guard buck had disappeared around the corner. Since the barrier was entirely made of bricks, my arrows would not help me climb the tall structure nor could I fly without wings. That's fine, I'm very sneaky when I need to be. I'll just go invite myself through the front door.
I could see the massive metal gate that was guarded by several ponies. One on either side and three patrolling around the outside. Count Markus has never had this many swords here, are these mustang shards really that valuable? Now I'm intrigued. If I want to grab them, I have to get rid of these guards first.
I looked around, trying to find some way to sneak past the guards. There were too many around so I couldn't just walk over there and sneak behind them. Two of them were looking in my direction and they would no doubt spot me if I left the shadows and into the nearby light. I would have to distract them somehow. I looked around at the surrounding street and weighed my options. I could fire a blunt arrow at the bakery sign across the street to make noise but would that really draw them away? I needed something that would make them think there was a pony nearby, something that they would have to investigate. Surprisingly, there were no homeless ponies nearby. There usually were so the guards had probably done their jobs well. I could fight my way through but I'd really rather not. I then spotted a small clay pot with a plant in it on the railing of a balcony on the two story house across the street. I would have preferred a glass beer bottle on ground level but this would have to do.
I notched an arrow on my bow, pulled back, aimed and let it fly. My target shattered, spilling dirt, leaves and pottery shards at the door. The guards looked over to the noise and stopped patrolling but none of them budged so I couldn't yet move. We all waited, the guards calling to one another, debating on if they should check it out. It was then that the window illuminated with light, an irate mare stormed out of the door and onto the balcony. She looked at the broken pot, she glared at the guards on the street and then began to yell at them about breaking her grandmother's favorite plant. The guards then moved closer to the mare so they could yell back at her. Here's my chance. I swooped in behind them while their attention was elsewhere, scaling the metal gate and dropping down into the front yard of Count Markus' property.
I remained undetected as I slipped between a small out building and the brick wall. I stayed there, in the shadows, for a moment to make sure no pony had seen me or would sound an alarm. A minute went by before I heard a door slam and the front guards make their way back to their posts. Perfect, just as planned. I peeked my head out of cover to survey my surroundings. There was a wide paved road leading from the entrance of the estate to the front gates. Across from me was a tall metal pole with a light at the top. It wasn't a fire lantern but an actual electric bulb that buzzed as it struggled to brighten the area around it. Leaning against the pole was another guard, a mare who was fast asleep and softly snoring.
Parked in the driveway was a brougham pony drawn carriage that was colored a deep purple with golden stars and moons elegantly illustrated on it. The vehicle was adorned with white diamonds to represent even more stars. If there were less guards around I might have relieved the carriage of its flashy embellishments. Oh well. On the other side of the yard, beyond the vehicle, was a decently sized two story building. It was probably a servant or guard's quarters. Most wealthy ponies had some place for their non-slave help to stay. I've never been inside though so I can't be sure. Most of the time, the help doesn't have nearly the wealth lying around that their masters do. I don't bother with them when the main house is right there with its more expensive spoils.
The small shed I hid behind I knew to be for the house's utilities. A large generator softly hummed its tune within and an access to the estate's sewage drain I knew was in one of the corners. Count Markus had installed several electric lights since the last time I was here. There was more around the outside of the building and extra standing lamps for the rest of the courtyard area. I looked over my shoulder at my rat friend who was admiring the sights on my back. I put my hoof out for her and she climbed aboard. Per our usual routine, I set her on the ledge where the cracked window was and she scampered inside to do her work. I knew I could count on her to cut the power for me. I then made my way to the other side of the outbuilding. I needed to check the route to the slave barn and make sure it was clear of guards.
Shit! I backpedaled quickly as another guard passed right in front of me. I got too eager, I should have been paying better attention. Hopefully she didn't notice me. I pulled my blackjack out, ready to strike her down if she actually did follow me back behind the shed. My club was designed to knock out ponies but not kill them. It was a good little weapon but I only used it in a pinch.
And so I waited and listened but she never followed. I heard hoofsteps on concrete as she rounded the corner and walked away. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding as I put my blackjack away. Creeping back over to the corner of the building, I was more careful this time, more methodical in my movements and I listened for any more guards. Nothing. I peeked out but no pony was there. Suspicious? Maybe. From this vantage point I could see the driveway path continued all the way around the mansion with decorative foliage to either side. The wooden deck of the house and its massive double doors were quite tempting but they were not my destination. I looked past it, past the carriage and saw what I was looking for. Almost out of view and behind a shade structure made of wood was the slave barn.
I studied the area, looking for the best path. I could go around the back side of the building, the long way, but I knew he had a kennel back there where he kept his hounds. Count Markus was known for having his dogs in the races and to him, they were his most prized possessions. I have no intention of waking them up as I pass, I'd much rather stay as far from those beasts as I could. With that decided, my only option was the more direct route. I'm fine with that, I just have to avoid the lights.
I stayed in the shade of the shed and I kept an eye out for the other ponies in the area. No pony's looking this way, good. I swooped to the back of the carriage so I would be protected from view. I smirked as I had a straight shot to the front deck. I took one last look around and then I easily made my way to the front of the house. This area was completely black as none of the lights reached this area. I'm curious why he didn't install lights right near his door or by the massive window here. Doesn't matter, more of an advantage for me.
The wood gave a small creek as I stepped on it and I watched the guards to make sure they hadn't heard. I made my way over to the small table and umbrella that was surrounded by four fancy looking chairs. Good, they were still oblivious of my presence. I watched as another mare walked towards me along the path. I stayed low, hidden by the patio furniture and she passed me by.
Past the edge of the deck was the pergola. A wooden structure with no walls which provided shade to the hidden sanctuary within the hedges beneath it. The plant life was dotted with colorful flowers and in the center was a small pond with some fish swimming in it. Once the path was clear, I snuck my way into the oasis.
I stayed there, hidden by the foliage and watched the guards. There were two of them in front of the slave barn, standing at attention but obviously falling asleep. There was another walking the path around the house in the opposite direction of the one that had passed me earlier. The rest of the guards near the entrance were still at their posts and I remained undetected by all of them.
As soon as I was sure I could move out of cover, I did. I leapt over the bush, landed on the other side and swiftly proceeded between the slave barn and the staff building. As I continued, I could hear the guards behind me concerned about the noise I made when I jumped over the hedge. I could hear hoofsteps behind me. Better move.
I came to the back wall of the property and in my way was a large pile of manure. My ears folded at the roadblock before me. Looking around, I saw a metal chute that appeared clogged. I assume it led down to the sewers. Count Markus should really get this fixed. I could hear hoofsteps behind me, probably the guards checking if the slaves were digging out of their confinement. I have to move. I sucked in a breath and reluctantly stepped into the pile. Even though I stayed as close to the wall as I could where the mini mountain of dung was the shortest, I still felt some of the mush seep into my boots. Gross. I rounded the corner and knew I was safe for the moment; I doubt the guards would follow if they had seen me.
It was then that I heard the guard's voice call out in alarm. They were complaining that the lights had gone out. Good girl, Thief. While they were all preoccupied trying to fix the generator I could go inside and collect my prize.
After I knocked the mess out of my boots I looked around at the backside of the barn. No backdoor and the only windows were small ones at the very top for extra air flow. At the end of the ally I was in there sat a tall stack of boxes. Perfect, there's my easy access to the roof. I climbed atop the boxes and stepped onto the roof of the barn. The platform I stood upon was obviously in need of repair. The brick tiles were covered in mold, cracked and some were missing. I could feel my weight bowing the wooden supports beneath me. Not good.
I looked around at the rest of the structure and saw a large hole. There was my door. As carefully as I could, I made my way over to it and I looked inside. I could see several ponies within, some huddling together in a corner and others sleeping alone. The floor was mostly covered in straw which probably hadn't been changed in weeks. I could smell the mildew from here.
The ponies inside didn't concern me because I knew if they saw me, they would ignore me. Slaves aren't exactly the most social of creatures; or, at least, their masters forbid them from being social. Usually, any slave caught speaking to someone they were not authorized to speak to was punished. So, I proceeded. I took a rope arrow out of my quiver and plunged it into the side of the barn then threw the rope down into the pit. I grabbed it and tugged to make sure it held before I descended.
My landing did startle a couple of the slaves but I glared at them and they flinched back. I looked around and didn't see anything obvious that I might have hidden something in or behind. The walls were just single slats of wood and I could see the outside between the uneven beams. The rafters didn't pose any promise either. They were covered in cobwebs and didn't look like they had been touched since this place was built. I folded my ears as I was running out of options and time.
Where in tartarus did that stupid stallion hide it? He probably has a hidden hatch on the floor somewhere which means I'm going to have to dig around in moldy hay to find it. Great. Another option I had was to force the answer out of the slaves however, I doubt they would be willing participants in my thievery. If they were found out, they would suffer lashings so they might scream for the guards for their own safety. I was going to have to find it on my own.
I dug around in the straw, feeling for anything unusual. A rugged patch of dirt, wooden planks or even a thin rope might be clues. In the silence of the night, the shifting of the fodder sounded louder than I knew it was. I gritted my teeth and really hoped I wouldn't get noticed.
I heard shifting on the other side of the barn. I quickly turned towards it and ducked low, watching a pony shaped shadow move about the darkness. It slowly came closer to me and I could see that it was a pegasus stallion. He had a light colored coat but in the darkness I couldn't make out exactly what he looked like.
"H-hello?" he whispered to the corner I hid in.
My ears folded and I took a step back, feeling the wall behind me, trapping me.
"I don't know who you are but you're here for the box, right?" the pegasus asked.
Now this is curious.
He glanced at the door before he spoke again, "It's over here, follow me."
Do I dare? He could be leading me to a trap. Slaves don't do this, they never talk to me so what was his angle. What would he get out of showing me where the box was? I get that he sussed out I couldn't be here for anything else, there was that occasional smart slave but why would he help me? I could hear the guards outside, they were almost done fixing the lights. I don't have time, I have to get the box and get out. Damnit.
I looked around at the other slaves, still either sleeping or keeping to themselves and ignoring us. Hmm, they could ambush me if I'm not careful. Keeping an ear on them and the guards outside, I followed the pegasus to the back of the stable. I kept a distance from the slave who rooted around in the straw, moving it to reveal a small wooden hatch. He opened it, picked up a small box and held it out to me with one of his ruined wings. I looked at him with skepticism. He just smiled at me and told me to take it. I eventually reached out and accepted the gift from him. I took a quick look at it and then stuffed it into my saddlebags.
I raised an eyebrow at him and asked, "Why?"
He gave a chuckle and opened his muzzle to reply but was interrupted by a guard trotting into the barn. I swooped behind him and into the hay while he took a step forward.
"What's all the racket about?" the guard questioned.
With the lantern attached to his back, it illuminated the slave who had helped me out. His coat was cream and he had a short white mane and tail. He was covered head to hoof in lashes, old and recent. I shuddered at the thought of being in his hooves. I looked at the guard. He was large, gruff and a unicorn. I'd really rather not have to fight my way out, especially against him. Damnit, this slave is going to tell him I'm here so he doesn't get more punishment. If I weren't under this hay I would ready my bow for a fight.
The pegasus lowered himself and answered, "I'm sorry sir, I was merely trying to get comfortable. It's difficult with my wounds, you see."
The guard snorted. "Knock it off or I'm going to have to hurt you some more."
"Y-yes sir."
And with that, the unicorn left. I blinked in bafflement at the slave who had not only led me to my prize but got the guard to leave. Why is he helping me? What does he gain from this? I don't understand it, he doesn't make any sense. I stepped out of the straw and glared at the anomaly before me. He only smiled at me in return, walked past me and laid down. I looked around at the other slaves and I could see a couple with their heads up, looking in my direction but as soon as I turned my gaze on them, they hastily feigned sleep.
Fine, whatever. I had to leave anyway. As I made my way back to my rope, I could feel Thief climb my back leg and up to my withers. She settled into her favorite spot and I climbed up to the roof. I pulled my arrow out of the wood, stuffed it back into my bag and went to the edge closest to the property's wall. I gave the yard guards one last smirk before I leapt over the wall, back into the city streets.