Gord leaned back against the door. By now his eyes had adjusted to the light and he was able to see that this was a female of great beauty. "I trust I can speak from here." he whispered. "I must be off at a moment's notice."

"Of that, we shall see," the woman said as she donned a white robe to cover her nightdress. She carefully rearranged her long, blonde tresses and then turned her full attention to Gord. "Tell me the tale you have, and then I will judge whether or not the authorities should be called."

"And if I am a licensed thief?"

"You will be the oddest one IVe encountered, and perhaps a dead one. too."

"I am no lackey of the guild, madam," Gord said with resignation. The woman was a strongly built, well-proportioned one only a bit older than Gord. From the things she said and did and the Items she wore, Gord thought she was either a magic-user or a caster of illusions. However, she could be a cleric, so he decided that truth was the best means of handling this situation. "I am with the authorities of this city.

I am charged with the solution of certain crimes and the apprehension of the criminal or criminals Involved. In the course of this duty I used your doorway, knowing not that you or any other person was herein, to keep an eye on one of these suspects. I must be ready to leave in an instant, for a person with possible knowledge of the crimes Is in the adjoining room. As soon as the company in there with him leaves, I must break in and question him. Is this satisfactory?"

"Absolutely not!"

"But-"

"Oh I believe you, so far as you went," the woman said. She looked rather attractive in her seriousness as she spoke. Gord smiled at her. and she smiled 365.

CORD THE ROGUE.

back. "My name is Summer. What are you called?"

As golden-haired and blue-eyed as she was, he thought it a good name. "I am Gord, but all of this is a waste of time."

"No it isn't, Gord. I have to make a decision as to whether or not I am going to help or hinder you. This is part of that decision."

-The young thief was growing exasperated. He nearly clenched his teeth as he whispered, "My life is at stake in all this. Why don't you just go back to bed and leave me be? Let me get on with my affairs, and 111 leave you to yours."

Summer was obviously amused at Cord's seriousness. It wasn't that she didn't believe him, but his inability to handle this unexpected situation was- beginning to become funny. Just as she laughed softly and started to speak, a commotion in the hall silenced her.

"On the morrow, my friends," a voice called.146 Two other voices responded with farewells, and footsteps sounded as the pair headed for the ground floor. Gord knew it was Maust and the fat fellow. He arose, but Summer pushed him aside and opened the door of her room before the young thief could stop her.

"I'll see about delaying the proprietor and those who may be with him while you question the man you suspect," she whispered hurriedly and then slipped out the door.

Gord couldn't believe his ears, but he didn't hesitate. "Luck!" he whispered to her.

Summer turned and smiled, and her lips formed a little kiss as she headed after the departing visitors. Not bothering to watch her leave, the young adventurer turned to the door to Kesterin's chamber. It was locked, but the mechanism was the same as that which was on the other door. After silently manipulating the lock.

366.

NICHTARRANT.

Gord tried pushing open the portal softly. The occupant must have trusted his ability to hide successfully more than barriers, for no other bar stood between him and Gord. With a feeling of satisfaction, Gord swung the door open and stepped into Kesterin's quarters.

"How dare you-"

The startled expostulation was cut short by the fellow himself as he darted to reach his hanger. The small sword was slung over the bedpost, but he was so fast that he almost succeeded in drawing it before Gord reached him, knocking the grasping hand away and putting dagger point to chest. "I dare much, Kesterin. I am Gord, the man your dead lover Basil helped to cozen and swindle."

"What have I to do with that? Stop threatening me, or allow me to arm myself and I'll gladly oblige you in a contest of honor."

Gord grudgingly accorded the fellow courage in addition to the respect he had already mentally given to Kesterin's quickness. Neither, however, mattered a Jot now. "Not a chance. You will speak all you know about the matter of Xestrazy, Ageelia, Basil, and myself now. If you don't, there will be no need for you to flee Greyhawk to avoid the killer who seeks you, for I'll do the job before he can!"

Kesterin grew very pale at that. "You know I am a marked man, then ... as are you, Gord," the fellow added. With urgent sincerity, Kesterin said, "Come, Gord the hunted thief, set aside whatever course you follow now and leave the city with me tomorrow. I have means and a sure way to pa.s.s undetected. Once well away I will give you half of the money I have, If you wish, and you can go your own way. I . care nothing for killers and dead men. I mean to live!"

"Then stop babbling of other things, and tell me 367.

all you know of the plot, or I trow 111 send you on a journey to the other planes here and now."

"You are a fool," Kesterin said with a shrug, "but if you choose to ignore my offer and die, that is your affair. A waste, but what the h.e.l.l?" The man made a wry face and began telling what he knew.

"Basil was approached by a man calling himself Raynald. Basil didn't tell me much, you know. Frdtn what I overheard, though, and from Basil's comments, I think that the Thieves Guild and the a.s.sa.s.sins Guild were both bent on defrauding someone - you, I suppose - and there was more to the plan, too. Basil wasn't sure about the latter, but he suspected that the whole hoodwinking operation was only a part of something bigger. He said they needed lots of cash In a hurry."

"Lots of cash," Gord mused. "What would they need lots of cash for?"

"Basil said they needed to buy the services of some very influential people - that much he did pick up from s.n.a.t.c.hes of conversation he overheard," Kesterin offered.

"Anything else?"

"That's truly all I know."

"You never saw anyone other than this Raynald?"

"No. He and Basil were the only ones."

Gord was stymied. Then he demanded, "What did Raynald took like?"

A distant look came into Kesterin's eyes. "I only saw him once, and let me tell you I was jealous! Raynald is as beautiful as a demiG.o.d, I'll tell you. His hair is bright yellow, and his body is wonderful! He's taller than I even, and his smile Is enough to set your heart pitter-patting. I warned Basil-"147 "Were his eyes greenish?" Gord demanded.

"Well. . . yes, sort of. I'd call them hazel."

Gord was silent for a moment. Then he asked.

368.

-What were the professor and the other fat man do-Ing in here a while ago? Are they part of this?"

"No - at least I hope not!" Kesterin said.

"Then what was their business here?"

"They're Just personal friends - you know, a man cant have too many- "

"Never mind! I'm sorry I asked!" Gord snapped, and then he suddenly remembered something. "His left arm - did Raynald have a curved scar on his left forearm?"

Just then there were shouts and cries from below. The bedlam caused Cord to turn involuntarily to see If someone would come through the door. Kesterin took the opportunity to act. In the moment that Cord's distraction allowed, the fellow grabbed his sword and had It drawn before the young adventurer could prevent it.

Backing away from Cord's dagger, sword before him, Kesterin grinned and said, "Enough of this cross-examination now, Gord dearest. You have all I know. I'm going to leave this place now. Will you come with?"

Gord shook his head, grim-faced. "The scar?"

Kesterin slung his cloak over his shoulders one-handed. "Perhaps. ... 1 don't really recall," he replied as he grabbed a pair of saddlebags with his left hand and headed for the shuttered window. "I'm glad you don't want to fight. Gord. It would be a pity to damage your good looks. Perhaps we'll meet again under more friendly conditions. Until then, try to stay alive." As he fumbled the shutters open and went through the opening, he added, "And do blow a kiss to that dirty old Maust from me!"

Then Kesterin was gone, laughing, into the night.

It would have been easy for Cord to pursue him, but the young thief didn't bother.

He'd learned everything the fellow knew, probably, and Summer might be in desperate straits downstairs. Why he 369.

should worry about someone who had given him so much difficulty, a woman he had only met minutes ago, Cord didn't know. She had gone to help him. and she had done something helpful indeed. He had never thought to have time for such extensive questioning of Kesterin. Now he'd repay her.

A short dash brought Gord Into the common room. The place was a shambles. Maust and several of his henchmen were threatening Summer .with drawn swords. Summer was backed Into a corner, a short wand of bone pointed threateningly at the men, so that they were reluctant to attack. The standoff would end as soon as one gathered sufficient courage to rush in. When that happened, the woman would certainty be slain. The rest of the room, meanwhile, was in a wild turmoil. A half-dozen patrons brawled in the wreckage, while an hysterically laughing mercenary watched two of his comrades fending off dogs that winked in and put of existence. The barkeep stood rigidly watching this whole confused scene, as a berobed scholar sat playing with his fingers before the statue-like barman, asking if the Immobile fellow would like to see some "tricks." The a.s.sessment took but moments, then Gord leaped into action.

Literally.

"Ungh!"

The man Gord landed on fell from the force of the heels driven into his shoulders.

The fellow was large, but he collapsed, and the fall knocked his breath from him with a whooshing sound. The sword he was trying to swing spun from his grasp, and Gord grabbed the blade in mid-air. In a single, smooth motion, the young adventurer threw himself upward in a back-flip, sword in one hand, dagger in the other, and landed behind the four men threatening Summer. He was Just in time, for one was yelling and stepping toward the woman.

There was no time to think. Gord acted instinctively. With a quick toss, he sent the long sword between the fellow's legs, kicked the nearest man In the ankle, and jabbed his dagger into the rump of Maust As one man tripped, another hopped in pain, and Maust howled in indignity at the outrage just perpetrated upon his posterior, Gord shot through the gap his furious activity had Just created, grabbed the blonde spell-caster by one arm, and headed pell-mell for the exit148 "Wait! Let me nail them with my wa-" "Run, blast ItT Gord shouted at her.

Jerking Summer along despite her protests, Gord managed to get them both out the front door of the Inn of the Seven Quills. Dragging her still, Gord and Summer bulled through a gathering throng of students and other folk attracted by the noise.

"Come on. hurry!" he urged as he towed her into a dark, narrow pa.s.sage between two buildings. "I can't see!"

"Neither can I." Gord said, "but it's better than being caught!"

Just then he smacked into a wall, for the pa.s.sage - turned at right angles. Gord rebounded and Summer tried to catch him. Both fell in a heap, the . young thief landing atop the woman.

- "IVe dropped my wand," she cried in despair.

"Oh s.h.i.t! Forget it We have to get out of here." Gord said, struggling to his feet and wiping his forehead where a trickle of blood ran into his eye.

Summer was on her hands and knees, desperately feeling around the dirty pavement for the lost wand. "The h.e.l.ls, you say!" she shot back grimly. "I'm not going anywhere until I find my wand!"

Gord fairly danced, torn between the desire to get as far away as possible and the strong urge to never desert a comrade-in-arms in time of trouble.

370.

371.

"Hurry, dammit!" he nagged as the sound of a mob grew louder. Maust and who knew who else, had probably whipped a group of locals into a frenzy. They'd soon be coming into the gangway In search of the fugitives.

Scrabbling sounds came from nearby. Then the woman cried, "Got it! Stop your silly fretting, Cord, and lead us out of here!" ,,- Seconds later, lanterns and torches Illuminated the narrow pa.s.sage. Somebody shouted that they saw blood, but of the two who were the quarry, there was no sign save that. The group of pursuers stormed around the neighborhood chasing shadows for nearly an hour more before The Watch broke them up, sending bits and cl.u.s.ters of the mob this way and that. Maust was arrested for disorderly conduct after soundly pummeling a member of The Watch who had kicked the scholar In the rear in an attempt to get him moving. Maust, who was already in pain from the wound Gord had Inflicted earlier, turned on the unfortunate fellow and pelted him with his fists.. The students threw an Impromptu celebration thereafter, but there was no rioting.

"What now, Gord?"

The young adventurer shrugged, still uncertain of Summer. They had retrieved his clothing and sword after successfully escaping the angry mob. It was a simple matter for Gord to lead the woman safety from the University District to the last sure place of refuge he had. They had gone through the maze of underground tunnels, sewers, and ancient forgotten buildings upon which the new cily of Greyhawk stood, to get to Old City. Now they rested In a tiny cellar apartment that Gord had set aside as 372.

a hiding place after he first returned to Greyhawk well over a year ago. "Perhaps you should find a place to stay. Summer. There's no reason for you to be Involved in this mess any further."

The woman looked hurt. "IVe already risked my life. I've helped you get information you needed. I'm probably being hunted by Maust and his boys and the killer too. Now you tell me I'm on my own?"

She looked like she was close to tears. Gord stepped close to her and embraced her buxom form. "Hey! That Isn't what I meant at all, Summer. I was trying to keep you from further danger, but I suppose I was mistaken. It would be too dangerous out there if you were alone. Stay and we'll work out what's to be done next."

Summer hugged him happily. Thanks, Gord," she said gratefully, and then she kissed him.

Gord a.s.sumed the caress would amount to no more than a gesture of alliance, but Summer's lips responded with fervor to his gentle Insistence to continue the kiss.

For the first time since his brief affair with Ageelia, Gord felt the pa.s.sion within him beginning to stir. The young rogue rewarded the woman's favorable reaction to his continued probing with a strong embrace and then, gently lowering her to the goatskin couch, he began to run his " hands over the soft curves that were149 well-defined even beneath two layers of garments.

"Is this the time for-" the woman started to ask. Cord's fingers worked their way down the length of her body and her sentence was cut off by her own sharp Intake of breath. After that all bets were off!

Summer returned his exploratory actions with appreciable skill. The couple was sprawled out on the couch. Summer on top, laughing. They teased and wrestled each other, neither in any hurry to consummate the encounter.

373.

After several hours, although the pair on the couch would have guessed mere minutes, their bodies began to thrash about with a frenzy. There was nothing gentle about the way Gord handled the woman now. Soon only murmurlngs and gasped words were heard.

"I guess we're partners in this now," Summer giggled, coquettishly twirling a strand of blonde hair around one finger.

"What can I say?" Gord responded. "But just remember, I did try to keep you out of it!"

"I'd never dream of trying to keep you out of itT "That's . . . never mind. This is serious. I'm the next target for extinction by some unknown killer who destroys the very soul of his victims when he murders them!

Now you're probably marked, too."

"What are you going to do? Can you figure out who's doing this?"

Gord sat up and fumbled around until he found a sc.r.a.p of paper and a stick of pressed charcoal. He scribbled several words before answering. "Summer, I think I know who is involved. I don't know how and why, but I'll find that out soon enough."

"Don't keep me in suspense, love, tell me!7 she begged.

"No, not just yet. First I'm going to take a little trip across town to look up an old a.s.sociate. Then I'll have the answers I lack now. When I do, I'll tell you everything."

"How about letting me go along? I'm pretty handy In a tight situation, you know."

"That's fair truth, woman," he replied, with appreciation on several levels.

"However, this little jaunt won't require any dweomer casting. Just plain old work common to the craft of thievery. You stay here and wait. Don't go out for any reason. I'll be back before mid-morning."

374.

The old a.s.sociate Gord referred to was an old a.s.sa.s.sin named Albin. Gord quickly traveled across town and entered Albin's apartment with ease. After surprising the man, quickly overtaking him and trussing him up, Gord stood leaning on his sword, a look of determination plainly written across his fiace.

Albin was no hero. He might be able to bring death to others casually, but where his own demise was concerned. Albin was far more deliberate. "The orders came from the top, the very top. That's all I was told. I do what I'm told. Gord, you should know that," he finished in a whine.

"Sure, Albin, and you attend services every G.o.ds-day like your mommy told you when you were just a nipper," Gord retorted in a voice heavy with sarcasm. He knew the old devil too well.