“Magnificent,” the prince said as he gazed at the unblemished surface of the scale.

The doors suddenly burst open and Snowden’s guards ran into the room in response to the loud sound of metal on metal they heard.

“Get out!” Snowden shouted without even turning toward the doors. “I am fine.” The guards bowed and left, then pulled the doors quietly shut behind them.

Snowden placed the axe on the table and took the scale from Markel’s hands. He closely examined the surface, but could find no trace of damage, even after he rubbed his hand over the shiny metal.

“You have done well, little thief,” he finally said and Markel sighed again.

“Many thanks, my prince,” he said and gave a slight bow, relieved that at least the first part of this transaction was completed.

Snowden moved back around the table and sat down in his chair. He set the scale down gently on the table and reached in amongst the pile of scrolls to retrieve a small leather bag. This he balanced in his hand for a moment and then looked up at Markel.

“I should not know how you obtained these items,” Snowden stated.

“Er, no, my prince, you would not wish to know.”

Snowden nodded. “No word of this meeting must ever be spoken,” the prince said as he eyed the thief from under thick brows.

“Of course, my prince,” Markel assured him. “Not one word… ever. You have my solemn oath.”

Snowden stared at him in silence for several moments as Markel began to twitch in nervous discomfort, but the prince finally tossed the leather bag to him. The thief snatched it from the air and bowed.

“Many, many thanks, my prince,” he said and bowed again.

“Get out, and I do not wish to see you again unless I call for you.”

“Of course, my prince,” Markel said and began to move sideways toward the door.

“Guards!” Snowden shouted and the doors immediately opened, a guard before each one. “This creature is leaving,” the prince said and waved a hand in dismissal.

Markel bowed his way through the doors and then moved as quickly as he could down the long receiving hall. He wanted very much to run from the palace, but constrained himself to a brisk walk until he was past the gates and into the city proper. Only then did he slow down to catch his breath and examine his payment.

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