Chapter 4

I was up with the first hint of dawn and dressed before going next door. Men were already moving around, and some headed towards the gates to catch farmers heading into the city. I caught a few of the older boys. “Find a boat and go to the downriver wall. I have been thinking, and merchants sometimes just throw empty barrels in the river. The city guards only clear the bars once a month, and I do not think they have done it for a long time.”

They looked at each other, and I cuffed one. “Think, boys, what do merchants always need? They buy new barrels all the time. What if we provide a few to them?”

They went from frowning to grins. I nodded. “Pay attention while near the river and watch for snakes.”

They sobered and nodded, and I gestured. “One of you go look to see how many barrels there are, and one of you see if we have an empty wagon to use to haul the barrels back here.”

I let them work it out and went to check on the tannery. Everything was going smoothly, so I went into the city. I was shopping for fresh bread when I almost ran into Duke Edwards. I turned and crouched while bending my neck as I finished buying a couple of large sacks full of bread rolls. He was arrogant, rude, and stuffy as always. He was also one of the few that might recognize me.

When he stomped off, I paid the baker and left. I was thinking the whole way back. The warehouse seemed happy and full of barrels when I got there. I had to smile at the huge supply the boys had brought back. I clapped one on the back. “Now, you get some of the boys and girls to go around to the shops and ask if they need barrels.”

He grinned and nodded as he started yelling names. I helped here or there as men moved wagons and carts around. All day I was thinking about Duke Edwards. He was a powerful noble. He was also out of favor with my brother because he took care of the people in his duchy. It was right before dinner that a large group of families arrived.

Jacob was next to me and murmured that they were from the far side of the city. They were homeless, and everyone just shifted around, and we made room. I slipped through the streets that night; it was after midnight as I silently made my way to the bridge. I slipped in and climbed up to cross above the guards. I slipped away from the bridge quietly on the other side.

The large estate I went to was close to the river fork and the king’s Keep. I used a small side gate to enter. I watched the guards before crossing to the manor and climbing the wooden trellis. I quietly slipped onto the second-floor balcony and crossed to the door. It was unlocked, and I slipped in before standing still to let my eyes adjust.