Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce Read Free Book Online Page A

quick to trust your instincts.”
    â€œWhat is it you do, George?” Alanna wanted to know.
    George winked at her. “I—buy, and I sell.”
    â€œYou’re a thief,” Gary said flatly.
    â€œâ€˜Thief’ is a harsh word, Master Gareth.” He looked at the big youth. “Why would you be thinkin’ that I am? You’ve still got your purse, and what’s in it. Or you had better.”
    Gary checked and admitted, “I still have my purse. But why do you want to make friends with us? If you think we’ll help you in the palace, you’re wrong. Don’t you know who I am?”
    George met Gary’s eyes, and in them saw clearly a great intelligence. One could sense that the boy had made enemies with his sharp mind and sharper tongue.
    George read some of this, then relaxed. “I know well you’re Gareth of Naxen, the Duke’s son. I didn’t look you up for professional reasons. Truth to tell, were you not with Alan, I wouldn’t have put myself in your way. We’re not fond of nobles here.” His smile twisted. “But I’ve the Gift. It helps me see more clearly than most. I knew I must meet Master Alan. Infact, I’ve kept a close eye on him these three months. I don’t ignore my Gift when it calls me.”
    Gary shrugged. “I don’t know much about magic, but that makes sense. Still—what can Alan do for you? He’s just a little guy.” Gary grinned an apology to Alanna, who shrugged. She was getting used to such remarks. “And unless I miss my guess, you’re the man the Lord Provost would most love to get his hands on.”
    George nodded respectfully. “You’re quick, Master Gary. All right, then. I’m what they call the King of the Thieves, the Master of the Court of the Rogue. The Court of the Rogue,” he explained to Alanna, “is all of us who make our livin’ by our wits. It’s ruled by a king—me, right now. Sometimes he’s called just ‘the Rogue.’ But mastery don’t last very long here. Who knows when some young buck will do for me what I did for the king before me, just six months back? I’ll need friends, when that comes.” He shrugged. “Still, it won’t happen soon. Till then, why look a gift thief in the mouth? I can be a good friend to those who keep faith with me.”
    Gary looked him over, then nodded. “I like you—for all you’re a thief.”
    George laughed. “And I like you, Gary—for all you’re a noble. Friends, then?”
    â€œFriends,” Gary said firmly. They shook hands across the table.
    â€œAnd you, Alan?” George asked. Alanna had been watching and thinking, none of her thoughts clear on her small face. With his magic, would George know her secret? Then she remembered what Maude had taught her—having the Gift instantly shielded you from the magic vision of someone else with the Gift. For the moment George wouldn’t be able to guess her secret, and even if he did, Alanna suspected a thief wouldn’t tell his own mother the time of day unless he had a good reason.
    â€œI’d like some more lemonade,” she said, pouring her tankard full. “The Gift must be pretty useful to you.”
    â€œIt’s gotten me out of more than one tight place,” George admitted. “It helps me keep tabs on my rogues, so maybe I’ll last longer than the king before me.” He drained his own tankard and set it down. “You need never worry about your pockets, or those of the friends you bring here. But be careful who you bring. One word from them and my Lord Provost gets my head for certain.”
    â€œWe’ll be careful,” Gary promised. “Don’t worry about Alan. He keeps his mouth shut.”
    George grinned. “As I can see. Few sprouts—even ones sealed to the Rogue—could listen to all this and say nothing. Well,