Thief (Brotherhood of the Throne Book 1) by Jane Glatt Page B

much better to approach Brenna Lightfingers with someone she knew, so Pater had been conscripted for the job. Kane knew the man only slightly - his attendance at Brotherhood meetings was infrequent and he usually kept to himself. Kane hoped it was simply the natural reticence of a man who lived and worked in a part of town where everyone kept to their own business.
    “Pater, I trust Dasid spoke to you?” Kane touched the rim of his hat. “And I hope you’re comfortable doing the talking?”
    “Yep, not sure I’d have agreed otherwise,” Pater said. “I made him tell me about the run-in over to the Collegium and everything. Brenna now, she’s a good sort, despite her being a thief and all. She’ll be all right as long as we tell her the truth.” Kane met Pater’s accusing gaze steadily. “She done all kinds of good things for the poor folk around here with her healing and such. Lots of folks can say that they’re still around ‘cause a Brenna the healer. And she don’t never charge more’n you can afford, but she always charges somethin’ so you never feel like she’s givin’ charity.” Pater grinned. “And she drives a mean barter, as well.”
    Kane hid his surprise. He wasn’t sure what he expected, but a kind hearted healer wasn’t it. He had to admit, he did prefer to think of Brenna as a healer rather than as a thief. His naive idealism about the Caller hadn’t completely disappeared.
    “But I’m not sure about them eyes a hers,” Pater continued. “I’ve known Brenna for years and until yesterday she’d always had two brown eyes, same’s me. And then yesterday I see she’s got one brown one and one green one. Never seen the like afore. Do you think it has somethin’ to do with her bein’ the Caller?” he asked. “When I heard about the old steel I think maybe it’s all related, like. I didn’t say anything to her about it. I figure it’s Brenna same as always, and I know she’s the Caller, but …”
    “That is odd,” Kane said. “I wondered if her eyes were the reason she became a thief, but you say no one could see them before.”
    “No.” Pater shook his head. “It would be remarked on. Seems like most folk don’t see the change, neither.” He looked at Kane then shrugged.
    “It could have something to do with the prophecy,” Kane said. “But she didn’t go from having two brown eyes to having witch eyes. She knew about them.” But why were her witch eyes only showing now, and not to all people? “I’ll need to see what can be found out about that. But for now, let’s go find this healer.”
    The two walked across the street and entered the seamstress’s shop. Pater removed his hat as he approached a middle-aged woman sitting by the light of the window doing needlework.
    “Good day to you Mistress Dudding,” Pater nodded to the woman. “This gentleman here is in need of a healer. Now when he asks me, I say to him, ‘there’s no better healer in all of Soule than the one lives over the seamstress Dudding’s shop.’ So here we are. If it please, could you let Brenna know there’s someone here to see her?”
    Mistress Dudding smiled and pointed to a set of stairs behind her. “Seein’ it’s you Pater, why don’t you go on up. You’ll make sure this gentleman does right by our Brenna, I’m sure.”
    “Thank you, Mistress.” Pater said and Kane followed when the old man headed towards the stairs. The door was closed at the top, but at Pater’s knock, Kane heard some muffled steps.
    “Who is it?” came softly from the other side of the door.
    “It’s Pater, lass.”
    Kane heard the bolt slide open and the door opened just enough for him to see one green eye staring out.
    “Pater, good to see you.” Despite the warmth of the words the door didn’t open even another inch.
    “I’ve brought a gentleman to see about some healing.” Pater leaned towards the door and lowered his voice. “It’s about his two brothers. Seems the two of them got