Thief’s Magic by Trudi Canavan

Author:Trudi Canavan [Trudi Canavan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little Brown
Published: 2014-03-06T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

Through the door Tyen could hear footsteps growing louder, then quieter, then louder again. Looking to one side, he considered whether he had enough skill with magic to lift and carry himself to the neighbouring pier. All elevation required a stable surface to orientate to and push away from. He didn’t know if it was possible over water.

He briefly wished he’d learned to swim, then realised a dunking would ruin all the money he had but the coins and might damage Vella. Even if he got to the next pier, he’d still be in full view once Kilraker and the police stepped out of the hotel door anyway.

Something moved under the far side of the distant pier. Looking closer, he recognised the shape of a rowing boat. A shot of hope went through him. He moved to the edge of the hotel pier and looked down. Sure enough, a small boat was tethered there. A ladder descended into the water. He slung his satchel strap over his shoulder and carefully climbed down. The boat was tethered by a rope. He grabbed it and pulled the craft close. As he stepped into it the boat moved under him and he fell forward, his chest slamming into the seat. The hull bounced off a pylon and back underneath the pier.

From above came the sound of a door opening. Tyen froze, not daring to move, or even turn to look up.

“He couldn’t have gone out this way,” a voice said.

“No,” a more familiar voice agreed.

“He must have left again. I knew there was something odd about him.”

“If he’s left, he can’t have gone far. We should hurry,” said another, quieter voice inside the building. The door closed.

Allowing himself to breathe again, Tyen remained still in case someone had remained outside. He’d heard no tread on the steps or pier decking. Looking up, he peered through the cracks between the slats but could see no sign of anyone standing there. He pushed himself up into a sitting position and considered his next move.

He couldn’t go back inside, even once the police and Kilraker had left. The women and the manager would recognise him, and the owner of the clothes he was wearing would spot them. No, he would have to use the boat to get away.

He considered waiting in case someone stepped out onto the pier again, perhaps to search more thoroughly, and saw him rowing away. But if they did come out they might also think to look under the pier. No, he’d best get away now.

Sitting up, he located the oars and untethered the rope. Awkwardly, trying in vain to avoid splashing, he began to row, wishing that when he’d observed the layout of the town from the air he’d taken note of the waterside features as well. Staying near or disembarking at the neighbouring houses would be foolish, since the police were still searching the area, so he struck out into the bay. Fortunately it was a calm night, the waves mere ripples on the bay’s glossy surface.

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