1
00:00:01,620 --> 00:00:02,900
The Thieves Guild

2
00:00:04,380 --> 00:00:05,759
by Jake Kerr.

3
00:00:07,679 --> 00:00:09,079
Episode 5:

4
00:00:11,639 --> 00:00:13,379
The Guildmaster Merchant.

5
00:00:20,719 --> 00:00:25,479
(dramatic music plays) It was evening, so the two
of them had to wait at the front of the

6
00:00:25,519 --> 00:00:28,759
Merchant Guild tower as its massive doors opened.

7
00:00:29,159 --> 00:00:33,699
As befitting the most powerful guild in the city,
the Merchant Guild

8
00:00:33,799 --> 00:00:37,220
tower was the tallest and mightiest in Ness.

9
00:00:37,779 --> 00:00:42,639
Although the Knight Guild compound was much larger
than the Merchant Guild's, the Merchant

10
00:00:42,719 --> 00:00:47,319
Guild tower dwarfed the Knights, which stood next
to the great gate and

11
00:00:47,419 --> 00:00:49,439
loomed over the entrance to the city.

12
00:00:50,340 --> 00:00:55,239
Although he had not apprenticed to any guild,
Raylan lived in the tower with his brother, so

13
00:00:55,259 --> 00:00:59,919
the process of waiting for the great doors to open
and walking the stone halls was a

14
00:00:59,919 --> 00:01:01,239
familiar experience.

15
00:01:01,979 --> 00:01:06,659
This time however, there was an ominousness to his
arrival, as if the

16
00:01:06,679 --> 00:01:10,219
giant maw of some monster was opening to consume
him.

17
00:01:11,099 --> 00:01:14,079
He rubbed his temples as the doors came to a stop.

18
00:01:14,419 --> 00:01:16,919
His headache was thankfully starting to fade.

19
00:01:17,799 --> 00:01:22,639
Raylan had tried to find out more about his fate
as they exited the boat, but that was the

20
00:01:22,679 --> 00:01:27,579
moment Karch's smile left his face. He hissed at
Raylan to be quiet, and

21
00:01:27,579 --> 00:01:32,399
he did, not wanting to risk a slap or to make his
fate any worse than it

22
00:01:32,419 --> 00:01:33,339
already was.

23
00:01:34,059 --> 00:01:38,799
Although Raylan loved to insult and demean his
brother's guild, he couldn't help but

24
00:01:38,899 --> 00:01:43,339
feel awe every time he entered its tower, and this
time was no

25
00:01:43,379 --> 00:01:48,139
exception. He took note of the majestic main
staircase, the marble under

26
00:01:48,199 --> 00:01:53,139
his feet, the great tapestries at the landings,
and the art that lined the walls

27
00:01:53,159 --> 00:01:55,219
as they climbed to the sixth floor.

28
00:01:56,259 --> 00:02:01,139
Karch led Raylan down a short hall to the polished
and elaborately carved oak door

29
00:02:01,479 --> 00:02:03,119
that marked his brother's office.

30
00:02:03,779 --> 00:02:07,739
Karch rapped on the door twice, opened it, and
then led him in.

31
00:02:08,719 --> 00:02:13,499
The room was large. On one side was a bookcase
behind a small table with two

32
00:02:13,599 --> 00:02:16,319
chairs. It was full of similar looking books.

33
00:02:17,299 --> 00:02:18,959
There were papers scattered on the table.

34
00:02:19,359 --> 00:02:23,939
Across the room from the bookcase was a fireplace
which was empty with the warm

35
00:02:24,019 --> 00:02:24,839
spring weather.

36
00:02:25,539 --> 00:02:29,979
Facing the door beyond a large, colorful rug was a
formidable dark wood

37
00:02:30,139 --> 00:02:32,199
desk with a massive window behind it.

38
00:02:32,739 --> 00:02:37,339
The window presented a panoramic view of the north
end of the city and the plains

39
00:02:37,399 --> 00:02:37,979
beyond.

40
00:02:39,099 --> 00:02:41,719
They stopped in front of the desk and stood
waiting.

41
00:02:42,399 --> 00:02:47,239
Raylan's brother sat behind it, his head down as
he signed one document

42
00:02:47,279 --> 00:02:52,099
after another. His hair was straight and fine and
dark like Raylan's, although it

43
00:02:52,119 --> 00:02:56,799
was thinning on top. And also like Raylan, Larson
was thin and gaunt.

44
00:02:57,899 --> 00:03:01,739
As he always did, Raylan noted, his brother looked
serious.

45
00:03:02,319 --> 00:03:06,119
His blue Merchant Guild robe hung on a stand next
to the desk.

46
00:03:08,239 --> 00:03:12,859
Raylan smiled. "Hello, Larson." Larson looked up
at Raylan and raised his eyebrow, then

47
00:03:12,919 --> 00:03:17,899
glanced at Karch and nodded. Karch turned and
slapped Raylan hard across the face with the

48
00:03:17,939 --> 00:03:18,819
back of his hand.

49
00:03:19,559 --> 00:03:22,879
Raylan staggered backward and brought his hand up
to his face.

50
00:03:23,499 --> 00:03:27,299
He wasn't bleeding this time, but his headache
returned with a fury.

51
00:03:27,299 --> 00:03:31,639
"In this room, you are not to call me Larson,
Lars, or even brother.

52
00:03:32,399 --> 00:03:35,819
I am the Guildmaster Merchant, and you will treat
me as such."

53
00:03:36,739 --> 00:03:39,659
He peered at Raylan. "I'm sorry, sir."

54
00:03:40,619 --> 00:03:45,579
Raylan bowed his head. He had lost count as to how
many conversations with his

55
00:03:45,639 --> 00:03:50,319
brother ended with those words. That this was how
the conversation was beginning

56
00:03:50,659 --> 00:03:55,559
did not bode well. "Much better." Larson folded
his hands on the

57
00:03:55,579 --> 00:03:59,659
desk and looked at Raylan. He smiled for a moment,
then sighed.

58
00:04:00,919 --> 00:04:03,539
He leaned back and ran his fingers through his
hair.

59
00:04:03,539 --> 00:04:06,579
"I tried so hard to provide you a future, Raylan.

60
00:04:07,159 --> 00:04:11,539
An apprenticeship with the Councilmen, the
shopkeepers, even with the White Guard."

61
00:04:12,059 --> 00:04:16,819
He shook his head. "I can't even remember the
number of opportunities I've presented to you."

62
00:04:17,699 --> 00:04:21,199
At this, Larson slammed his fist on his desk
(slams fist) .

63
00:04:21,199 --> 00:04:25,999
"But you spat in my face at every step." Larson's
face was turning red

64
00:04:26,199 --> 00:04:30,779
and Raylan already knew that the best-case
scenario for him was a thrashing and then

65
00:04:30,879 --> 00:04:33,459
probably some time in the guild dungeon.

66
00:04:33,759 --> 00:04:37,079
That Larson and Karch had something worse in mind
chilled him.

67
00:04:37,079 --> 00:04:41,559
"Your attitude and actions mock the very guilds
that offered you a home,"

68
00:04:42,259 --> 00:04:46,559
Larson continued, marking each point by stabbing
his desk with his finger.

69
00:04:46,719 --> 00:04:50,239
He then stood up, his chair nearly falling as it
flew backward.

70
00:04:50,239 --> 00:04:51,999
"Starting with this one."

71
00:04:52,739 --> 00:04:54,719
Larson stared at him for a moment.

72
00:04:55,359 --> 00:04:56,739
Raylan didn't move.

73
00:04:57,599 --> 00:05:02,159
Larson clasped his arms behind his back and walked
around the desk and over to him.

74
00:05:02,679 --> 00:05:07,499
He took the fabric of Raylan's shirt between two
fingers, rubbed them, then

75
00:05:07,639 --> 00:05:12,059
pulled his fingers away as if he had touched the
corpse of a diseased animal.

76
00:05:12,059 --> 00:05:14,699
"The Brawn of the Guildless, Raylan.

77
00:05:15,099 --> 00:05:18,779
Haven't you ever tired of people looking down on
you, wondering why no guild would have you?"

78
00:05:19,719 --> 00:05:24,699
Raylan remained quiet. He knew the question was
rhetorical and his cheek

79
00:05:24,719 --> 00:05:27,659
still hurt from his last show of independence.

80
00:05:28,479 --> 00:05:32,099
Larson paused and smiled when Raylan didn't reply.

81
00:05:32,099 --> 00:05:34,759
"What do you know of Guildmaster Pietro?"

82
00:05:35,939 --> 00:05:38,719
It was a direct question, so Raylan answered.

83
00:05:38,719 --> 00:05:40,919
"The Guildmaster thief?"

84
00:05:41,979 --> 00:05:44,599
Larson nodded. "He seemed a good sport.

85
00:05:45,719 --> 00:05:50,479
I got a few tomatoes through the protective cage
during the last Founder's Parade and he just
smiled at

86
00:05:50,499 --> 00:05:50,739
me."

87
00:05:51,479 --> 00:05:56,379
Raylan shrugged. "Ah yes, you take particular
delight in abusing the Guildmaster thief,

88
00:05:56,559 --> 00:06:01,139
do you not?" "It's the tradition." "Do you know
why it's a tradition, my dear

89
00:06:01,179 --> 00:06:06,165
brother?" Larson started to smile.Raylan didn't
know where this was heading,

90
00:06:06,365 --> 00:06:08,825
but he knew it wasn't going to end well.

91
00:06:09,065 --> 00:06:13,925
So he just went with it in the hopes of getting
any unpleasantness over with sooner

92
00:06:14,025 --> 00:06:15,065
rather than later.

93
00:06:15,065 --> 00:06:20,025
I don't know. Every profession needs a guild, so I
guess that includes the Thieves.

94
00:06:20,025 --> 00:06:22,525
Oh, it is much more than that, Raylan.

95
00:06:23,065 --> 00:06:25,165
Larsen leaned back against his desk.

96
00:06:25,165 --> 00:06:27,726
The thieves are the greatest plague of Ness.

97
00:06:27,905 --> 00:06:32,425
They hide like rats in dark corners and alleys,
only to come out and steal from all of the other
guilds.

98
00:06:32,925 --> 00:06:35,525
Do you know how much of a problem theft has
become, brother?

99
00:06:35,525 --> 00:06:37,465
Raylan shook his head.

100
00:06:37,986 --> 00:06:39,065
Um, let me put it this way.

101
00:06:39,705 --> 00:06:43,745
While you have been tossing things at the
Guildmaster Thief out of childish joy, there are
hundreds of

102
00:06:43,786 --> 00:06:48,245
citizens taking out their anger at having lost
their clothing, their food, their precious
savings, their

103
00:06:48,265 --> 00:06:50,725
entire lives to these vile thieves.

104
00:06:50,725 --> 00:06:55,206
Larsen spoke the word "thieves" with a sneer on
his face.

105
00:06:56,085 --> 00:06:58,825
Returning to his seat behind his desk, Larsen
added-

106
00:06:59,145 --> 00:07:03,725
You called Pietro a good sport. How generous of
you. Others feel the same way, I'm sure.

107
00:07:03,725 --> 00:07:05,625
But should we not hate him?

108
00:07:06,485 --> 00:07:07,765
Do you know why he exists,

109
00:07:08,825 --> 00:07:11,885
why we allow this symbol of all we despise to live
among us?

110
00:07:11,885 --> 00:07:16,745
Raylan tried to figure out how to answer the
question, but he had no idea what

111
00:07:16,745 --> 00:07:18,385
answer his brother wanted.

112
00:07:18,385 --> 00:07:23,105
I don't know. He walked around and people laughed
at

113
00:07:23,145 --> 00:07:26,125
him, and then he always took part in the Founder's
Day Parade.

114
00:07:26,125 --> 00:07:30,725
Raylan glanced at Karch for a hint as to how to
answer,

115
00:07:31,065 --> 00:07:33,045
but Karch stood by impassively.

116
00:07:33,065 --> 00:07:37,765
I guess we make some poor sap the Guildmaster
Thief, and he represents all the thieves

117
00:07:37,965 --> 00:07:40,285
who are too cowardly to work in a real guild.

118
00:07:40,285 --> 00:07:41,985
Exactly.

119
00:07:42,805 --> 00:07:45,585
Larsen brought his hands together in a small clap.

120
00:07:45,645 --> 00:07:48,685
He is a symbol, a symbol of everything we

121
00:07:48,705 --> 00:07:49,585
in Ness abhor.

122
00:07:50,885 --> 00:07:55,725
Unfortunately, the fact that everyone liked Pietro
tells us that he wasn't the correct man for the

123
00:07:55,805 --> 00:07:56,185
job.

124
00:07:56,925 --> 00:08:01,825
We need someone irresponsible, someone young and
without the respect that age provides, someone
that

125
00:08:01,845 --> 00:08:03,645
all the guilds can collectively despise.

126
00:08:04,105 --> 00:08:06,385
His brother's intentions were suddenly clear.

127
00:08:07,265 --> 00:08:09,865
Raylan's jaw dropped as Larsen continued.

128
00:08:10,305 --> 00:08:13,105
My dear brother, I am so glad you understand.

129
00:08:13,665 --> 00:08:17,785
As I'm sure you're aware, Guildmaster Pietro died
several days ago and...

130
00:08:18,085 --> 00:08:21,125
Larsen leaned forward, pointed at him, and
whispered.

131
00:08:21,125 --> 00:08:23,165
You are the new Guildmaster Thief.

132
00:08:23,845 --> 00:08:27,765
Raylan didn't move as he tried to make sense of
what his brother had just told him.

133
00:08:28,485 --> 00:08:32,945
He thought of Guildmaster Pietro, who wandered
around Ness in his black

134
00:08:33,005 --> 00:08:37,925
robe, smiling at everyone and occasionally
grabbing fruit off of produce stalls

135
00:08:38,165 --> 00:08:42,645
in the market district, telling the merchants that
he was, after all, the Guildmaster

136
00:08:42,765 --> 00:08:43,225
Thief.

137
00:08:43,865 --> 00:08:47,045
They would laugh and let him wander on without
making him pay.

138
00:08:47,625 --> 00:08:51,185
Everyone liked him, but no one took him seriously.

139
00:08:51,985 --> 00:08:56,885
Raylan fought through the pain in his head and
discovered the flaw in his brother's

140
00:08:56,905 --> 00:08:57,345
plan.

141
00:08:57,345 --> 00:09:00,745
Only guild members can vote for a new guild
master.

142
00:09:01,145 --> 00:09:03,525
You can't just name me the Guildmaster Thief.

143
00:09:03,525 --> 00:09:05,785
No, I can't. But the council can.

144
00:09:06,205 --> 00:09:07,585
Larsen waved his hand.

145
00:09:07,965 --> 00:09:12,585
With time short before the Founder's Day Parade,
and, well, let's be honest, no members in the
Thieves'

146
00:09:12,625 --> 00:09:15,585
Guild, it was prudent of us to take action right
away.

147
00:09:16,185 --> 00:09:20,145
And, after all, this is, as you so astutely noted,
a symbolic position.

148
00:09:20,325 --> 00:09:21,785
Larsen smiled again.

149
00:09:21,885 --> 00:09:25,545
Uh, I should note that each guild master seemed
particularly delighted in voting for you.

150
00:09:26,085 --> 00:09:28,005
Uh, some even considered you overqualified.

151
00:09:28,705 --> 00:09:31,065
Karch laughed. Larsen stood up.

152
00:09:31,065 --> 00:09:33,645
I'm sure you are overwhelmed with gratitude,
brother,

153
00:09:34,285 --> 00:09:36,865
so I'll let Deputy Karch take you to your new
quarters.

154
00:09:36,865 --> 00:09:39,005
There is one more thing, sir.

155
00:09:39,625 --> 00:09:40,325
Karch added.

156
00:09:40,365 --> 00:09:42,625
Your brother needs to name a deputy.

157
00:09:43,385 --> 00:09:46,185
Ah, yes. My brother gets an official stooge.

158
00:09:47,265 --> 00:09:52,165
Raylan immediately thought of Rafe, but he was
certain that Rafe would rather die than

159
00:09:52,205 --> 00:09:54,585
be in a guild as hated as the Thieves.

160
00:09:54,945 --> 00:09:58,285
What about the current deputy? Did Pietro even
have a deputy?

161
00:09:58,725 --> 00:10:01,265
Before Raylan could object, Karch spoke up.

162
00:10:01,265 --> 00:10:05,465
That would be old Allard, a disgraced former
member of the Knight Guild.

163
00:10:05,845 --> 00:10:06,865
Karch shrugged.

164
00:10:07,265 --> 00:10:08,865
He is universally loathed.

165
00:10:09,505 --> 00:10:10,985
Larsen tapped his chin.

166
00:10:11,745 --> 00:10:16,605
Oh, yes, I forgot about him. He always wears his
hood up, looks like death in that awful black robe
of theirs.

167
00:10:17,705 --> 00:10:18,925
Larsen smiled.

168
00:10:19,325 --> 00:10:23,705
Why, it is a perfect match, is it not? A disgraced
former knight and a guild master that disgraces
the

169
00:10:23,725 --> 00:10:24,245
knights.

170
00:10:25,445 --> 00:10:26,705
Larsen waved a hand.

171
00:10:26,725 --> 00:10:31,685
Deputy Karch, let Allard know that, out of respect
to Pietro, he will be retained as deputy.

172
00:10:31,985 --> 00:10:34,305
In the meantime, take Raylan to the Guildmaster's
quarters.

173
00:10:35,725 --> 00:10:40,585
Raylan didn't know Allard, but he resented being
told who to name as his

174
00:10:40,645 --> 00:10:41,185
deputy.

175
00:10:41,185 --> 00:10:44,605
What if I don't agree to take Allard on as my
deputy?

176
00:10:44,605 --> 00:10:49,405
Then I'll go to the council, and we'll make you
take him as a tribute to Guildmaster Pietro.

177
00:10:49,945 --> 00:10:51,865
Not even you are so stupid as to object to that.

178
00:10:51,865 --> 00:10:55,285
Larsen's face had reddened a bit at Raylan's
objection.

179
00:10:55,645 --> 00:11:00,365
He waved his hand and then peered at Raylan, who
could tell his brother's patience was wearing

180
00:11:00,485 --> 00:11:00,805
thin.

181
00:11:01,425 --> 00:11:05,385
Now get out of my sight and scurry down to your
new quarters in the basement, Deputy.

182
00:11:05,965 --> 00:11:07,505
You can't tell me what to do.

183
00:11:08,185 --> 00:11:11,305
Larsen's jaw fell open at Raylan's words.

184
00:11:11,845 --> 00:11:16,645
He stood up slowly from his desk, staring at
Raylan with pure malice in his eyes.

185
00:11:16,645 --> 00:11:18,725
What did you say?

186
00:11:19,165 --> 00:11:21,265
Larsen asked through clenched teeth.

187
00:11:21,285 --> 00:11:22,465
I'm a guild master.

188
00:11:22,785 --> 00:11:27,565
Raylan nodded his head. Sure, he had been
appointed to the most reviled and

189
00:11:27,605 --> 00:11:31,485
unpopular position in Ness, but he was still a
guild master.

190
00:11:31,965 --> 00:11:35,085
Raylan's mind started to work through the
possibilities.

191
00:11:35,405 --> 00:11:39,645
If he was going to be humiliated, he would at
least have fun in the process.

192
00:11:40,205 --> 00:11:44,925
Larsen looked to Karch. Raylan turned and faced
Karch before the deputy could act

193
00:11:45,245 --> 00:11:46,845
or his brother could say anything.

194
00:11:46,845 --> 00:11:49,465
And you'd better not strike a guild master.

195
00:11:49,745 --> 00:11:52,985
I don't know the rules yet, but I'm sure that's
not acceptable.

196
00:11:52,985 --> 00:11:56,945
Larsen stared at Raylan for a moment and then
spoke up.

197
00:11:57,105 --> 00:12:01,465
I should have expected this. You were always too
clever for your own good, brother.

198
00:12:01,465 --> 00:12:02,905
He smiled.

199
00:12:02,905 --> 00:12:05,865
Yes, you will find a few benefits to your new
position,

200
00:12:06,505 --> 00:12:09,185
but let's see how far your lack of respect gets
you, shall we?

201
00:12:09,185 --> 00:12:12,425
He sat back down in his chair and folded his
hands.

202
00:12:12,425 --> 00:12:17,245
In fact, Founder's Day is tomorrow. Let's see how
well you enjoy sitting on your wagon having the
citizens

203
00:12:17,245 --> 00:12:18,365
hurl their garbage at you.

204
00:12:19,025 --> 00:12:21,905
In fact, I believe I shall take part in the fun
this year.

205
00:12:22,245 --> 00:12:26,025
I may not throw as well as you, Raylan, but I at
least will be the one doing the throwing.

206
00:12:26,045 --> 00:12:30,725
Raylan tried to hide his horror at the thought of
the Founder's Day Parade.

207
00:12:31,045 --> 00:12:35,385
He had forgotten that he would be the one sitting
in the wagon at the end of the parade,

208
00:12:35,665 --> 00:12:40,345
protected by a cage while the population of Ness
took their anger out on

209
00:12:40,385 --> 00:12:40,685
him.

210
00:12:41,365 --> 00:12:46,205
It may have been symbolic, but as Raylan knew, the
thrown tomatoes and garbage were real.

211
00:12:46,705 --> 00:12:49,905
He turned without saying anything and walked
toward the door.

212
00:12:50,305 --> 00:12:51,845
Karch raised his voice.

213
00:12:51,845 --> 00:12:54,385
The guild master did not dismiss you.

214
00:12:54,845 --> 00:12:57,625
Without stopping or looking back, Raylan
exclaimed.

215
00:12:57,625 --> 00:12:59,345
I am the guild master.

216
00:13:00,425 --> 00:13:30,325
(instrumental music plays)