Victor Deus (Heritage of the Blood Book 1) by Brent Lee Markee Page B

knew better. Victor understood what he was doing was wrong, but he did what he had to do to survive.
    Victor quit thinking about what Shaylyn would have said six months ago, when he realized that he could steal from the rich (who wouldn't miss most of the things he stole) and use the money he “earned” to help a single mother who was barely scraping by. He had also begun buying coats for the other street kids who didn't have any winter clothes. Sure, Walkins lost a bit of money, percentage wise, when dealing with Victor, but Victor always found a way to pull off a big score. The rest of the boys were still picking pockets, or begging, except Shawnrik, who was becoming a better thief with Victor around.
    Some nights Victor would use his ability with Shaping to Alter his appearance so that he looked like a Gnome or a Halfling. This way he could go into the taverns and other night houses to gain information that would otherwise be beyond the reach of an eight year old, no matter how advanced. It was the most complicated bit of Shaping he knew, and it required a lot of concentration to keep the disguise in place. Besides, it always made his skin itch afterward. He had tried drinking once, just a sip, and woke up the next morning in an alley sleeping in his oversized cloak without his money. His skin had gone back to it's regular texture sometime during the night, and he was lucky not to have been found out. He decided that drinking was not a good idea, and made a vow not to try it again for a long while.
    Victor had also learned about the Syndicate of the Raven, which is the name for the organization that oversees the elements of the city. People said that Safeharbor was the most secure city on the face of Terrazil, but the Syndicate was the chink in that armor. A large percent of the Syndicate's business took place in the back alleys of the Docks District, but they had also managed to take over some of the old strongholds in the caverns far beneath the city. You could find just about anything in the halls of the Syndicate, if you were willing to pay the price. There were quite a few business deals that occurred regularly that Victor found quite appalling. Most of which consisted of the sale of creatures or people.
    “Victor?”
    “What?”
    “Were you listening?” Walkins voice took on the dangerous edge that he used when he thought one of the lads wasn't paying attention. It was a tone that promised swift punishment if such a thing was found out to be true, and Ol' man Walkins never threatened anyone if he wasn't willing to back it up.
    “Of course, you said that there is a new job, taking some trinket from one of the houses in the Noble District.”
    “Close enough, that little trinket is a special pair of manacles that has been stolen from one of our employers.” He looked Victor in the eyes, making sure that he had his full attention. “They will pay quite handsomely for it to be returned. They are a made of a silver-mithril alloy, and they are made for slavers, so don't accidentally slip one on.”
    “Oh yeah, that's what I want to do, slip on a manacle that's been shaped for the slave trade. You can never tell what those things will do.” Victor rolled his eyes.
    “Well sarcasm aside, there are a few people who would probably try it. This brings me to my next point, your taking Shawn with ya. I know you like to go solo most of the time on your jobs, but you may need an extra set of eyes out there. He's just gonna go with you to the manor, and keep a watch outside to make sure you don't need help. The inside is all yours.”
    “Great, when do we start?”
    “You'll leave this evening, and should arrive sometime around sunset. Make sure there aren't any extra guards, and then enter when evening settles in. The manacles should be on the second floor in the center of the display room in the south wing of the house. Shapers have been at work in the house, so be on your toes. I put two release scrolls in your