At the Thief's Academy, they taught us every lock has a key. Which only makes sense, since the ability to retrieve your valuables is a prerequisite for any storage device. Then again, I thought as I studied the wooden cube in my hand, the Academy taught many things that had later proven to be questionable at best... at least in my experience.

I held the cube higher so the moonlight could illuminate it fully. No cracks or seams of any kind. Yet when I shook it gently, something rattled inside. Not something actually. A ring, my client had assured me, an old and valuable ring I had been contracted to steal.

I cursed softly as I set the cube down on the desk. Think, Brendell, I scolded myself. This has to open somehow. Yes, I could just steal the box. But that would mean the owner would know the ring was gone. If I removed the ring and replaced it with something small--like the pebble in my pocket--the odds were my actions wouldn't be discovered for weeks, perhaps longer. And that would be better for both my client and myself.

I ran my fingers along the cube, pressing aimlessly at one point then another. Nothing. I tried twisting, pulling, pressing... to no avail. I bit my lip in frustration. I had already spent two hours sneaking into the manor and avoiding the obvious traps. I couldn't come this far and be defeated by a simple puzzle box!

I studied the cube anew. I had tried the sides. Perhaps the corners. Not at all confident, I dutifully rapped each corner of the cube on the desk, then again held the enigma up to the moonlight. And found a small crack running along one side.

Small indeed. Too small to get any purchase. So I withdrew my dagger. I had paid dearly for it, and I briefly admired my sigil, a sleeping dragon etched in silver on the handle. At first I tried inserting the knife point, but the crack was too narrow. One slip, which was almost inevitable, and I could accidentally slash my wrist. Or worse.

Fortunately my dagger was no ordinary weapon. Part of the price had involved a special feature I had insisted upon. I pressed down on the second of three silver studs at the base of the handle. There was a soft click, which meant the catch had been disengaged. Now the blade easily slid back into the handle, leaving only the tip exposed. I was able to force that into the small slit without overly damaging the cube... or risking my own health. Seconds later the cube was open and, as promised, the ring was free. A mere matter, then, to replace it with the pebble, close the cube and return it to its rightful position on a nearby bookshelf. And Brendell had completed another contract.

"Excellent, Brendell, excellent," said Lord Sidean as he admired the ring. I had hurried to his manor the following morning, since there was no reason to enjoy the hospitality of Port Anzimor any longer than necessary. He was an old man, as dry and frail as a strand of dead reeds. He was not accustomed to being roused from his slumber soon after daybreak, and he was still clad in his white dressing gown. "This will become a most enjoyable addition to my collection," he continued after a long sip from his golden goblet.

"I am pleased you are satisfied," I said as I squirmed in the uncomfortable chair. The Lord was oblivious to most common pleasantries. When I arrived he had ignored my suggestions for breakfast and was now unwilling to share his wine. "My ship shall be leaving this afternoon. If you will pay me I shall be on my way."

"No hurry, no hurry," he brushed my request aside with a wave of his hand. "Your services have been exemplary. I just may have another contract for you."

Another contract? I shivered with avarice. For someone like myself, just beginning his career as a professional thief, contracts were few and far between. If it is as simple as the last one ... "I might be interested," I said, fighting to keep my voice disinterested.

"I hoped as much. Although I dare say this adventure may be hazardous."

"Really? A fortress guarded by Guild Assassins?"

He sipped more wine; I swallowed involuntarily. "No. A crypt."

My stomach churned. My last visit to a crypt had been most unpleasant, involving a lord determined to bring his deceased wife back to the living. "And what is inside this crypt that is so valuable?" I had no intention of stealing a sarcophagus.

"A most valuable ring. A mate to the one you've just obtained, in fact. It is on the finger of the sole person entombed inside."

I considered for a moment. "It sounds easy enough. Why do you expect it to be dangerous?"

"There are rumors, nothing more than that I am sure, that the crypt is guarded by a demon."

Of course. "Thefts involving magic require additional compensation. As you would know from the Thief's Guild fee schedule."

He nodded. "And I will do more than that. Obtain the other ring for me and I will pay you four times what I owe you now. Or," he shrugged, "you may refuse the contract and our business is concluded."

Four times? But I could be dealing with demons, my common sense argued. We will receive 100 gold crowns if we succeed, my business sense responded. We should be content with what we have, my common sense replied. We will receive 100 gold crowns if we succeed, my business sense responded. Stated in those terms, there really was no decision to make. "Tell me everything you can about this assignment," I sighed. Common sense has never been my strong suit.

Five days later I was again ensconced in a room in the Port Anzimor. Lord Sidean had provided a wealth of information, but when demons could be involved there can never be enough information. And what I had learned from the Guild libraries had been troubling indeed.

"They appear to be more than rumors," said the Guild archivist. Immediately after agreeing to take the contract I had left Port Anzimor and made a hurried journey to Glenhallow, the nearest town with a Thief's Guild office. For their normally outrageous fee they had agreed to research the Crypt of Cynamond, which is where I would find the ring. What little enthusiasm I had built for my task was rapidly eroding under the scolding gaze of my researcher. "According to our records, no less than five contracts have been entered into by Guild members. They have all failed."

That was not what I wanted to hear. "And why is that?"

"We have no idea since subsequent reports were never made. We can only assume the worst."

"So you are saying demons are involved?"

The archivist closed the annals. "I can't say for sure. Rumors do not interest me. And I lack the information to offer other alternatives. You may consider arming yourself with charms and spells."

I suppressed a laugh. I had yet to see a charm or spell accomplish anything remotely positive. "Perhaps I'll just cancel the contract."

What little concern had been in the archivist's eyes vanished. "You do not have that choice, Brendell. You have entered into a legitimate Guild contract. To resign now would virtually guarantee that you will never be considered for journeyman."

I shivered. "Tell me one thing. Who had hired the other members?"

When I left the offices I was deep in thought. Their employer had been Lord Sidean. And in every instance, the contract had been signed after a successful engagement involving another theft.

The moon was full. Not what I would have preferred, sneaking around an overgrown graveyard as I was. Finding the crypt was simplicity itself since it was the only one among the scattering of tombstones and other small monuments. Lord Sidean had assured me there were no guardians outside the crypt, and my three nights spent in reconnaissance had confirmed that.

Yes, I could have done this during the day, which would have been better for my nerves. Unfortunately this small graveyard was near the main road into Port Anzimor. Between the travelers, the nearby shepherds tending their flocks and a caretaker committed to ensuring the crypt was eternally free of bird droppings, I had no real choice.

So here I was, standing in the moonlight and knee-high thistles, a rope and hook draped over my shoulder, picking the lock to the Crypt of Cynamond. Any first-year student at the Thief's Academy could have accomplished this, which did not fill me with confidence. The door opened easily and without protest, another bad sign. This entrance was used, and frequently. Suddenly the thought of renouncing the contract... and my future as a journeyman... was gaining appeal.

I shook my head. I had come this far. And the thought of 100 crowns remained an overriding argument. Someday, I scolded myself as I walked into the crypt, I'm going to have to learn to control my greed.

From the outside, the crypt appeared no larger than the room at my inn. The long stairway, however, made it clear that most of it was hidden underground. Another fact Lord Sidean had neglected to tell me... if in fact he knew the truth. I lit my oil lamp, then covered it so only a sliver of light escaped. The walls were stone and otherwise featureless. The steps, however, were free of dust. Someone--the rumored guardian perhaps?--was an excellent housekeeper.

I crept down the long sloping stairwell, pausing occasionally to listen for any sound coming from the darkness below. I estimated I was a good fifty feet below ground when the stairway led me to another door. It was open slightly and light seeped in along the side. Another bad omen. I doused my lantern since I had no more need for it and entered.

I found myself in a vast circular room. The floor was sand, the stone walls festooned with lit torches, tapestries, paintings, various weapons and other works of art. There were footprints in the sand, but I had no intention of approaching the crypt that way. Too easy to hide a pitfall. Instead I searched the ceiling for something strong enough to hold my weight. My initial plan was to use the rope to approach the sarcophagus from above, then drop down like the proverbial spider.

My initial plan almost immediately proved useless. "Took you long enough," a familiar voice rang out, and Lord Sidean stepped out from the shadows.

I set down my lantern and rope, my surprise being rapidly replaced by righteous anger. "You could have made it easier. There's a passage from your manor to this crypt, isn't there?"

"Of course."

"And these are your possessions?" He nodded. "Then why the charade?"

"Because you were successful stealing from the Earl of Thannoban. Which makes you a threat to me."

Now I was beyond anger. "You've used the Thief's Guild in the past. You know that I am forbidden from ever taking a contract to steal from a past employer. Since I am not a threat, I demand you pay me so I can be on my way."

"I don't trust thieves, Brendell. No matter what your contract may say. Now if you want your payment, you have to steal the ring you are obligated to steal." He pointed to the sarcophagus. "It's right in here. Fulfill your sacred contract. If you can."

I studied the sarcophagus resting invitingly 20 paces away. What game are you playing, Sidean? I wondered, but I didn't see any option. Since I hadn't planned to open the sarcophagus this way, I was unprepared. I looked at the collection of objects on the wall and selected a sword to use as a lever. I approached the sarcophagus and wedged the blade under the lid while standing as far back as I could.

Unlike my last adventure in a crypt, the danger did not arise from the coffin. Instead there was a sound like muted thunder. I turned. And found the guardian I had been warned about standing behind me.

It was dressed all in leather, its face totally concealed by a mask. It held a sword much larger than mine in one hand while a large dagger dangled at its waist. "I guess it wasn't a rumor after all," Lord Sidean said, then chuckled.

Whatever I was facing was much larger than I was. And, I surmised immediately, a much better swordsman since I am execrable at best. We stood staring at each other for several minutes. Or at least I was; I had no idea what it was doing. Except waiting. But I knew I wasn't going to leave the crypt without a battle. "Come now, Brendell," Lord Sidean mocked me. "Surely you aren't afraid of my guardian now, are you?"

"I'm glad you find this amusing," I said between gritted teeth. I took a few steps to the side, hoping I could get it to circle around me so I could make a dash for the stairway. No such luck. It followed me, keeping itself solidly from my one known way of exit.

Reluctantly I brought up my sword and held it over my head. Why hadn't I taken fencing as an elective at the Thief's Academy? I scolded myself. It felt like I was holding a tree trunk. With nothing better to do, I swung with both hands at my enemy.

Our blades crashed together and it took all my strength not to drop my weapon. I staggered and received a slight bit of satisfaction to see the guardian stagger as well. Encouraged, albeit briefly, I swung for his legs.

And had to jump back as its blade just missed my kneecaps. A distraction, I decided. Maybe if I could get it to converse. "You know, this isn't really necessary. I'm only following your master's instructions. I won't take anything. Promise."

The guardian was unmoved. Or perhaps deaf. I made a half-hearted swing, which it parried easily. Why don't you press the attack? I wondered as I took several more steps to the side. Again it remained adamantly in front of me. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Lord Sidean. He was enjoying himself immensely. I toyed with the idea of going after him, then dismissed it. I was reasonably sure the guardian would intervene before I posed any real threat.

"On the contrary, Brendell, this is entirely necessary," Lord Sidean answered for his protector. "Now get on with it. The hour is late and I must get my rest."

I crouched and my opponent immediately adopted a similar position. I made a feint toward its right arm, then had to jump back as his longer blade nearly reached mine. No style points for you, I scolded myself.

And none for my foe, either, I realized. Maintaining my guard, I took a step back. The guardian retreated on step as well, apparently preferring to counter-attack. "I hope you brought your supper, Lord Sidean. We could be here all night."

"No matter. You'll die in the end in any event."

I made another swing at the guardian's head. Again our blades clanged together and again I almost lost my weapon. This is ridiculous, I thought. This guardian was evidently the slayer of five Guild members, yet it was fighting like a rank amateur. It was almost as if I was fighting...

I took a deep breath. If I was wrong, I could be dead within seconds. I lowered my weapon... and was relieved to watch the guardian do the same. "I'm not a swordsman," I said to Lord Sidean. "Let's see how good your guardian is with daggers." I dropped my sword. When the guardian did the same, I knew I had to be right. At least I had better be.

I withdrew my dagger. As expected, the guardian did also. Its knife was much longer than mine, but I suspected it did not have the special feature mine had. I pushed the center silver stud in the handle. "Our battle is over," I said, then immediately plunged my dagger into my stomach.

Even though the blade slid easily into the handle as it struck my leather jerkin, the force of my blow drove me to my knees and knocked the air out of me. I gasped for breath and it took nearly a minute before I was able to stagger to my feet.

Which was more than the guardian could do. As it had throughout our battle, it mimicked my movements to the very end. Now it was lying unmoving on the sandy floor, the haft of its blade sticking out from its stomach. There was no blood, but already it was beginning to dissipate like a melting candle.

I turned to Lord Sidean, still standing at the far side of the crypt. His face was now as pale as his robes. "Interesting trick," I pointed to the rapidly disappearing guardian. "Not a demon, but a magical construct. One designed to copy exactly the movement of its foes. Too bad," I held up my dagger so he could see the receded blade, "it didn't have a knife like mine." And fortunate for me I am not a better swordsman. "Now, Lord Sidean, I demand my payment. Unless you care to summon another one. Which will only suffer the same fate."

He was leaning against the wall for support. "I don't have 100 gold crowns," he whined after he finally collected his thoughts.

I approached the sarcophagus. "I figured as much, since you never expected, or planned, to pay me. Or the other thieves you had hired. No matter. I suspect I will find adequate compensation in here." With very little effort, and no interference from the now shattered and terrified Lord Sidean, I opened the lid. Inside was no rotting corpse, however. Instead it was nearly bursting with gold and jewels and silver and other treasures. The wealth he had accumulated... or had others steal for him... and entrusted to his guardian to protect.

I pursed my lips. "Let me see." I rummaged around and finally selected a ruby necklace, onyx bracelet and several gold and diamond rings. "This should be adequate compensation for both what you honestly owe me and the treachery you have shown." With that I closed the lid and started towards the stairway.

The I paused and turned to him. "You know, Lord Sidean, you have betrayed me and my Guild in a most distasteful manner. Your utter disregard for contract law must not go unpunished. I will be making a complete report on this incident, including all the details of your 'guardian.'"

His face, already white, managed to achieve several deeper shades of pale. "What are you saying?"

"Once I make my report, every member will know where you keep your wealth and how to defeat your guardian. And because of your treachery, I suspect the Guild will put out an open contract on you and yours. I suggest you find another place to keep your wealth, or another type of guardian. Better yet, an attachment of the Assassin's Guild. They are quite expensive, I hear, but consider the alternatives. I would hazard within a week, every enemy you have made and every member of my Guild will have an interest in acquiring your possessions. Good night. Enjoy your rest."

He didn't try to stop me as I made my way up the stairwell and to my awaiting steed. Although as one bow to safety I did not stay in Port Anzimor that evening. Within two days I had made my extremely thorough report to the Guild. My predictions were correct in all aspects save one.

It took less than a week before the raids on the Crypt of Cynamond had begun.