“As I was saying, the city favors those who are born into power. But not all in power use it well, and not all with money deserve it. We act as a…balancing force. To make sure that those born outside the Palace walls don’t get trampled by those born within.”

She snorted. “Are you trying to tell me that the Guild is some kind of talesinger’s hero? The stories can’t all be false.”

His smile was quick and tight. “In case you haven’t noticed, the Palace’s got armies at its beck and call. They need more convincing than mere words and a handshake.”

Kyra shook her head. “Your goals are too high-thinking for me. I just do what I need to get by.”

“You say that, but your actions say otherwise. Didn’t you just tell me that you only steal from the rich? But you don’t have to share our goals to help us. The benefits for you would be more immediate.”

Kyra noticed she had begun to lean away from him. Perhaps he noticed as well, because he continued. “We don’t need you as an assassin. You’re too small. I’m guessing you’re useless in a fight, despite your speed.”

Though she recoiled at the thought of killing for hire, she bristled at his dismissive tone. “Then what do you want me for?”

“The strengths you’ve built over the last eight years. We need someone who can get in the Palace without being noticed.”

“If you want me to get something for you, just hire me.”

“It can’t be job by job. You’re good, but we’ll need to train you further. You’ll need to gather information from the Palace without raising suspicions.”

“What was wrong with the way I cracked the Palace last night?”

Now he looked amused. “I apologize again. I was unclear. We know you can crack the outer Palace compound. What we need is someone who can do the same thing, but in the Fastkeep.”

Kyra let her breath out with a hiss. “That’s dangerous.”

“You don’t strike me as someone who’d worry about that. You’ll be well compensated, of course.”

“What’s the point if I’m dead?”

“Are you refusing my offer, then?”

Kyra opened her mouth to say yes, but no sound came out. Despite the insanity of what he was proposing, she was intrigued. There was no reason to completely refuse him now. “I’ll think about it,” she said.

“Very well,” he answered. “See Rand over there?” He gestured toward a redheaded man drinking at one of the other tables. She nodded.

“If you change your mind, tell him. He knows where to find me.”

“The Assassins Guild?” asked Flick. “I’d think assassins would be too busy killing people to be secretly running the city.”