"You think a couple of stolen ledgers and a broken lock are going to save you from the gallows, gutter rat?"The sharp, venomous screech cut straight through the bustling noise of the central market square like a jagged knife, immediately shattering the morning routine of merchants and buyers.Kael stopped dead in his tracks beside a crowded vegetable stall, his heavy travel cloak pulling tight across his broad shoulders. He didn't flinch, nor did he turn around in a panic. He simply let the hostile words hang in the air, recognizing the arrogant, shrill tone immediately. Standing just a few paces away near the grand stone steps of the central exchange bureau was High Clerk Valen, a heavily pampered official draped in rich velvet robes embroidered with thick, glittering silver coin threads. Valen was flanked by two massive private guild enforcers, pointing a trembling, accusatory finger straight at Kael with a look of absolute, smug disgust.Word of the previous night's vault raid beh