Journal of Valeska, first queen of the Court of the Rogue, year of 158

September 29

Midnight

I haven't slept more than an hour tonight. After Vek was taken care of, I stayed in the neighborhood to ensure that her house was burnt to the ground and that nothing survived the fire.

Vek's last words have stayed in my head all evening, preventing me from sleeping. I've moved again but that won't stop anyone after me if they really want to get to me.

Vek made it very clear as I was leaving that I was destined to be the final V in the word Vekoslav, finishing the game of murder that she had started.

But I won't let them win this game. I've survived too much to leave this way. I—

She tried to escape us but she failed.

Now the game has ended.

K

Journal of Rosto the Piper, King of the Court of the Rogue, Year of 252

August 1

There are no other pages left Valeska's journal. I've never been able to find out who K was and Valeska is long dead and no longer able to give any answers.

It was just a pity that her journals were only found after she had passed away.

I wonder if I should show Beka these journals. She'll probably be upset at how this story ends, so it might be better to keep this a secret.

Of course, with how nosy Beka is, that may not be feasible. She's already asking questions about the portrait of the blonde-haired woman I've hung in the Dancing Dove. I just hope that she never turns it over and reads the calligraphy on the back.

The calligraphy should probably be covered up but I can't bring myself to do so, just like the Rogues of Scanra could never do so.

Valeska Ironwill, the girl who would be dog, the first Queen of the Rogue of Tortall and then the second Queen of the Rogue in Scanra.

K. tried to cover up his mistake but every rat in Scanra knows the story and knows the truth. K. failed to kill Valeska and she escaped to Scanra, where she started all over again to become Queen again.

Beka's eyeing the portrait again and I've called her over.

Can't have her reading the back of Valeska's portrait. Farmer might hurt me if I give his wife a heart attack if she would read "Valeska Ironwill, from the slums to royalty in two countries."

That's it for this story. I hope that everyone enjoyed it and I would be most grateful if you left your comments about what you thought.