Chapter 2: I Found Water!

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Chapter 2

After four months in the desert, I’ve acclimated to the heat. I can still feel the sun’s rays and bear signs of it on my darkened skin and cracked lips, but even when I run, it’s as though the day was an early spring morning. Granted it, even though it was the end of April, and hotter than usual, I welcomed the warmth each day like a basking lizard.

About five days ago I had been out canvassing that area, enjoying the scenery with my spare time- but who am I kidding. It was more or less to avoid the folk in town. Tempers were high, for water was being rationed and ale had become the supplement to quench the ever present thirst. I won’t lie, the bitter drink certainly beats the madness of mind when I would feel the last gulp of water drain down my throat at high noon. Even Skullcreek was a mere trickle.

Wandering from town probably wasn’t my best idea with a half filled waterskin, but the solitude was my addiction. No eyes peering at me to fill my head with their possible accusations. The hills had become more familiar as I hiked along the creek. The various cactus and brushes native to the desert no long seemed foreign. The hares, rattlers, and hawks became predictable as I discovered their favorite hiding places.

That particular day, as I explored the hills, I came across an unfortunate scene. Two bodies well into decay in the heat. I wrapped the shawl around my face and though better judgement told me to leave it and get back to town, I decided to see if I could find any identification. Who where these people? How did they die? They didn’t appear to have any arrows stuck in them and what remained of their scalps didn’t indicate that the natives were involved. It could very well have been the aftermath of one of the many brawls I had seen in town.

I sifted through their bags and pockets. There were still a few coins, some jerky, and a gun with a single shot left among them. I had almost given up on finding any sort of identification when I pulled out a letter with the name ‘Henry Westing’ written on it. Inside the dirty envelope was half a map of Skullcreek and what looked like instructions to a water source.

Water? Head right inside cave. Step ov- and The shad- harm- were written on the map. From how it looked, they had already found the source. A partial circle could be seen on the portion I held, while the rest of it was nowhere to be seen. I had to wonder what other instructions were lost to the missing half. My hands felt inside the envelope, dust dancing along my finger tips as I searched the empty crevice.

My mind had no sooner wondered why part of the map would be missing when it clicked: whoever killed the two must have not wanted the water source made known. The thoughts played out a magnificent villain who was set on letting the town die of thirst. Or perhaps to profit handsomely through their sales of spirits or of the very water source when times became too dire that any cost would be worth it.

Perhaps it was the bitter betrayal of Elrick that spurred the need to stop this villain. If there was water, the town needed to know!

So I went off in pursuit of the water, girding my skirt about my waist before jogging along to what looked like a destination six miles from town. When I arrived, the entrance was a cave mouth at the base of a fifty foot bluff. The red-brown rock were familiar in cut and shape as Redstone, but lacking in prairie grass and flowers.

My waterskin hung empty on my side. I wiped the sweat from my brow with my shawl and took refuge in the shade of the cave. As I caught my breath, I pulled the map back out and looked once more at the clues left in the margins. I would keep right once I’ve walked further into the cave. There was something I needed to avoid stepping on. And the shadows appeared to be harmful... that was the most unsettling of the whole situation. How did one avoid shadows when the whole cave was nothing but darkness?

With my breath back and a hopeless attempt at another drink of water made, I began my trek into the cave, igniting a fireball in my hand. I made it as big as I could, believing that if there were shadows that would harm me, that the light might keep them at bay.

The path forked four ways about a minute into the cave. I kept right and began to look intently for something that I needed to avoid stepping on. As my eyes searched the orange tinted floor, a feeling of dread washed over me. That moment when I realized how alone I was. How the only thing I could hear was the crackle of my fireball, the soft steps I took, and the thumping of my heart. I pushed aside the fear, thinking I was being childish for being afraid of being alone when I had been for so many months.

Then the fear of alone turned to fear of what was in the darkness beyond my light source. Were the shadows all around me, waiting for the moment my fire went out? My ears strained against the distant silence. It no longer felt like a spacious cavern about me, but a room that was enclosing on me slowly. I couldn’t see the walls, but somehow I knew they were there and ready to suffocate me in their grasp.

That was when I heard a strange noise. A sound that echoed through the walls and gave dimension to the place I was in. The call reminded me of a cat, but there was something distinctly musical about it. I hadn’t noticed that I had stopped walking as my ears worked to discern the direction of the chime. When it sounded the fourth time, it was louder- closer! Quickly I began to move again, forgetting all about my original objective of watching for something to step over.

It might have been a few seconds or easily a few minutes as I jogged further into the cave. The call was getting louder. Part of me thought I was running to it, but the creature’s cry was all around me. Panic was welling inside my stomach, twisting as my lungs purged repeatedly the de-oxygenized air from my body. My muscles were burning and my eyes searched for refuge.

I remembered what I was suppose to be watching for, but only after my foot touched the line. A perfectly etched mark across the floor that I thought was a crack. The ground gave way as I stepped on it. My heart finally gave in to the panic my stomach had been weaving. A scream escaped me and a moment later, searing pain ripped through my head that had stars dancing before my eyes.

Two things ran through my mind over the throbbing in my head: When did I get outside and why was there two moons?

I quickly realized I wasn’t outside, though the two spheres that looked down upon me gave a moon like glow to the cave. Then they flickered out for a moment. After the third blink, I recognized the spheres to be a set of eyes.

I sat up and almost puked from the wave of pain and nausea that came with it. My mouth was dry and my stomach squirmed in hope for food. My head drummed against my brain an unpleasant rhythm. Once I felt safe to lift my head again, to look at this thing that was observing me, I gave another peek to see if it wasn’t just a figment of my imagination.

The eyes were still there.

With the spheres floating ten feet above me, I was left assessing my situation. At the top of the list; I was going to die. But every time that thought sunk in, a memory answered firmly, “Phoenix, your time is not yet.”

Next was the debate whether the creature was friendly or not. On one hand, it hadn’t attacked (yet) while on the other, maybe it was waiting for me to move (more). If I stayed put, I’d die anyway. So I opted for the quickest death, if it were to come, and got up.

Using the wall of the cave to brace myself, I could feel my whole body protest. I was bruised and rather lucky I hadn’t broken anything. Once the darkness stopped spinning, I looked to the eyes again. They held mine in theirs. Being closer to them, I could see a shadowy body floating about, much like smoke.

We stood there, eyeing each other in a silent kind of staring contest. The creature then cocked it’s head to the side and gave that meow like chime.

YOU’RE THE CREATURE I HEARD!? was what I wanted to say but all I managed to get out was, “you?”

The creature seemed pleased for it did a kind of dance in place before wrapping around my neck and materializing again a foot from my face. It felt like thick wind. As though fog had brushed across my skin. I knew then it wasn’t going to harm me, but even though I knew deep down, I kept my guard up.

I walked the length of wall, feeling it curve in a circular shape. I looked up and could only see blackness. With a flick of my wrist, I launched a small bolt of fire toward the ceiling. A hiss of wind ran past me as a soft poomb sounded overhead. I froze in anticipation for retaliation seeing I had startled the shadow. After many long minutes, the glowing eyes reappeared.

A sigh escaped my lips, relief that the creature held no ill will toward me. My focus then returned to the pit. From the sound my spell made, the top was roughly twenty feet up. The stone was cool against my hand as I placed it in position to climb. There were enough grooves and indentations in the surface that I knew I could scale the wall, but with my bruised body, it was quickly ruled out that climbing wasn’t going to happen. At least not that day.

The little creature followed along, mewing ever so often. After walking in circles too many times to keep track of, stumbling occasionally, I sat back down, my joints aching in protest. The creature landed on my knee, the pressure of it’s gasly body being similar to a flower or feather. It’s large, glowing, white eyes continued to scan me, as though expecting me to do something.

“Thanks for not eating me,” I said. It was on that note that I wished the creature was more substantial than the smoke it seemed to be made up of. A pang of guilt went through me at the hypocritical thought.

I took in the bright eyes staring into mine. There was something about the shadowy creature that was growing on me. The thing was a mystery. What kind of creature was it? Never had I seen or heard of such an animal. Was it something Elrick kept from me and the others? Was it not native to Redstone? Were there more of it?

“Hey, I’m going to make a fire,” I said, wanting to better see the creature. Once the fire was in my hand, another hiss came from the shadow as it disappeared into a crevice next to me. “I’m not going to hurt you!” I explained. My hand went to snuff the flame out, but I stopped myself so I could surveyed the space I was in. I noted three skeletons, likely what my feet had stumbled over. I cringed at the omen of my fate. Others had fallen and died in the pit.

I attempted to swallow back my worry, but my dry throat had no relief. I then felt something cool rest upon my knee again. The wispy creature had returned, it’s eyes fixated on the flame in my hand. There was something cat like as it perched on me with it’s dark, pointed ears erect. It’s large round eyes reminded me of an owl and it’s swishing tail was long and flowing like a horse. The arms looked to have some kind of wing shape, but at the time, it was hard to tell with its billowing, smoking body.

“See. Not gonna hurt you,” I told the creature. It seemed to remember that I was there as it looked to me. It then turned back to the flame and sat down.

“So... is there more of you in the walls?” I asked. The creature lowered its eyes and gave a little whistle like sigh. It then returned its gaze to me, blinked, and gave a questioning mew.

“Hmm. Alone then...”

It bobbed its eyes once.

“You’re a smart one,” I commented, noting how it seemed to understand my words. I then added, “Me too... where did you come from?”

I knew it was a smart creature, but it was probably the most ridiculous question to come out of my mouth. Surprisingly, no sooner had I asked, the creature flew up in a great wave of smoke. It’s eyes disappeared and the space above me was filled with glittering stars. I pushed myself back to my feet, snuffing the fire to see the glittering lights better. I walked forward wondering in the back of my mind if I was hallucinating everything.

“Your life keeps getting weirder and weirder,” I whispered to myself.

Under the stars I walked, noting the planets I was familiar with. As I walked through the universe, I spotted a star that stood out. It was a little larger than the rest and pulsing with life. I stretched my fingers toward  the star.

“Is this your home?”

As my finger made contact, the scene disappeared in a cloud of smoke and the creature excitedly wrapped itself around my neck again before dancing in front of me.

“Wow. You’re really far from home...”

Another bob of it’s eyes.

“I lost my home,” I confessed to the creature. My voice continued on thick and heavy, a slight tremble in my lips. “My whole life was taken from me,” I explained, “I’m in exile really, at least until I can prove who I am. But- like you, the life I knew is out of reach,” I rambled on. I could feel the tears burn in my eyes as anger bubbled to the surface. My heart and limbs prickled with fury and sorrow. How lost I was with no direction of where to go or who to trust. The pit seemed to magnify the void I felt inside.

Then there was something cool resting on my shoulders and rubbing against the side of my face. The shadow wisped about me, it’s luminous eyes watching intently. I don’t know how I knew, but like how I knew it wasn’t going to harm me, everything in my being knew the creature understood me. It knew my pain.

What is this creature!? I wondered again.

We stood in silence for a space of time until my stomach let out an unrelenting growl.

“You wouldn’t by chance know a way out, would you?” I asked, not expecting an answer.

The creature stirred from its perch on me and drifted to a part of the wall. I went to it, lighting another fire in my hand to see better. The light revealed a small hole at the bottom of the stone wall. I got onto my hands and knees and could see the tunnel extending downward. I sent my bolt of fire down the shaft, watching the small light travel on and on until it disappeared.

“I guess I’ll follow you,” I told the creature. The eyes danced around a moment and proceeded through the tunnel entrance.

There was just enough room to squeeze my shoulders through and to keep my head up as I elbow crawled down the hole. I wiggled and inched my way after the faint glow of the creature. Claustrophobia danced at the edges of my sanity. My mind wandered anxiously. Was the tunnel getting smaller? Would I get stuck? Could I reverse my direction? Was it an exit? The only thing I had going for me was the months of half starving. If I had been eating like I had back in Redstone, I would still be stuck in the pit.

An eternity later, the tunnel began to widen. My dehydrated, bruised, and exhausted body eventually emerged into a large, open cavern, barely managing a crawl. My head was swimming in pain and I wanted to rest, but instinct kept me moving. Thirst and hunger gnawed along the lining of my stomach. Sleep kept reminding me how it could take away the pain, but I persisted on: hand over hand, knee over knee.

Eventually I collapsed on the ground. The stone I had anticipated was not where I placed my right hand. My adrenaline surged for a moment as I hugged the remaining rock beneath me. I wasn’t falling, but reason did little to stifle my heart and the pounding my head was taking again as I waited to fall further.

The stone did feel wonderful against the side of my face. As I caught my breath, my thoughts turned toward the clamminess of my right hand. Why was it wet? Was it possible for me to still sweat?.

Suddenly my senses were bombarded. The smell of moisture, the splash I heard when I collapsed, and the undeniable feeling of water on my hand.

With renewed hope, I summoned the sphere of fire to my hand and watched as the reflection of light glimmered on the glass surface of the cavern lake. I didn’t care if it was poison, I plunged my face into the water, taking a deep drink from it.

The sweet water enveloped my tongue and briefly quenched the thirst in my throat. Gulp after gulp I swallowed before the need for air kicked in. I wanted to dive back in and continue to drink, but it was like a dream as I felt myself slowly lean back onto the stone surface. My thirst seared it’s wrath through my veins, but I was too weak to fight whatever it was that took over my body.

My limbs quivered a little as I rested. Silence was all around me and I felt myself go in and out of consciousness. Every time I woke, I had enough strength to get up and take another drink from the lake. Every time I broke for air, I was laid back down.

It had to have been at least five times that I was laid back down. When I woke for the final time, I had enough self control to use my hands to bring the water to my lips. This time I wasn’t forced to the ground. With my stomach full, I assessed myself. The back of my head was scabbed and tender to touch. Fatigue laced my veins inspite of the rest I had.

Then I remembered the creature. I looked around, certain I would not find it- to confirm that a creature like that was just a dream I worked up in my delirium. It was better to expect that than to hope and be disappointed that the only thing I could call friend was gone.

Luckily the creature was hovering on my right, a foot from my face.

“Hello again,” I said, a warmth spreading through my chest. The shadow brushed it’s face against my cheek, giving me strength enough to get to my feet. I had my friend and I knew where there was water. It was time to return.

With another warning, I lit a fire to see the path better. The creature lead the way, seeming to know the way out. In due time, after much resting, climbing, and walking, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Another burst of energy and I climbed out into the warm spring air.

The sun was positioned high above, signaling the noon hour. I looked around and noted that I had come out a different way. The same cliff face was behind me, but it didn’t have the mouth of the cave in sight.

With a final glance back, I saw the smokey creature hovering by the tunnel.

“You don’t have to be alone if you don’t want to be,” I told it, “You’re welcome to come with me.”

I didn’t want to expect the creature to come, nor would I force it. But it was as though it was hoping I would invite it along. The shadow cat quivered and danced toward me, wrapping itself around my face and peppering me with what I imagine to be kisses. With any luck, someone would be able to tell me what it was once we got back.

With careful searching, I found the cave entrance I had entered through and followed the landmarks back to Skullcreek. The river trickled along, a welcome sight that meant I was moments from town. As I entered, I made my way to the well to receive my ration of water, certain I had been gone at least a day..

“Sam!?” a familiar voice called as I greedily drank my ration. The shadow, which I had begun to refer to as Ilu, took refuge down my tattered shirt as Rita Hillmay wrapped me in a hug. “Girl, where have you been!? Is that blood!?” she demanded.

“I'm fine. How long have I been gone?” I managed to ask as she let go of me.

“Five days! What has happened to you? You look starved!” Rita fussed. I gawked at her. I would have rolled my eyes thinking it silly that only now I looked starved, but my head was wrapped around the length of time I had been away.

“Five days? I’ve been gone five days!?” I questioned.

“Come come. We’ll get you fixed up. I’ll have Douglas go fetch the doctor,” Rita went on as she lead me back to the Sewn-Flower. The entire way back, my head went from amazement to a mingled sort of shame. I was impressed that I had survived five days without food and water- for the most part. I also felt bad to have caused such worry. It felt odd that Rita and Douglas took a particular interest in me, like some charity case that they would profit from.

Yet, amidst the guilt for causing worry, there was something endearing. Rita genuinely missed me. I didn’t want to believe it and hate welled alongside it for I knew I believed it. The notion left me numb as I realized the attachment I had for the Hillmays

Rita thankfully didn’t force me to speak as I endured my mental war. It wasn’t until she had sat me down at her kitchen table and passed me a cup of water that I remembered the most important thing about my adventure.  

“Rita! I found water!”

Next Chapter

Chapter 1: I am Sam

Chapter 1

“Sam," Rita Hillman said, "Douglas and I will be heading back to Redstone for provisions. Anything you might need?” I shook my head yet again, as I always do, at the request. There was nothing that I needed that she or Douglas could provide.

Soon it was just me on the front porch of the Sewn-Flower, key in hand, watching the Hillmays starting their trek with the caravan to Redstone. Part of me wished to join, to return myself to the city, but the very thought was met with a resounding, “No.” Instead, I wiped the dust and the budding sweat from my forehead before retreating into the less dusty Tailor shop.

My name is Aisamijk (AA-sam-eeZH), but I’ve been going by Sam Phoenix for months. Sweeping floors wasn’t my first choice of work. Nor was milking cows or cooking or stitching cloth into dresses or hammering nails to thatch a roof. But seeing that I came here with nothing, other than the charity of the Hillmays, I took on anything I could get.

The Hillmays were the only consistent work I managed. Each week I earned enough to buy a few meals and save for a rainy day. All I had to do was come and sweep the shop three to four days a week. Okay, there are other duties, but it’s the dust that is the constant perpetrator to be battled. Linen had to be placed over the bolts of fabric and window displays lest to return in the morning to a fine layer of desert dust on all the ware.

When I’m not working at the Sewn-Flower, I hire myself out in the hopes for a meal or a place to sleep, but it’s been difficult. A lady without long hair is not my idea of an attractive woman. When I first arrived, I had a fine stubble of hair regrowing. Three months later and it’s only two inches long according to Rita’s measuring tape. It’ll take years before my hazelnut hair is cascading to my waist again. It’s interesting how much hair is apart of a person’s identity...

I was lucky that it was Rita and Douglas I had happened upon. Though I hate their kindness, it could be worse. Being new in town, no one knowing who I was, it was like being a stray dog. Some people took pity and let me earn a meal or a place to sleep. Other’s shooed me away, taking me for a whore or disease they didn’t want to catch.

I almost became a whore... It’s funny what a hungry stomach could do to a person. My pride was- still is- too big to keep accepting the Hillmay’s charity. At the end of my first month in Skullcreek, I took to heart what one of the tavern maids said to me. “Darlin’. Why you scarfin’ down food like ya ain’t eatin’ befor? A pretty thing like ya could eat fer a week if ya make the right man’s night.”

The whores did dress better than I and had more meat on their bones. And when the next two day stretch without a meal came around, I gave in. I doubt I chose the right man, or maybe it was too soon to be intimate, if that’s what I could call it. The moment his hands were on me, I felt a terrible pit form in my stomach. My first and only lover, Elrik, sprang to my mind. The way she use love me was something to be desired over the lust the man handled me with. At the same time, it angered me that I would crave for her. It was all because of her that I am where I am.

It’s enough to say I never returned to the work of a whore. Whoever the man was, I hadn’t seen him since. Probably someone passing through.

As people got use to me being around, I began to acquire more jobs. There are still nights I go hungry, but surely in time I’ll have something steady. Maybe even earn enough to buy a home and pay the Hillmay’s back for everything they’ve helped me with.

In the meantime, wiped my brow with my apron. The day was going to be another scorcher. Hastily I finish sweeping and dusting the shop. Once the Sewn-Flower was locked, the key secure in my pocket, I went to retrieve my lute from my nook in a barn.

To avoid the heat, I went to my favorite place: the Mesquite tree next to the creek the town was named after. In the shade of the tree I play my lute to pass the time. And on a day as such, with coin for food, I play music until my stomach can’t stand being empty any more.

Next Chapter

XXIV: Shard

Previous Entry

SHARD

“Is he the father!?” Sylis’s voice rang through the night.

Lana stood numb, the cool summer air chilling her bones. Her mind raced for a distraction, a lie, something to take the piercing blue eyes off of her. The dark streets began to light up as Sylis’s shouts continued to punctuate through the night. All Lana wanted was to run, but Sylis held fast to her arm.

She shook her head in response, which did little to appease Sylis. “Is he a potential father!?” he pestered, his grip tightening.

“You’re hurting me!” Lana retorted. She wanted to fight him, to make him let go, but she suspected he’d fight back. Sylis continued to stare at her, waiting for Lana’s answer. Her heart thundered as fear strangled the truth in her throat. Don’t cry! she told herself as emotion bubbled to the surface, don’t cry...

Rin had come up in conversation as they walked the streets of Zilspar, Lana talking too fondly of him. By doing so, Sylis asked about the kiss the Halfling had given her at their farewell party. Lana tried to brush it off as Rin being drunk, but the Wizard saw through it. There was no more lying about it.

Just as her mouth prepared to spill the truth, a door slammed near them.

“You dare question her honor!?” Shard’s voice boomed, sword drawn. He marched toward them, his boots clunking along the cobblestone road. Lana maneuvered herself between him and Sylis.

“Don’t Shard,” she said weakly, not able to meet his gaze, as Sylis continued to hold her firmly. “He’s allowed to ask questions.” The lump in her throat swelled as she turned, dreading that both would know. Once her eyes met with Sylis’s, her face contorted as she nodded her head in answer.

The look the Wizard gave her was filled with disbelief and betrayal. His grip relaxed as he took a step back. His mouth groped for words, but when they didn’t come, Sylis turned on his heels and walked away.

Complete panic broke out in Lana’s mind. A cry ripped from her throat as she called after him. She would have clung to Sy’s arm, but her legs sunk to the ground as she tried to breathe. The Wizard made no attempt to acknowledge her pleas. He left her. He walked away. The abandonment felt similar to her father’s rejection. Let alone he knows too much about her, and in that moment, she didn’t trust him with her secrets.

What have I done!?

To add fuel to her torment, Lana couldn’t help but wish Rin was there.

Strong, gloved hands, gripped Lana’s shoulders. “Hey, stop these tears. Let him go blow some steam off. He’ll come around. You made a mistake. Lots of people make mistakes. You make them, you learn from them, and you move on,” Shard tried to console. As he lifted Lana up, she felt her strength give out again. The Warforge didn’t understand.

“B-but it wasn’t a-a mistake Shard,” she began as he wrapped her in his arms and took her inside, “I-I did it on purpose. I in-instigated!”

“Oh I’m sure whatever it was, you were just in the heat of the moment. It’s not like you love the guy-”

Another loud wail escaped from Lana. “But I do! I love them both Shard! And I-I thought that maybe Rin and Sylis would be friends and-and I’d be able to be happy with both of them!”

Shard sat Lana down on her bed, letting the girl continue to cry on his shoulder. He smoothed her hair a little and handed her a tissue.

“You done yet?” he asked bluntly. Lana blew her nose, her eyes taking in the details of the wooden floor. In a more gentle tone, Shard asked, “Does Rin know about Sylis?”

Lana nodded, sniffling.

“Doesn’t seem very fair that you left Sylis on the outside, but you’ve got a choice to make now. If not for your own sake, then for that of the baby.”

“I know,” Lana whispered, “It’s just... complicated.”

Shard let a defeated sigh escape him, his body creaking as he shook his head. He made to leave, but Lana grabbed his arm.

“Would you please stay...?” she asked. Shard gave her a look as if to say he didn’t want to get involved, but then Lana added, “I don’t want to be alone,” and his resolve disappeared.

Lana slept with her back to the Warforge. It wasn’t Sylis or Rin, but it was better than no one. Shard had come with Lana to be her guard, which she delighted in because he always doted upon her. Tonight was the first time he had been so serious though...

Part of her wanted to be mad at him for not sympathizing with her more, but at the same time, Shard was right. She had a choice to make. Rin or Sylis? Weeks ago, it would have been an easy decision, but now... who did she give up? The person who supports her at her worst, or the one who inspires her become someone better?

Next Entry

XXIII: Rin

Previous Entry

RIN

“What about that one?” Sylis whispered. Lana looked across the campfire at a twelve year old boy. He was a hired on orphan, helping one of the merchants they were traveling with. Lana had even tried teaching him how to spin a hoop but to little success.

“No!” Lana hissed, “Too young and too familiar. We’d be among the first questioned!”

“It’s not like he has any family who’d miss him.”

“Sylis! Ya-know-what will just have to wait until we’re in town!”
Lana began to bite her nails. She could only hope she could make it to a town before lashing out. Her mind had been trapped for days, plagued with thoughts of blood. Often they crept back to the night Sylis had presented her with a victim. The memory once made Lana sick as she recalled her cold blooded kill. But now... she could feel her toes curl with anticipation.

“You know what I can’t wait for? Better food. I’m tired of the stews and beans, and does anyone know how to make a biscuit? Curse Rin for feeding us so well!” Sylis complained.

Lana nodded in agreement, but at the mention of the Halfling, the thoughts of killing vanished from her mind. A moment of needed clarity. How she wished Rin was beside her instead of Sylis. It was bad enough that her inner voice encouraged her to kill, but the Wizard made it all the worse. Rin would never assist her in such a lowly sport. Gods help me if he ever finds out...

Lana grinned in spite of herself as she thought about the Halfling and his ability to see the good in just about everything. “Don’t forget, Lana good here,” Rin said, tapping Lana’s heart, “And Rin will see Lana soon.”

She fought back the ugly tears. He had said those words to her the afternoon after the murder. Lana felt like dirt and part of her wished to come clean with the Halfling, but she wasn’t about to sabotage her relationship with him, especially when what she had been long waiting for seemed to be within reach. Sylis was willing to swallow his pride and make amends with Rin.

“Let’s have a farewell party with him,” the Wizard had suggested, “Send us off to my mother’s in fashion.”

Lana beamed her enthusiasm. It was unexpected of Sylis and would make the months without Rin more bearable. Lana had agreed to meet Xara because of what Sylis had done for her, but if she was honest, it was to avoid the Halfling until her guilt subsided. Rin had such faith in her, but she kept failing him. Her desire to be something more than a crazy murderer was becoming more of a wishful dream.- that is, unless Rin or Sylis followed through with a cure.

The Wizard left Lana to run a few errands for their departure, leaving Lana with Rin to arrange party plans The Halfling was more than pleased to host the gathering.

“Where Lana going to?” he asked as they walked the market.

“Trolanport. I’ll be meeting Sylis’s mother,” Lana mentioned cautiously as she examined a squash, “It also sounds like she has business to discuss-”

“Trolanport?” the Halfling interrupted.

“Yeah.”

“Rin have Uncle there! Maybe Rin visit Randy?” he said, not seeming to care about the introduction to Xara.

“That... would be amazing,” Lana said lightly, masking her apprehension, “If you’re able to arrange it, it would be nice to see ya,” Lana added. At first it felt like a lie, but every day that passed, the hope for Rin to meet her in Trolanport grew. Something that Lana clung to as a means to keep her mind off of killing.

The child within suddenly grumbled as Lana’s thoughts lingered on food and her last night with Rin. The Halfling outdid himself with a memorable feast: honey glazed lamb, brown buttered squash, tarragon green beans, roasted mushrooms, peach and berry tarts, and fresh made rolls. It was heavenly, and luckily, Rin made enough to feed a small army. What Lana thought would have been a private party of three, turned into a gathering of five. Don and Brugg came along for the festivities since they were to head out with Lana and Sylis in the morning.

The smile grew on Lana’s lips as she remembered Don suggesting a competition to see who could eat the most that night. Lana, not wanting to be bested by the men, kept pace for the first two helpings. The third plate was half finished before she sat back in surrender.

Lana watched the men continue to pack the food. Though not the best of table manners, the merriment filled Lana with warmth. After hours of laughter and Rin’s store of liquor nearly all spent, Lana helped her guild companions to various places within Rin’s home. Once they were comfortable, she then helped Rin over to his bed.

“Lana has good friends,” Rin mumbled, sleepily leaning forward and kissing her. “Lana so loved.”

“I think ya drank too much,” she replied, pulling the covers over him.

“Rin love Lana.”

“Lana loves Rin,” she whispered. She then dared a kiss on the Halfling’s temple.

Lana’s insides squirmed at the memory. When she turned away from Rin, she had found Sylis sitting up on the couch, a dark look in his eyes. Cautiously, she asked what was wrong. The Wizard blinked and shook his head slightly before focusing on Lana. A dopey grin stretched across his face.

“Absolutely nothing,” he sang, pulling Lana to him. A wave of relief washed over her as she took her place next to him.

What if he had seen? Lana wondered.

Sylis might not care anymore. Maybe he’s okay with it like Rin...

Is Rin really okay with it?

The smile had faded from Lana’s face. He deserves better than me, she thought, but Lana knew it was out of selfishness that she stayed with Rin. Her conscience could scream at her that she deserved to be alone, but Lana needed him. Rin made her feel worthy, even if she didn’t believe it.

Lana curled up next to Sylis, sleep far from her mind as her thoughts wrestled within.

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XXII: Sylis

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SYLIS

“Sylis! We can get in serious trouble for this!” Lana seethed. She looked at the woman bound in the corner. This was the Wizards idea of a present and it scared Lana. She was feeling the itch to kill again, but this was far from what she had wanted. Every kill had to be done tactfully if she didn’t want to get locked up.

But the fear in the woman’s eyes was tantalizing. The high in her bloodshot eyes did little to ease what she knew was coming. Lana was in control over her without having lifted a finger. Lana had seen the woman before too. Making money by seducing men and stealing from vendors when they weren’t looking. Nobody would come searching for her. She was nothing- though at that thought, a twitch of pain shot through Lana as she looked at what could very well be her future.

That morning when Lana woke up, she listened to the rhythmic beat of Rin’s heart. She began to tap a finger along his chest in time to it, pausing long enough to enjoy the warmth of his skin. Her mind wondered what the scent of his blood would be like, but as she got lost in thought, flashes of what she saw in Barut’s dungeon horrified her.

Lana sat up, shaking the daydream from her mind and with great reluctance knew she had to return to the guild. If she didn’t feed her needs carefully, she may come to regret it later.

As she looked at the notice board in the guild, seeing if any requests for an assassination were available, her attention was drawn away.

“You’re back?” Sylis questioned. Lana looked doe eyed for a moment at the Wizard before smiling brightly.

“Yeah. I was thinking the other night that a couple thousand gold wasn’t going to really support a baby forever.” She held up her fingers as she began to list, “Food, toiletries, whatever education we’ll want for them, and cloths! Goodness, that can be it’s own fortune,” Lana rambled. She then sighed. “So yeah. Figured I’d keep saving up until I’m too fat to even waddle.”

Sylis laughed with her before kissing her forehead. He then leaned away from her, surveying her avoiding eyes.

“You need another kill don’t you,” he whispered. Lana’s face dropped, part of her cursing her inability to keep in character. She thought about arguing it, but when she looked to Sylis she knew it was pointless. Disappointed at not being as deceiving as she had hoped, Lana nodded.

“Don’t be sad babygirl. You have nothing to be ashamed of,” Sylis consoled, pulling Lana into a hug. Lana felt numb. So badly she wanted to believe that, but fear reared it’s ugly head, forcing Lana to smile to hide it.

“Well, there’s nothing here that has caught my eye. I’ll go put my things up stairs and perhaps we can get some practice on my knife throwing today?”

“I actually need to head out, I’m suppose to meet with an acquaintance to see if the travel portals are useable- oh!” Sylis said, pulling a note from his pocket, “Mother has asked for my help in Trolenport. Will you please come so I can introduce you to her?”

Lana tried to hide her disinterest in meeting with Xara. She was still on the fence about Sylis. Rin had the hope that Lana would give the Wizard up, and she didn’t want to keep leading Sylis on, especially if family got involved.

“I’ll think about it,” she replied, “When will you be back?”

“In an hour or two?” he shrugged. Lana nodded and made do with dinking around the guild with Shard and Kari.

It wasn’t until twilight that Sylis returned. Lana was simmering and proceeded to throw catty insults at him when he walked through the door. Sylis, beaming at his fiery girl and wrapped her into a kiss before telling her, “Let’s go out to eat.”

“Really? That’s how you’re going to make up for being ridiculously late?”

“You make it sound like I stood you up. I have a life to live too,” Sylis replied playfully. Lana pouted. She was being childish, but she wasn’t use to Sylis not waiting on her hand and foot. She would have been stubborn and refused to go, but the child within insisted on something fried.

Lana was full of mirth and food as midnight drew nigh. They were strolling along the boardwalk, the moon and stars bright in the clear summer sky. Ships creaked in the light wind that gently encouraged the waves to lap to shore. It was a pleasant end to the day when Sylis said, “I have a surprise for you.”

Lana cocked an eyebrow. “And what would that be?” she asked. The Wizard pulled on her hand leading her to an old shack at the base of a cliff. She heard him whisper something and the faint click of a lock releasing sounded briefly. The door swung open silently and Sylis beckoned for Lana to enter first.

With fire in her hand, Lana moved into the building. That was when she saw the frightened woman in the corner.

“Sylis!” Lana hissed as the Wizard locked the door behind them. The woman began to cry, Lana going to her aid.

“Surprise!” Sylis replied, freezing Lana in place. Hands just inches from the restraints, hovering motionless as the situation’s reality hit her. HE KIDNAPPED HER!? her thoughts rushed.

“Please don’t hurt me!” the woman wailed.

Lana whipped around on Sylis, ignoring the woman, and marched back over to him. “It’s this kind of recklessness that can get us into trouble!” Lana scolded in a frantic whisper.

“I know. But only if we get caught,” the Wizard retorted.

Lana was momentarily lost for words. He had used her own logic against her. Her heart pounded violently inside her chest. So much could go wrong. Someone could walk by and hear the woman’s cries. And if they let her go? It’d be a cold day in hell if Lana were to accept the thief’s promises to remain quiet. In a way she’d be ridding the world of another useless being. Lana continued to debate silently, cursing Sylis for the predicament he had put them in.

“Babygirl,” Sylis spoke. He walked up behind Lana and wrapped her firmly in his grasp. His breath was warm against her ear as he whispered, “Let me help you. Better to ease the ache then to let it fester again.”

“But this is murder!”

“And the others weren’t?”

“Those were under contract! I had permission! Who’s giving permission over this!?”

“I am,” Sylis’s smooth voice answered. A shiver ran down her spine to the allure of the his words. They seeped into her veins, warming her inside and out.  

Make her scream, her thoughts coaxed.

Someone will hear!

“Enjoy your moment,” Sylis interrupted, sensing her thoughts. His words we like the silk dress she wore last night, clinging to her, wrapping her in their comforts. Sy’s hand slid down her arms and to her hands. Little currents of energy prickled at her fingertips as he guided them to the daggers on her belt. “You did say you wanted to practice your knife throwing. No one will even hear her cry,” he whispered down her neck.

Why is he doing this? Lana weakly thought. You’re no better than her-

I’m worlds better!

It was vain for Lana to try and reason with herself. Her blood was hot, her heart palpitating with excitement as the woman continued to cry while Sylis moved his lips along the nap of her neck.

The Wizard left Lana in a haze of desire. He hoisted their hostage up, positioning her in a star formation against the wall. Her pleas fell on deaf ears, Lana biting her lip eagerly. Once tied in place, the Wizard returned to Lana’s side, waiting with bated breath like herself.

He has done this for me, her thoughts soothed. No judgement. No limits. No rules but our own.

A smile curled at the corners of Lana’s mouth. It was like seeing Sylis for the first time. No longer was her love for him a game as she let her hunger for blood and the Wizard take over, unrestrained. The sounds of terror and passion echoed about her, feeding her. Nothing had felt so liberating to her as that night. For the first time Lana didn’t feel she needed to look over her shoulder to see who was watching.

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