Into The Storm

2

Rosalis walked down the streets of Frinnor, wondering how she was going to kill her adversary and stop a war from erupting. It was a large ordeal. Almost on the same level as though she was trying to find the Holy Grail. Although, all she had to do was drive her blade into his heart and a war would be averted. Simple, but at the same time, not so. She knew nothing of her adversary. She did not know his strengths, did not know his weaknesses, she did not even know what he looked like. She was just stumbling through the dark. Madness. For all she could know, Wolfgrimm could be a maniac that executed people with a crossbow, or a cold and calculating brute that planned out every single one of his movements, leaving nothing to chance. Rosalis walked along the cobblestone streets and saw a horse and cart. The cartman sat on top of it. "Hello."

He turned his head and looked down at her. "Where do you need to go?"

"Wolfholde."

The man shook his head. "No. I will not take you there. Walk yourself."

Rosalis took one of her gauntlets off and reached into her breastplate, taking out a small leather pouch. "There is a crown in it for you if you get me there."

The cartman suddenly barked a laugh. "A crown? No one has a crown."

Rosalis opened her pouch and drew out a single gold coin. The cartman's eyes widened in shock and amazement. He went to reach for the crown, but Rosalis immediately put it back and stuffed the purse down her armour again.

"I said if you get me there."

The cartman grudgingly withdrew his hand and took the reins. He gestured with his head for Rosalis to climb aboard, and she did so. The cartman snapped the reins and the horses began with their journey.

The cartman stopped the carriage and Rosalis looked around, seeing a dark and dense forest ahead. Above the trees, far away, was a large town with a dark castle looming over it. "This is as far as I will take you." The cartman said. "I will go no further."

Rosalis jumped off the carriage and reached into her armour, taking out her purse. Opening it up, she took the crown out and flicked it over to him. The cartman caught it and put it into his tunic. Snapping the reins once more, he turned the horses round, and left her there without saying another word. Rosalis replaced her leather pouch back into her armour and looked at the opening to the dark forest, wondering if she was going to survive the journey. Sighing heavily, she set foot inside it, and proceeded to walk down the dark path.