The Abundance of Nothing

Chapter 1

The markets were bustling as they often were, and no one would notice some new looking strangers among them so long as they seemed like they belonged. From rare crystals and foreign silks to mundane things like fruits and breads, there seemed to be a little of everything. In Archeron's bustling metropolis it seemed as if you had the entire world at your fingertips. No empty slot of space remained in the square and the tall old oaks overlooked the scene in their wisdom, providing shade from the sweltering heat of midsummer.

Everyone roamed the square, busying themselves with their own business and looking after their purchases. Among them Adri enjoyed the way these people didn't seem to have a care in the world. She loved the markets and tried to visit them as. Often as she could, she would find her way out of the castle and to the town square. By now her guards were likely onto her disappearance but she wasn't quite ready to leave. The commotion was exciting and she was intrigued by the way people all acted, too preoccupied with their responsibilities to notice the observer sitting by the edge of it all.

It was oddly peaceful among the crowds, she felt unnoticed and insignificant. Most people would find it to be a negative feeling but Adri was tired of the attention in all honesty. If her outlandish looks didn't give her enough unwanted attention, the crowds of her entourage didn't hesitate to pester her over the smallest matter. She never had time for herself until she discovered that with enough skill and observation she was able to climb out of the window while her guards changed shift. They had tried to prevent her escape in many ways but her determination was unmatched by their numbers and thus she was dubbed the master escapist. It was a title she held with pride.

"You there, would you like a look at my selection of the world's finest silks?" A merchant said to her and Adri balked.

Was her cover blown?

"You know, I am very well-travelled and I've clothed the most elite of people including royalty," he bragged and she stifled a chuckle.

So her cover was absolutely fine, "Oh really. My those are some pretty dresses. If only mother would allow me to buy such finery. She says I'm far too clumsy to adorn such an expensive asset."

"Nonsense girl. You look like a pretty, graceful young thing, I assure you must have one," he rattled on but she stopped listening.

She looked across his table full of fine shawls and ballgowns and noticed that among the different fabrics was a shimmering looking silver pendant. It was covered in debris and it looked uncared for but she was fascinated by its crest. The pendant itself was a simple plain flower carved into an oval metal but underneath the flower was a crest of mountains and a shining star. It wasn't a crest she recognised, for she'd memorised all the different kinds in her lessons but rather it looked like a mixture of many things. Perhaps it was an act of impulsivity to just buy something on her own accord but all she knew was she wanted it. It reminded her of the mountains that they rested upon, the ones which shielded them from rough weather and dangerous men, and the stars she remembered staring at with her late sister.

"How much for the pendant?"

"Pardon my lady?"

"The pendant, it looks rather curious," she said and after gaging his reaction she quickly added. "And it is much easier to hide from my dearest mother."

He looked rather confused and taken aback but he ultimately shrugged it off and replied, "You can have it for one silver-piece. A piece of silver for another I suppose."

She reached into her cloak's pocket and handed the man his silver-piece and he offered her the pendant in return. Politely she nodded a farewell and turned back to the edge of the marketplace, to evade more eyes on her. But she knew her escapade was over the moment she saw Elaine's face of displeasure greet her. The captain of the guard stood next to her lady's maid and she knew she was on extra thin ice.

She looked up at them in the eyes unapologetically and surrendered herself to their berating. They were right to be angry with her of course but she was still not sorry enough to not try escape ever again. It was her one chance to be away from her duty and responsibilities which haunted her from the moment she woke up to the moment she collapsed from exhaustion. And most of all she knew it wasn't them she had to blame for her fate. After all it was her people that trapped her in her little golden cage for they didn't want to ever see the product of the alliance that saved their lives. But she supposed it was not the worst fate, she had it so much better than most and it lay in the shard of magic which she held in her blood.