Thief of Twilight

Part One: Chapter 1

I have never seen so many trees in my life. It was like an endless forest. I slowed to a light jog, placing a hand on the trunk of a nearby tree. The forest was lush- full of vegetation. It didn't take long for me to notice the animals that call this forest home. The only question is, what animals live here? Are they nocturnal? Carnivorous? Are they only active during the day? There are so many questions, yet it feels like I don't have the time for them to be answered. On top of that, I don't exactly know where I am. I just knew that I needed to head west in order to leave Khurut. If I had headed east, I would have had to make my way through the mountain range that separates Khurut from Batoise, and Jurza and Ainde to the north. It's nearly impossible to cross those mountains on foot. Even air mages have a difficult time once they get high enough. If I had an earth mage accompanying me, I might have stood a chance. They can easily create tunnels that would have made the journey a bit easier.

"Shit."I leaped into the air, climbing a nearby tree, jumping from branch to branch. Once I had climbed to the top, I could see just how vast this forest was. It went as far as the eye could see. All the way to the horizon. Looking to the east, I could see the golden sand dunes. I don't know how far I am from the border. If I'm in the west, I wonder how far west I traveled. There are three countries west of Khurut but I can't remember which ones at the moment.

I pulled the black hood from over my head. Thick ivory waves brushed against my face in the gentle breeze. I have to figure out where I am. I don't have much time. It won't take long for Lord Baldwin to send his men to retrieve me. Speaking of which, that was odd. I jumped down from the tree, hopping from branch to branch.

None of this makes any sense. How is it that I was caught? What went wrong? I got all of my information from Dahi. How the hell did this happen? And why were Shadowbane and Nightshade at the rendezvous? Those two organizations never work together. Someone had to have said something. Or...maybe someone saw something? But I never show my face when I'm on a mission. And even when I walk through the city, people assume I'm a commoner.

"Ugh." I massaged my temples. "This is so fucking annoying." stepping onto the grass, the aroma of roasting meat filled my nose. I began to pat myself down, digging into a small pouch hidden under my tunic. In my palm were a few strips of dried meat, enough for three nights. Regardless, I'll have to find something to eat soon. Or...I can figure out where that delicious smell is coming from. I wonder what kind of meat it is. It doesn't smell like camel, goat, or lamb. There aren't many meat options unless you live inside of the city walls. The only other way is to hunt but meat is scarce in the desert.

I cautiously walked through the trees, onto the rocky shore of a riverbank. The water here is so clear. I've never seen a river without reeds or tall grass. A riverbank with rocks and dirt is a refreshing change. Peering into the water, I saw my ghostly white eyes gazing back at me. Ivory hair framed the sides of my face as I leaned forward. This place sure is different. The air is cool, not uncomfortably dry. There are lush trees, shrubs, and moss instead of desert sand and hard rock. I wonder, aside from the animals that live here, are there any great beasts? Or are there simple rodents?

"I should keep moving." I followed the riverbank until I saw plumes of white smoke rising above the trees. Is that a camp? I sniffed the air. The smell of roasting meat is nearby. It's coming from there! It has to be! Before I made my approach, I felt my sides and upper thigh. I tossed my dagger before crossing the border. I hated that dagger but it was good to have as a last resort. Crouching behind a boulder, I kept myself hidden from sight. Just a few feet away, sat a man. He was huddled before the fire with a leather satchel at his side. Roasting over the fire were two small pieces of meat on metal spikes. I've seen rats and mice before but I doubt that's what's cooking over the fire.

"I knew the smell of food would attract a visitor." he chuckled lightly.

I carefully crept out from behind the boulder.