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 before placing my hand on the trunk of a nearby tree. The forest was lush, full of vegetation. It didn't take long for me to find the many animals that call this forest home. The only question is, what animals live in this forest? Are they nocturnal? 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 the desert. If I had headed east, I would have had the mountain range that separates Khurut from Batoise, Jurza, and Ainde. It's nearly impossible to cross those mountains on foot. Even mages have a difficult time once they get high enough. If I had an air mage accompanying me, I might have stood a chance.

"Shit."I leaped into the air, jumping from tree branch to tree branch. Once I had climbed to the top of the tallest tree, 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 desert. 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. Wavy ivory locks billowed 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 reveal my face when I'm on a mission. And even when I walk through the city, people assume I'm a commoner.

"Ugh." I gently massaged my temples. "This is so fucking annoying." stepping onto the grass, the smell of roasting meat filled my nose. I began to pat myself down before digging into the front of my tunic. After pulling out my hand I opened my palm. There were a few strips of meat in my hand but I only have enough for three nights. Regardless, I'll have to find something to eat soon. Or...I can figure out where that 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 other option is to have meat imported to your home but it's so expensive that only the wealthy can afford it.

Breaking through the trees, I stepped 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. Looking into the water, I saw my ghostly white eyes peering back at me. My ivory hair framed my face as I leaned forward. This place sure is different. The air is warm, not sweltering. There are forests instead of desert sand. 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 up ahead. Is that a camp? I sniffed the air. The smell of roasting meat is close. It's coming from there! It has to be! Before moving forward, 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 past the boulder was a man. He sat before a fire with his back towards me. He was huddled before the fire with a leather satchel at his side. Hanging over the fire were two small rodent-like creatures. I've seen rats and mice before but I doubt that is what's hanging over the fire.

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

I slowly came out from behind the boulder.

"Are you a friend or foe?" the man slowly his head with a warm smile.