Anti-Mage

The Market Incident

Next morning I was standing in the room staring at myself in the mirror. I looked like a complete stranger. I bet no one would recognize me as the youngest daughter from one of the wealthiest families in Ellesmere. 

I became even thinner, my pale face got tanned and my dark long hair was a complete mess. I had scratches here and there. I've never been a girly type, fighting with boys and learning to fence instead of playing with dolls. I was a little rude, but I really cared for those who were close to me.

There was no single day when I had not thought of my family. The only goal right now was to escape the country safely and find as much as I can about anti-mages. Eyelyyn boasted the biggest archive and library in the whole continent. It will be hard to get in there, but I will think of something.

We made it safely to Husky yesterday thanks to the unicorn. It was still surprising to me that I saw one alive. There are just a few of them left in this world.

Me and Rachelle split the tasks. While she was in charge of supplies, I planned on buying new clothes and a sword. Of course, we are running from guards but there could be a lot of other dangerous people and not only them in our way. I found it strange that mages weren't able to find me with the locator spell so far. I thought that it may not be possible since there is no magic in me, and therefore no way to track it. 

I put on my cape and hid the face with hood walking out the Inn we stayed at.  

Blacksmith's shop was quite close to the central market area. 

Good day! I need a sword - fast, agile and light, I said confidently as soon as I entered the shop. 

Good day, a strongly-built man with beard said. He looked puzzled. 

I understood his look since women rarely buy steel. 

Can you show me what you have? I asked again. 

Maybe a dagger will fit your needs better? My swords are not meant for girls' hands.  

I assure you I can hold it better than any man, I smiled sweetly at him.

He nodded and asked me to follow him. 

I chose the one that caught my eye. I can say this was love at first sight. It has a slightly curved blade, sharp-edged on both sides, perfectly balanced with green gems encrusted in handle. 

It is expensive, the blacksmith said noticing my interest.

I have money, I took out my bag. How much?

I was completely satisfied with my shopping leaving the clothing shop. I bought some nice things for Rachelle too. Anticipating her happiness I started walking when someone bumped into me at inhumane speed and we fell. 

The big man, the leader of the gang who were slightly drunk already in the middle of the day, shouted at me to stop the thief. I stood up quickly and saw a small boy with half of the bread in his hands looking helplessly at me. 

Wait, I said when a large man with a knife caught the boy's hand and jerked him off the ground. What's happening here?

We're just teaching him a lesson. He is a thief, he turned away dragging the child. 

I said stop, I will pay for him. How much?

Are you that rich going around and paying for strangers? Take my advice and stay out of this. This boy owes me more than you can imagine. He will work for me to compensate. 

I looked at the boy. He was thin, in dirty clothes and his eyes were full of tears. 

I stood in front of the man who was twice taller and almost three times wider than me.

You better take my advice now, take the money and leave us. Passers by started gathering around and there were guards hurrying this way. 

Three golden coins and he is yours, he spat on the floor. Once you have your fun with him, I will have him back. 

Two coins and no more, I threw money on the ground. 

Mark my words, Jeger. I will find you, he said taking the coins and escaping. 

I assumed he didn't want any trouble with the guards. So did I, so I took the boy's hand and hurried into the first alley.