Red
My latest errand couldn't have been assigned at a better time.
In fact, after the latest interaction with the Wyvern shifter, I needed to distract myself. And ale hasn't helped. So when Ezekiel called me into his office, I nearly walked in with a skip in my step.
Ezekiel's instructions were simple.
Travel to Stone River and eliminate the bounty.
He must've sensed my inner turmoil to accept the job but I took it for the distraction it would cause. Though the sheer idea that the Royal assassin, and possibly the third highest ranking killer in all of Illyra, were to kill one guy, seemed a little ridiculous.
Alas, I needed to escape the capital city for a few days and the suffocating men in it, and my companion showed no signs of leaving me. So I accepted the hit with a curt nod and wasted no time in preparing to leave.
Now, as the cool autumn day swirled around me, I kept my thoughts focused on the task at hand. Ivar strutted forward below me, the dangerous leopard, who has practically become a part of our strange group, prowled a little distance ahead of us. His eyes constantly searched the road and horizon for any sign of a threat.
With each heavy step Ivar took, the saddle beneath me creaked. Which took some getting used to at first, for both parties. We usually rode bareback, as was both of our preferences. But due to the distance and roads we had to ride, I begrudgingly threw one on the black stallion. Who wasted no time in snorting his displeasure.
Luckily it also had room for a travel pack on the back. Which meant that I could bring a change of clothes and some extra ... protection in case things went wrong.
The other good news was that Stone River was only roughly a five-hour ride. But for the sake of my sanity, I decided that after I completed the errand, I would stay in a village next door for the night. If only just to waste Ezekiel's coin for "essential Errand business".
Suddenly, MK let out a warning growl and I focused on the path ahead.
An older gentleman controlled the reins of a single-horse pulled cart. He seemed to also be lost in his thoughts until he drove closer and his horse suddenly froze at the feline stalking towards it.
"What the-" the man cursed and stared wide-eyed at the large predator who was no longer moving.
Briefly, his eyes flashed to my calm black steed and then to me. His wary eyes took in my appearance, seeming shocked at my pristine condition.
I had decided against subtlety today, for whatever reason. I decided on one of my finest black cloaks, which flowed down Ivar's back elegantly and hooded my face for some privacy. Underneath, I had chosen a provocatively cut dress, which had high leg slits and proudly displayed my toned pale legs. The fine black silk was a stark comparison to my skin tone. Which had the effect I intended as I could've sworn MK purred when I walked out of my room once dressed.
And for whatever reason, I decided against shoes for today's ride and hit. Instead, I allowed my bare feet to nestle against my warm stallion as he led the way.
"Is that yours?" The old man called from a distance.
Instead of voicing an answer, I gave the man a curt nod and he seemed nearly relieved. He raised the reins and gave the horse a cluck, signaling for it to continue. But the horse couldn't be as easily persuaded.
The brown draft horse snorted at the leopard and pawed the ground in fear. MK responded with a rumbling growl.
The man shot me another wary glance and shouted, "Is he friendly?"
YOU ARE READING
Red's Demise
Fantasy(Previously known as Little Red Riding Hood) "I wish I could say I was doing good in the world. Ridding it of its waste and evil. But really, I'm no better than those I kill. I liked killing. I liked holding life in my hands. I liked proving I wa...
