Legacy of the Divine and the Demonic: A Tale of Love and War.

2. Whispers of Shadows: Pursuit Amidst Desolation

Even though the sky gleamed brightly, the sun was nearing its rest. Kwanbaze lay before me, nestled deep within the desert's embrace where answers awaited me. Stories that were told in my dreams filled my head – once buzzing like a bee with people and trades. Like a grand show-n-tell with treasures from all over the world: hot and fiery spices that could make you sneeze, pretty carpets that felt soft like a cat's fur, and strange people with even stranger talents.

But even this village had not been spared from the ravages of war. It was as if a menacing force, akin to a playground bully, had vented its fury, leaving destruction in its way. Gone was the delightful aroma of spices, replaced by the stale scent of decay. Once full of joy and commerce, the bustling marketplace now served as a haven for thieves, smugglers, and other shady figures. Clutching my old, tattered hat close and relying on my concealed daggers for protection, I began my walk, my boots sinking into the soft sand. My heart raced, my eyes darting about, looking out for danger. Yet, amongst all this mess and fear, coins flashed between people's hands as I navigated through the market.

Out of nowhere, an unexpected chill brushed against my shoulder, drawing an instinctive reaction. I turned sharply to face a figure donning a black mask devoid of any openings. He had his hand out. How could he possibly see? My initial bewilderment was replaced with tension as I felt the cold touch of my daggers within reach.

Then, noticing a shape in the mist, I snapped, "And you, come out!" grabbing my dagger tighter.

A boy stepped forward, grinning cheekily, "Got your attention, didn't we? We thought you might need some help around here. Haven't seen you before."

His lightheartedness was disarming, but his tone turned serious as he added, "But you should be careful. It's not safe here, especially for someone like you."

"Do you kn..." No, I doubt that he knows him... With a deep breath, I responded, "I can handle myself. But thanks for the warning."

He laughed and looked in the direction I was heading "If you do need some help, come, and find me at the Pearl. We can use someone like you." With one last penetrating gaze, he melted back into the shadows.

The masked companion merely stood by; his fingers nervously twiddling. It looked like he wanted to say something, but quickly regretted it and turned back to follow his companion.

That boy, he was only a few years older than me....

*--------*

"Who is she?" The words tumbled from her lips, laced with tension.

Abdul glanced skyward, the harsh skylight forcing him to raise a gloved hand defensively. "It's only a matter of time before this place is unlivable..." Abdul mumbled.

Abu's hand clenched at her side. "She is dangerous... We need to kill her."

"That can't be your solution to everything," Abdul chided, his voice a blend of exasperation and weariness. He dropped to the unforgiving floor with a grunt. "This place could use a couch. Or at least some cushions," he complained, shifting uncomfortably. "My back's killing me."

He reached for their bottle of water, but Abu intercepted it. She removed her mask, revealing eyes that shimmered like turbulent seas under the flickering candlelight. After quenching her thirst, she passed the bottle back, concealing her face once again. She was forcing herself to see the world without her eyes.

"We could take her to Tante Sonja," Abdul proposed "That way, we can pay your debt" Abu's grip tightened around the bottle, water sloshing perilously.

"Careful! That's all we have," he scolded as she stalked away. Abdul caught up, spinning her around. "I'm trying to help!"