The Mask of Tides

Chapter 2: Zelia

Chapter 2

 Imagine this: A class divided town filled with merchants, the most mouth watering food, a guard always looking out for you, keeping you safe. There's a harbor, where a perfect view of the sinking sun is framed by billowing white sails. A castle dominates the northern part of the city, housing the King, surrounded by other blue blood manors. On the outskirts lay the peasants and artisans; drawn together in lively taverns. It was a town where everyone knew who everyone was and where you could find them. 

   Now, imagine that town in the eyes of the most wanted criminal in the whole realm of Win'hallow. Not the most desirable place to be, right? Well, that's how Zelia felt..

   It had been four months since she arrived in Whitehall, and she was positive if Lance ever did fix her ship, she would bloody  murder him for sending her to this town. Every other week, she would use the dwindling supply of black dye to conceal her golden hair. Being a pirate, she had formed her ever-so-tragic backstory on the spot when an old fisherman asked about her appearance emerging from the ocean. Zelia was quick enough to find a large hat to veil her hair and face, hoodwinking the man to think she was of his gender. 

   Cutting her from her revere, a carriage driver shouted for her to get out of the way before he ran her over. And she knew well enough her wouldn't hesitate to do so. 

   "Get outta me way, you blind boy!" 

  Zelia quickly ducked into then large mass of people along the taverns just in time to save herself from becoming a corpse on the road. She couldn't help but chuckle grimly at that put on her gravestone. 'Captain Zelia Shadow-Royce, daughter of the Pirate Lord killed by a cantankerous horse driver and mare. Go to Hell, Criminal.' Wouldn't that be a fantastic way to die!

   The sun was gradually submerging into the sea, illuminating the King's grand estate, the gold plated windows reflecting a soft light on the town. Zelia estimated she had 20 minutes max to find herself firewood and locate a place to stay for the night. She constantly moved where she slept, just so nobody would come to notice her. And that meant sneaking into barns and attics before anyone acknowledged her presence.

   Swaying on her feet, she clumsily shoved people out of the way. At the tavern, the Sea Raven she believed, Zelia drowned herself in in what the bartender called 'The Tipsy Pirate' claiming it was the most intoxicating beverage in all of the realm. Finding the name amusing, she ordered herself a round. As soon as the meed met her throat, she almost laughed. She had had flat rum more intoxicating than that! But still she drank, waiting for her brain to cloud completely, but the fog never came. And she blamed her pirate blood for the depressing outcome. 

   Her head pounded lightly, just the slightest from the alcohol. She had hastily ran from the crowded tavern, not only to find supplies but also had make the mistake of making an unwanted acquaintance. Zelia pledged from the day she came to this town not to speak to anyone. But the 'Tipsy Pirate' ruined that.

  Deciding it was best to use the ally ways, Zelia slid into the narrow paths between the taverns. Unlike the rest of the city, the crevasses between the walls were completely dark. Her leather boots hit the muddy earth as she advanced in the maze of back roads. She was quick to memorize what turns led where, making it easier for her to navigate. Taking a right turn, Zelia stopped dead in her tracks when two screams sounded from behind. Her mind instantly became vigilant, as the shrieking was muffled, eventually tapering to a stop. Silently creeping to the ally the screams had come from, Zelia spectated from a distance. 

   A gory sight sprawled out in front of her eyes. Two bodies drenched in crimson layed stabbed and wounded on the gravel. As she approached them, she noted that they were of nobel blood, clad with only the finest materials and jewels. Zelia crouched down next to the corpses trying to make out the faces. One of them had a slight frame, the delicate features now slashed like a satin ribbon. It had been a young girl, maybe a few years older than Zelia. The second body was damaged more than the first, attacked to the point where the face was no longer visible. The physique was of a male, with muscled arms and chest.