Re:Creation Book 1: Allegiance

Seven

It took a while for Telk to finally emerge from his hiding spot. During his escape, he'd ducked behind a mass of people and into a large alley, taking shelter amidst a pile of crates and other discarded merchandise containers. He'd long since realized that Lev was no longer with him. Though he hoped that the prince had managed to escape, the gnawing feeling at his core refused to allow him to fully believe such fortune would come to pass.

Telk reached into his bag and produced the black wolf carving that was the cause their predicament. Back in the Myralian woman's stall, he'd seen Lev take a particular interest in the carving, so Telk stole it to surprise Lev as thanks for his promise. Telk wasn't a particularly strong fighter, nor was he skilled in hunting, and his upbringing didn't grant him any skills that the esteemed crown prince of Myral would find especially useful once they got to Tamras. Therefore, Telk wanted to use what talent he did posses to give Lev something he desired; even something as small as a wooden carving.

As Telk turned the wolf in his hands and thought about his situation he couldn't help but feel frustrated. Years of fending for himself had taught Telk to be an expert when it came to thievery. Most of the time, his shenanigans went undetected. To be found out twice in such a short amount of time was exasperating. Regardless, this wasn't the time to be focused on his own shortcomings - he knew that. Warily, he rose to his feet and brushed himself off before slipping the wolf back into his bag.

His first priority would be to find Lev, Therias, or Reif. Reif was the only one whose location Telk actually knew, making him the most obvious option to follow, but he also intimidated Telk the most. The thought of being reduced to ash under Reif's anger after learning what had happened was enough to make Telk shudder. He was well aware that Reif still didn't fully trust him, and the priest was already in dour spirits that day.

Telk had been so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't even notice the guard approaching the alley. By the time he was aware of the guard's presence, his only exit was already blocked.

"Found you, you little shit," the guard growled. "Your friend has already been taken away. At least you'll get to join him soon."

Telk internally cursed the moment that he let his guard down and immediately set to thinking of a way out. The guard was already advancing on him, cutting his time to think exponentially shorter, and causing panic to grip his mind. His thoughts swirled rapidly, making it near impossible to focus long enough to figure out his escape. How could he let himself get cornered like this? He really was losing his touch. Should he just run past the guard? It was risky, but perhaps he was fast and agile enough to get aro-

A cry of agony forced it's way out of Telk's mouth, surprising even him. Without warning, a searing pain had ripped its way through the right side of his chest. The burning sensation and shock that it caused rendered him immobile almost instantly. He fell to his knees, clutching his chest as he cried out again. His breath shortened as a white glow shined from the source of his pain. A similar glow came from his bag intensifying the amount of sheer anguish that riddled his body. Telk forced himself to look at the guard, silently pleading for help, but his adversary was frozen with fear and confusion. By now onlookers from the busy streets had stopped in confusion as to what was happening, yet none dared approach. Telk's vision blurred. His body trembled. He felt as though he could pass out at any moment - in fact, he wanted to in hopes of being relieved of the pain until it passed.

Another guttural shriek erupted from Telk, sounding much more hoarse than the last. Almost as if in response, a gust of blustery wind rushed from behind him. The force of the wind was strong enough to knock the guard off his feet, throwing him, as well as a few crates and debris, out of the alley and into a few of the staring patrons just outside it. Despite the wind's immense strength, Telk was left completely unaffected, curled up and panting on the ground. As the gust subsided, so did the pain in his chest and shimmering light. The heavy toll that the burning feeling had taken on Telk's body also vanished, leaving him feeling just as he had before it afflicted him.