Lilly approached the dormant forge silently from its rear entrance. The muffled snoring of the slumbering blacksmith washed across the forge. Lilly's unmistakable bejeweled scimitar glittered in the guttering torchlight atop a workbench. Beside it rested its corresponding studded leather scabbard. The tigress quickly sheathed her weapon and clenched it tightly within her fingertips.
The iron, leather and silver garments of feline soldiers were organized by rank. They currently occupied a series of prongs erected for storage. She recognized a masterfully constructed breastplate as her own and quietly secured it around her abdomen. She adorned the leggings and clasped her encased blade to their side.
The female feline emerged from the makeshift armory. Despite the overabundance of torches she managed to remain secluded in shadows. Lilly maneuvered rapidly between the tents, avoiding the attentions of patrolling guardswomen and men.
She infiltrated the vacant tent and began examining the innumerable crates. The entirety of the first level was consumed by additional metals, weapons and armor not contained within the forge. She ascended a wooden walkway that unfolded into a vast secondary level. The scents of preserved jungle fruits and meats overwhelmed Lilly's senses.
The sturdy eskon leather satchel she acquired from her temporary chambers would provide ample storage for whatever rations she selected. The sneaking feline exposed the contents of a burlap package, revealing cured balash, a river dwelling beast, within. Lilly immediately emptied a portion of the contents into a specialized pouch for storing perishables.
She descended towards the tent's entrance and vanished into the shadows surrounding it. Lilly examined the pathway between the various tents to discover it devoid of patrollers. The encampment's outskirts were yards from her current position. The tigress proceeded beyond the encampment's edge, escaping into the darkness.
Lilly embraced the dusty earth beneath her to remain hidden. She rapidly descended the incline towards a muddled expanse. The hilltop caravansary the tigress abandoned remained faintly illuminated as she traveled northward.
YOU ARE READING
Drema: The Crimson Moon
FantasyThe lands of Drema have never seen peace; they were always entrenched in conflict. Bandits and barbarians rove the deserts and the country side. Assassins plague cities and towns, seeking out their targets for coin or personal gain. Warring tribe...
