Cambolton's Fall

Chapter Two

It's surprisingly easy for Brin to find them; they had only made it a few streets over and were at one of the less reputable bars. Brin couldn't imagine what these people must think of him. They go from inn to inn, describing him as a trouble-maker. A few of the classier establishments that Brin checked, had said that no one fitting that description had been in this night. Meaning they only expected him to be in dirtier, less appealing places? He scoffed, puffing a cloud of cold air out in front of his face and walking through it, he heads toward the opposite side of the street.

Without his steps or train of thought faltering, Brin activated the runes etched into his legs, giving him a boost of strength. As always, his head felt a rushing sensation and his body prickled slightly as the magic flowed freely through him; with his legs tensed and filled with power, he crouched low and easily cleared the 15-foot jump onto the top of the roof. He landed softly, having used just the right amount of power allowing for his walking pattern to continue almost uninterrupted. He walked across the flat, one story roof, checking to see if there was any other access to it. Satisfied his back was safe, he returned to the front of the roof, crouching and then laying on his stomach, crawling the last few feet to peer down at the Dangerous Mouse.

It didn't take long for the three to walk out of the bar, noise and light spilling out behind them as they enter the street. They pause, discussion muffled, presumably deciding where to go next. As they set off in the direction of another installation, Brin waited a few moments and then returned to a low crouch, moving across the rooftop maze after them. Using as little of his limited magic supply as possible, he cleared the gaps easily, landing with a feline grace earned from years of fighting and physically demanding work.

He trailed them for about another hour, watching the same process happen at another four locations before deciding that the three of them wouldn't be an exceedingly large threat, should they choose to confront him. As they turned down an alley to move to the next street, Brin dropped from a third story roof, using a small amount of magic to, again, strengthen his legs. He absorbed the impact, recovering from the crouch and staring into the faces of the three in front of him.

He addressed the leader of the little group. It was easy to make him out, even in the dim lighting of the frozen alley, his lanky form and bright colors setting him apart. "You've been looking for me." Brin smirked, enjoying the surprise on their faces.

The minstrel recovered quickly, hiding his surprise and giving a smile of his own. He and his companions looked up briefly, appreciating the dramatic entrance. Brin tensed despite the smiling face, knowing that if the group were to wish him harm or ill-will, this was where it would happen. This was the reason he'd chosen a dark alley to confront the group; if they were to attack, he would rather it be head-on, rather than have the group act friendly in a well lit and busy tavern, only to lure him down a side street and catch him unaware.

Yet no action came. The more heartbeats that passed, the more comical the group seemed to Brin. The girl seemed to almost be shaking with fright, definitely trying to decide between staying where she was or fleeing the way that they had come. The old man seemed to barely comprehend what was going on, too focused on something inside of his mug; he swayed back and forth. Then there's the leader, he also seemed unphased by Brin's appearance, yet he was fully aware of what's happening.

"Hello there!" The man's voice was almost rich and melodic, seeming so out of place in this dark, smelling alleyway. He raised his hands and Brin dropped smoothly into a battle stance; his left shoulder towards the group, sliding his right foot back into a wide stance. Immediately his field of view widened, trying to take in every movement of the three and even those objects littered around them. The stranger's voice cut through his train of thought, "Woah friend, we mean you know harm." His hands stopped moving, they were both half-raised with palms forward, in a placating gesture of non-harm. Brin's shoulders instantly relaxed but he kept his feet spread and remained with his legs bent. "My name is Rolinar, though everyone calls me Bard." He was trying to stay calm, but Brin could sense his fear and hesitation now.