Never Ending Tale

Chapter One

Authors note: above is a really bad map of the city, for those of you who are good at computers or art please feel free to make a new picture. Awesome cover was done by Moirauthor make sure to check them out in my reading list!!

Thief! Ari ducked under the extended arm intended for her, clutching the neatly wrapped fish close to her chest. Looking back and sniggering as she pushed through the door, its bells ringing in defiance as she left. Crunching out on the dirt road, ducking and bobbing under the crowd of people, ignoring their protests and profanities as she rushed to get away from her hefty pursuer.
Ari needed to get out of this situation fast before the Enforcers showed up, they would kill her if she was caught or worse end up in the castle dungeon, the king was not known to be kind to prisoners. Not that she could die, but she would rather not have them be the ones to find out her secret. In fact, she would take that secret to her grave. If she ever found it.
After a couple of seconds of running down the street, a sheer, sharp noise of the Enforcers pierced the crowd. Ari did not even look back before she clutched the fish closer to her chest and sprinted. The crowd separating not for her, but for the thunderous hooves charging behind her. Just as the noise sounded again Ari made a sharp turn into a narrow alleyway that led to another road on the other side. She needed to get the rendezvous where the rest of the scroungers  awaited with horse and carriage to exit the middle ring. But losing the Enforcers was not going to be easy, she thought, they are incredibly persistent. If only I could get to the Northside river, I might be able to make it across. Thought Ari, as she  made it to the opening of the alleyway. Reluctantly poking her head out of the opening to check if the coast was clear.
It wont take them long to figure out where this alleyway will spit her out.
Ari readjusted the fish, merged into the crowd and headed south towards the river.
Ari's nerves were on end, she was trying not to look nervous or check over her shoulder, with any luck her trip will go without any more hitches.
But alas, luck was not on her side, the tall dark form of an Enforcer loomed above the crowd in front of her. His big dark horse pawing the road impatiently itching for a chase.
The Enforcer's dark cloak billowing slightly in the wind revealing his black armor and a long sword strapped to his side. A chill ran down Ari's spine, they say they can use dark magic. Which is all the more believable, for the longer she looked at him, the more he seems more like an illusion, reality seems to bend around him, much like the crowd. The closer she got to him she could almost feel something evil coming off of him. To think the king has them guarding him and has them as palace guards as well. Putting her head down to avoid the hooded gaze, and moving more towards the center of the bustling crowd to try to look smaller and inconspicuous.
Simply walking by him made her sick to her stomach, Ari wanted nothing more then to run and get as far away as possible from the dark being.
After putting some distance between her and the Enforcer, Ari was feeling better. She could now hear the rumbling rush of the Northside River. The river itself was not very wide, it gets wider farther east where the Northside River meets the Southside River. Here, it was about  10 feet wide. But was strong and deep. Any unfortunate soul to fall in would be swept away forever. Her plan was when she reached the river she would follow it four miles west till she reached a bridge where she would meet up with the other scroungers and ride to freedom. Ari rounded a corner and the river came into view. Just as she was about a hundred feet away she heard the shrill noise of an Enforcer. Ari turned around to see the Enforcer she had passed earlier barreling towards her. She needed no more encouragement to start running. But instead of turning at the river she made a split second decision and ran straight towards it.
The longest jump Ari has ever done was about ten feet, the river itself was a little wider then that, but before, she was not carrying a twenty pound fish at the time. Even if she dropped the fish she doubted she would make the jump anyway. But being swept away by the river would be far better than ending up in their clutches. With her resolve made up, Ari hugged the fish tighter and sped up, the river was just a few feet away now. She reached the edge and kicked off, some of the ground crumbling behind her. The river was rushing under her, her feet brushing the tops of the tall waves trying to pull her into its dark cold clutch. Ari hit the bank with one foot, two foot, and she smoothly rolled into her landing.
Loosening her grip on the fish, she turned around to see the Enforcer's horse refusing to make the daring jump she just had made.
The Enforcer hissing in frustration, turned around and galloped off. Mentally thanking her old mentor for teaching her all she knows, not only just jumping, but running and a memory of the whole city with all its roads and alleyways. She now understands the years of peering over maps, learning to read, and keeping in shape. She was beginning to miss her mentors constant nagging and harshness. But she was taught well, and had skills very few possessed. Other than not being able to die. With a huff she got up and started heading west to meet up with the rest of her friends.

————————— A/N —————————

Thats all from me, just keep in mind that Ari is not invincible, she can still feel pain!! And heals at the same rate as anyone. Thank!! To all who will add on to this book!

Spazzywulf;)