Ramblings

Story teaser

Darkness shrouded the hooded figure. Their feet slipping softly on the smooth, stone alleyway. They ducked in and out, picking their way soundlessly around each winding twist and turn.
The solemn buildings of Raikava all seemingly empty, as the inhabitants had all retired. Sleeping away the fearful hours, in which, no sane person dared to wander.
The torches burned on merrily, though few and far between. Attempting, in a joint effort, to keep the night at bay. The figure breezed past, shying away in fear of exposure.
          Step, after painful step.
Turn, after sharp turn.
Breath, after heaving breath.
They pressed on.

'Keep moving' they thought.
'Don't stop.'
'If you do, it's another second wasted.'
'Another wound dealt.'

Their heart pounded, eyes widened, footsteps slowed for an instant.

'I can't let her down.'

The fate of the kingdom rested on his shoulders.

        A faint rustle resounded behind him. He paused, cloak swishing silently to a stop. His partially obscured face gently illuminated by the soft yellow light.
        His scarred hand brushed to the dagger at his side. Eyes narrowed, he slowly turned their head to look over his shoulder.
There, in the blackness, was a pair of glowing eyes.

He gasped.

'No'

"No! No! Please, I still have time! Don't-"

Eyesight blacking out, he breathed one last shaky breath and said, voice consumed with hatred,

"You'll never find her."

His body collapsed to the unforgiving pavement, and felt no more.