The Last Beacon

XXVII

Okay, don't panic, Sascha told herself, even though she knew it wouldn't help.

The incessant honking from the vehicles was becoming louder as more joined in. She didn't move, though, because she was overwhelmed with uncertainty and confusion.

Why would the tower send me here, of all places? Farallus said I would end up where I wanted to go, and I certainly don't want to be here.

Sascha was too busy trying to make sense of the situation that she didn't realise that two men were approaching her.

"Excuse me ma'am," one said, his tone firm and nonchalant.

Sascha turned around to face him. Both men were wearing the same clothes, a uniform of some sorts, and it was coloured a rich, deep navy blue.

"Is there a problem here? You're holding up the traffic and disturbing the peace," the other man said, his tone much more unforgiving.

Sascha realised that these must have been members of the city's authorities. She decided very quickly that she wanted to keep out of trouble as best as she could.

She stuttered for a moment, unsure of what to say. "I- uh, I'm sorry. I don't know where I am."

The second officer rolled his eyes. "Intoxicated, I'd say. I'll bet she's fresh from one of the casinos."

The first officer grabbed her upper arm and pulled her along, getting her off the road. The vehicles quickly sped past as soon as the three people were out of the way.

"Can you explain what you were doing, ma'am?" The first officer asked.

"I've lost my friend. I was meant to be meeting him, but I ended up here. Could you help point me in the right direction?" Sascha explained, leaving out the details on how she arrived.

"Where were you supposed to be meeting this friend?"

Sascha paused for a moment, deciding she would tell the truth, "the east edge of the Great Forest of Shaa."

"Shaa?" The second officer said, unamused, "yeah, right. Nobody dares to go anywhere near that forest. We'll take you down to the station until you can recollect yourself."

Before Sascha had the chance to protest, both officers grabbed her arms and pulled her down the street.

"Wait, no! I'm telling the truth! I just need a few directions!" Sascha cried out, yanking against their grip.

"Do not resist, ma'am. We just want to take you to the station so you can get your bearings," the first officer reasoned.

"Get your hands off me!" She shrieked, wrenching herself away from them. She took a few steps back, getting ready to defend herself if she needed to.

"Calm down, ma'am! Just come with us and there doesn't have to be trouble," the first officer implored.

"Trouble? There was trouble when you laid hands on me. I've spent enough of my life having to deal with men who think they have some sort of power over me! So stay away from me, and don't touch me!" Sascha snarled, rage rising within her.

"I should arrest you for verbal abuse towards an officer," the second officer hissed, clearly not messing around, "so you either co-operate, or we take you in by force."

"I'm not going anywhere with you," she stated firmly. With that, she lunged forward, shoving the second officer with full force.

It seemed to have taken him by surprise, and he fell backwards, hitting the pavement.