The Gate

Chapter One: Which Lurks

   It's been two years since I escaped that hell of a company, nine since I was taken. I've built a sturdy reputation for myself, the girl in the forest did her job well. It didn't take long before creatures from around the area decided to pay a visit. Some wanted peace, and the others had their hearts ripped out by yours truly. Some were just soldiers, those were the ones I sent back. A message to the biggest and the baddest: don't even try with me. Father would be proud.

   I've done my best to stay focused, stick to the research, but the amount of drama in this town is unbearable. It's impossible to not get tangled in here and there. I had originally come here because I was told if there was anyone who could help me anywhere, this is where they'd be. But so far I've just met a lot of idiots. Idiots who know too much for their own good, but still, idiots.

   I do of course have my favorites, there's the most useful, the least annoying, and the best drinking buddies. Then there's the controlling self-righteous bitch they all seem to worship. I've made my feelings for that one very clear, and she's been smart enough to keep her mouth shut when it comes to me. I think at some point she gave up.

   I still couldn't shake the feeling there's something they're keeping from me, something they're holding back. It was an unexpected phone call from a blocked number on a phone left behind that confirmed my suspicions. Turns out they've not only known where what I was looking for resided the whole time, but they're old pals with the guy. If you could even call it that.

   I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but in the end it wasn't possible. They knew the name of who I was looking for this entire time and said absolutely nothing. Perhaps my reputation wasn't sturdy enough. I'd have to reinforce it. And I knew just the way how.