Calytrix's Journey

Chapter XXI: Little Thieves I

 "We finally reached the exit!" I said in a louder tone than usual because I couldn't hold my excitement.

I made my first footstep in the Ba-prince Frederik's kingdom. I was no longer a wanted person in his country. Following my departure from Rheya's castle, nothing transpired, yet anxiety consumed me throughout. I worried someone would figure things out and return me to her. Anywhere would be better than Rheya's.

A natural fog enveloped me, making it impossible to survey my surroundings. The fire spirit's flames could not clear the fog. The natural phenomenon was too powerful to dissolve quickly.

Our path consisted of muddy grass patches. The map showed a paved main road nearby, but the fog made me hesitant to look for it. After it dissolves, the main path will be easy to find.

"After we meet prince Frederik and strike a deal, I was thinking of finding a settlement," I said. "Beyond this kingdom lies a small town close to several small mountain waterfalls. Despite its small size, the people are active in their trades and I could surely find work there to keep me busy. The scenery of that place is beautiful. I could build a small house there."

The fire spirit, silently floating before me, listened.

"I only know that place through books, but I have a hunch it will be just as I pictured," I went on.

A sudden impact struck me from behind during our walk. I abruptly stopped and jumped slightly in surprise. The fire spirit remained oblivious and floated on ahead of me.

I touched my bag, the impact point, and was surprised by how much lighter it felt. Too light. Something wasn't right. I remained stationary, opened my bag, and discovered my money pouch was missing. That... I can't... it... was the worst kind of disaster that could happen. 

A sudden chill washed over me as I searched the bag again, only to find it empty of gold coins. Could I have dropped money during my travels? No way... that recent impact must be the reason.

Is this the hit-and-run robbery I've read about in humorous books? Glancing around, I noticed a small, dark-haired figure fleeing to my left.

"Wait!" I yelled.

I chased the small, black-haired person who ran away without a word.

"Wait! That's my money!" I yelled again. "Give it back."

The dirty looking little boy looked in my direction for a second and run even faster. I didn't have enough time to get a good look at his face. He disappeared into the fog, and I couldn't follow.

"I'm sure you'll manage, miss," he said, somewhere from the fog.

"I won't," I cried out the truth. "I need it."

I looked for the boy, running back and forth, but couldn't find him anywhere. What do I do now? My distressed run resulted in a collision with another person. 

Caught you! 

I thought it was the culprit because I closed my eyes upon the impact, but it was actually the fire spirit. Seeing my sad face, it moved erratically and confusingly. Although I didn't cry, my emotions were still apparent.

"I just got robbed," I said.

To comfort me, the spirit nestled against my right cheek.

"With no money, I won't have anywhere to stay tonight," I said.

The option of staying outside was always open, but I gained a fine sum of gold coins, which should have paid for inns/taverns and other places to rest and eat. I made all my money selling potions and performing magic. I had earned it and wanted to enjoy it, but now it was gone.