As the frigid winter air sliced through her, the chill coursed through her veins, her muscles threatening to seize up in the torrential hailstorm. She clung to the majestic beast beneath her, her heart racing with every jolt of his powerful strides as they galloped through the cursed woods. The hail pounded against her face, stinging her skin, and she squinted through the driving rain, her eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of her pursuers.
The lowlifes who had been chasing her must have been either exceptionally skilled or utterly mad to continue their pursuit in this accursed weather. She shivered at the thought of them closing in, their faces twisted with malice and determination. Abraxos, her loyal steed, was a magical creature, stronger and more resilient than any ordinary horse. His hooves pounded the earth with a rhythmic cadence, his muscles rippling beneath her as he navigated the treacherous terrain.
But she knew better than to rely on his magic to shield them from the hailstorm's fury. The toll it would take on Abraxos was too great, and she couldn't bear the thought of putting him at risk. Her own body ached from the fight and the gruelling ride through the forest, her muscles screaming in protest with every jolt and every twist. She gritted her teeth, her eyes fixed on the path ahead, as she urged Abraxos on, her senses on high alert for any sign of their pursuers. The darkness seemed to close in around her, the hailstorm raging on, and she knew she had to keep moving, to find a way out of this damnable situation before it was too late…
Looking around the familiar landscape, she found she was at the end of the woods of Pravagh; she had yet to reach Karavah- the Isle of Pearl Cove. The title holds true, as the shores of this country seem to be filled with pearls. The lives of merchants and people alike depend on the trade of pearls. The economic capital of a mighty empire, dealing with the trades between regions overall, the empire of Ravencroft. As it deals with the economy, it is just a day's ride from the capital city, Damarera, and a three-day trip from Abyssinia. Karavah and Damarera are separated by the Blood Mist Forest, whereas for Abbyssinia, there is a river Tartarus that flows through, only allowing the dead to pass by a horror that exists no living should face.
She is a medic tending to those injured on the borders of Pravagh, also known as the Isle of Shimmering Wines. Being a medic is a harsh job these days, considering they are targeted for being traitors. Not a single soul, except for her close confidants, knows who she was or that she was the one they are searching for as ordered by King Vasavir. Now, that's entirely another mess to deal with as the emperor wants her dead. She is known by many names, yet known by none. She is a daughter to some, a sister to others, and a friend to a few, yet none here knows who she really is. Is there anyone who can unravel the mystery of her?
The terrain was slopy due the storm last night, she walked to the edge of the forest near the borders when an arrow suddenly pierced her left leg. She held the swear in as she looked for the signs of the enemy. There in the trees in the midsection, a figure darted forward with a bow in his hand. The flesh wound was causing unbearable pain, and the arrow protruding from her thigh was weakening her. It will lead to an infection if ignored, but there is no time for her to stop and tend. There were more in hiding, she thought as the figures approached her one by one, surrounding her. Well, looks like her little adventure needs a pause
A few hours ago,
As she pushed open the creaky door, a warm glow of golden light spilt out onto the rain-soaked street, beckoning her into the familiar chaos of The Bleak's Tavern. The air inside was thick with the smell of cheap ale and sweat, a pungent aroma that clung to every surface like a damp shroud. The patrons, a motley crew of locals and travellers, laughed and shouted over the clinking of mugs and the rattle of dice, their faces aglow with the fire of the tavern's central hearth.
She had served here for years, watching as the seasons changed and the regulars came and went, their stories and secrets etched into the wooden benches and tables like the intricate carvings on the tavern's worn sign. The Bleak's was a place where information flowed like the ale, where whispers and rumours mingled with the sound of laughter and music. And at the heart of it all was the enigmatic owner, a man rumoured to be the son of a commander, his influence and power woven into the very fabric of the tavern like a rich tapestry.
The room was a sea of faces, a tapestry of ages and sexes, all united in their pursuit of debauchery and indulgence. The card games were in full swing, the players huddled around tables, their faces lit by the soft glow of candles and the flash of ivory mugs as they raised them to their lips. The women, too, were a sight to behold, their Liases - fragments of clothing that barely covered their skin - a testament to the tavern's reputation as a place where anything could be bought and sold.
She made her way through the crowd, her eyes scanning the room for familiar faces and the occasional customer in need of a drink or a room. The tavern was a place of secrets and lies, where the truth was currency and the price of admission was always high. But it was also a place of comfort and community, where strangers became friends and the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred like the lines on a well-worn map. And she, a small but vital part of this world, was ready to serve, to pour the ale and listen to the stories, to weave her own tale into the rich fabric of The Bleak's Tavern.
The tavern was alive with music and laughter. A woman with piercing night-coloured eyes and fiery red hair sat atop a man's thighs, her bold makeup and crimson lips a stark contrast to the dimly lit atmosphere. She was a familiar sight, one that often accompanied the wealthy patron, Gregory. As she navigated the crowded room, the rhythmic beat of the Dhol and the sweet melody of the flute transported her to a world beyond the tavern's walls. Despite the seedy undertones that lingered in the air, the music was a balm to her weary soul. For a brief moment, she forgot about the darkness that lurked beneath the tavern's façade and let the euphoria of the night wash over her.
As August poured ale for the rowdy patron, her gaze drifted to the imposing figure that had just walked into the tavern. The female warrior was a force to be reckoned with - her rugged features a testament to the harsh winds that swept the Ravencroff mountains. Her raven-black hair was a stark contrast to the stormy grey of her eyes, which seemed to hold a world of intensity.
August's eyes narrowed as she took in Commander Myrthena's imposing physique, clad in armour that seemed to be an extension of her very being. The dark cloak she wore did little to hide the arsenal of weapons beneath, and August's instincts told her that this was no ordinary warrior. The rumours of the Commander's ruthlessness were well-known, and August had always been wary of those who claimed to serve justice with an iron fist.
As she watched, the Commander's eyes scanned the room, her gaze lingering on August for a moment before moving on. August felt a shiver run down her spine - she had always believed that true loyalty was about standing by one's principles, not about committing atrocities in the name of power. The Commander's reputation was a dark one, and August couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden behind those piercing grey eyes.
"The line between justice and tyranny is often blurred," August thought to herself, her eyes never leaving the Commander's imposing figure. "But it's in those moments that we must choose our path, and stand by what we truly believe"
The dimly lit tavern seemed to shrink as the burly guard's grip tightened around Nadiya, his evil intentions plain to see. August swiftly intervened, pulling her friend to her side as if to shield her from harm. Nadiya's long, ebony-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, her tan skin glistening in the faint light. The guard's fingers closed around her braided hair, yanking her onto his lap, and August's hand instinctively went to the dagger hidden in her dress.
"Good Sir, I'd like for ya to leave me friend and to not cause any trouble for us," August said, her voice low and even, but laced with a hint of barely contained anger.
August's eyes flashed with indignation as she stood her ground, her dagger at the ready. "Who do ya think yer, to stop me?" she spat at the guard, her disgust at his words burning in her gut. Her fingers tightened around the dagger's handle, poised to strike.
Just as the situation seemed about to escalate, the commander's voice boomed through the tavern, "Jade, let go of this nonsense!" The sudden interruption froze both August and the guard in place. The commander and her guard strode past them, their faces stern, and took seats at a nearby table. The tension in the air was palpable, but for now, the conflict had been averted.
Nadiya's trembling form clung to my arm as we navigated the tavern's crowded room. The savoury scent of dried meat and herbs wafted through the air, a familiar comfort amidst the chaos. August led her to a small chamber, its sparse furnishings a stark contrast to the tavern's raucous atmosphere. Nadiya collapsed onto the bed, her sobs muffled by the din, her bloodshot eyes a testament to her exhaustion. I tried to soothe her, but words failed me, and she wept on until finally she stilled. Leaving her in the quiet of the chamber, I stepped out to wash away the grime of the tavern. The forest beckoned, and I walked among its trees, gathering herbs to calm my racing thoughts. I needed to clear my mind, to avoid the reckless impulse to confront the scum who'd left Nadiya shattered. But it was too late to seek the reprieve of the woods. I stopped dead in my tracks as I recognised the familiar face of the commander waiting at the edge of the forest. She assessed me from where she stood, looking me up and down. She said, "I've heard there was a healer in the tavern, and to think you are this bold has come as a shock to me" I was surprised she found out so soon that I was a healer "Now, don't act so surprised, you and I both know I am right"
Well, if she already knew it, then there is no point in lying about it "Indeed, I'm and I ain't at fault for the mistakes committed by your men. Madam!" My tone was dripping with disrespect. Guess she realised it too.
Oh, she did not like it one bit I can see it on her face the tightening of the cheekbones "Why bother healing these lowlifes?"
I had to control my urge to hit her as I said, "Not everyone can afford the treatment, Madam. They are this country's folk, like you are too, but I think you never considered them as such. " You're just someone who acts as if you care about justice" That seemed to have hit right on the mark.
The Commander's eyes darkened in fury "How dare you, little heathen? You think you are serving justice I will show you what justice really means" Her hand reached the folds of her cloak and within a heartbeat a dagger was racing towards my face. I dodged as it whizzed past me, embedding in a tree. "I was under orders to capture you and bring you to the lord. But now you are just going to end up being fodder for my horse"
August smiled loudly, causing the commander to stumble on her way towards her, and a confused look settled on her face. August let the words she thought she would not have to sink in between them, "I've expected as much, Ya'know. I have known it for quite a while that you would come for me one day or another"
"You! Who in god's name do you think you are?" Myrthena questioned her as she reached for another weapon in that stash of her cloak. This time, she was smart; instead of throwing a dagger at my face, she doubled into a run with the intent to stab me. Let us be honest, I am not a bloke to just stand there when someone is trying to murder me. I made a quick decision as I just ran into the forest.
"Ha! Gotcha", I yelled back to notice her taking off into a sprint behind me, and I know these woods like the back of my hand. She taught I would fight with a beast like her in this hopeless condition. I mean she has a complete troop of guards with her I would be a damn fool to fight them all besides I will only cause a big commotion which I cannot afford at any given time.
"Come on here, you little mongrel", she said, chasing behind me. Like hell I would. Now, do not get me wrong, I am all for fighting for the weak, and I do know how to fight, but just not interested in wasting my energy on someone like her. And replenishing the lost energy is a big pain, as it always is. I veered right and then left to get her off my tail, but she was persistent in her pursuit, tracking me like a wolf that is latched onto its prey. I ran blindly into the shadows of the woods, ducking under a tree towards the stream, and jumped in. The commander who was closing in on me did not notice me jumping into the ravine to save my ass, and finally moved past it, striding into the forest. Once she was out of the commander's sight, she moved towards the other end of the stream. Sky thundered, warning her of the oncoming storm as lightning raced across it. The sudden downpour and wailing winds, which made her shiver, seemed as if nature had decided to curse her with this torrential rain. The droplets pelted her skin, causing her to wince in pain, small lightning bolts streaming into her skin. "Ooof, Thank the curse" she breathed a sigh of relief as the commander was nowhere in sight. Little did she know the guards were on her tail when she was almost in the middle of the forest; they caught up to her.
"Now, yer mine", said Jade with his evil face, lighting up with that psychotic happiness "Oh, how I will be rewarded for getting ya back to her. But before doing that, I shall thoroughly play with ya since ya ruined my eve" There were only three other men with him, so she can easily take care of them, but she is losing time. Amidst the chaos, an idea sparked in her brain.
She simply put her arms up in a mock surrender "Alright, you have caught me. I will do anything, just please do not hand me to the commander, Good Sir"
As she anticipated, Jade, being the fool he is, stepped forward with a sadistic grin of achievement on his face. August, being the hunter of night, observed every single move the guards made as they circled her. In the last moment when Jade was about to touch her, she attacked with the knife in her hand and slashed his throat. The others tried to catch her, but she slipped past them, throwing Jade's dead body at one and two knives in the direction of the other two guards. Caught off guard, the knives struck true in their bodies, leaving a window of opportunity to escape.
Yet, the rain continued to torment her. August decided to take a small break as she hid in a cave-like space under a tree where she usually stashed her things in case of need, while she strolled in the forest for herbs and spices. She quickly changed into her riding gear; if she is going to be in this tavern attire, it is going to be the death of her. There were skins of water, and she thanked her forward thinking, which she usually ends up cursing. A snapping of a twig nearby caused her to immediately hide from the looking eyes, and she noticed a few guards on their horses searching.
Great, now they are at it again, chasing her like some prize, but she has no other option, and she must run if she wants to stay alive. It is just yet another page of her life's diary she taught since it is just the constant thing from her childhood, the king's cronies chasing her and her hiding way, but just the different instances. She does not remember when was the last time she slept peacefully under the stars with no threats following her. She knew her horse would come for her aid, and it did. It was waiting for her at the shore of the stream. She could not run anymore. She has seen a chance and leapt on it as if hell's about to fall on her; they have noticed her. The guards, noticing her on horseback, trailed her along with their own horses, but one good thing is that the commander's not among the group.
Now,
She has a few hours before reaching Karavah, but she must get rid of these heathens to achieve it. Alright, now she has no other option but to fight back!
August let her hand fall on the dagger on her thigh. The dagger she considers precious to her was found in the dead cave on the outskirts of Abyssinia. The dagger itself is unique the hilt designed with twirling golden serpents with obsidian crystals embedded into the eyes of the serpents, the dagger has a special ability that produces shadow snakes that can kill a full beast in a matter of seconds. Allowing her to fight even on the darkest of nights, for shadows have always been her allies, and they strive in the darkness.
August jumped from Abraxos's back as the shadow serpents raced across the ground towards the guards, climbing their horses, stumbling them into a frenzied state. The serpents bit into the surrounding guards; their screams of pain were a symphony of death. A guard tried to crowd her as he tried to strike her down with his own dagger, but before he could do that, his body froze as blood streamed from his eyes and nose, toppling the man down like he was just a sack of rocks. The dagger in his hand fell to the ground, and the other guard bent and tried to pick up the dagger, but ended up screaming in agony.
August's face lit up with a cold smirk "Now you know why I did not bother running for my dagger. For it always finds its way" The soldier's face paled like death. She always wondered why the dagger does not allow anyone else to touch it, as if it has its own mind and only seems to accept her. Well, now is not the time for that mess.
The guards halted, one of them screamed as the shadow snake made its way into his pants, the bastard was trembling with fear as the snakes doubled in number on the ground around me protecting me from them. My smile turned downright sinister as the soldiers stopped rooting in their spots.
"Fallback! We cannot win. I repeat," This guard with blond curls, freckled face, button nose, and hazel brown eyes, which were lit up in shock at the situation, yelled at his comrades.
"Now, that's a wise choice", I said, picking at my nails
"Ren, but we are here on orders to capture this woman and bring her to justice. We must not ignore our superior's orders, and you do realise, right? What will happen if we do not, do you?" said a mountain of a man with stubble covering his jaw and few traces of silver adorning his black lake hair, his eyes a vivid shade of golden brown, he has a strong jaw suggesting years of experience. So, he must be the head of this unit after the commander.
The other guard, Ren, I suppose, looked at me and back at this guard, "But, sir, you too are seeing what I am seeing, she seems dangerous"
"I am. But orders are orders," and those were the last words he ever spoke. August plunged a sword created by shadows through his chest, and the chaos ensued. The others ran in the direction they came from as the soldier fell on the ground. She spat "Should've listened to the advice you" they seem to have noticed the way she walked across the field a living nightmare for them. But she did not spare a single life that night, hunted every single one of them who bullied Nadiya and many like her, and they fell in her wake, nailed to the ground like they had slayed many using their own swords. Those Bastards did not deserve to live; they are monsters in the skin of divine soldiers. They have committed atrocities in the name of justice, and Myrthena never seemed to care. They have butchered kids and groped many women on the streets. They have even cut the ones who crossed their paths, just to protect their own. She was sure she would have haunting nightmares for the coming days.
'Yes! Do it' a voice of her own whispered in her mind, stopping her dead in her tracks. She looked around, finding only the corpses left in her wake, the left-out horses and her familiar Abraxos. The silent woods had an eerie feeling now that she realised she had killed, and the feeling of someone watching her. But the woods were as alone as they could be. The cold voice broke her from her frenzied state as the nerves fired all too fast in her body. She killed; no, she hunted down every single one in the group. She hadn't let them go even when they begged for mercy, she gutted the men, tore them to shreds and cut off their necks as the blood flowed down, she watched with a cruel smile on her face. She hated this side of her, the one that never feels a single thing, just numbly attacking the opponents while enjoying their deaths. She sat in the woods between the corpses until she found it in herself to calm down.
Before she leaves for Karavah, she must make sure Nadiya is safe. She returned to the tavern, wiping off the blood from her face as she scouted for any remaining soldiers or even the commander. But to her luck, no one was near. She slowly made her way towards Nadiya's room. Finding her awake, she assured her that everything was okay for now, but, just to be safe, she asked her to hide for a few days and handed over the coin she had saved. She has been teaching her to defend herself for a few days now, yet Nadiya is still afraid of situations like this. August asked her to make a promise to be strong and bold, no matter what happens. She made sure she writes her once she is settled in a safe spot. And then August left.
There is a long journey left ahead for her before she reaches Karavah. Although she is free from these bastards, the path to Karavah is the riskiest on a day now it is Nightfall!
Not just that, she must endure the cold that is crawling under her skin, making her life a living hell. Maybe Gods really do hate her. The only sounds that kept her company in this chill were the hungry growls of the wolves lurking in the Shadows. Although they are just the lesser beasts considered in the dangers out in the world.
But the pain in her thigh is burning her up from the inside out. She could take at most a single step forward. How is she supposed to reach Karavah?
But she must somehow make it there, and before she reaches Karavah, she must cross the Capital Damarera, where she has the only person she could trust. Her name's Natalie. It's been ages since she last saw Nat. Will Nat remember her? Will she even be allowed into the capital? All these questions bummed her, yet she strode forward on her journey.
As she rode her horse through the forest, the numbness in her legs was a constant reminder of the two days she'd spent on the treacherous terrain. For a moment, she'd thought her body would give out, that she'd succumb to the exhaustion and pain that threatened to consume her. But she'd pushed on, driven by a vision of the distant capital, shining like a brilliant jewel on the horizon.
As she crested a small hill, the city unfolded before her like a tapestry of wonder. The buildings were a work of art, their intricate facades and ornate spires reaching for the sky like a chorus of songbirds. The trees, lined up on either side of the path like sentinels, seemed to guard the city's secrets, while the cobblestone streets whispered tales of centuries past. Fountains danced in the middle of junctions, their melodic gurgling a soothing balm to her parched soul.
The streets were alive with people, their richest costumes a riot of colour and texture that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. Street vendors hawked their wares, a dizzying array of goods that seemed to stretch on forever: meat, diamonds, fruits, stones, necklaces, and weapons. The smell of smoked paprika wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of roasting meats and the sweet tang of fresh bread. Her stomach growled in response, and her parched throat ached with longing.
She dismounted her horse, her legs trembling with fatigue, and made her way through the crowds. The vendors called out to her, their voices a cacophony of offers and entreaties. She scanned the stalls, her eyes drawn to the food and the weapons. The daggers, short swords, and rune stones seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, while the bows and arrows, clubs, and chains seemed to whisper secrets of their own. There was armour too, but she knew it wouldn't be the military-grade stuff - still, it might come in handy.
As she wandered through the market, her senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells, she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. This was a city like no other, a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy seemed to blur. And yet, despite the chaos and the noise, she felt a sense of peace settle over her, a feeling that she'd finally found a place where she belonged. While she was well on her way to meet Nat, she bumped into a hard stone pillar in her haze, causing her breath to whoosh from her. Who the hell builds a pillar in the middle of the street she thought before staring into the onyx eyes. Oh, gods, that is no pillar she bumped into; it was a man as hard and sturdy as any wall. And that man looks pissed, although she did nothing wrong but bump into him. He has a lean build, but I do not think that is the matter here because the man is about to pull his dagger on her.
Oh, for heaven's sake, now is not the time for this bullshit, she thought as she side-stepped him, but was ready to fight if he took another step with a dagger ready at hand.