Unveiled
79th of Fall Season, 514 A.V.
79th of Fall Season, 514 A.V.
She was running through the streets at night, like she had done so so many times. Her muscles clenched and strained with effort, pumping against the dusty ground. Her heart was hammering under her ribs, threatening to break through. Still, Arlana had thrilling sensation running down her spine as she turned sharply into another alley.
After a season without stealing, she was getting slightly rusty. The young man she was flirting had noticed when her fingers reached for his pocket. Knowing that there was no way she could steal his coins anymore, Arlana had reached for the dagger strapped on his belt before fleeing. She had learned the hard way that some people might be skilled enough to bury the blade on her back as she escaped. A precaution and she could always sell the weapon for some coins alter.
Arlana almost turned to particular alleyway when she noticed a group of men with their backs on her. They were cornering someone. She could hear a high-pitched voice, stricken with tears – a woman obviously. Arlana paused, her breath hitching quietly. It was trouble. As much as she pitied the woman, the thief knew there was nothing she could do that would not endanger herself. It was everyone for themselves here in Sunberth. Without so much as a last glance, Arlana sprinted away into another street.
Hesitating, Arlana had to decide which other path she would take – her originally planned route was already disrupted. It proved to be a terrible mistake. Just as she looked back, her chaser was already a few feet behind her. The young woman was so surprised that she did not even have the time to react. His hand reached out to grab her arm, his nails digging painfully into her skin.
The thief acted on pure reflex. Her fist swung in a flash, slamming against the man’s face. Fortunately, she got his nose and got it bleeding, even though she was not aiming anywhere in particular. It was not nearly enough to delay him, but it was enough to make him curse and forget his grip on her for a brief moment. With ease, Arlana slipped away and escaped, ignoring the throbbing pain from her knuckles.
A part of her hoped he would simply give up by now, but the small dagger that was now hidden in her bag must have more worth than the thief had expected – why else would he so furiously chase her? As if hearing her thought, the man was back on her tail.
Arlana found herself cursing in Benshiran as she pushed herself to go faster. Her breathing turned more ragged and deep and she knew she would not be able to keep this up much longer. She would tire first before he did. She could not afford getting captured. She might just get killed or worse.
Then there was only one possible solution she could think of. It was insane and foolish and incredibly risky. But what other choice did she have? Her energy was depleted and it wouldn’t take long for the man to catch up.
Lhex had truly blessed today for Arlana could spot a crowd at her next turn. With her quick feet and slender figure, the young woman slipped through dozens of people without so much as a pause. They cursed and protested as she bumped into them, but not much else. She looked back and found herself smiling slightly as the man struggled to go past the clustered bodies. Another idea brewed inside her head. She shoved a figure harshly, before ducking away quickly. The man turned angrily at the person behind him and started arguing. It was a barely a chime when fists started to fly and the crowd was involved in a brawl.
It should be enough to slow her chaser down and if she was lucky, to lose him entirely.
Her mind started mapping out a path to a particular spot she knew would most likely be empty and isolated. Where the bodies piled up, where it smelled rotten enough that no one would voluntarily approach – unless to loot the newest body dumped in that alley.
“Speech.” “Hypnotism.”
