The Dark Light

The pounding of her heartbeat was so loud in her ears that she was sure that they would see here where she was crouched behind a box in the shadows. She held herself completely still, daring to only draw in slow deep breaths so that she made as little movement as possible. She knew that their eyesight was not only keen, but that they were the best trackers around. And they were after her. The tense seconds slid into minutes as they scanned the darkened alley. A cramp threatened her left calf muscle and she gritted her teeth, forcing her will to control the urge to shift into a more comfortable position. A warm gush of air swirled past her cheek, alerting her to the fact that they had left the alley. She kept poised silently, allowing a few more minutes to pass before she slowly stood and stretched out her aching muscles. The chase that had led her to this alley had been a long, agonizing one. They had stumbled upon her too quickly and she cursed herself for allowing her confidence fool her into thinking she couldn't be caught. Tonight's close cut just proved that she needed to be more wary and less egotistical.

With a quick glance around she edged toward the opening of the alley. Her footsteps were nearly silent as she slipped through the low mist that clung to the dirty cobblestones. Her nose twitched lightly as she took in a deep breath, the night air filling her senses with the smells of the city. She grimaced, the crowds and filth of the city never appealed to her, but her presence here at this time was of utmost importance. Straightening her heavy cloak, Sika Fyrven ventured down the road beside the alley to the Green Barrel tavern where her contact was waiting.

She shoved the heavy oak door open and allowed her eyes to adjust to the smoky, darkened atomsphere of the tavern. Sika noted that no one glanced her way, which was just fine by her. Apparently the clientel here relished their privacy enough to avoid curious glances at newcomers. It also helped that the establishment was a touch on the shady side, a spot frequented by those that dwelled in the underground dealings of the country's less than favorable citizens. In the far corner of the tavern, hunched over a mug of ale, was the man she was looking for. She walked over with more confidence than she felt and slid into the bench across from him.

He looked up from his drink and stared at her without saying a word. She studied him for a moment. His hair was as dark as the night, short and somewhat wild. His tan face revealed many hours spent outdoors, the tanness of his skin making his eyes startling. Amber eyes, clear and as keen as a hawk's glared back at her. The predatory resemblence to the hawk was only enhanced by the jagged scar that ran from just above his left eye to the middle of his cheek. His lips were pursed in a sneer of sorts and she wondered what he was thinking that made him look at her with such contempt.

"You're a long way from home...little girl." The gruff rumble of his voice cut through the dense noise and startled her. She stiffened and narrowed her eyes at him. "Both you and I know that this isn't where I belong nor wish to be. You know why I am here. Save us both the trouble and aggravation and leave if you aren't going to help." The sneer previously on his lips curved into an amused smile. "Little spitfire aren't we? Rather surprising considering who you are." Sika glared at him and refused to give him the satisfaction of responding to his taunt. "Daemian, I need to know that you are going to help me. " She fell silent, cursing her father for putting her in this position. Something about Daemian bothered her but she knew that he was the only option available at the time.

He leaned forward and after finishing off his drink, he looked around the tavern with a bored look. "I may as well assist you. It isn't as if I have anything better to do. I expect though, that you will do as I say, when I say without question, do you understand?" She nodded even though she wanted to argue about it, and they both stood. Daemian threw a few coins on the table and they left through the door in which she had entered. The night curled around them and she followed him to where the horses were tethered up. "I don't suppose you have your own horse?" She shook her head and he cursed lowly under his breath. "No, of course not. Oh well, we'll just take this one and hope that no one notices until the morning." He untied a brown gelding and handed her the reigns after she had mounted. "We'll ride until we reach the edge of Zanzer. We'll have to let the horses rest and gather some supplies. Keep your cloak tucked around you, we don't want anyone noticing...you. I take it that you have the map?" Had he glanced over his shoulder at her, he would of seen her gesturing at him in a very unladylike way. There was nothing wrong with her appearance. She had auburn hair interwoven with strands of gold, her skin was tan, not as dark as his, but her light amethyst eyes were a bit unusual. She knew however, that he was referring to the amber, green and amethyst wings which were currently tucked tightly under her cloak. It wasn't that winged people were truly that uncommon, but the fact that she was a Lunari that made the difference. "We'll look at the map tomorrow. Let's just put as much distance between us and this city." He nodded and they headed west out of K'alar towards the boundry between Zanzer and Darvenner.