~Tanrin~

Tanrin had pushed on and made up for lost time. He was now only trailing Mia by a short distance and biding his time to confront her. She had seen him coming earlier in the day. He had no way to hide his presence out on the open plain, but her exhaustion prevented her from making a meaningful escape attempt. If he was this tired, then she had to be exhausted, which would play in his favor. It was a game of attrition now.

As she drooped lower and lower in the saddle, he decided it was time to end the chase, and quickened his pace. He saw her grab a knife as he neared closer than shouting distance. He knew the girl’s skill level and knew he was in no danger. Thank goodness that she hadn’t thought to seek help in any of the many farming communities, but strove to avoid notice. Things could have been much more difficult than they had been. Despite this, and his anger and her theft, he still hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that there was more to her story than he originally thought. Maybe it was the travel weariness, or the extended chance to burn through his anger and frustration, but he was going to approach this differently than with the strength of arm.

Tanrin pressed on until he was riding by her side. “That’s a mighty fine blade you have there. Most riders hesitate to admire sharp objects while riding for fear of hurting their mount.” He thought he saw a flash of shame peek out of her exhausted demeanor before she regained her composure and sheathed the knife.

They rode side by side for a while, neither exchanging a word with the other. Tanrin had learned that silence, and leaving people to their own thoughts, could be powerful. If that was a genuine look of shame on her face earlier, then he could work with that. Thanks Mom. He saw her jaw muscle twitch out of the corner of his eye and interjected before she could say anything. “He almost died, you know. Thorben. It was a close thing.” She said nothing, but seemed to deflate a little. “He was still struggling when I left. I can only hope he is healing now.”

“What are you going to do with me?” Tanrin heard the fear creeping into her voice.

“Escort you to your cousin’s house, of course. The same thing I would have done had you but asked.”

She looked down, not able to hide her inner turmoil. “Why?”

“It’s the right thing to do,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders, ending the conversation.

Would she do the right thing? He hoped so. Part of him doubted it, but he’d give her the chance.

Eleytol came into view in the distance, and Tanrin could hardly fathom the sheer size of the place. He could see dark grey walls even from this distance. Towers that rose above them dotted the city’s view, and in the center of them all an ornate palace. They built the palace on a natural plateau that dominated the center of the sprawling city. It was breathtaking. Only magic could bring about such beauty. If she had made it here, I never would have found her!

Later that evening, they rode through the gates, gawking at the sights. “We should ask a guard for directions. Where does your sister live?” Tanrin inquired.

“Oh, she is close to the Southern Market. So not too far from here, I’m assuming. There is no need for you to escort me all the way to her door. I’m sure I’ll find it in no time.” Mia responded a little too quickly.

Tanrin kept his tone friendly. “I insist. My mother would never speak to me again if I left you alone in a strange town this size. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

“Maybe we should find rooms for the night. I’m sure the shops are closed for the day. We can ask around tomorrow.” Mia said, hiding her frustration well.

At this suggestion, they made their way towards the Southern Market area, passing several taverns as they went. Everyone knew better than to sleep in those traveler traps, highest priced rooms, meals, and worse of all ale. Instead, they found a slightly narrower, traveled road that seemed used by the locals and rode until they found a homely but respectable-looking inn. Tanrin stifled a chuckle at the name The Swanky Sword Inn. Though Mia’s look hardened a bit, she said nothing. Thorben glanced over at her. “Let’s try here. I have a good feeling.”

The stable boy met them as they dismounted. “Three silver a night stable fee, includes hay, oats, fresh water, a brushing and hooves cleaning. Shoeing is extra.”

Tanrin reached out his hand to shake. “Alright, an extra silver for you in the morning if things are in order.”

“Pay inside, mister. Old Man Baffin takes care of the fees. Tell him Dew sent you in,” the boy said, as he grabbed the reins. Tanrin grabbed his saddlebags and motioned for Mia to do the same. They then headed in to the mildly busy establishment. As they crossed the threshold, the smell of spiced stew drifted towards them, and Tanrin’s mouth started watering.

They headed to a table. An older portly man, with a couple straggly strands of hair desperately seeking to keep root in the bare landscape of his head, approached. “Welcome to The Swanky Sword. I’m Peregrin Boffin. What can I get for you?”

Thorben quickly responded before Mia had a chance. “Thank you, sir. We would like a room, and 2 bowls of whatever that delicious smell is. Dew is taking our horses to the stable, so we would need a night’s lodging for them as well. “

“Glad that Dew could take care of you so quickly! I’ll get you a key for that room. Grab a table and I’ll bring it out to you with your stew. All in, you’re looking at a 11 Silver, and 20 copper.” He said, pointing to a table and waited for a sign of acceptance.

Tanrin nodded his head and paid the man, plus a silver coin, for his troubles. Mia said, “One room!”

Tanrin shook his head. “I know you are short on coin from the way you fled your husband, and I only have a limited amount myself, especially with having to make an unexpected trip to Eleytol. Have no worries. You can take the bed, and I will sleep on the floor.”

Mia seemed to struggle between frustration and chagrin, but settled on frustration. Mr. Boffin brought the stew, and despite wanting an ale, Tanrin settled for the complimentary tea. They ate their meal in silence. The frostiness from Mia eased as her hunger was satiated. “Delicious. Should we head to bed? We can get an early rise in the morning and start asking around for your cousin.” Tanrin said. Mia nodded, and they headed up the stairs to their room.

~Mia~

Mia lay in the bed struggling to get her thoughts and emotions under control. Guilt clung to her. She didn’t like what she had to do, but it seemed like the gods themselves were punishing her. She needed to get back to her mom with enough coin to support them both. If she could join the guild here, she could go get her mom and resettle here in Eleytol. Sure, she’d left a note telling her not to worry, but Mia was her only child. What else would a mother do?

She had thought that she had gotten away clean from the inn, but that damn dwarf had found her. Even after using every trick she knew, he had caught up with her. At that point, she knew she was done for. Yet, he had ridden with her as though they were long-lost companions, with not a hint of violence or revenge. His words during the time since had cut her soul. He’d forced her to reflect on the depth of her betrayal, but it changed nothing. She felt terrible, and she would pay a price in the afterlife, but she was willing to do that.

For now, she had to figure out how to get out of this room. True to his word, Tanrin gave her the bed and camped out on the floor in front of the door. He insisted it was for her safety. “No one will get through me tonight. Sleep without fear.” He had told her.

The window was small. She could fit through, but it wouldn’t be quick or easy. Once out, she would have to scale a vertical surface to the ground level. Their room was on the third level of the building. Before leaving Andovale, she hadn’t realized that buildings could have over two floors. Even that was an extravagance that few in her home village could afford. She shook herself out of her reverie and forced herself to focus on the task at hand. There was a gutter pipe she could use to climb down, but aside from that, it didn’t look promising. Despite the risk, it was her only way to escape.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

She would have to wait until Tanrin was in a deep sleep and make her way out. Luckily, he hadn’t asked about the trialium. Her pack was laying next to the bed. She simply had to put it on and climb out. It took a few hours for Mia to work up the nerve to sneak away, but the time had come. He hadn’t moved in hours, and she was afraid if she waited any longer than she would fall asleep.

She had intentionally slept in her clothes, letting him think it was because of him being in the room, but knowing it would allow her to slip out into the night. She began the laboriously long process of easing the wool blanket off and shifting her weight incrementally off the bed and onto the wooden floor.

Before she had gone to bed, she had paced around the room, under the guise of getting settled, and had mentally marked each spot where boards creaked or squeaked. Each step was a lifetime. Each breath measured and controlled. After what seemed like an eternity, she slowly unlatched the window and pushed it out. As she was climbing out, she shifted her gaze to the downspout. “Going somewhere?” A Tanrin’s voice boomed. Her grip slipped, and she felt her body falling backwards. Their eyes met, both widening. She saw him dive to the window, but knew that he wouldn’t reach her in time. Her arms flailed wildly, reaching for anything she could, to no avail. She fell, full of regret, knowing that she could never make it right.

As she did, time slowed to a crawl. She saw her dad and mom playing with her on the floor of their kitchen. Her dad’s smile lit up the room. She saw the memory of the first time she had helped her mom at her loom, knowing that her mom had likely had to redo all her “work.” She recalled the many times that she had gone to job sites with her dad, sweeping up the debris, organizing tools, and eventually, he had taught her the craft. Not one for gender roles. He had told her she could apprentice with him when the time came, or follow in her mother’s footsteps. He would support and love her either way. She felt a tear trickle down her cheek as she closed her eyes and readied herself for a reunion.

~Tanrin~

Tanrin waited and waited for Mia to make her move. He had to give her credit; she was patient. At long last, she crept towards the window. As he was going off of sound alone, it was a bit of a guessing game to catch her in the act. He wanted her to be in a position where she couldn’t deny anything. Only then would he confront her. He waited a few moments after he heard the window hinges squeak and then popped up.

“Going somewhere?” He asked, louder than he intended. Laying silently in anticipation for hours would do that to you. He waited for her stammering reply, denying any wrongdoing, ready to verbally pin her down so she would see the error of her ways. It never came. He saw the look of panic in her eyes and dashed to the window. He reached his arm out, striving with his entire being to reach her in time. She was falling, and from this height, there was no doubt it would be fatal. He didn’t make it in time. His race to the window only ensured they locked eyes as she plummeted to the ground.

He turned and sprinted down the stairs. People lined the bar, looking to drown their sorrows. He looked over and screamed as he rushed out the door, “send for a healer!” He madly raced for the alley and found Mia laying unconscious. Throwing impropriety to the wind, he laid his head on her chest and could hear a faint thump, thump, thump. Ripping his shirt off, he gently lifted her head and applied, attempted to staunch the bleeding. Realizing things were beyond bad, he waited and prayed.

In what could have been minutes or hours, a robbed figure ran towards them. “Move, kid, don’t touch her!” Tanrin withdrew, recognizing the robes of a cleric.

What was a cleric doing here?

As soon as the man reached Mia’s side, a birth light lit up the alley. Tanrin’s skin immediately experienced goosebumps. This was no normal healing. Then the cleric looked at him and said, “When I am done, get us both into a room to rest. If I do this, I will be at your mercy. You will be in my debt, and she will be in yours. Do you vouch for this agreement?”

Tanrin nodded numbly.

“Good, get to it,” the cleric responded.

Once again, a bright light emanating from the cleric flooded the alley. Tanrin couldn’t see anything, his vision gone, seared away by the holy light of the cleric’s healing. He closed his eyes and blindly stumbled backwards. After a few moments, the light died down. Tanrin sprinted into The Stolen Sword and grabbed Dew off the chair by the door. “Hurry, help me carry them in!” He demanded, as he drug him into the alley.

They carried the cleric and Mia into the third floor room. Dew grabbed a cot from another room and set it up next to the girl. After everyone was situated and resting, Dew retired for the night, while Tanrin once again leaned against the door, praying until sleep claimed him.

~Mia~

Mia’s eyes fluttered open. She felt refreshed, but knew she shouldn’t move. An unfamiliar man sat on a cot next to her, and as she woke he said, “Rest, miss, I am a cleric of the goddess Gaia. By all rights, you shouldn’t be alive. My goddess has seen fit to restore you, but you need rest. Go back to sleep. When you awake, I will explain everything to you.” He waved his hand in front of her eyes and she fell immediately back into a deep slumber. Her soul felt at peace for the first time since her father died.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but her eyes opened again. The cot was gone, but the man was sitting in a chair sipping a cup of tea. “Welcome back, Miss Mia.” the cleric greeted. “I sensed you would wake soon, and sent Mr. Tanrin to get food. My name is Dylan Hygeia, acolyte of the goddess Gaia. You suffered a fall from the window in this room. My goddess arranged for me to be near, so I could heal you. She would like to have a word with you when you feel up to it.”

“I’m alive?” Mia said.

“Very much so, my dear.” Dylan assured her.

“A goddess wants to talk to me?” She asked in disbelief.

“Without a doubt, my dear girl, without a doubt.” Dylan responded with a smile.

The moments before the fall replayed in Mia’s mind. She couldn’t believe that she was alive! It was a surety in her mind that she would have woken up to her father, and had a good old heart to heart, in whatever afterlife there was. However, that wasn’t the case. She was alive and well, and Gaia wanted to have a conversation. There was no better time than the present. “Alright Dylan, tell Gaia it’s a date.”

A golden light swirled out from Dylan’s eyes, reaching out to Mia’s forehead. She thought about dodging and running, but then realized that she had agreed to this. As the light whisked her away, she found herself in a field of flowers whose beauty was without compare. She was completely at peace. A gorgeous woman, whom Mia took to be Gaia, stood beside her in a white toga. Her beauty was literally beyond description.

“Greetings child.” Gaia greeted her.

“Ummm…. hello. Where are we?” Mia asked.

“We are in the inn, where your body lies, yet we are not. Do not think more about it. The ‘where’ does not matter. The ‘why’ is what concerns us.”

“I should be dead. Explain how the why concerns us.” Mia stated as her ability to reason returned to her.

“My interaction with the world is limited. I am constrained by the need to use my servants as intermediaries. I arranged for him to be near when you needed him, though I underestimated the degree of your injuries.” Gaia continued. “He utilized a healing spell that ties the level of healing required to a debt factor that is subconsciously imposed by the recipient of the spell. Thus, your return to the land of the living comes at the expense of whatever self imposed penalty you created in the moment of need.”

It baffled Mia. “What would a goddess need with me?” She asked, her untrusting nature reasserting itself.

Gaia walked past her and sat on a bench that Mia was sure hadn’t been there a moment before. The goddess patted the bench next to her. “It might be best if you sat down.” Mia walked over and sat down, keeping her eyes on Gaia’s…. eyes. She hid her offense if she felt it. If anything, she perked up a bit. Mia realized she was staring again as a coy smirk appeared on the goddess’s face, and quickly brought her roving eyes under control. She’d never fancied a woman, but damn if she wasn’t tempted. Her earlier joke of a date brought a flush to her cheeks.

“Lines are being drawn, and teams chosen. You, child, have a role to play and I would see you prepared for what is to come.” Gaia said with a seriousness that brought a tinge of fear to Mia’s heart.

“What is to come?” Mia quested as she turned to stare off into the distance.

“Giving some information too early would cause more harm than good, so we must understand it at the right time. The answer to your questions is such information,” Gaia answered. “All I will say at this point in how you perceive time is trust the wraith.”

Mia blinked as she turned to ask Gaia what a wraith was, only to find herself staring at the face of the exhausted cleric. Her disappointment must have been evident, as he tiredly chuckled in good humor. “She is something else, isn’t she?” He asked as he eased back into the chair.

“She is.” Mia replied simply. “She mentioned a debt. What do I owe you?” She had never felt comfortable being indebted, and wanted to clear this as soon as possible.

“I think you may have misunderstood. There is a debt, but it is between you and him.” He nodded his head towards the door just as Tanrin opened it and entered the room.

“You’ve got to be kidding me?!” Mia exasperatedly whispered.

“I am not. You will feel a tug to fulfill the debt owed, which will only grow stronger the more you resist it. My magic ensures that nobody can use the bond with ill intentions, nor can they use it to subjugate you. Aside from that, other requests will trigger a guilt response within your personal honor. Of course, it’s not possible to force you to do anything. You are a sovereign individual with all the liberties that entail, but you set the price for your healing and are now honor bound to fulfill it.”

“What exactly is the price?” Mia was desperately looking for a way out of this situation.

The cleric simply shrugged his shoulders. “Only you can discover that. You will know when it has been paid.”

“She doesn’t owe me anything,” Tanrin interjected. He turned his eyes towards her, “You don’t owe be a debt. I’m just happy you are alive.” As Mia looked at him, she could sense his sincerity. She grabbed her pack that was resting on the floor by the bed, reached in and pulled out the package of trialium, and tossed it to Tanrin. “Does this make us even?” She asked, eyes brimming with tears. She desperately fought back the tears, knowing that her chance at becoming a Master Thief who could provide for her mother’s every need was gone.