Anaiis hastily roamed the bustling city streets, looking for an exit from his pursuers. His olive skin rippled as his tense muscles worked in overdrive to escape them. “Two guards behind and a hazard on the roof,” he smirked as he hastened his pace towards the central market. “Rodent, slow down!” a heavyset guard yelled from behind as Anaiis hurdled through merchant tables and weaved through beggers and city folk alike. He focused on his breathing and attempted to level his excitement; today he could not afford for death to call his name. He eyed the alley when a dart whizzed past his neck, landing in the general direction his momentum would have taken him. He halted abruptly and turned towards the now-only guard, waddling to a stop towards him. "Stop, sir, in the name of... oh dear, you stopped." Anaiis considered his dilemma as his hand slowly rubbed his neck. These men could not catch him; now the shell of a man on the roof... He analyzed his surroundings. The crowd, once heavy, distilled as those with common sense seeked to avoid the attention of the guards; remaining were none but the scattering of beggars and those with a pension for curiosity. “Do you know why we’re chasing you? the man gasped. Anaiis casually responded while keeping his peripherals away from his real danger. “Why yes, sir, I truly-"
The man interrupted, “You filthy rat, you." He staggered and began to puke. Anaiis steadied the man and was pushed back. “I’m fine! Leave your hands off me; don’t act innocent! Your attempt to use the Khatha!He spoke heatedly, “In public on our patrons holiday, no less. The penalty is death. Anaiis nodded once. “You speak the truth, except I was not attempting."the guards eyebwrows seemed to fuse in confusion. “What type of foolish argument is that, attempting or doing? Is it not the same? Hand yourself over and accept your punishment! Though no royal blood runs through your veins, show some nobility and die with respect!
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"Come now, exposed Anaiis, "this filthy rat could not so easily tear this city down." “Blasphemy!” the guard yelled. He looked towards the roof. “Shoot him, you half-witted buffoon; he is monologuing our town's destruction!" At that moment, with panther-like reflexes, Anais wrapped his arm around the guard's mouth and turned his pitiful excuse for a dagger, towards the guard's back. “I will not kill you, but you will also not prevent me from completing the business I seek to complete. Alert the thing on the roof to retreat, or I will skin you here and leave you for the vermin.
The man whimpered and instantly performed three rapid hand gestures. The creature on the roof stood as if on command, then splayed his hand in the air in another gesture, then walked away.
“He’s gone; I swear he is gone." Anaiis gently pushed the guard to the ground. The man bowed his head and appeared to weep in relief. “Tell me the codes.”
The guard stammered, “Sir, please spare me this shame. I was only just promoted to 3rd guard, he stammered. I was taken from my lands, and only until nine winters ago did I earn my freedom and work the ranks to where I am now. Please, sir, reconsider.”
Anaiis stood silently, and the guard raised his head feebly to look into his deep green eyes.
“It seems the sir is intent on his goals; may I ask your purpose?
At that moment, the sounds of hooves echoed towards them. “Anaiis silently berated himself for his compassion, then quickly sprinted, leaving the man, his goals, and his dreams behind for another day. He ran, and ran, and ran. He heard the thunder and claps of the horses and their men, thirsty for violence, when he noticed a store with its doors slightly ajar. He tumbled inside, immediately closed it, and rattled the door shut. He waited. 2 seconds, 3 seconds, the sounds of the horses passed by Anaiis, and he willed himself to relax his shoulders, his heart, and his mind as he turned around to meet the stranger.