"Well, you're a goldmine. That's what you are!" grunted the thug, scanning her from head to toe, his long neck towering over her like a ladder.

Audra shook her body with all her strength, but the bony arms that held her squeezed too tight. She tried to kick her captor's feet with her heel, but he dodged the foot and exerted more pressure on her body. She felt his warm breath over her ear, then she tried to head-butt him, but he turned his face away before she could.

"Calm down, sweetie!" she heard him whisper next to her ear.

She tried to speak, but the wet hand held her face firmly. Resistance was futile.

Suddenly, she heard a deep voice behind her, as if it came from a mountain cave. "Hey! Why not mess with someone of your size? Leave the girl alone!"

Audra turned her neck as far as she could and caught a glimpse of a wide guy with damp, tousled hair and a sheathed sword dangling from his waist. He pointed at the thugs who had captured her and looked at them with his chin up and frowning. His eyelids looked like bags, and a deep, pale scar crossed his left eyebrow.

The man took a step forward and approached the one who was covering her mouth and attacked with a slow and clumsy punch. He lost his balance and fell like a sack of potatoes.

Just a drunkard trying to be the hero.

The thugs in the alley laughed like hyenas.

Audra swallowed. Suddenly, Audra's captor fell to the ground, and her along with him, and crawled upside down from one side to the other. Audra turned her head and noticed that the drunk was holding the boy by the ankles and dragging him down the stone street.

The tall thug drew a knife, sharp as a needle, and shouted, "Who do you think you are?"

The drunkard raised his fists to a fighting stance and pouted. "Coward! Men fight with equals. I do not draw my sword because I am a man of honor!"

Audra stood up slowly. She felt like someone had stirred her brain with a spoon, as if someone was making Wodanian potato soup. It hurt, especially when she turned her neck to the left side. Beside her, the boy who had held her stood up with a leap, blood pouring from his nose, and a hand trying, in vain, to stop the bleeding.

The drunk moved his head from side to side like a boxer. He approached, pulled back, and punched the wind.

"I will give you what you deserve, you villain!" he shouted, revealing six full teeth, and the rest were empty spaces.

The man stood up and threw a right hand with the weight of his whole body, but the tall thug dodged him like a lynx and responded with a blow to the nose. The gentleman fell on his back with the sound of a sack of eggs breaking, then stopped moving. The other two thugs rushed to kick his face with iron boots.

Audra closed her eyes as soon as she saw the blood spilling onto the floor. She turned and ran, but felt a hand cling to her wrist. She pulled harder, but now she was held by two hands covered with wool gloves."Where do you think you are going? The tall guy looked at her and yanked her close.

"Leave me alone!" Audra tried to break free with all her strength. "I do not know who Varunas is! She looks like me, but it's not me."

The others looked at her, and the tall one held both her wrists. He pulled her close to his body and looked into her eyes. Audra swallowed. Her legs trembled as if they would collapse, but she took a deep breath. She had to get away at any cost.

"What? It's not you?" The tall one looked at her with an arched eyebrow. "There is no one else in this country with one green and one blue eye!"

"No, no. Do you think Varunas would dress like me? She is an expert thief, and I have heard she has very good taste! The eye color is just a coincidence. It's a disease caused by an excess of moonlight. I swear!"

The thug looked her up and down, his mouth twisted, and his eyes curious.

"It makes sense," he said and looked at his friends.

"Even better!" said the boy with sweaty hands. "If she was that rich woman, they could send someone to find us. Yes, if you are poor, as you say, we can do what we want, and nobody will come looking for you. Don't you think it's better, guys?"

The other two looked at each other as if solving an equation.

"It seems like a good idea to me," said the other boy who had been silent until then, so short that he was almost a head shorter than she was.

"Yes," the tall one continued. "It is a very economically sensible and humble idea."

"Well, I have a better idea." Audra cleared her throat. "What do you want? Girls? I'll take you to a place where you'll find the best girls. There is everything: beer, fights, everything you want."

"Do not change the subject!" grunted the tall one. "We are talking about how you are not Varunas. So who are you?"

"Does that matter? I'm nobody!"

"It matters. If you're Varunas, you have a lot of money. If you're nobody, what do you have?"

"You know what..." She tried to hide the fact that her legs were shaking. "I work at a cheap, humble bar, where there are also many girls. It is the merriest place in the city. The girls are waiting for guys like you; they love tall guys. And there is another girl who would die for a short guy!"

"Who are you calling short!" yelled the short one.

"Are you serious?" The one with the sweaty hands had his eyes open like a plate.

"Of course! Come with me," said Audra.

"Wait, wait." The tall one lifted his hands. "I have been to many taverns. What's the name?"

"It's new! The name is… The Queen of the Merry Dragonflies and Sons."

"Oh. Is it?"

"Come, you are gonna enjoy it," she said, and as soon as the sweaty-handed guy let go for a second, she ran like a hare, tears streaming down her face and her heart beating fast like the drums of a polka. She turned the corner, her eyes set on the tavern illuminating the street like a lighthouse in the middle of the night sea."Help!" she shouted, looking back and running down the stone street until she reached the door and entered as if to save her life. The customers looked at her in surprise, while some seemed to speak of her from their tables. She stopped abruptly, her hands on her knees, and breathing as if she were about to drown.

"They wanted to kidnap me!" she gasped, but the crowd seemed unwilling to help her.

However, when she looked up, she noticed that a waitress with curly hair approached her with wide green eyes. She extended her hand and helped her stand up.

"My gods, you look frightened. It's fine, it's fine." She smiled like an old friend. "Did they hurt you?"

Audra shook her head, her eyes fixed on the ground, facing the opposite side. She could not let her see her eyes, or else she would recognize her. Suddenly, the waitress looked back at the long-mustached bartender, who filled a pint of beer behind the bar. His hair was curly like the girl's, and there was a kinship in the features; he was probably her father.

"Come here." The girl took Audra by the hand, guiding her to the opposite side of the tavern, to a table in the corner near the bar, while Audra tried to contain her trembling body. She glanced out the window and saw those who had wanted to kidnap her, looking in and whispering to each other as if debating whether to enter or not.

"With what were they..." The girl looked out the window and shook her head. "Those three again? We've seen them more than once. Be careful, they are the worst kind of stalkers. Let's see, sit down for a moment, and take a deep breath. Are you feeling better?"

"Much better," Audra sighed.

"Would you like something to drink?" The girl lowered her face, looking for Audra's eyes, but Audra did not dare look up. Her kindness could fall apart if she found out who she was.

"Just a little tea, please," Audra said, keeping her eyes lowered.

"All right." The girl turned and walked to a door behind the bar, where Audra caught a glimpse of steaming pots and bottles on the shelves. Audra turned her back against the customers, some of whom still looked at her strangely or curiously, and kept her gaze fixed on the table, her long hair hiding her face.

The girl returned with a wooden tray and a cup of steaming tea, accompanied by a porcelain spoon and a jar of honey. It gave off a soft smell of jasmine. She poured a dollop of sticky honey and took a sip. She immediately felt the honey fill her with energy.

"Thanks," Audra whispered with her eyes still fixed on the floor and with her hand covering her face.

"No need to, relax for a moment. I'll get back to work. Just let me know if you need anything." The girl turned around and returned to her customers.Audra sighed. Her mind reviewed what had just happened, disappointed in herself that she had run away. She wished she could have melted their faces or burned their wicked skins. Yes, she was a woman who had never learned to defend herself, but something in her made her want to be able to. Maybe it was what her father said long ago, the Varunas clan had warrior blood; that of the first Sarmatians who came from the East in their iron chariots from the land of the great empires. But that was another story. Sure, her ancestors would be disappointed. She had run away again and knew that she could not spend the rest of her life escaping and hiding.

She wished to defend herself without having to hide anymore. She wanted to be able to distribute justice. But how could a skinny, skill-less girl do it?

The waitress was back at her side, interrupting her thoughts. "I think I've seen you before."

And her words made her lose the sense of security that had just filled her. "Me?" Audra hid her face even more behind the teacup. "I do not think so. I do not usually come to the city."

Audra let out a silent prayer.

"Oh, you're from outside," the girl said, her voice soft and sharp.

"Yes." Audra cleared her throat. Did she know who she was?

"From far away?"

"From the outskirts, but not really that far."

"That's good. My name is Sura."

"Ad... Adela," Audra said.

"Pleasure. And what brings you to the city at this time?"

"I'm looking for my aunt."

"Your aunt? What's her name?"

"Talia," said Audra, and she looked up without thinking. Suddenly she remembered that she could be recognized and hid her pupils again, looking away.

"Wait." Sura approached her and bowed. Audra hid her eyes behind her reddish mane. She didn't answer. "Let me see your eyes!"

Audra felt her heart sink into an abyss. She swallowed.

"Come on, let me see you. Is everything alright?" Sura insisted.

Audra raised her head.

"Those eyes... One blue and one green."

Audra was ready to run.

"They're very pretty." Sura smiled. "I have never seen eyes like that."

Audra sighed and felt so foolish that she thought she deserved to be devoured by the earth. "Thanks," she whispered.

"And... You told me. Her name is Talia. I know a Talia, Talia of Miljonukas."

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Yes." Audra raised her head, eyes wide open. "Do you know her?"

"Of course. We buy her beer."

"You do not know how long I was looking for her! Does she live nearby?"

"She lives in a very old neighborhood, but yes, it is nearby."

Audra took another sip and put the mug down.

"Could you help me find her?"

"It would be a pleasure! I can help you tomorrow morning."

"I cannot waste time, my brother is alone at home."

"Your younger brother?"

"He's my elder brother, but... Something happened to him. He is very hurt at home, and I am taking care of him."

"Wow, you are definitely a good sister. And you do not have any more family?"

"No," Audra said with a sigh. "I'm so sorry," Sura said, laying her hand on Audra's shoulder. Behind her, the waiter's voice was heard calling her, and Sura turned with disenchantment in her eyes. "Sorry, I'll be back with you in a minute." She sighed and smiled at Audra. "If you want to take something else, let me know."

Audra spoke instinctively. "Could I please have some bread?"

Sura's smile did not change, but her gaze did; her eyebrows sank like a mountain and her eyes shone with mercy.

"Of course, just give me a few minutes." She turned and walked toward the kitchen.

Audra leaned her head back and stretched her arms. Fate had smiled at her, and she was happy despite the hunger and pain in her feet. She leaned forward, finished her tea in one gulp, and placed it on the edge of the table. At that moment, with her eyes toward the entrance, she saw a thin man walk across the threshold, wearing a rough coat that clung to his thin skin. She seemed to have seen him before.

But as soon as she saw the necklace with the icon of a horse hanging from his neck, she felt her skin turn pale and swallowed.

It was the scrawny guy who had tried to stone her that morning. She hastened to lower her head and hide it behind her hair. But would he recognize her with her unique, wavy, and pumpkin-spice-colored hair? She glanced sideways and saw the boy order and sit by Sura's side, with one arm on the bar; looking around, as if searching for old acquaintances or new faces to talk to. Audra wished she could use the book's invisibility spell. Yes. Maybe it worked the previous time and she did not notice! Everene navarara. And badum, make me invisible, please.

Suddenly, Sura appeared at the side of the bar and poured a black beer for the boy with the necklace, both spoke with wide smiles and sporadic laughter. Sura locked her eyes with Audra's, and suddenly she raised her hand with a raised index finger, pointing to her.

Audra felt that the world was falling on her, with mountains, sky, and even the wall that held the stars. The boy rolled his eyes at her and smiled wickedly. He made a comment, with an even bigger smile, and the waitress laughed.

What was it? Was he Sura's boyfriend? Surely, he was going to ruin her reputation against Sura and start a high-priced pursuit. They were going to lynch her. They were going to humiliate her, or worse.

Sura's gesture changed, the smile faded and became pure surprise. Audra tried to read her lips, but she did not understand a word.

Audra knew what to do immediately, what she had done every time she encountered deadly dangers. She stood up and started walking between the tables, toward the door, avoiding eye contact with the two. "Adela," Sura's voice echoed behind her amid the murmurings, but she did not stop her march toward the exit and the darkness outside, avoiding the tables and the strange looks. Suddenly, she collided with someone. She looked up and found the scrawny boy with a crooked smile and dark hair glowing under the tavern lanterns.

Anger surged inside her. The bruise on her head still hurt.

"Hi there, Adela," said the lanky guy, his green eyes shining like jade.

"Adel, let me introduce you to my brother, Wil," Sura said next to her.

Audra's tongue got stuck like a mechanical toy.

"I see she's a little shy!" Wil smiled at his sister.

"I'm glad you two can get to know each other. Wil! Make her feel at home!"

Audra smiled but hoped that Sura would notice that something was wrong with her smile. Sura tapped her on the shoulder.

"Wil will help you find your aunt's house! He delivers packages of grain and brings beer barrels from there every week."

Audra's tongue did not respond.

"Let's not waste time." Wil turned and walked toward the door.

What to do? Should she tell Sura what had happened and cause a scene? Or should she act as if nothing had happened in the morning? Yes, who says she did not believe in giving second chances?

Or maybe the best option was to get out of there as soon as possible... No, she was not going to escape again. She had made a promise to herself. Besides, how would she find her aunt like that?

It was time to prove herself. This time, she was not going to run away. She was going to make things clear.

She cleared her throat. "A pleasure." Audra extended her hand. Wil did not seem surprised and gave her a firm handshake.

"Are we going now?" he said.

"You are in good hands." Sura touched Audra's shoulder. "My brother is a very responsible man who always helps us in everything."

"I can imagine. I guess they've never had problems with him." She laughed uncomfortably, and Wil's smile grew wider.

Audra looked at Sura as if something was missing.

"Ah! You're right," Sura said. "I'll be back shortly." And she turned around to go back to the kitchen.

Suddenly, Audra's smile faded.

"What do you think you're doing?" Audra lowered her voice and looked at Wil with disdain. "Do you think I forgot what you did to me? You chased me a block and threw a rock at me? Do you think it's funny?"

"Listen! Things happen, you understand, sometimes emotions take over us, and here, there is not only one person with a reputation to protect. Forget about it!"

Audra frowned.

"Adel, come sit!" Sura was calling from the table where minutes ago she had proposed to hide, in the corner next to the bar. She had served them two buttered pieces of bread and two beer mugs, one for Audra and one for Wil. The two forced a smile and sat down to eat without looking away from each other.

Audra thought about the power she had to destroy the boy who had given her the fright of her life in the morning. Maybe it was a service to the community. Yes, now she was in control. She cleared her throat and looked him in the eye.

"You know, I let you come with me, but you'll behave. Is that understood?"

"Who are you to tell me what to do? I do what I do because my sister asks me to. It's a business, and I'm a part of it."

"What does it have to do with business? Don't you have a bit of honor in you?"

"What's wrong?"

"But stoning people for no reason is a nice hobby, isn't it?"

"You threw a rock at that woman. What did she do to you?"

"That was an accident! I did it because you wanted to stone me!"

"Who says I threw the stone?"

"I would trust you when it came to throwing stones at people who haven't done anything to you."

"How can you say you've done nothing? You know what they say! I saw the play, 'Summer with the Varunas! And The Scammers of Ladania.' My sister doesn't like to see those shows, but I told her all about them. I could ruin your reputation in a second too! I haven't done it because I don't like seeing my sister cry. But I would do it for the good of the community."

"And everything is a lie. I haven't done anything like that at all in my life! It's all a bunch of lies! Do you want to know what really happened? We had financed a ship that never arrived. We know it went to the Eastern Sea, and then it disappeared. We don't know what happened, if it was pirates or what, but we were left without profit. He said he would pay for security. I don't know if he did. We can't even find records. In the end, neither Siwelzac acquired his merchandise nor got any of the money. Much less me."

"So you say it's Siwelzac's fault?"

"How can I not accuse him if he is at fault? I mean, we both invested, and neither of us got anything back. How could we ask for the money if the ship just vanished without leaving a trace? And don't get me started on what his men did at our castle. My brother went out to negotiate, and his part was to get three horses to dance on top of him and a beating. Just for trying to be civilized with that hero of yours, Count Siwelzac."

Wil did not change his expression but kept silent.

Audra bit into the bread without thinking and chewed slowly.

"Are you going to drink the beer or not?" said Wil.

"Let's go now, and let's get this over with once and for all."

"Whatever you want," Wil said again and forced a smile, making his sister think she had made a match. Audra jumped to her feet. She had lost her appetite.

Behind the bar, Sura winked at Wil, and Wil agreed to encircle Audra's arm with his. Audra did not allow it, so she pulled her arm away immediately.

"Thank you, Sura," Audra said as she went out into the cold street, and the smiles faded from their faces again. She looked at Wil with a frown."I hope that at this point, you have enough honor to apologize for what you did this morning."

Wil stepped forward and guided Audra. "Yeah, you're right. That's over."

"You deserve to get a rock thrown at you."

"It's all over, Audra!"

"I think all you wanted to do was to impress your thug friends."

Wil took a deep breath and stopped at the crossroads, then pointed at the street before them. "You see that path? The only house with a violet roof is that of your aunt."

"Good. Thank you."

"Now, Audi, before you leave... Just one more thing."

"What?"

"I deserve something because I helped you, don't I? Otherwise, you could not have made it."

Audra raised an eyebrow. She was ready to run and hit him.

"What?"

"Come on, just a kiss. On the lips. A nice one."

Audra slapped him with all her might. Wil stood, his head turned, speechless.

She gritted her teeth, then shouted, "You chase me around and then try to stone me with your friends. And now you ask me for a kiss. I thought you had at least a little common sense!"

"It's the least I deserve for how I helped you! Also, remember, I could just tell my sister who you are!"

"What do I care? The only ones who care about that gossip are the people who have nothing better to do, like you."

"Now you can say nothing to my sister! Let's go!" Wil approached and held Audra's hand.

Audra felt her blood burn like molten iron, locked her fingers between Wil's, and pulled upward. Wil let out a scream so loud that lanterns were lit in three houses, and an old woman came out to see what strange thing was going on.

"I've had enough of you! I hope you learned the lesson, little brother Wil!"

"Stop now!" Wil growled.

Audra released him immediately and sighed. "Thank you for bringing me here," she said and ran to her aunt's house.