“Hey, can you please answer some questions?” I asked as I tried the door.

It was locked, “I already told you, keep this up and I’ll call the knights over!”

“Crow, some knights are walking this way,” Asmara warned.

I sighed, defeated, and left. That person seemed to know me, but thought I was an impersonator, a shapeshifter. Perhaps they knew me and were aware that I had ‘died’. I shook my head as I felt a headache coming on. If this was the case then I might have to start covering my face, who knows how many other people know me.

“Are you alright, Crow?” Asmara asked.

“Yeah,” I responded, “I just have more questions on my mind.”

Asmara didn’t respond but I could tell she was worried for me. We walked farther into the city, stopping before a grand library. It felt the most familiar to me out of anything else I saw in this part of the city. I stood in front of the doors for a moment before pulling my hood down and walking in.

I was in awe as I walked around. I marveled at the tall bookcases holding thousands of books and scrolls. I stopped in front of a row of books and pulled one from it. It was a book on beast tamers. I flipped through the pages, the contents of it felt familiar, like I had read the book before. My head spun slightly and I rested a hand against the bookcase to steady myself.

“Are you alright?” a voice said to my left.

I turned and saw a young man, no older than eighteen, “Yes, I am, thank you for your concern.”

He smiled, “I’m glad. Oh, forgive my rudeness, I’m Ali Von Lawrence. Pleasure to meet you.”

“I’m Crow, nice to meet you as well,” I replied in kind.

His face contorted, “Is that your actual name or–?”

“I just go by the name Crow, no worries,” I laughed.

He laughed as well before focusing on my shoulder, “And who is this?”

“This is Asmara,” I said as I took her into my arms.

“She’s a cute little thing,” he responded, “Oh right, I originally came over here because I was looking for that book in your hand. Are you using it?”

I shook my head, “No, it’s all yours.”

“Are you sure?” he questioned.

“I’m sure, I’ve read it through so take it,” I answered.

His eyes lit up, “Thank you very much, this will surely help my studies at the academy.”

“The academy?” I asked, confused.

“Yes, I attend the great Academy of Orilon. It’s where all aspiring mages, scholars, and soldiers go to learn and train. I hope to become a great scholar and serve the King,” Ali answered.

I nodded, “Thank you for explaining it to me. I’m new to the capital and wasn’t aware of this.”

“Um, if you’d like, I could tell you more about the capital,” He said.

“Aren’t you busy? Why would you take time to tell me about the capital?” I inquired.

He was quiet for a minute, “To be honest, I have had trouble trying to make friends at the academy. So I was hoping you and I could be friends, that is if you are okay.”

“Oh, well if you don’t mind, sure. It’d be nice to have a familiar face in this big city,” I agreed.

Ali’s face lit up once more, “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have to go soon, but how about we meet here tomorrow?”

“That’s fine with me, what time?” I responded.

“Very well, let’s meet at noon. Well, see you then Crow!” Ali responded before leaving.

I couldn’t help but to smile at the encounter. Ali seems like a good kid and besides, I need to learn more about the capital. I left the library as well, the sun was getting low in the sky. Arriving back at my room, I fell asleep almost immediately.

The next day, I made my way back to the library. As promised, Ali was already here, sitting at a table. He had a few books with him as well. After greeting each and making some small talk, he got into explaining the politics and economy of the capital.

We were there for what felt like hours before we took a break for some snacks. Some of the things he explained felt familiar to me but were nothing tangible. We were now seated at a table situated outside of a small shop.

“So Crow, what made you come to the capital?” Ali asked.

I took a sip of my tea, “Just out of curiosity, I’ve always lived in a pretty remote village and never been to the capital. I finally got the chance, so I came.”

“Oh, that’s amazing! You look no older than me but you’re already traveling. Are you part of a guild?” he questioned.

“Yes, I’m part of the Midnight Adventurer’s guild. I’m actually the newest member,” I replied with a slight laugh.

His face contorted to one of surprise, “Wow! To think you are part of that guild! You must be really special! What can you do?”

“Uh not really, I’m more of a porter for one of the parties,” I replied.

His face lost some of the awe, but he still talked about how great the Midnight Adventurer’s guild was. I felt bad lying to him, but I didn’t want to reveal what little I knew of myself to someone I barely knew.

We finished eating and headed back to the library. Ali began explaining the royal family and the nobles.

“Wait, you are of a noble family?” I asked, surprised.

He chuckled, “Yeah, I didn’t feel it necessary to tell you when we met. I didn’t want to make you feel pressured or uncomfortable with me just telling you without any reasoning.”

“I honestly should have expected, you just have that noble air to you,” I said.

Ali was silent, “Of Course, not in a bad way,” I explained.

He laughed a bit and he got back to talking about the royal family. Time passed and before we knew it, night was quickly approaching.

“Goodness, I should head back, I have school tomorrow. If you’d like we can meet here after I’m out of school, so sometime around four in the afternoon,” Ali said.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

I nodded, “That’s fine with me, sorry for taking up so much of your day.”

“No worries, I don’t mind,” he laughed.

We said our farewells to one another and both headed back home. It’s only been a day, but I feel like I have a better grasp on the outside world and even my foggy memories. Once more familiar things come to light, I’ll start to gain my memories back. I got back to my room and was greeted by Asmara with an expectant look on her face.

I sighed and reached into the bag I had, “As promised, I bought you some fine cured meat.”

She jumped up in joy, snatching the meat from my hands. She happily chewed on it as she savored the taste.

“Ah, this meat is the best,” she said with a satisfied sigh.

I couldn’t help but laugh a bit. Even though she is a high ranking mythical beast, she acts almost like a child in a sense.

The next day, I was free to do what I wanted until our scheduled meeting time, so I walked around the city. Naturally, I was careful to keep my face covered. I didn’t want a repeat of the incident with the apothecary. I couldn’t help but to think back on it, they assumed I was a shapeshifter, but why? Who did I look like to them? Who was I to them? These questions were only answered with a slight throb of my head.

I was frustrated, I had someone who had some answers to my questions, but they wouldn’t allow me to speak. If only they’d give me a chance to explain my situation, surely they would be more understanding. Without realizing it, I had wandered into the innermost part of the city. The part where the castle resides along with the royal family and the nobles.

There were only a few people about and those that I passed gave me strange looks. Perhaps it was because of the hood that obscured a majority of my face. I disregarded their stares and focused on finding more clues to my life before. It wasn’t long before I came across an odd sight. I stood before a set of gates that led to a destroyed estate.

My head throbbed painfully as I stood in front of the gate. Images flashed through my mind so fast it made me dizzy. One thing was apparent, I’ve been here before. Who did this estate belong to? What happened to it? My thoughts were interrupted by a voice,

“It’s a pity what happened to Alistairs.”

I turned my head quickly, “W-what do you mean?”

“The Noble Alistair, this was their estate that they were slaughtered in overnight,” they explained.

“Oh yes, I’ve heard of that, but I didn’t realize this was their home. Um, who are you by the way?” I responded.

They laughed a bit, “I apologize for my rudeness, I’m Gabriel. I’m an attendant for the young prince. I’m just out running some errands when I spotted you staring through the gates, deep in thought.”

“I’m Crow, pleasure to meet you,” I replied with a slight smile.

“Well, I’ll be going now, take care,” before he stopped and turned, “I can’t put my finger on it but you seem familiar. Have we met somewhere before?”

I was surprised, “Really? I’m not sure, could you tell me how I seem familiar?”

“I’m not sure, maybe the way you stand. It’s probably nothing, my brain isn’t what it used to be,” he answered with a laugh.

“Please, sir, I would really appreciate it if you could tell me if I’m someone you know,” I said as I pulled my hood off.

His brows furrowed, “I’m not sure, you look familiar but at the same time-” His face became one of shock before hurrying off.

“Uh, Sir?” I called after him.

“I’m really busy, please excuse me,” Gabriel said.

I stood there dumbfounded, what made him so shocked? I sighed as I decided to head to the library.. It should be close to the time me and Ali will meet.

***

“And you’re sure it’s him Gabriel?”

“Yes, your Majesty. His hair is white and his eyes are golden, but he holds a resemblance to ‘him’. I do believe it is him, although I can’t say how he is alive. What struck me as odd, however, is that he didn’t seem to recognize me. He almost seemed urgent for me to see if I recognized him,” Gabriel explained.

“I see, thank you Gabriel,” Nikolas said with a wave of his hand

Gabriel left the room and left Nikolas alone. Nikolas wasn’t sure how to feel, his emotions were as scrambled as he was.

“So, you’re alive after all,” he said under his breath.

He snapped his fingers and a dozen figures appeared out of nowhere.

“Search for Crow and when you find him, just keep tabs on him,” Nikolas said.

They bowed before they disappeared once more.

***

I was a bit late to our meeting, but Ali dismissed it. Ali explained many things to me, but my attention was elsewhere. I couldn’t help but to think back to my encounter with Gabriel and the ruined home of the Alistairs.

“Crow,” Ali said as he waved his hand in front of me.

I shook my head and focused on him, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“Are you okay? You’ve been in a daze for sometime and not to mention you’ve rarely asked me any questions,” Ali stated.

“I’m sorry, I’ve just been thinking about something,” I replied.

He folded his arms, “What is it?”

“Ali, do you know anything concerning the noble family Alistair?” I asked.

He was quiet for a moment, “Not really. All I know is that they were Beast-tamers and were killed twenty something years ago. Sorry, but why were you curious?”

“I should’ve known. It's nothing serious, their name came up one time so I was just curious about them,” I said with a sigh.

“I see,” he responded, “Oh wait, there is one thing I heard, but it’s just a rumor.”

My eyes lit up, “Really? What is it?”

He motioned for me to lean over as he did, “This is just a rumor, but apparently, the eldest son of the family was conspiring with a terrorist group to try and overthrow the previous king. This is just a rumor though, so take it with a grain of salt.”

I sat back and thought for a moment, “What was the name of this terrorist group?”

“I don’t know,” he answered with a shrug of his shoulders.

It wasn’t long after that, that we left the library and headed our separate ways. I was lost in thought, thinking about what Ali said. He said it was a rumor, but what if there was some truth to it. A chill went down my spine as I felt a feeling of being watched. I stopped and turned in a full circle, but I didn’t see anyone.

I sighed, I’m just being paranoid. The constant feeling of being watched persisted until I got to the inn. I hurriedly went up to my room where I was greeted by Asmara.

“Crow! I’m so happy you’re back. I’ve been so bored,” Asmara said as she jumped into my arms.

“I’m sorry, how about I take you with me tomorrow?” I apologized.

She purred, “Fine, I’ll forgive you.”

I laughed as I sat down on the bed. I looked out the window as that feeling of being watched came back. Asmara sensed something as well as she looked around, bristled up and growling.

“What is it? Is someone watching us?” I asked.

“Yes, they are outside. I can feel their presence. They are very strong,” she responded.

I looked out the window once more but couldn’t see anyone, “Are you sure?”

“Positive, my senses never lie to me,” she confirmed.

I calmed my racing heart, “Stay calm Asmara, don’t look alert. They might know we are onto them if you do. Just calm down, I don’t think they are here to harm us. If they were, I think they would’ve hurt us by now.”

She nodded and calmed back down. She got off my lap and laid on the bed; I could tell she was still very much alert. Who is it? Why are they following me? Could it be that they know who I am? But why don’t they just come and meet me face to face? Unless they were ordered by someone to follow me? But who?

Thinking about it gets me nowhere. I’ll just have to be careful of my actions, and hopefully I can find out who it is that is following me. I settled into bed and after tossing and turning for hours, I fell into a restless sleep.