Someone was knocking on my door. An annoying rapping, that wouldn't let me sleep. I lifted my head groaning, pushing my hair from my face. I wished they'd stop.

I threw my face back in my pillow. Trying to block out the sound. They didn't stop, banging their fists like a madman.

I rolled over, throwing off my blankets. Sitting on my bed, I stared sleepily at the wall. Who would honestly be knocking on my door at this hour? Light streaming in through my window, the sound of bird's chirping in the background. Maybe it wasn't as early as I thought...

With an exaggerated sigh, I got out of my bed, dragging my feet out into the common room. Plain discoloured walls, and a lone couch in the middle of the floor. My little shack was pathetic, but it was some of the best this run-down camp had to offer. Two rooms and a semi-leaky roof, I was living in luxury.

Another knock on the door. I grumbled, walking over. I opened the door, looking out. Diggery stood there with his hand raised to knock again.

"What?" I growled at him.

He smiled at me with his goofy grin. "You missed breakfast."

I frowned. "That's not that unusual."

He shrugged, pushing past me to get inside."I know, but I wanted to talk to you." He flopped on my couch, kicking his feet up.

"Go ahead, make yourself comfortable." I glared at him.

Diggery smirked, sitting straighter. "Wow, someone's grouchy today."

I crossed my arms. "You would be too if you got woken up like that."

"Sure." He laughed at me.

I walked over, sitting beside him. "What is it?" I ignored his smug grin.

"Last night took a dark turn. It was kinda cruel to wind them up like that." He stared at me, his eyes growing with concern.

I stiffened my posture, "Why do you care?" I muttered, looking away.

"Because, I don't have my own place like you. They wouldn't shut up! I hardly slept a wink." He threw his hands in the air.

"I'm sorry. I'll tell them a happier one next time."

His expression didn't change. His eyes, still searching, trying to figure me out. "It was different from your other stories, Phyn. Is it really a true story or did you make it up?"

I glared at him now, upset with his interrogation. "I said it was a true story, didn't I?"

"Ya, but all that talk of wizard's and stuff is pretty strange. Where did you hear that story anyway?"

He just stared at me expecting an answer. I didn't have an answer to give him. I wasn't going to tell him it was about me.

"The world's a strange place Diggery you better get used to it.”

He just rolled his eyes at me “Phyn you're so dramatic sometimes.”

I laughed, “No, Diggery, you're just an idiot.” I was only being dramatic because I knew better.

He gave me a sly grin.“But I'm your idiot.”

I shook my head. “Oh no, you're an idiot all on your own.”

"Ya well, I don't see anyone else applying for the job." He widened his grin. I shook my head. He was such a loon.

Diggery shifted in his seat, staring at me nervously."Thank you for earlier...with Rudolph," he said, quietly.

I shrugged, "It's fine, we're cool."

"No really… I don't know if Malachi would've stopped him if it was me."

He kept staring at me with guilty eyes. I wasn't sure what to do about it. I was glad he was sorry, but I'd be happier if I knew something like this wouldn't happen again. He needed to be more careful.

"Wait! Did you say it was after breakfast?" I stood up, abruptly.

"Ya why?" He blinked at me.

"I'm running late!" I hissed, running back into my room.

Frantically searching for a hair tie, I quickly pulled up my hair in an updo. My red curls were not cooperating well. It probably looked horrendous. I didn't have time to care.

Still wearing my clothes from yesterday, I gave them a quick whiff, turning my head. I was starting to understand the 'don't dress like a slob' comment.

"Don't come back here." I shouted, closing the door. Hopefully he'd have enough sense to listen. I threw off my tunic dress, sorting through my pile of remaining clothes. Pulling out the only piece that wasn't badly stained or ripped, I threw it over my head, adjusting the fabric.

Reluctantly walking out, Diggery smirked at me. “Woah, look who's a fancy lady today,” he said.

I shot him a glare, “Shut up.” I didn't need him teasing me.

He just rolled his eyes. “Learn to take a compliment, Phyn.”

I didn't have time for his snide remarks.

"You have to go." I said, physically standing him up.

"What why?"

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" I hissed at him.

"Eventually." He shrugged.

"Well, I have to get to work."

"What are you doing today?" he asked, staying in the same place. This was getting annoying.

"Stuff for Malachi. I can't talk about it"

Diggery rolled his eyes, "Course you can't. You never can"

"Diggery." I huffed, waiting.

"Fine, I'm going but you won't brush me off forever." He stopped, staring at me with his bright green eyes. "I will figure out all your secrets."

I rolled my eyes, "Don't be a loon."

Diggery laughed, walking out the door. "You should wear your hair up more often, it looks nice," he managed to say before I pushed him out the door.

My comeback coming out as a hiss. That boy just loved to get on my nerves.

I peeked out the window, making sure he really was leaving. Shoving my couch over, I pushed it towards the wall. Kneeling down, I pulled up on the loose floorboard. Wiggling it free, I revealed my secret stash. The gold lettering shining up at me, Atlas of the Buried Worlds. I smiled at my stolen book.

Pulling it out, I flipped it open to North Tetrad, finding Euphoria. The northern capital took its fair share of the section.

The atlas was detailed in exquisite patterns matching the elegance of the cover. The atlas contained one large map and many smaller. Each place had pictures of important landmarks and monuments. Throughout the book there were handwritten notes, noting vegetation, places to stop, warnings and general descriptions. Someone had taken great care to detail their travels in it.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Not that I really could make out most of it. I wasn't very good at reading, but I could pick out a few words.

I carefully examined the pictures of Euphoria, settling on a specific one in an area I knew. The Glory of Euphoria statue, a horse and his rider, decorated in ceremonial armour. A bearded man with bright eyes and a strong posture. I think the rider was supposed to be one of their kings. Probably the King during the Great War. A lot of monuments were built right around that time.

I memorized it, creating a mental image. Taking note of all the curves and edges. I had to make sure I got it right. I didn't want to end up in front of some other statue.

I closed the book, slipping it back under the floorboards. I used my body weight to slide the couch over, hiding the spot.

Scanning the room for my pack, I found it beside the door. I shuffled through it till I found the letter. Shoved in the side, it was a little crinkled, but salvageable. I attempted to smooth out the paper.

That seal, looking back at me, mocking me. Usually the same people used Malachi's mail channel. The slimiest nobles, wanting to keep letters away from prying eyes. Apparently someone new was sending letters, and that came with a whole host of questions. Questions that I wouldn't dare ask. I had enough sense to know when to keep my mouth shut.

I placed the letter back in my pack. Bringing my hand to my neck, feeling for the cord of the medallion. Important things to not forget.

I pulled my pack over my shoulders, quickly lacing up my boots. Time to get this mysterious letter to Euphoria. I shut my eyes, picturing my mental image of the statue. I focused on the face of it, trying to remember all the specific details. I built up the image in my mind.

In a burst of energy that rocked my posture, I opened my eyes to the enormous monument. His eyes staring back at me, the artist captured his expression well.

I was a good distance away, in direct line of sight. I stood in an alleyway, the street beyond, busy with people. I was grateful for the cover. It was better if no one saw me appear out of thin air, much safer that way.

Marveling at the statue in front of me I leaned against the stone wall. It stood higher than the picture showed, casting a dramatic shadow over the square.

I stepped out of the alleyway, moving across the marketplace. People shouted out their wares, adding to the crowd's chatter. Different smells mixing together. Fish being one of the strongest, not unexpected for a coastal city. Pastel coloured buildings, mostly blues and greens. Euphoria was a jewel to be sure, one of the cleaner cities.

I had to stay on my toes, ducking around people and their carts. Trying to get ahead of the crowd, without getting trampled. I had no time to dawdle, even if the smell of fresh baked bread was beckoning me to stay.

Turning the corner I caught sight of Euphoria's grand palace. Strutting into the sky, it's towers pointed straight up like fingers reaching to heaven. A dazzling white grey, it reflected the sun and almost glowed. It never failed to take my breath away no matter how many times I saw it.

People pushed past me, some purposely shoving me out of the way, none bothering to look up. I didn't know how they could ignore something so beautiful. I could stand here forever.

I shook myself out of the trance, keeping towards the grand palace. The coastal winds, pushing me onwards. The sun shone down, a promise of good weather. I didn’t mind working for Malachi on days like this.

There was a line pouring out of the main gate, stretching far down the cobblestone road. Someone's kid was crying, wailing in the background. Packages and carts, stiff frowns, everyone waiting with purpose.

I wasn't going to wait. I headed straight for the front, ignoring all the death glares I was getting. Pulling Malachi's medallion out, I swung it out in the open.

The guard at the front, followed me with his eyes. Stepping in front of my path, he moved menacingly towards me. "Miss." he threatened.

I lifted up the medallion. “Yes?” I watched the colour in his face change.

“Sorry.” He moved aside, leaving the person next in line to gawk at me. It paid to have powerful friends.

I stepped into the courtyard deciding against the front door. I made too much of a show at the gate, it would be best to keep a low profile here on out.

Even though most of the nobility made deals with Malachi, no one wanted to be singled out. They couldn't chance the 'controversy', certainly not in this 'political climate'. A fancy way of saying, what they really couldn't chance, was being accused of treason.

Ducking into the nearest side door I made my way inside. I walked down the pastel blue corridor. Gold floral patterning along the walls, it shone in the light.

I adjusted my pack, running up the first staircase I found. Stalking up two sets of stairs I went back into the hall. The doorposts were more elaborate here, carved with leafy designs. There was something familiar about this spot, I figured it was worth exploring.

The hallway opened up into a larger space. It didn't take me long to figure out why it looked so familiar, this hall led to the throne room.

A gentle hum of voices drifted over. Muffled sounds, growing to loud conversation. They must be holding court. It was probably the worst place for me to be if I wanted to remain unnoticed.

Sounds of a commotion erupting, I raised my eyebrows. Something was happening. My curiosity peaked, I drew closer to the door to listen. If I stayed quiet, I'm sure it would be fine.

Looking through the doorway, the lines of nobles stood, dressed in every colour. Elaborate embroidery, as good as art. They looked warily towards their king. Caught in a scowl, he sat back in his throne. A fat man with no witts, wrapped in layers of silks. As many layers as he had chins.

"You need to hear me out!" A voice yelled, echoing out through the room. Murmurs, rising in response.

I had heard that voice before... It was a voice I knew.

I peeked my head out more, searching for the speaker. My eyes caught on a young man with messy brown hair, he was being held back by guards. The boy from my story, my guardian angel. Fighting to break free, he attempted to continue his speech.

My heart was beating fast in my chest, I couldn't breathe. What was Luca doing here?

The fear left me paralyzed. Did that mean?...No this couldn't have anything to do with Bird-man. I stopped my panic, forcing myself to breathe. Luca wasn't here for me. His attention directed at the King of Euphoria, his warning was for him.

Luca pulled free from the reaching arms, running towards the center. "If you don't, you and your people will pay a heavy price," he spoke with desperation. The room, humming with talk. Nervous glances to one another.

What was Luca thinking? He was stomping all over court rules with no apparent exit strategy. They would eat him alive.

"Does anyone know who this boy is?" The King growled at the room. They all stood stiffly in their places, complete silence. No one had the guts to answer. Understandable, when the king was reminiscent of a grouchy old bulldog.

"There's a deal that will be put before you, a reaffirming of an old alliance. Turn it down!" Luca managed to yell before the larger guard yanked his arm back. He cried out, the sound echoing.

I winced, watching the pain on his face. I wished there was something I could do.

The king frowned at the guards. "Are you going to let this freak show continue? Get him out of here before I lose my patience."

I wrung my hands, trying to figure out a way I could fix this.

Luca looked up at the King, determination in his eyes. "If you don't listen, Euphoria will fall, the first of many great cities."

I shivered at those words, I didn't know what was behind them. What was coming for Euphoria and, for that matter, the rest of us? I knew well enough to trust Luca's predictions. They were the only reason I was still breathing.

They started to drag him out, Luca still fighting their limbs. "Turn it down!" he shouted once more, sweat dripping down his brow. He turned his head, looking in the direction of the doorway. His eyes faltered as they found mine.

I stepped back, stumbling out of view. Has he seen me? I wasn't sure. He surely couldn't have recognized me, not across a crowded room. It had been so long, there was no way.

I walked away from the doorway, taking a backward glance. I dragged my steps, daydreaming about saving the day. They wouldn't be able to stop me. I could jump in and out, before they could blink.

It was a nice thought, but a sure fire way of telling the wizard where I was. Too many watchful eyes. Being a hero would only put more people at risk. I had to remember that.

It didn't matter anyway. There was no time for this debate. I had to find Rayburn, no more distractions.

I started walking at a normal pace, the sound of footsteps behind me. I looked back, two guards following, coming out of the throne room. I almost tripped, turning my head back forward. Mildly panicking as I kept walking.

It was fine. We would just keep walking, minding our own business. We could all get where we needed to be. Except, I looked suspicious. I looked very suspicious. Just a random peasant girl, wandering the palace alone.

They were talking, whispering. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I knew it wasn't a good sign. I needed to get out of here. I took one quick glance back and I started running.

"Hey!" One of them yelled. I forced my legs to run faster. Turning the corner, I bounded up the stairs. I needed to get out of sight.

I knew where I was now, it wouldn't take long to find Rayburn. I just had to outrun two grown men. This was a stupid plan.

Getting to the top of the staircase, I spotted a closet. I ran inside, forcing my breathing to slow. Frozen stiff, in the dark, stuffy, closet.

Loud footsteps ran past the door, more than one person. I took a breath, waiting a second before slowly peeking back out. That was close.

I walked in the opposite direction of the footsteps, heading for Rayburns office. Turning the bend, I caught sight of the door. The wood trim, etched in gold. It stood out against the rest of the doors, very tacky.

I paused, dreading going inside. I didn’t want to deal with Rayburn. I looked over my shoulder. The guards could turn around at any minute and find me here. I shuddered, reaching for the handle. I hoped all this would be worth the orange.