Jezebel finished hunting for rats taking a bite out of its ribs as she walked out of the hospital. Since the hospital didn't have food she could eat but did have a rat problem, at least she could wash the blood off her face at the wash bowl.

After long thought it had to be tonight the night of the dead all she needed was a mask. Goblins didn't venture out of their crude tents tonight; it's my only chance of reaching the town. I hope I’m not making a huge mistake. After all I’ve been out once and once was enough but if I do this I’m bound to be accepted by the people. I know I will! I just need one more thing. People were staring at her but she's used to it by now searching the village for a mask shop. there!

A mask cart for the night of the dead I just need one of those to stand a chance out there it was ran by a fat man running it selling good quality masks “excuse me I need a mask” Jezebel asked he looked up at me

“well which one” seeing all of the colorful masks one caught her eye a horse mask made out of wood

“that one” pointing

“eight coppers”

“actually I need it for nothing” he chuckled until he saw my dead serious face

“you have some nerve” he began

“I I’m going tonight to get help but to do that I need a mask so I need it free if I don’t get help you can ask the goblins outside the walls if they will leave anything for you to sell after there done with you” with startled expression he handed it to me then waved me off with a scowl on his face back at the hospital.

She sat down next to Hector trying to keep her voice low so as to not disturb the others sleeping nearby. “I’m almost ready to leave” Safiya sat on the bed, shoulders slumped

“You can’t leave” Safiya protested “I have to, I'm faster than anybody here”

“why? no one will appreciate halfbreed help”

“Of course they will. you’ll see and besides your sitting here aren't you if I do this we could make a home here” Jezebel said whispering the last part Hector looked so depressed must be all that time alone. “Keep an eye on Hector for me ok” Jezebel whispered, not waiting for a reply she hurried out it was almost night time Syfiya shook a fist at her as she left.

The sun was barely visible on the horizon. putting on her horse mask to get to the mill passing scared people as they hurried into their homes or to see if any one will take them in for the night. The mill slowly turned climbing was no issue this time, easily pulling her own body weight getting ready to glide as the sun set. the wind was picking up to the north taking a deep breath then jump off and unfolded her wings gliding well over there camp which doesn't mean much their timberwolves would over take her in seconds if she didn't move fast but gliding was always exhilarating this time even more so with the wind making her sore.

She landed on the dirt road at a run hoping she could make it but the dead began to appear whitish blue spirits. following her with horror, a woman and a man a couple? While following her at a shocking speed running with everything she had. but they were gaining on her whirling around her. keep moving forward she tripped over something more sprites circled around her laughing as they closed in. Is my mask alright? All of this made her stressed and scared, her heart thundering in her chest. screaming a long screech but it felt weird. Everyone scattered in all directions and she resumed at a brisk pace. She felt cracks on the mask's nose, nothing to be done about it now what happened? Did I scare them away? Does it matter? The wind picked up speed, helping her move forward.

Running again in the countryside had woods to the east and planes everywhere else spirits gathered in the fields dancing Around the altars for the dead tall scarecrow-like structures out of straw with the face lit up with whitish blue flame passing it by, she tried not to get desecrated, just keep moving, slowing down to a walk trying in vain to wipe the sweat running down her eyes. There was no wildlife as far as the eye can see, not even birds flying or anything after hours of walking and running, when she could see the town on the horizon passing farms and fields filled with the dead

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Finally collapsing at the gates trying to get enough air. rubbing her legs they burned with fatigue. the gates were closed now what? At least it looked like a prosperous town. Hopefully the local lord or lady can muster enough militia and man-at-arms to deal with this and a king brings a lot of bodyguards, finally getting up dusting herself off.

“Do I know you?” a gruff voice said a spirit soldier said guarding the gate she froze and her mouth went dry

“no” Jezebel whispered, he regarded her with a suspicious expression

“you sure?” running around to the east gate. There has to be another gate I can use slowing down to see if he was following and found nothing. There wasn't another gate open. I'll just stay here till morning. The sun’s coming up anyway, right? Sitting up against the wall using my wings like a blanket. After a while the sun started to rise and the wind died down. I feel sick. Why did it have to be me? Well I volunteered for this.

the spirit went back to the spirit world at the gate no one was in sight so climbing the palisade wall claws digging into the bark pulling herself over the wall and gliding down to the street and walking down to the inn. The king has to be there. I mean his castle is not here so he must be staying at the inn ya that sounds about right. she came across what she assumed was the inn. a large white building and she found that the door was locked. Well here goes. she started banging on the door, waited for a minute then again finally a man opened the door weary eyed, bald and pudgy but not fat in his sleeping clothes.

“stop banging on my door what you want!”

“I have a message for the most important person in your inn. I've had a long night to get here so open up!”

“Do you now? why would they send a halfbreed if an important message needs to be brought and on night of the dead at that” the innkeeper said closing the door

“I’m serious'' Jezebel called. I don't have time for this, backing up a little ways then ran into the door shoulder bashing the door. Crashing through with a loud crash as the door came off its hinges. She laid on the door before getting up immediately.

“I said I don’t have time for this” the innkeeper gasped and shook with fright “this way” he said she had to duck her head upon entering on up to the second floor to a fine door no servant where up yet.

“Sorry about your door but I’ve had a tough night” Jezebel said knocking he didn’t reply he just backed away slowly towards the stairs the door opened and a woman with white hair looked shocked to see her.

“I have a message for your king looking at the finely dressed man in his middle years and the red haired man about Jezebel's age whose eyes light on fire as they stared at each other until a woman in her middle years spoke up

“What's the message?” Jezebel blinked as if shaking out of a trance.

“the village just south of here is besiege by goblins and in need of aid”

“They have become bolder,” the older man said, looking grave.

“We must hurry and warn the king” the younger man said

“Falkner we need a little rest or will be no good if we show up like this” the older woman said Falkner frowned at that but nodded

“Can I come in?” Jezebel asked the white haired woman moved out of the way. I'll take that as a yes. It was a nice room I thought before collapsing to a chair holding my head in my hands. I'm so tired a little rest will do me good but Safiya and Hector can’t hold out much longer they need help now! Curling up in a ball on the floor then went to sleep a man woke her up nicely dressed tall and lean with a well trimmed beard.

“I believe you want to get up” pushing herself up he seemed shocked at her height

“what happened?”

“Lord Falkner is going to the king I figured you should be there”

“How long have I been asleep?” The sun was still out so it can’t have been too long and I’m still so tired

“A few hours they are downstairs” that's all I needed practically running downstairs passing surviving maids who ran into the other rooms downstairs Falkner, and white haired woman wearing leather and mail armor expecting the door which was still on the floor. the innkeeper was waving his arms then gave a start when he saw me then pointed right at me. Great. “I’m sorry I wasn't thinking straight”

“thinking straight!? your a menace I was so scared” the Innkeeper said hiding behind Falkner

“You should pay for the door,” Falkner said

“pay! I don’t have a single copper to buy food or clothes to pay for the door he didn't even let me in. Just tell your king” Falkner walked away from her, head held high. arrogant fools. hold on Safiya. I'm coming.