Chapter 1 THE TAVERN OF RUMORS
The bell tolled for what seemed like the hundredth time that day as yet another entered the small bar. From the looks of it, he was just one more stereotypical, muscle-bound bounty hunter. Everyone there was basically the same and had probably gathered for a similar reason. There was a rumor going around, one that both frightened and intrigued the masses. By now everyone within a fifty-mile radius had heard it. The renowned sorcerer, Albus, had been sighted.
"Did you hear?" whispered one man to another. "He was seen just outside the town."
"Was it really him though?" questioned a woman sitting nearby.
"No doubt," said the boy next to her. "It was the Devil's Upholder himself."
As the bounty hunters all chatted away, Xyra found that her glass held more interest. She was rotating it a bit with her fingers, watching the liquid slide around inside. This particular drink was one of her favorites—a special, light wine that was rather common and far less expensive than most drinks. Today, however, it seemed to have an almost bitter taste as her serenity was interrupted by the constant chatter that filled the tavern.
A sigh escaped her lips as she began unconsciously twirling a strand of her light, reddish brown hair that had fallen from her rather messy ponytail. Such a repetitive act could only keep her entertained for so long though, and before she knew it, she was once again listening in on the conversations of the bar dwellers. There was just nothing better to do. After all, she couldn't possibly tune them all out. Their annoying banter carried even from the far end of the room. She would simply observe them while remaining hidden away at her small table in the corner.
For some reason, everyone seemed to be talking about Albus. Xyra wasn't sure just what the big deal was. He was just another sorcerer—a person born with the gift of magic. It was as simple as that. He just happened to be a sorcerer that was a bit stronger than most. He was also a wanted man. No one knew just what kind of crime he had committed, but his bounty was great, so no questions were asked. In some ways, she was surprised that he was in their town. It had nothing to offer, as far as she knew. What would bring such a powerful man to a remote little place like this? It was the only question that contained any interest for her.
The door once again let off a chime as yet another bounty hunter joined the gathering. She couldn't take too much more of this. These people were really starting to bother her, and their constant, repetitive banter was starting to give her a headache. This was one of the few places she liked to frequent, because the atmosphere was usually comforting. Now it was being overrun by outsiders. Out of everyone in the bar, only three people weren't bounty hunters. She just happened to be one of them. She had a very different profession, but it paid just as nicely. Many people nowadays are willing to hire thieves.
She took one last sip of her drink before setting it down for good. There wasn't much left anyway, and she just didn't seem to care for the taste today. She had only needed something to take her mind off of her most recently failed job. She hadn't been able to steal what her employers had needed, and as a result, she hadn't been paid. Most of the money she had received from her previous job had been spent yesterday on food, a bath, a bed, and then breakfast in the morning. I need to come up with something, and fast. I'm almost out of money.
The door chimed as she opened it, and she swore that if she heard that sound one more time, she was going to snap. That had to be at least the one hundredth time! It was a sound that was getting on her last nerve. Then again, everything was currently irritating. Nothing seemed to be going her way. First I failed a job, and now I can't get one. Even if I did, with all these bounty hunters around, I'd get caught for sure!
Xyra heaved an exasperated sigh before plopping down on a nearby bench outside the bar. She needed to figure out what to do next. She had to find a way to get a little cash, and without an employer, she was going to have to do it the only way she knew how. She wasn't very fond of the technique, and she often used it only as a last resort, but now it is one of those times. If she didn't get some money and fast, she wouldn't have enough to eat after today. Pick pocketing was her only option.
This task was going to be a little hard for her. She much rather preferred professional thieving. Her conscience wasn't quite big enough to feel bad about that. The people she stole from often deserved it, and her employers always seemed kind, even though they were willing to hire a thief. It wasn't a very decent job. In fact, it was quite the opposite, but she could deal with it. She required money. Need to have the ability to drive people. Guilt wasn't much of a problem if it meant getting to eat a decent meal later.
Sometimes she really wished she had been able to find a different profession or get to a different town. Nothing she had tried had worked out, and so thieving had been the only other way to get money. Perhaps if she had been able to reach one of the cities, she could have found a decent job, but people had to make due with what they were given. She had been lucky to make it even this far. Traveling was dangerous for those who didn't know how to defend themselves. All the grasslands and forests were the hunting grounds for demons. If she left without an escort, she would surely be killed, and demon hunters were expensive. Seeing as how she intended to pay only with money and had nowhere near enough of it, it would be hard to hire one. Therefore, she was stuck right where she was.
Slouching forward a bit, she lazily watched the people passing by, trying to decide on what to do or who to rob. If she was going to steal from someone, she had to be careful. Anybody could be a bounty hunter, and they would undoubtedly catch her if she tried. All of these outsiders were really making her job difficult. A wave of irritation washed over her as she clenched her fists, pursing her lips. Damn Albus. Drawing all this attention to such a little town…
With her current dilemma in mind, she stood up and began walking briskly down the street, hands tucked in her pockets. Hopefully she'll find a way to get some money soon. She needed another job…or someone who was too stupid to notice a pickpocket. The latter was probably more likely, and as luck would have it, she came across just the person.
Standing near one of the many street vendors that littered the area was a young man, one who seemed to be a traveler. His outfit was enough was proof of that. He was decked in slightly baggy tan pants that came down over his black boots, and the long-sleeved, brown shirt he wore greatly resembled a tunic, but it was far shorter, extending just past his waist. The most defining feature was probably the dark brown cloak. It was something only seen in a traveler or a sorcerer, and this man looked nothing like a sorcerer. If he were, the pockets of his cloak would most likely have been full of talismans and a few spell books. His looked nearly empty.
However, there was something a little out of place about him as far as travelers went. He was far too clean to have just walked right out of the wilderness. His clothing was nearly spotless. Either he was a fledgling traveler who had come from a nearby town, or he had the money to afford luxuries and had shown up here just as he was running out of supplies. She could only hope it was the latter.
Xyra smiled a bit as she began to head through the crowd, keeping focused on her prey. He seemed like a rather distracted person, and the smile plastered on his face gave the impression that he was dense and a bit naïve. That just makes it easier. She couldn't suppress the light, bubbling feeling in her stomach, causing the corner of her lips to rise further. This was just the type of person she had been waiting for.
It didn't take her long to reach the street stand that the young traveler was stationed at. He appeared to be looking over a few items, most likely debating on what he was going to buy. Soon he wouldn't have to decide. When she was done with him, he wouldn't be buying anything.
Making it look like a complete accident, she bumped right into him. He was shoved back a bit, and while she quickly reached into his cloak pocket to take his money, his hands came up to rest on her shoulders. She instantly tensed, fearing the worst. Had he already figured her out? Did he know what she was trying to do?
"Are you alright?" he asked, causing her to look up at him. His voice had been so light but in no way was it high. It had a sort of regal, clear tone to it.
As Xyra just stared at him for a moment, a smile crossed his face, his jade eyes meeting her sapphire ones. It was almost as if he could see right through her. His eyes were incredibly lucid, and it was hard to look away.
"You should be more careful," he told her softly, his smile slowly starting to resemble a smirk. "I'm sure there are others in this town who are far less forgiving."
"O-okay." She pulled away a bit, and to her surprise, he released her shoulders, allowing her to leave in peace. Her mission had been a success. However, as she walked away, she could feel her hands trembling. She took a few deep breaths to try and calm herself, but she just couldn't shake off the feeling that there had been an underlying meaning to his words. It sounded like he knew I took his money…but if that's true, then why didn't he stop me?