The Phoenix Sword: XVI

Arcane's Mourning

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As dawn breached the horizon, Phir was bathed in a warm light. Birds chirped and cawed from their perches in the trees, announcing the arrival of a new day. We set out early, at daybreak, as previously planned. Arriving at the town's stable, we carefully chose three steeds based on stamina and overall health. The journey would be long and enduring, and only the topnotch horses would be able to accomplish the task.
Every now and then, Spite would mumble his disagreement against travelling on an animal. When Autumn asked him why, he smiled and answered, "Thieves are stealthy on their feet. We don't require horses to traverse the land."
The horses were rather costly, and would require a good portion of our money. I could not manage to bribe the stable master, Runcik, of a deal, as he remained stubborn throughout the conversation. He eventually cornered me into an unwanted zone, wondering, "Where are you headed, anyways?" He crossed his wiry arms and leaned against the stone wall. "If your story is interesting, perhaps I'll offer a more reasonable price."
Though his words were casual, I could not resist glancing away from his scrutinizing stare. His eyes searched my face so intensely I feared he was soon to recognize me as the wanted fugitive. "I'm afraid our reasons must remain a secret, but I will tell you this: we plan to rescue hundreds from the hands of destruction."
The man's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he erupted into a hearty laugh. After an entire minute, he relented and wiped his sleeve across his brow. "Ah, you children these days..." he trailed off as he noticed my expression. Clearing his throat, he mumbled, "Don't do anything reckless, now. And take precious care of Shastri, Phalo, and Rajka."
I nodded and took the reins of Shastri, a lean stallion with a coat that gleamed like honey with an identical golden colour. He—as well as the other two horses—were saddled and equipped with useful saddlebags. Autumn guided Rajka—a chestnut with kind, warm eyes—and Spite lead the mare, Phalo, whose midnight-sable fur shined like water as she moved with equally graceful movements onto the cobblestone streets.
I thanked Runcik and expressed my gratitude with an extra few coins, pressing them carefully into the kind, honest man's hand. He eyed them warily before meeting my eyes. Then, as if he had finally solved a tedious, challenging puzzle, his eyes widened and his mouth went agape. "You—!" his words were cut off as I grasped the hilt of my sword sheathed in the scabbard at my hip. I was not going to draw it, though I left it as a threat.
I knew exactly what he had figured out.
"Swear you will not speak a word of my appearance to anyone," I said. "Not even the guards or Sitka himself."
Runcik fumbled for words before relying on gestures. Bowing, he fisted his hand over his heart and murmured, "You have my word, Azim." He opened his hand containing the coins I had given him, offering the money back.
"I will not deprive you of honest business, Runcik. Keep it all," I said. My words allowed the man a wide, grateful smile. He nodded, slightly overwhelmed.    
Feeling bold, I leaned toward the stable master and added quietly into his ear so any potential eavesdroppers could not hear, "Actually, I could really use a favour, if you do not mind of course."
"Anything you wish, Azim."
I explained the rest of my instructions quietly to Runcik, glad that he obliged willingly. Somehow, I felt I could trust him. I envied the stranger's honesty, as well as his stubborn quirks.
Autumn and Spite were waiting outside beside their horses when I bid my farewell. To my relief, they did not question my lateness, instead insisted eagerly that we move on. Autumn's wolf, Alana, danced around Rajka as we walked. The sight baffled me—any other wolf would be feasting on the horse. Still, it made me smile as Alana pranced around and licked Autumn's hand, causing her to elicit a delightful laugh. Spite eventually relaxed and became used to Phalo, though he did make one comment on how he had never ridden a horse before. Even more, Autumn admitted that she, too, had never ridden either.
We wandered through the market, stocking up on necessary supplies and enough preservable rations of food for our journey. Fortunately, no one recognized me and we managed to leave Phir without another interrogation. Outside the gates, we mounted our horses and began to make our way across the green lowlands making up the eastern region of Xyphon. To the west, the horizon was lined with the trees of Dakyu, and further south, grand mountains of Fyren, their peaks blurred along the skyline.
Shifting in my saddle, I watched the magnificent castle that I had been imprisoned in drift away into the distance as we continued onward. Even as Phir blended into the horizon, the castle stood tall against the sky like a sentinel, as if reminding me that I was always being watched, and always being hunted.