The Seven Seals: Dragon Crusade
Chapter 21: Thief of the Desert

Rahz Rahal lunged over a barrel, raced up a stack of crates and swiftly and landed before continuing to run through the small alley. He could distinctly hear the angered shouts of the human baker behind him. What a rotund fool! Did he really plan on catching him this time? Rahz knew this man was not one for chasing, but at this point it was plausible that would’ve decided to. After all, Rahz had been stealing his bread, destroying his shipments, and starting a bad reputation for the bakery. One time, he had single handedly replaced all the shipment of his bread with crates stock full of fertilizer. The baker had received some very threatening blackmail for the next few months or so. It was all clearly dangerous and could get him caught by the Felor guards, but that was the fun in it! Why did he bother the Baker so? Rahz had no idea himself, but it sure did give him something to eat. Life was treacherous in the city as it was, so why not make it something to enjoy?

Rahz turned a corner down the alley but froze when he was met with a dead end with a stack of crates lining it. His heart began to race even faster as he cursed under his breath. Rahz shoved the loaf of bread into the bag on his hip and looked around for something to climb on to.

“GET BACK HERE YOU ALBINO FELINE!” the Baker roared from behind.

Rahz whipped around just in time to see a machete come flying his way. A machete hit the crate just next to his neck. Rahz laughed nervously, unmoving.

The Baker stood there in his full girth glory. He had another knife in hand as he glared at Rahz with rage-filled bulging eyes. The baker looked like a raging bull, ready to tear everything to shreds.

Rahz huffed as his bushy white tail swished to the side. “For the last time, Ami! I am a fox! Not a cat! Get it right, will ya’?”

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU!” the baker growled. “I’ll chop you up, PIECE—BY—PIECE!”

Rahz put his hand on his hip. “And sell this one to he butcher? I’m sure she’ll pay you a high price for my skin and bones!”

The baker had enough of it. He charged forward, his nostrils flaring. He was coming at him at a considerable speed, especially for his size.

Rahzes eyes widened. If he didn’t think of something quick, he woul

d become ground up meat. Just before the Baker could make contact with him, Rahz turned towards the wall of crates and ran up it. Just as the baker came into the contact with the crates, Rahz jumped off and flipped. He landed softly on the cobblestone as some of the crates toppled over and the contents fell out. Rahz grinned triumphantly and laughed. “You big fool!” he snickered.

But as soon as he said those words, the Baker was regaining his strength, and my did he look worse than before. He growled in rage and bared his teeth.

Rahz felt a shiver run up his spine. And this is when I actually run, he thought, folding his ears back. Within an instant, Rahz turned and darted down the alley, back the way he had entered. He didn’t take a second to hesitate and simply ran into the crowded streets. It was a chaotic place, full of merchants selling and trying to barter, people walking and some carrying supplies, some riding, Felorian guards standing and watching the people with a cold eye. The sounds of yelling, talking, and sporadic drums came all at once, along with the smells of various different things.

For a newcomer, it would be unbearable, but for Rahz, he was used to it. He had known this for most of his life. Unlike the others who lived in the city, he could take it. Of course, they didn’t indulge in theft and were just barely scraping by. They had families to take care of, a job to return to. Rahz had, well, none of it in fact; a lone fourteen-year-old Lamari with only the streets to call home. But like the uninviting streets of the city, he was fine with it.

Rahz began to slow down. He dug out the loaf of bread and tore off a piece before sticking it into his mouth. Now that that excursion was over, Rahz needed to get back to his “assignment.” Oh yes, he didn’t just run around stealing things, he ran around stealing more things! It was always a particular person or material that he needed to take. Why do this?— to earn coin for himself…for reasons.

Scanning around the crowd, Rahz turned his ears to try to catch a certain sound. His assignment, as he had recalled from the black market master Abidan, was an amulet from the local witch. There was only one in the district Rahz walked through, and many a times did she come out to wander. She was an old crow and was slightly blind, but not too blind. If Rahz was right, she was supposed to be walking right then.

He moved passed people, looking around the streets with a keen eye. Where could she be? Rahz met an intersection and turned left, lowering his head as some guards walked by. Raising his head again, he looked around for the witch. But something caught his eye up ahead. There was a hunched figure walking up ahead with black wings folded into her back. She had rather prominent cheekbones and skin that was wrinkled and hanging. Black robes adorned her, along with a very fine amulet hanging from her neck. Rahz chuckled but kept his cool. Moving his course of direction, Rahz came close to the witch. I’ll make it look like we simply ran into one another, simple and clean, he thought. This would make for a great opportunity to use his powers. She wouldn’t even notice it coming!

Concentrating hard, he let out a deep breath. Just before they came into contact, the whole world froze around Rahz. It was as if time and space had stopped. But Rahz was unaffected. He needed to take his chance, for this spell wouldn’t last long. Reaching out, Rahz grabbed the amulet and pulled it from her neck. He carefully placed it inside his bag before returning to his natural state and ending the spell completely. All movement returned, and Rahzes shoulder hit the shoulder of the witch. He staggered a little and pulled off a fake, sad look. “Ah, forgive me, madam!” Rahz said, bowing in respect.

“Watch where you’re going, you dumb cub!” the crow croaked.

Rahz continued walking as a sly grin spread across his lips. She didn’t even see it coming. But it wouldn’t be long before she realized her amulet was gone. Rahz made his way to the nearest alley before climbing up the side of the nearest building. He reached and grabbed whatever protruded or created a perfect foothold, scaling the building deftly. Reaching the flat top of the building, Rahz sprinted for the closest building and jumped off, landing cleanly before continuing to run. The wind brushed passed him and cooled his pale skin. He found a small rope leading over the street and walked across it cautiously. He would hand over the amulet to Abidan and get the money he wanted, all in a day’s work.

Climbing down from a building and landing in an alley, Rahz fingered the glove on his right hand. He pried it off and gave it a good look. A circular emblem was faintly seen on the back of his hand with six circles in it and one in the middle. Rahz had no idea where it came from or why it was there, but it sure was something to behold. It had given him amazing powers that would take a wizard years to master. It had aided him with taking the amulet. “You do me good, strange symbol,” Rahz said, as if the symbol had a mind of its own. Rahz pulled the glove back on and walked down the alley.

Upon reaching a narrow and very lonely looking road, Rahz spotted an old wooden door leading to another back alley. He quietly tip-toed over to it and opened it, cautiously entering and closing it behind him. He made his way into a small clearing, which was slightly shaded by tapestries hanging here and there. Several Lamari were quietly discussing negotiations for how their trade would go. On the other side of the clearing was a small home with the front door wide open.

Voices came from within, and it didn’t sound so good. Rahz walked over and peeked his head inside curiously. Two tall men stood there in facing one another. One wore a large black cloak with a red sash around his waist. The other was a male cheetah Lamari with typical dark and light Simakian robe attire. Abidan.

“I shouldn’t have to keep waiting this long again, Abidan,” the one in the dark cloak said in an intimidating manner.

Abidan crossed his arms defiantly, though he did look somewhat distraught. “I’m sorry, all right?! It won’t happen the third time around,” he replied, flicking his tail back and forth. Abidan’s eyes darted to Rahz but quickly went back to the figure.

“It better not. We have had enough of wasting time.” The cloaked-one turned around and walked through the doorway. Rahz got a good look at this man’s almost completely covered face and eyes just before he shoved passed him and walked off.

Rahz raised his eyebrows and walked to Abidan. “You want me to beat him up for you?!”

“Not so loud, idiot!” Abidan hissed, watching the man walk off. He sighed and glanced back to Rahz. “So, what? Did you get the amulet?”

Rahz nodded and pulled it from his satchel. “Too easy, if I must say, Abi. Why don’t you give me something more of a challenge for a change?”

Abidan took it with glimmering eyes, and his greedy self returned. “Ah yes! Yes! Good,” he cooed and walked over to a chained door on the other side of the room. “Maybe one day, Rahz. But for now, you will stick with smaller things. Well, less valuable things.” He opened the door and stepped into a pitch-black room.

Rahz could distinctly see various gold trinkets and other shining assortments. “Oh come now! There has to be something you know that is greater than all these petty amulets! Maybe what the other thieves are getting, like a Felorian sword, or a circlet of one of the royals.”

“Oh no, no, no!” Abidan said, walking back out and chaining it back up. “Those missions are left for the others; the more skilled.” He walked to an old chest that sat on the table and picked up a small sack next to it. “You, Rahz, are arrogant and unfiltered. You’ve caused so much trouble in the streets. Thievery is about skill and silence, not some desire to be flamboyant and popular.” Abidan filled the pouch with several coins from inside the chest and walked back to Rahz, holding it out to him.

Rahz narrowed his eyes and snorted, snatching the bag from his hand. “Fine! I’ll replace something on my own,” he said. “It will be the greatest treasure of all, a treasure not many can obtain! If I bring back this relic, you have to charge me one thousand silver coins!”

Abidan burst out into laughter. He put out his hand and grinned. “Deal then!”

Rahz smirked and grabbed his hand, giving it a good shake. “DEAL!” He actually wasn’t entirely sure how he was going to obtain this treasure at all.

Kirith had pushed forward on his camel in front of them onto a solid path leading through the sand. The others, shaking their shocked thoughts away, followed reluctantly. Down they went and closer to this mass they went. They had known Felorians enslaved much of the poor Lamari race, but they didn’t expect they’d actually see it in action, and in such a torturous way. Their forms in the desert became much more clear now. There was a deep out cut in the rock with contraptions built to lower and bring up. Several Lamari were going down, pickaxes in hand. Standing with them was a Felorian, holding a whip at his side. Many other holes were there with them. On the other side were multiple depressions filled with mud. Lamari of different kinds were stepping through it, but stayed in place. Their backs were raw with the marks of whips, and their skin was tanned by the wrathful rays of the sun. A Felorian guard whipped the back of one of them repeatedly. The Lamari bent forward, but only slowed down.

Kate wanted to take her eyes away…but she just couldn’t. She winced at every loud snap. There was so much pain and hopelessness in their eyes. It was as if they knew their lives would end by the lash of the Felor and under an unforgiving sun. These elves simply came in and decided they wanted something valuable out of this land.

“YOU, THERE! HALT!” A Felorian guard stepped in their path, holding up his hand.

Kate gulped and tightened her grip on the reins. What now?

“Is something the matter?” Kirith asked, trying to sound relaxed.

“This road is blocked off,” the guard said, “by the decree of the Felor Council. Take the road to the west and go around to get to the city.”

“But this is a clear straight path to the city from here! We won’t be much of a bother,” Travis said.

The Felorian clasped the whip with both hands now, taking a step closer to them. “Take the next road or you’ll meet the same fate as these pathetic souls!”

Kirith was getting a bit agitated at his reply. “We don’t have time for this!” he said. “We require a direct road to the city!”

The guard narrowed his eyes and stepped toward him, running his fingers across the whip as if it were a poisonous and trained snake. “And who are you to demand such things? Might I ask why you wear your head garments so low?”

Kate did not like where this situation was going. The guard was getting very curious, too curious about them, and they had spent one too many minutes there. Kirith, why do you have to let your anger get the best of you? Kate thought. She steered her camel forward and quickly came between the two. “We’ll take the road to the west,” Kate apologized. She looked to Kirith, who stared back at her somewhat puzzled before motioning with her head back.

So, naturally, they did as the Felorian guard said. Going around the vast land of workers towards the city. No one knew how to comment on something like this. This was beyond evil or diabolical. It was inhuman, a total disregard of morals and compassion for power and glory. But what glory was there in this abusive bondage? What glory came out of the oppression of others? It was foolish and selfish thinking. Felorians were ruthless to the core…or at least most of them were.

The ride just to get to the city was a good hour or so, which would have taken them only twenty minutes to get to had the Felor Council not made the decree of the main road to be blocked. Now that they just nearing the city, the walls were noticeably much taller than they had expected. They looked to have been there for ages, but still continued to stand regardless of such weathering.

To their surprise, the main gates were wide open, allowing anyone to enter and exit. Two more Felorian guards stood stationed at either side of the entrance. The Felorians took this occupation of theirs quite seriously. It was as if they had eyes everywhere, watching for anything. Something about the look in their eyes almost told dared them to walk into the city and take their chances.

As they entered the city, they were met with the onslaught of sounds, smells, and unique sights. The main street was almost filled with people and Lamari of all kinds, young and old, poor and rich. Tents sat on the side of the road with merchants reaching out to any of the nearest passerby’s or shouting at the top of their lungs of what finest items they were selling, whether it was jewelry, fresh food, or tapestries. The smell of musty dirt, along with something cooking met their nostrils, but it wasn’t breathtaking. The Seals had to slow down their camels in order to just move about freely.

After agreeing to let their camels rest, they guided their tired steeds to the nearest stable and paid to have them rest there for a while. The group was all too satisfied to be back on their feet again and actually use their legs. But once they had gotten back down, it felt almost impossible to walk without stumbling.

“How does one survive riding those for hours at a time without feeling like jell?” Travis gaped, massaging his legs.

“Probably because they’re used to it,” Rossiel replied coldly, putting her hand on her hip. Though, it was obvious she was worn out too as she rubbed her lower back.

“It could be worse! O-ow…” Laela rubbed her aching hip.

Kate followed along with them out of the stable, nearly face planting into ground before her. But she managed to keep herself on her feet. From beneath her cloak, Kate clutched the stone. “Kirith,” Kate said, and he immediately came to her side.

“Do you know where the Seal is?” he asked upon instinct.

Kate checked the stone with the shade of her cloak to cover it. The Althrist stone was glowing brightly in on and off successions. The segment of light protruding from it pointed forward but slightly to the left. “The last Seal is close,” Kate said and pointed in the exact direction. “He or she should be that way.”

“And I don’t suppose you know how to discern who the Seal might be if they were in a crowd?” Rossiel asked, crossing her arms.

Travis looked back at them. “She has a point there. Finding Laela was only by mere chance.”

Kate shrugged. “Maybe they’ll stand out…?”

“Oh! Oh! It could be they’re known for their good deeds and amazing powers!” Laela said. “Or maybe they’re a hermit trying to hid their Seal powers. Who knows?”

“Someone’s giving us a bad look…” Kirith said in a low tone, staring in a direction away from the group.

Kate followed his gaze to the corner of a street in shadows. Two Lamari stood watching darkly, one a wolf and the other a copper winged bird.

Kate quickly looked away and felt a shiver go up her spine. “Let’s just keep moving then.”

“Yeah…” Travis said, popping his knuckles.

The five of them continued in the direction of which the Seal was in, keeping their heads low as they passed a Felorian guard every now and then. Though the streets were filled with nonchalant pedestrians, it wasn’t safe at all for foreigners. Some roads they had to avoid all together since there were so many of the Felorians.

Kate checked beneath her cloak to look at the stone. Its course had changed slightly— no wait! It zipped to the right and turned a notch to the left. The Althrist began to beam on and off faster like a racing heart. “Wait—” Kate said, turning to the right in an intersection with the others following closely. She looked up towards the street, looking around for something or some thing. It’s like they just flew over our heads, Kate thought. Her eyes darted around the crowd. “They’re somewhere over here,” Kate said to the others.

“Where?” Travis asked intently.

“I-I don’t know.” Kate got closer to the crowd, trying to spot whoever this Seal was. There were so many people! Too many, and they all looked like such simple people. But then her eyes landed on a fast paced moving figure; a young fox-boy Lamari with pure white hair and pale-ish skin. There was something about his look, his way of walking that was…different. He had his albino eyes trained on a stand with a copper skinned lady selling all kinds of jewelry.

Kate felt the stone begin to vibrate repeatedly. This boy, it had to be the Seal! She pushed through the crowd, keeping her eyes on him. The Lamari was getting closer to the stand as he moved passed people who were crowding around it. Kate nearly bumped into someone in the process of trying to get to this Lamari. She was so close now, and the stone let her know that this was who they were looking for.

Moving past the last unhappy person, Kate stood only five feet behind this Seal with the others. How were they supposed to approach him? They knew nothing about him or what he was like. Not only that, but how were they supposed to explain that they were the Seals of old?

Kate’s thoughts vanished when the boy reached for a large, dazzling necklace. The merchant wasn’t even paying any attention and simply talked away with his other customers as the young Lamari slipped the necklace into his satchel. Kate furrowed her brow. Wait a minute. This guy is a thief?

“Hey!” she called.

The Lamari boy whipped his head around to see them all staring in his direction. He stood there with the eyes of someone who had been caught at the worst moment possible. After what seemed like a minute of deadpanned staring, the boy quickly darted for the street to the left. Kirith lunged forward and grabbed him by the wrist. But the Lamari was swift, and he easily slipped from his grasp before running down the street faster than a bird.

Kate fumbled for her crystal as they immediately darted after him. “Come back!” she yelled.

Down the street Kirith and Kate ran side-by-side with Travis following closely behind. Kate could just distinctly see the whisk of the Lamari’s tail before he disappeared in the most inconvenient of crowds. The three of them came to a halt at the sight of a multitude of a crowd, almost all of them wearing white and brighter colors. The Seal practically vanished from sight.

“Dear spirits, really?!” Travis said exasperatedly.

Kate looked down at the stone. The light was turning to the right rather quickly. “He’s going up the street!” Kate said and dashed into the crowd with Kirith and Travis.

They pushed through, knocking over people and baskets as they chased. The Lamari and humans around them gave them glares or angered shouts of confusion. Kate could just barely see the dark green color of the Lamari’s pants. He was slipping away! But thankfully they slipped out and made for the clearer streets. The fox-Lamari ran for a carriage full of barrels as a dark coating went over his hand. He made a slicing motion towards the back wheels of the carriage. Both back wheels exploded in a burst of wood. The carriage fell back and the barrels inside came rolling out and down hill.

“Really?!” Kirith said irritably. The three of them quickly ran out of the way of the barrels and up the road in the Lamari’s direction.

The Lamari quickly turned a corner into an alleyway, and the Seals followed. “Quit running!” Travis yelled, his voice echoing down the alleyway.

The alleyway opened to another road. The young and hasty Lamari shoved people aside as he made his way to a building across the street. Reaching the end of the street, he ran right up to the building and lunged up, grabbing hold of a windowsill and climbing up like a monkey. He eventually made it up to the top and ran off elsewhere, disappearing from sight.

Travis, Kate, and Kirith skidded to a stop, watching the Lamari leave their grasp. Kate’s shoulders sagged hopelessly. This Seal stole and could climb; he was full of surprises! But these were surprises that they didn’t much appreciate. “This is— this is unbelievable!” Kate breathed.

Travis shook his head and put his hands on his hips. “Anyone want to volunteer climbing up?”

“By the time we even succeed doing that, he’d be on the other side of the city,” Kirith said. He cursed and kicked a nearby stone on the ground.

“Well now what?” Kate said, hanging her hands at her sides.

“We keep searching,” came Rossiel’s cool voice. The three of them turned to see her and Laela approaching calmly. “Chasing him is like trying to catch fish in a river with your bare hands…and you’ve been attracting too much attention in doing so. If we want to get as close to him as we possibly can, we’ll need to keep to the shadows and follow his trail.”

Kirith sighed and relaxed. “I suppose you have a point. Let’s just hope he’s not constantly moving around as fast as he was before.”

Kate was watching the turn of the light segment, and the fading of the on and off glow. “He’s going back to the right again—” she said but stopped when her eyes landed on something. Nailed on the wall of the nearest building was a flyer made of parchment paper. But on it was something she couldn’t possibly believe. Kate walked over to it, needing a closer look.

It was very evident, unmistakable. On the flyer was a drawing of Kirith, head and shoulders. Above it read, “WANTED! FOR INTRUSION AND DEFIANCE AGAINST KING ARCALIC.” Below the drawing read, “False Seale. Bounty of thirty thousand silver. DEAD OR ALIVE to the Royal Felorian Guard. LONG LIVE KING ARCALIC!”

Kate’s jaw dropped as she snatched it from the wall, trying to comprehend what she was looking at. Why was it there? Who made it? She stepped back and her foot slid against something. Kate looked down to see another wanted poster, only it had a drawing of her on it. She shakily leaned down and picked it up, almost dropping it from her hand. Kate turned to the rest of the group and stared at them with frightened eyes. “Look at this…” she said.

Kirith snatched one of them from her hand and looked at it. His eyes darted here and there across the parchment, as if he were reading it over and over, trying to comprehend it all.

Laela stared at the poster in Kate’s hand in shock. “Wanted?”

“‘For intrusion and defiance against king Arcalic?’” Travis read the poster over Kirith’s shoulder. “But you have done no such thing! And why is it just you and Kate?”

“They’ve probably made posters for the rest of us. And in the Felorian’s case, we did intrude and defy their king.” Kirith crumpled up the wanted poster and tossed it to the side. “Someone knows we’re here.” He bared his teeth as he began to scowl. “It was that sly prince Orindir!”

Kate crumpled up the parchment also and stuffed it into her satchel. “Then we need to replace the last Seal and get out of here quick! We can’t stay here much longer.”

Rahz had successfully escaped and ventured far through the city. Those hooded figures looked like no good, and they didn’t appreciate his thievery. But they were so mysterious with the shadows casted over their eyes and the stern looks on their faces. He had caught a glimpse of them, the girl in particular who had yelled at him. She was only about his age and was kind of cute, but probably not his type. The question that really hung on his mind was a matter of why they went out of their way to chase him down. Usually if he was caught stealing, the chasers would give up after the first street. But those three who had chased him were determined, dead set on catching him. It was like they were as ambitious about catching him as the guards would be. Rahz grinned as he swung down from a horizontal pole connected to a building and landed on a stack of crates. Maybe I took a necklace they wanted, he thought. Climbing down, he began to walk along the street. Whoever they were, he wanted no quarrel with them.

Rahz looked back over his shoulder towards the sun that faded over the horizon with its warm colors giving out their last light over the desert lands. The time was nearing, and he felt a bit excited.

He traveled up the streets, which were becoming few in people. Everyone was hurrying home for the night to tend to their family’s needs; all closing up shop as best as they could. But Rahz wasn’t in a hurry for such things. No, what he was after was far more important.

Down a narrow alleyway Rahz went, which led out to docks on the side of the gulf. The shadows were growing by the second and the lanterns were being lit, setting the city in a mystic feel. Rahz continued to walk along the docks, his eyes darting here and there for anyone who might be watching. The Felorian guards were always keeping a watchful eye at that time. Night was when they could really catch any mysterious figures. Even if they were lounging in a tavern, they were always watching.

Rahz spotted a certain ship in the docks that was quite sea worn. Two men were putting the last of the crates in the ship while others seemed to be boarding it. That’s the one! he thought. Rahz walked towards the ship, playing it calm. The two men, who were burly in size and muscle and had piercings all along their ears, saw his approach. The one closest to Rahz stepped in his path with a scowl on his face. “Back off lil’ fox. This is no place fo’ a lad.”

Rahz remained calm and collective. “I am here to challenge Golyath,” he said and grinned.

The two men looked at each other before bursting into an intimidating laughter. The man in front of Rahz looked back to him and stepped aside. “He’s down below deck,” he said, pointing back with his thumb.

Rahz smiled proudly and nodded. It was time. He stuck his hand into his side satchel and grabbed a pouch of silver coins.

Up and down the city, zigzagging through the road system and back around again all the while the incomplete group of Seals kept to the shadows and crowds as best as they could, though they stuck out like a terrible bruise. They had gotten more than enough bad looks and it was obvious they were unwanted there. To top it all off, the Seal kept moving and moving and they could barely stay within a mile’s range. The whole plan was getting tedious and causing the Seals to grow tired. The journey went on for hours and it wouldn’t let up.

The sun was beginning to set, and none of them had the ambition to go any longer…well almost all of them. Rossiel was up ahead, standing at the streets corner as they approached with aching legs. The evening wind began to pick up as it brushed her cloak back. Something changed in the look in her eyes. “His movement has stopped,” Rossiel said, as if she were reading the streets herself and gaining this information. “He has stopped somewhere and chooses to no longer run…”

“How do you know that?” Travis asked, stopping several paces behind her.

Rossiel glared back at Travis rather displeasingly. “I can sense things beyond what your little mind can.”

Travis almost laughed. “What is that even supposed to mean?!”

Kate looked beneath her cloak and glanced at the Althrist stone. Indeed, the segment of light was stationary, unmoving. She approached the group, said, “She’s right. He’s stopped completely.”

Rossiel’s lips curled into a smile at that and she turned away from Travis. Travis simply shook his head and let out a low “tch.”

“Maybe he’s stopped for the night,” Laela suggested. “That would seem more understandable, right?”

“Yeah, right,” Kirith said, somewhat irritated, “but if we loose him again we’re calling it a night.”

“Good enough for me,” Travis replied, stretching his arms.

Going on with what strength their sore limbs had, the group traced after in the direction of the next Seal, praying that the segment of light wouldn’t move dramatically and take a dive for the worst. As they did so, the sun faded beneath the horizon, and the skies above were engulfed in darkness and the light of stars. Lanterns were lit, and the eyes of the Felorian guards were all around.

Clinging to the shadows, keeping away from the guards, and staying quiet, the Seals went, going practically unnoticeable. They passed a vacant well and slithered through a narrow alleyway to step out to a pier. The dark shapes of boats and large ships settled in the water, almost as still as the water itself but daunting and unwelcoming.

Kate felt the vibration of the stone begin to grow. She looked down to see the blue light of the Althrist shining through her cloak with the same repetition of respiratory-like shining. She looked at it from beneath her cloak and furrowed her brow. “He’s somewhere nearby.”

Scoping the docks, they followed the Althrist’s light down a pier that extended out to sea. The light was pointing directly to one of the ships docked right at the pier’s side with a small boardwalk connecting it and the ship. A commotion was coming from below the ships main deck with light shining through the holes of the hatch. The voices were aggressive but cheering.

The Seals glanced around at one another warily, wishing that they didn’t have to get involved in this Lamari’s affairs. Whatever they were going to face down there, they hoped it wouldn’t be so much of a problem. But the forbearing atmosphere of the situation to come said otherwise.

Kate again looked down at the stone and took in a deep breath. “He’s right inside there, below the deck.

Kirith and Travis walked ahead of them, stepping up onto the ship and approaching the hatch. They could just feel the vibrations of the commotion in the floorboards beneath their feet. Travis reached down and lifted up the hatch smoothly, and all five of them entered unnoticed.

All around them were men, muscular and bulky in size, and some thin and old. They all had hard and tough skin that was tanned and creased by the sun, along with quite evident laugh lines. None of them looked the least bit decent and were intimidating at the very sight. Shouting and cheering could be heard from all around, and the stench of sweat was strong and suffocating. The area was just jam-packed with these sweaty indecent and loud men, Lamari, and sailors, but they were all facing towards something in the middle of the room.

Kate tried her best to keep her hood on and have the stone out of sight. Thankfully, Travis, who was nearly equal in size to these men, pushed a path through for them, but even that didn’t help much.

With the stone practically quaking in her hand, Kate could sense that the Seal was right before them. A man shoved his elbow back and nearly nailed her in the head. Kate shuddered and lowered her head. Just one-step more, please? she thought. All Kate wanted was to just grab this fox and leave, and the others probably felt the same way too.

Travis stopped in place and Kate nearly bumped into him. She stopped and looked up at him questionably. What was he doing? Gaining what strength she had, Kate pushed passed one of the men to be met with a sight she didn’t see coming. Before them was a clear space, a makeshift ring at most, with two figures standing in it, face to face. On the other side was the biggest and burliest of all the men. He was shirtless and bald with a white streak of paint slathered across his face. A nasty looking grin plastered his menacing mouth as he popped his neck and hands in preparation. And on their side, with his back to them, was a smaller figure. The Seal! He stepped forward casually, seemingly unaffected by this man’s brute structure. The Lamari rolled his shoulders back as he held his hands at his sides. It looked as if these two were about to fight.

No, no way! Kate thought. He’s so small! She thought of the fact of how it might happen that the Seal dies in the fight just when they were about to get him. Kate pushed the thought away. No, this Seal had to be unique; he had to survive.

One of the men shouted to the Goliath-like man on the other side, “Golyath, break Rahzes neck!”

Rahz. So that was his name.

Golyath grinned and stepped forward as well. “With pleasure!” he said in a voice that was equal to a deep horn blast. Golyath held up his fists, leering down at Rahz. “You ready, pussy cat?”

Rahz didn’t reply. He pulled his cloth up over his mouth and tied it back and bent low, holding up his fists.

Golyath’s grinned grew wider at the boy’s seemingly quietness. He came forward to make the first move. Throwing several large fisted punches, he aimed directly for Rahzes head.

Rahz swiftly dodged the attacks. On the last punch, he leaned back complete out of the way of the punch before coming back up and spin-side kicking Golyath in the face.

Golyath’s feet stayed planted in the ground, but his cheek turned the other way. He looked back to Rahz with a scowl, obviously not happy with that attack. Golyath lunged forward to grab Rahz. Rahz simply ducked under his arm and went for him from behind. In a quick movement, he kicked right below his shoulder blade.

Golyath growled in annoyance and turned to him, making ready to punch him. Rahz took his chance and kicked directly to the brute’s collarbone. But Golyath saw it coming. He caught the Lamari’s bare foot in his hand and the same grin returned.

Rahzes eyes widened but didn’t lose hope. Taking his left hand, he smacked the side of it just above Golyath’s elbow and the other into his wrist. Golyath instantly let go and grunted.

Taking the opened opportunity, Rahz reached up and grabbed Golyath’s left shoulder before jumping up and, in one deft move, swung his legs over and jammed his knees into the back of his lower neck.

Golyath instantly fell and slammed into the floor. Rahz landed softly, gazing down at his defeated opponent and pulling his scarf down with a victorious smile. Some of the men in the crowd came over to inspect Golyath, one of them even lifted up his head to see that he was completely out. Another man stood up and yelled, “GOLYATH HAS BEEN DEFEATED!”

Kate’s jaw dropped at the sight of it all. He…defeated him that quickly? But how? That man was ten times Rahzes size and he knocked him out clean within just a minute. What if he could do the same to them?

Rahzes eyes landed on the Seals and he froze there in shock. The Seals stared back, particularly Travis, as if a stare down was in place and either one was waiting for the other to move.

After a minute, Rahz made up his mind and darted for the crowd. Travis was right on his tail. “Oh no you don’t!” he said, bulldozing through the crowd and coming up right behind Rahz. Travis shot out his hand and grabbed Rahz by the back of his collar. Rahz squirmed and tried to pull away like a fearful animal but couldn’t top Travis’ iron grip.

Dragging Rahz back to the group, he scowled in frustration. “Let’s just get this guy out of here before he starts bringing out his claws.”

There was no hesitation. Everyone quickly pushed through to the back and clambered up the wooden stairs leading up to the main deck and away from the chaos below.

“Please! I’ll give you back the necklace, just don’t hurt me!” Rahz cried, trying to pull away from Travis.

“Necklace?” Kate repeated.

“Yes!” Rahz exclaimed, pressing his hands together in a pleading manner. “And a couple coin maybe too. Please, I am just a lonely pup!”

“Hey, that’s enough!” Travis spat. “That’s not what we’re after!”

“Is it something I might’ve taken from you?” Rahz said. “No— wait! I know why you want me! The baker in the north district sent you to kill me, didn’t he?”

“What baker—” Kirith was stopped when a man’s voice called out from below deck, “Where is he? Where is that damn cat?!”

Rahz clenched his fists angrily. “THAT’S A FOX TO YOU, TWO-LEGS!”

Travis slapped his hand over Rahzes mouth. “Shut it!” he whispered loudly.

Kirith was getting even more frustrated by the second. “Okay, we need to get away from here,” he said and speed walked down the plank and to the pier as the others followed.

Rahz continued to struggle against Travis. “I don’t understand! What is it that you want from me?”

Laela began walking at his side. “Do you have something on your right hand?”

“M-my hand? Well there’s the glove—”

“She means by the symbol,” Rossiel said coldly.

Rahzes ears folded back. “H-h-how do you know about that?!”

Laela pulled off her glove to reveal the symbol of the Six Seals on her hand. “It’s a long story,” she said and smiled apologetically. “We mean you know harm.”

“Yeah, as long as you don’t go running away again,” Kirith said from up ahead.

They reached the end of the pier and began walking to the nearest street.

“Look, we’re not safe out here, we need a place to stay,” Kirith said quietly. “We’ll explain everything when we get to safety. Rahz, do you know of any inns nearby?”

Rahz was about to speak up when they heard a voice nearby.

“Yes, that’s them right there!”

Everyone turned their heads in the direction of the voice across the street corner. A hunched over figure stood next to three Felorian guards, the light of their armor shimmering in the torchlight. The old figure could be distinctly seen and recognizable.

Kate’s eyes widened. It was Baasim, from the port town! That cunning monkey! But how had he gone across the desert, how was he following them and they hadn’t known?

“You there, stop!” one of the guards said, jogging their way with the other Felorian guards.

Kirith cursed under his breath. “Run!”

The Seals sprinted down the road, away from the guards. The guards yelled in protest and, shortly after, a horn was blasted. Kate’s heart began to race at the sound of it. They were calling others; they were determined to get their hands on them.

Just as they were about to reach a street corner, two mounted guards met them in a fury. Everyone came to a screeching stop as the two guards withdrew their swords and blocked their way. The Felorians from before came up behind them, only with three more at their aid. The Seals were well surrounded now by agitated northern elves that took no pardon in chasing underlings. With their swords and torches in hand, they cornered them like a wolf pack circling its prey.

Kate’s eyes, along with the others’, darted around at the Felorian guards, clutching the hilt of her sword from beneath her cloak. How were they supposed to escape this? They could use their powers, but that would attract more attention than needed. Kate glanced around to the others. They all had the same troubled expressions— wait— Rahz was gone. He was nowhere to be seen! The little fox managed to slip away unnoticed when tensions were most high!

More mounted guards came trotting down the road, two at most. Upon reaching the outer circle, they dismounted but only one stepped through the ranks. Within the torchlight, this elf’s features became visible. The long silver-ish blue hair and the extravagant armor and cape were unmistakable. A malicious grin spread across his lips as he looked around at the incomplete group of Seals. “You children are quite sneaky, aren’t you? Not only have you gone unnoticed in Grendalia and escaped the appetite of the goblins, but you slipped into our provinces. I would question the vigilance of the guards and the authority of my prince, but the latter would be defying His Majesty.”

Kate felt her blood run cold. That was the Felorian captain from the Drunken Mull! Daechir!

The elf let out a low chuckle. “Well I’m afraid there will be no wood elves to save you this time, a shame on your part but another problem dealt with for us.”

Kirith really wasn’t having it. “You really expect to hold us captive? Hasn’t our past successes of escape taught you elves anything?!”

“We side with the Creator! You can’t withhold us!” Laela exclaimed confidently.

Daechir laughed heartily. “With the Creator?!” His expression immediately became serious. “He would not side with some pathetic group of individuals such as you. The age of the Seals is over, and you all are just some blind followers who think you’re doing some good in this world. Orindir has been called by the Creator himself to decide the fate of this realm.” Daechir let his eyes drift to Kirith. “You all are in our domain now. There will be no escape.” He waved a hand towards the other guards. “Take them to the dungeons, and have them ready on the ship at dawn! We leave for Westford.”

The guards on foot took action and came right up to the group, grabbing them by the arm and pointing their swords to their backs. “Get going, you!” said the guard that held Kirith.

“Kirith…” Kate said lowly, as if to tell him they would figure something out later on and that now was not the best time. The Felorian guards shoved them down the road with no remorse; though behind their intimidating stature was a feeling of success.

Kate looked to Travis who stared at the ground with wide and troubled eyes. “Travis,” she whispered. “What happened to Rahz?!”

Travis looked to her and shook his head slightly, as if he didn’t know the answer himself. “I…I don’t know,” he replied. “It was as if he had just…vanished.”