As I got out of bed that familiar anger rose again as I got dressed and buckled on my rapier. How could the other soldiers be happy with their measly shares? Why was no one joining me? Of course, they don’t know how much the queen really makes. Regardless, I had to hurry today, the queen had been showing signs of catching on to my disloyalty. My plan was a simple one. I had been offered sanction by a good friend in another bloodpledge. I would go to their underground house in Giran. On the surface they are in full support of the queen… but it is filled with to many dissidents, to many people that hate the current government, to many people that want to see a change. I hate the politics in Aden, yet with my reputation and strength I can’t help but get caught up in them.

I would take nothing except what was on my back. Soldiers don’t have much anyway. As I looked around the Giran soldiers house for the last time, I heard commotion from the anti-room. My mind whirred as I thought of who it might be… they wouldn’t have figured out I wasn’t at the defense with the other soldiers already. No hunting party for me yet. All I had to do was make it to the safe house and my new pledge would protect me. I slowly unsheathed my rapier… enchanted nine times by the most powerful wizards in Aden. My back to the wall I approached the door. Ready to jump out and fight to my death I saw a shadow fall across the entryway. An elf’s shadow. Relief swept through me like so many tidle waves. There was not an elf in Aden that could handle me. But was he alone? He called my name. I immediately sheathed my sword and stepped around the corner.

“Twink, what are you doing here?” I said. The elf winked at me.
“Same thing you are my friend.” He saw the look on my face. “Oh don’t worry no one knows.” He said matter-of-factly.
“Where are you running to?” I asked
“Can’t say… but you will hear it whispered here and there.” Was his reply. Elves and their slyness, I almost laughed out loud. Twink slung his bow up on his back and shouldered his pack as he turned to leave.
“I won’t even ask where you are going my brother.” He said over his shoulder. “It may be time for change, but don’t ever join the sworn enemy. I have forseen they will bring nothing but chaos.”
“I would never join them.” Came my heated reply. “The queen may fall, and I may help, but it won’t be to them. I am still loyal to this city and its inhabitants, I will do all in my power to insure the next ruler knows how to rule.”
“Then fair-the-well my friend, may our paths cross again.” And the he was out the door.

I stood there with my thoughts for a moment, then decided I had better get myself in gear if I was going to avoid the headsman. My new friends and home awaited. I took one final look around the room, slipped on my cloak of invisibility and disappeared into the early morning dawn…..