anathemafiction

Lingering Glance

Added 2025-09-28 14:06:52 +0000 UTC

The clouds are rolling like ink poured into water.

Rain-whipped wind blows from the east, throwing off your hood and making Billy's hooves falter on the cobblestones. But your eyes are drawn to the brilliance ahead.

The setting sun has long dove below the earthly line, but a new one has risen in its stead. Dozens of lanterns reflected on mirrors bigger than most houses throw beams of light into the night sky, as if issuing a dare to God Himself.

Billy finally conquers the hill, and you see the base of the cliffside where the Theer's castle is embedded into the stone. Three archways, one after the other, allow entrance to a courtyard beyond. Lines of carriages lead up to the archways, where nobles, merchants, and their private guards await their turn. Among them is the carriage with Lance and his band.

You sweep your gaze across the heavily guarded Hilltop and spot a half-hidden stone gate where city guards and servants discreetly come and go.

With a flick of your wrist, you guide Billy towards the gate, Alain/Ysabella's gold/green handkerchief carefully folded in your pocket. The brilliant lights reflect in the whites of your eyes, robbing them of any color but the hungry, calculative glint of a hunter gaining in on his/her prey.

Your mark tingles. The maps are within reach.

You just need to fool the most powerful family of Tarragona.

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