Episode 7

Alora jogged down one of the paths that lead to the Imperial City. Trees reached over the narrow path, blocking it from the sun. She moved as swiftly and quietly as possible, as no one knew what all lurked in the wood. Alora was not one to try and find out. As she turned a sharp corner the sound of birds taking flight had her drawing her weapon. Sure enough, at the end of the bend several Imperial Soldiers stood at the ready.

"Where are you traveling from?" She recognized the leader of the small unit as Yid. He and his men were usually escorting the Lady Empress if she had to travel to Olive's shop for fittings.

"The monastery at the top of the mountain." Alora responded honestly. The monks were famous for the rare cloth textiles they produced. Placing an order wasn't out of the ordinary for Olive's shop.

"Where do you hail from?" Yid persisted instead of moving aside to allow Alora to pass.