Crossroads

The crossroads town of Haven's Reach was a tornado of activity, a bustling centre where merchants from around the realm converged to barter and trade. The air thrummed with a symphony of sounds: the clatter of hooves on cobblestone, the screams of hawkers peddling their wares, the melodious tones of a flute player playing his flute, for coin presumably.

As the caravan drove into the busy night marketplace, a sense of uneasiness fell over me. The town's exuberant bustle hid an undertone of tension, a real sense of danger lying underneath the surface. That feeling of danger might have just been me overthinking. Everything I saw was a novelty to me, so I could not be blamed, could I?

While the merchants busied themselves with unloading their items, I slipped away from the caravan. It also wouldn't hurt to get to take a stroll. 

Walking for a bit in the crowded market I took a look round the market while ensuring that I was not lost. I did intend to get back to the caravan once I am done with this night's objectives. 

"You stink mister" a little girl said to me as I passed them in my leisurely stroll. They happened to be going in the opposite direction and they were walking hand in hand. Her shocked mum forcibly dragged her daughter closer to herself and mumbled an apology at me while quickening her pace.

I paused my walking and raised my sleeves to take a sniff at myself. I almost recoiled but decided to act natural. Of course, I did stink, living in a caravan for days on end would do that to you. Sure, we did clean ourselves even as we journeyed to this town but it was just the bare minimum. It was especially so for me as the merchant caravan's hired hand. Even the "entertainment" that I provided on the earlier night did not earn me special treatment.

Still absorbing with my eyes all I could, I was drawn to a darkly lighted street that conveniently offered some degree of obscurity. Here, hidden from prying eyes, I could dig further into the mysteries of my blood magic. Other than a cat I spooked, I was alone. I got to make it quick.

I tried to piece together any piece of information no matter how fragmented it was in my head. Our head. To this effect, I focused my will, searching through the chaotic mess until I discovered what I sought: a ritual designed to augment my senses, to sharpen my view of the world around me. If I did not know better I would have thought that Ash himself was so very helpful to make it this easy.

And so, with a mumbled invocation and a perfect incision to my palm with a rock I found, I accomplished the ritual, feeling a surge of power coursing through my veins. The world around me shifted, colours becoming more brilliant, sounds more distinct. I could hear the flutter of a butterfly's wings, smell the metallic tang of dread on a passing stranger, and sense the subtle oscillations of magic in the air. I was almost expecting to see an achievement unlocked shimmer for a bit in dark lettering before fading away. Luckily, no such thing happened, else it would have been unnerving. Or maybe not. I am at a loss on how to feel about that if it actually happened.

As I emerged from the alleyway, my heightened senses alerted me to a gathering of strangers watching me from a neighbouring rooftop. They were enveloped in shadow, their faces hidden beneath wide-brimmed hats. But their eyes, shining with an uncomfortable intensity, were unmistakable.

Not wanting to show my unease, I ignored them and tried to casually walk away. I wanted to get back to the populated areas of the marketplace. 

I was so intent at watching them out of the corner of my eye that I almost walked into someone at a sharp corner. I had not felt his presence at all. Even now with my eyes on him, I could barely sense his presence. This can't be good. My increased physical stats weren't all that impressive it seems. Or he could just have something to conceal himself, it's not out of the realm of possibilities. 

Pausing for a bit to orient myself, I attempted to continue on my way. The man didn't let me pass though. He silently raised a hand to stop my journey. 

"Is this a joke?" I said with irritation in my voice. "I don't have any money to give you."

He might have been a guard for all I knew but that was what I was going with. Instead of replying, he silently gestured at my back. I slowly looked back while taking a step way from him. 

As I took a glance back at whatever he wanted me to see, I got a surprise. I saw people behind me. I was locked in it seems. I quickly made a brief glance at the rooftop I saw earlier. It was now empty.

Looking back down, I examined my potential assailants and decided that if push comes to shove I would take my chances with fighting my way out. Looking at these fellows confirmed they were the very same persons I saw on the rooftop. Earlier, I did hear relatively light thuds as I was making haste to get away from here. I guess they jumped or something, leap-of-faith style. Sighing, I reduced the distance between us and walked towards them, my footsteps echoing in the now crowded alleyway. 

"Can I help you?" I asked, my voice purposely mild.

A towering person stepped forward, his voice a hoarse whisper. "Ash Blackwood," he whispered, his eyes drilling into mine. "We've been expecting you."

A chill raced down my spine. "Who are you?" I demanded, my fingers instinctively grabbing for my blade.

The figure chuckled, a dry, hollow sound. "We are the Eyes of the Serpent," he continued. "And we have a message for you."

He hesitated, his stare steadfast. "The Serpent's Tongue awaits your arrival," he continued. "She has seen your potential, and she believes you have a role to play in the coming conflict."

My heart hammered in my chest. The Serpent's Tongue, the enigmatic sorceress thought to be accumulating power in the shadows. Was this an opportunity, or a trap?

"Tell her I will consider her offer," I said, my voice carefully calibrated. "But I will not be anyone's pawn. I build my own way."

The man nodded, a tinge of amusement in his eyes. "Very well," he said. "We will inform her of your decision."

With that, he turned and vanished into the shadows, his companions following suit. I was left alone, my mind racing with questions. Who were the Eyes of the Serpent? What did the Serpent's Tongue want with me? And what role did I genuinely have to play in this brewing war?

Feeling less adventurous I discarded all plans and started to make my way back to the caravan. As I made my way back, a commotion in the marketplace attracted my attention. A bunch of hefty men, their faces scarred and their clothes decorated with the emblems of a local gang, were pestering a young woman.

I hesitated for a moment, caught between caution and a sense of obligation. The original Ash might have ignored the issue, but I was not him. I had a fresh power, a responsibility to use it for good.If only to be rewarded positive karma. What's to say is not a genuine being in this world? Besides, they're at best level 1 characters if this were a game. It can't be that hard to address this and be on my way. Easy as pie. I would take it as a test run for myself. I need to see how I would fare against such persons.

With a wave of adrenaline, I strode into the fray, my blood heating up with excitement. The gang members turned to face me, their eyes widening in surprise at the interruption.

"Step away from her," I demanded, my voice echoing with confidence.

The leader of the gang, a huge man with a damaged nose, sneered at me. "And who are you, pretty boy?" he inquired, his voice dripping with contempt. "Her protector?"

I smiled, a predatory glitter in my eyes. "No," I answered. "I'm your worst nightmare."