03.

"Faris my love,

It has been longer than my heart can bare since feeling the serenity of your embrace● I do not truly know if this letter will ever reach you but I pray it finds you warm and well● These endless unforgiving miles feel like lifetimes for a messenger to bridge and my heart holds no ease● I just know as deep and wide are the oceans I miss you● I can not count the tears that fall upon the words you send, nor the times I hold them to my nose hoping to capture a ghost of your scent when mother can not see●

Your letter arrived this morning, dated almost two moons ago● How is my heart supposed to make it through the days without you? My only comfort is that we sleep under the same heavens● Sometimes I dream we are all together● No distance, no loss● When I awake my heart feels as empty as my chambers, nowhere is home without you● My Father always asks me when are you to visit●

The doctors claim my mother with each visit improves slightly but I suspect all is a scam simply to secure the steady flow of coin● Father has hope but the storms of sand draw ever closer no matter what turns we take●

How are our little ones studies going my love? I know your duties are important but I appreciate the time you put aside for family●

It seems only yesterday we were sitting in the square, laughing at how Kalaril's sweets blued our tongue's like gooseberries● I remember the faces we made because they were so sour●

Each day hurts, things never heal● A wife without her husband is like a plant without soil, but a mother without her child is like a plant without air.."

"Daddy"

"Princess?"

"Why didn't we go with mom's to grandma's?

Faris looks down.

"Because you have exams. I wanted to go too, more than anything but your future comes first."

Faris gives Schenade a sad smile, wraps a fathers arm around her and kisses the top of her head.

Schenade smiles with a tear in her eye, Faris smiles back.

"Shall we continue?"

Schenade nods, looking away as she removes any evidence of tearing up. Faris strokes his beard, clears his throat, sneaks a smile and continues reading.

"..It seems only yesterday we were sitting in the square, laughing at how those sweets turned our tongues as blue as gooseberries● I'll never forget the faces we made because of how sour they were●

How are the little ladies' studies going? I know your duties are important and it must be really tough making her textbooks as well as helping her study for her exams● I am excited to see how far along with Arabiya she has come along when you come to visit●

It's nice being able to speak in my own mother tongue after so long● I keep making small errors here and there but these few last moons have helped me to relearn●

The candle is burning dull and my eyes strain from such long hot days here so I'll sign off, pray and go to sleep● I miss and love you both so much●

Eternally yours - Tamara•"

Faris covers his eyes, hiding the tears of a loving husband who misses their wife. Looking at his daughter, he squeezes her nose and laughs at the expression she makes.

"Daaad!"

"Come on, it's time."

"Okay, but only three pages today, not five."

"Ha! How old are you?"

"Very funny. I don't see the relevance."

"Thirteen in three weeks to be exact; you are not in a position to negotiate but if you get the first four pages perfect we'll call it a night."

"Deal!"

Smiles Schenade.

The two of them sit over the text book coated in candle light through four and a half pages before retiring for the night.

-

***

Watercolours wash over quieting streets and a blanket of stars embrace nocturnal dwellers. The night is warm and the sky clear enough to compliment the moon's glow, adorning the dream of Vatala Forest. All was still, beautiful, peaceful for a woman tired of society's folly. She sits Opening the book left on the bench seemingly abandoned in a random place tucking her blue dress behind her as she sits. Curiously opening the book on a page at random her eyes dart towards the red words

...Perched upon the bench moving her blue dress, opening the volume she just found...

Tamara immediately felt invested and continued to read.

...the text almost spoke to her, warning: beware of the hunger stalking you oh little blue bird!..

Tamara's sights widen, peeking over the book in fear before realising it was just a coincidence and her circle would ridicule her brutally for being so foolish. It was not such a ludicrous thing but a circle of highborn know nothing of empathy, only condescension, self-praise and arrogance. Tamara wanted to put the book down having given her a fright but it felt important just to read a little more, it would be foolish not to.

... Still sat she had no idea how valid her fears were as she anxiously read on rather than flying as if hounded upon by a great owl. Why not run when a chase is more fun oh Tamara?...

Gasping for breath she flicks through the book, every page except the one she opened on stares blank. The busy park feels quite, every shadow lurks demons, every passer potentially a threat. The peaceful empty darkness of the park now materialized as an inescapable nightmare draped in snapped and splintered tree bones. In dread, the book falls upon one simple word scribbled over and over

...RUN...

Panic tightens her throat like a noose. Trying to plan a way through the labyrinth without escape, attempting to think before acting but it was too late, she was already running into the void.

Branches and thorns grab her like spiders, tearing her dress. Racing from woe her thumping heart weighs her down in an inescapable shroud of shadow. Torches of the town's guards, a sign of hope, help yet so far away. Screaming in terror yet but no sound is coming out, just an unbroken silence drowned in the breeze. Panting and stumbling, screaming for help towards the distant flames that fade further away with each step. Exhaustion and hopelessness will not halt the thundering sound of being chased, just draw the terror closer.

***

Faris awakens, sudden and dazed, combing his hair back letting out a sigh. Faris has not seen his wife in too long as his watering eyes reflect. Wiping his right eye with his thumb the shadows of the room paint a tall figure in the room. Looking up startled, the black outlines appear to have no cause for concern. Faris grips the underhand curved dagger from the bedside, throws a shirt over his broad shoulders and cautiously manoeuvres through the hall and peeks into his daughters room, checks downstairs and makes his way back to bed a little concerned but knows the house is safe. Checking the time before closing his eyes he gets up, prays and sleeps well till first light.

-

"Good morning my love!"

Greets Veryrth to her waking husband.

"It is?"

Moans Axil as he faces his least favourite part of the day.

The tent blooms of fresh coffee, fresh sweet bread and chirping birds. Axil washes and embraces his wife from behind who is pouring coffee into small embossed decorative cups.

"It is!"

Axil affirms, sitting on the cushions to share breakfast with the woman he loves. Veryth smiles hearing the happiness in his voice.

"You know, I can tell when you are smiling, even when you are not speaking."

"Oh really? Can you tell what face I'm making now?"

Axil replies, pulling a funny face leaning in almost close enough to kiss her.

Veryth chuckles, feeling his breath on her face... "you're making a funny face aren't you?"

Axil lovingly holds her hands, placing her palms on his silly mug and both laugh together like young fools. After breakfast Axil showers, applies his trademark fragrance and makes his way over to see Faris.

-

Gothic churches dominate with only a single area standing large proud dome tents. An astronomical clock larger than any church bell watches over the heart of the people reminding of the passing hours with animations, a marvel of ancient engineering mastery.

Echoes of loud impact from the rear court of Faris's house can be heard through the street. Axil makes his way through the side path to a rear yard coated in wooden decking populated by exercise apparatus for weight resistance, flexibility and martial arts. Faris is striking the punching bag with heavy exhausted power kicks and punches.

"Ready for round two?"

smiles Axil swooping in to hug his sweating brother..

"So... you can... call me...a cheat ...again for having.. four limbs?"

Faris smiles, barely able to get the words out from exhaustion.

"How about next time we don't hold back?" Chuckles Axil.

"Axil,"

Faris says with a shifting expression.

"I need to go back to the woods where I found the fabric."

"You think you may have missed something?"

Faris pauses for a moment, wiping sweat off his brow.

"I had a dream last night. It was Tamara that had disappeared."

"Tamara? How did she disappear?"

"I'm not certain, but I would rather you be with me should I find something."

"In that case, let me prepare a little better before we go out there. If it is Tamara out there, she will be ok. Let's meet up at the North gate at suns peak, should be plenty of daylight then."

-

Townsmen don earthy tone long coats over pastel colours while women dress shoulder to toe in patterned vibrant pinks, purples, reds and maroons complimented with neutral shawls. The men and women of Vatala more often than not indulge in fancy buttons and lace cuffs.

The Nakhflay camp dress rather different; the men wear eye kohl, dark robes always accented by a complimenting cummerbund, leather vambraces and fur while the women sport a more simple palate of blouses and long skirts with embroidered waist wraps, head scarfs all usually adorned with decorative jewellery pieces. People call them witches, fortune tellers while others less educated and more desperate see them as spiritual guru's.

Before the towering checkpoint for the north gate two of the guards are allocated, one to allow people in, seizing weapons and illegal items as well as offer guidance to residence, currency exchange and other important facilities. Axil and Faris are at the other checkpoint where visitors usually collect any items not allowed to enter the city on the way in, as well as present horse documents to claim from the stables upon the way out. Showing their identity documents to the officer posted, a longer than usual time is taken inspecting them.

"Well well, it's the traitor who got Sköyr banished."

"No, he got himself banished."

Faris calmly replies with a completely clear conscience.

"How do you live with yourself knowing how you choose to ..."

"Shut up!"

Axil scorns as stoic as a boulder.

"Oh look, he talks!"

"As do you, so tell us what you want and let us get on with your job."

"Now look, if I wanted lucky charms and smelly potions I know your kind are the experts but since nobody is asking you about any of that, how about a little respect before I put you in the holdings. What's the matter, ran out of makeup?"

Faris strokes his beard, eyes beginning to tighten and sternly summons

"You know what..."

"Don't bother, I know exactly where he lives."

Axil comforts Faris, knowing how years of reputation can be tarnished in a moment.

"So do I but you are right. Now is not the time."

Faris replies as his green eyes burn through the embodiment of everything he hated about the city.

The guard draws his dagger, a weapon law enforcement should not really have. Faris and Axil stand strong, eyes wide open ready for whatever may come next.

A silence boils...

Noticing an unusual amount of drama at the gate, Yuri leaves his post to check what's going on

"I'm sorry about this guy, he's... Well he's an asshole!"

"WHAT!"

"It's true. Nobody ever wants to be on shift with you."

Turning to Faris and Axil.

"Most of us are thankful for what you did, without you he would still..."

Yuri shakes his head

"Anyway, make sure you're back before lockdown. Without the right paperwork I won't be able to let you in. Alright?"

"Alright."

Faris replies, still feeling the fire in his veins.

Yuri opens the gate, giving the asshole a dirty look. Faris thanks Yuri and Axil offers a nod of respect before walking through outside the great wall.

-

Icy winds spread the rotting stench of hanging bodies elevated outside the gates of Vatala, comforting for some, a deterrent to others. Buzzing flies remind law is the pillar of civilization, without it, society would impale under greed and animosity.

"So Faris, how did we even get assigned this case?"

"Why ask?"

"It's just strange for a missing person case to be assigned when technically nobody is actually missing as far as we can tell."

"Commander Victor was given an anonymous note about the scene by somebody who apparently saw something suspicious in the late of night. Our names were strongly recommended based upon our success of the museum investigation and a sufficient amount of coin was put forward as our fee. Clearly somebody believes that there is a case and that it requires our attention."

-

Winter's midday light flickers off silver plated heavy armour. Raising his pump-action crossbow to his shoulder, aiming forward he boots the door wide open blasting daylight through the dust and dark against the stench of blood and fur.

Cautiously stepping through the creaking hall, the first room emerges as light catches the edges of old webbed furnishings. Agonized spirits stare through heads of angry beasts hanging on the walls. Each corner potentially harbors a threat, each compartment likely to be a coffin, no room can be searched without vigilance. The stench of blood looms stale, spiders lay in wait for the flies that follow death. The fireplace stands cold, cupboards empty and windows boarded up throughout the house echoing every step, every breath as loud as cracking ice under the axe. Systematically clearing each room from the ground up.

Through the boarded up bedroom windows a woman can be seen wearing a white maidens dress carrying a darkness that swallows the light. Analysing the anomaly through his helmet, focus subsides for a moment in curiosity and concern.

"Whatever she is, she is something that must be stopped."

He mumbles to himself.

Gazes of Nyla's fury burn back into Rohain's soul across the fields ringing his skull like a bell on Sunday. Shrieking able to break the greatest mountain, Rohain's hearing and sights begin to bleed, dimming the world crimson black.

-

Faris prays the prayer of sunset after a long search through the site and its reasonably sized perimeter while Axil sits on a fallen log running a sharpening stone down his blade's edge. Faris raises his arms to supplicate when the sound of wolves and yelling break the calm…