Chapter 1, Pages 8-12

As
the bath salts began to soften her skin, Rielari thought back on the
night before. Yislon had been so tender, it made Rielari miss her
every time she had to leave. Rielari touched her lips, tracing her
fingers over every place that Yislon had kissed. A slow smile lifted
the corners of her full lips, Yislon my love. Taking the sponge from
the tray hanging on the tub, she ran it over her body trying to
remove the dirt that she felt was caked on her from traveling.

The
state of Geal was beginning to bother her,The Hidden Treasure was
losing business but Amul’s bath house was flourishing. Amul was a
horrible business man, he usually gambled his money away as soon as
he got his greedy hands on it, but here he was with a bath house and
a few slaves. Rielari couldn’t explain it but she knew she could
talk to Madame Brinarey, she could explain what was happening in the
town of thieves.

Feeling
refreshed Rielari began to dress. Her expensive silk blouse fit snug
over her breasts but billowed out in the sleeves. The leather corset
was well worn, it tied in the front with thin strings that sometimes
gave her problems. She had made it after her first kill, it had been
part of her training. It had several hidden pockets that she had a
few knives and daggers in. Pulling her black pants up, she tucked
the silk blouse into them and tied the string. Her slightly stiff,
fitted wrist guards went on next and she double checked the small
daggers to assure herself that they slid out easily. Sitting on the
small bench she put her wool socks on, wiggling her toes they felt
warm again. Her knee high boots laced up the front and she put a
long dagger in each one. Standing she finished by strapping her
kampilan low on her hips and tightly twisting her long black hair in
several strategic braids.

Leaving
the bath house Rielari had thrown a few gold coins into Amul’s fat
hands as he leered at her. Taking a breath of fresh air as she
closed the door, she looked around the boisterous town for signs of
foulness. Not seeing anything on the surface she decided to visit
the local apothecary before returning to the brothel.

The
shop was hidden in the back alley’s of the poorer side of town.
Rielari kept all of her senses about her as she made her way down the
darkened street. A few slumped forms lay in their own filth to one
side as she passed, Rielari eyed them suspiciously. You could never
be too careful.

Reaching
the front door to the indistinguishable shop, Rielari tapped once,
twice, then she scratched. A ruff cut out in the door at about eye
level slide open, a large nose exited the hole. Sniffing the air the
nose quickly vanished to be replaced with a pair of red eyes.

“Lady
Rielari?”

“Yes,
Grimler, let me in,” Rielari looked sternly at the apothecary.

The
opening closed quickly and behind the door Rielari heard the sound of
several chain locks being released. The door opened with a rush of
smells, hibiscus, camomile, jasmine, and many others mingled
together. The little man urged her in, absently he scratched his
large nose.

“How
can I help you today Lady,” his scratchy voice almost hurt
Rielari’s sensitive hearing.

“I
just need a few supplies ,” Rielari smiled.

The
apothecary started rummaging through his herbs, talking to himself he
pulled out several small pouches. Placing them to the side he
continued his search moving around the small shop in quick rapid
movements.

Rielari
curious, looked around at the shelves to see if there was anything
new in the shop since she was here last. Seeing a small yellow
bottle, she walked closer to pick it up and examine it. The bottle
was the same color as Yislon’s eyes, small and tapered at the top.
Holding it to the flame in the lantern, she noticed it was the liquid
in the bottle that gave the glass it’s color.

Grimler
noticed her interest, “That’s dragon’s blood, very rare.”

Rielari
chuckled to herself, she did not believe in the mythical creatures.
She did however like the look of it and placed it next to the small
pile the apothecary had made.

“What’s
it used for,” she asked.

“Not
sure,” Grimler said furrowing his thick brow, “A young man
brought it in and gave it to me. Said he had found it and wasn’t
sure if it was even safe.”

Rielari
thought, well that’s interesting. She would have to bring it to
Ravarik to see if the apothecary there knew. She fingered the
mysterious bottle and half smiled thinking about Yislon and her
beautiful eyes.

“I
think I have everything here that you need,” Grimler cleared his
throat to get Rielari’s attention.

Carefully
inspecting what the apothecary had laid out for her, Rielari nodded,
“Yes, thank you how much do I owe you.”

Grimler
scratched his nose again, “Well with that little vial of dragon’s
blood it will be two gold pieces.”

Rielari
handed him the gold and placed everything into her medicine pouch
attached to her belt, securing it against thieves.

“Thank
you for the supplies,” she said over her shoulder as she left the
shop.

Walking
back to the richer part of town, Rielari decided to make one more
stop. She walked into a brightly colored shop full of flowers, the
smells were intoxicating. The yellow lilies caught her eye and she
picked up two. Bringing them to the lady behind the counter, she
paid and left eager to see Yislon again.

Another
child tried picking her pockets as she walked towards the brothel.
Rielari was ready for him as he clumsily lifted the strings to her
purse, poor little thief didn’t realize who she was. The look on his
face as he ran off made her want to laugh.

As
Rielari entered The Hidden Treasure she felt as if something was
wrong. A chill ran up her spin as she look around for the danger,
the entertainers were missing. She drew her kampilan and crouched
in a defensive position, her muscles twitched in preparation. Slowly
and silently she made her way through the front entrance, looking at
everything for a clue. Slight movement upstairs caught her
attention, quickly but with stealth she made her way up to the second
floor. The stairs curved up to a balcony that entertainers usually
lounged around, it was empty and eerily quiet.

Creeping
up to the large double doors in the center of the balcony, Rielari
listened intently for any signs of danger. Hearing the sound of sobs
but nothing else, she carefully opened the door. It opened to a long
hall with many doors leading to rooms, were the girls worked. The
hallway was empty. Quietly walking towards the crying, she kept her
guard up for the unexpected. The further down the hallway she went
the faster her heart began to beat.

Standing
in front of Yislon’s door, Rielari realized the crying was emanating
from behind it. Her heart was hammering in her chest, ready to
burst. Something was wrong with Yislon, she knew it. Gently she
pulled the door open, the sight before her made her drop her sword.

Every
entertainer in the room turned, scared. The Madame of the house was
holding a bloody limp body in her arms on the floor.

“Oh
Rielari,” Brinarey sobbed.

Disbelief
on her face, Rielari shook her head, “No.” She dropped to her
knees and stared, mouth slightly open.