A gentle roar seemed to hold the Southern Dock hostage. It was abnormally busy, and people were scattered in all directions. Mintrow pushed his way through the crowds with Nareen at his heels. Several ferries could be taken to Kavaria at any given time. All of them were expensive, and they were rarely comfortable. On a day as busy as today, the odds of legally procuring a ticket were slim to say the least. The odds of obtaining two were close to non-existent.
“It doesn't look like we'll be leaving for a while,” Nareen said pointedly. Mintrow merely scowled.
He allowed his eyes to briefly survey the coastline before they settled on a short jetty. A man with rugged red hair and an ungroomed beard stood near it. Mintrow began to shove his way through the thick mob in attempt to cross the distance between himself and the jetty.
“Hey watch it!” The gruff voice came from behind him.
“I'm sorry, sir,” said Mintrow.
“No, listen here,” the man said, “what makes you think that you have the right to push us around?”
There was a momentary silence as Mintrow sized up the man. His biceps were massive. They were painted with black tattoos that stretched down his bare forearms and terminated only upon reaching his hands.
“I'm sorry, sir,” Mintrow repeated, “I'm in a real hurry. You know how it is, I can't miss my ship.”
“Look here, bigshot, I don't care how many ships you would have missed. It's a lack of common courtesy to shove people around.” Just then, the man stumbled forward. Mintrow looked to see what it was that had caused this big oaf's fall.
Suddenly, something massive collided into Mintrow, knocking him to the floor. A massive explosion shook the air, and the mob erupted into chaos. Panic-stricken faces stopped frozen. A high pitched scream broke the short silence that had hung for a moment, delicately in the air.
From his awkward position on the cold, hard, earth, Mintrow could see the woman who lay behind him writhe in agony. Blood was spattered on her white silk attire. She was a noblewoman, no doubt; a prospect which would certainly ensure that this episode got far more attention than it rightfully should have.
What shook him more than anything, though, was the fact that the bullet was no doubt intended for him.
Nareen ignored Mintrow's dazed expression. It was fixed on the woman who lay on the floor with a shot in her leg. He needed to move quickly, and his worrying about some spoiled noblewoman was unlikely to help his cause.
“Get up, Mintrow,” she said. He didn't move. “What's wrong with you.” She swore violently. He needed to move. The confusion would dissipate soon, and he would be exposed again.
Desperate, Nareen, grabbed hold of his muscular arm, and then heaved. Remarkably, his massive form lifted off the ground.
He was there again. The cutthroat was trying to make his way through the crowd. She didn't think he had seen them yet. She wasn't going to take the risk though.
“Run,” she said, “I'll follow you.”
This time, Mintrow obeyed. He began to walk hurriedly through the crowd. He had drawn a pistol out of his trouser belt, and held it hidden beneath his leather cape. Nareen followed his zig-zags through the maze of people from a short distance. She stopped for a moment. Peering behind her, she spotted the cutthroat. He was walking fast. Towards her. No. Towards Mintrow. His gaze was fixed on Mintrow.
She bent down, apparently to tie her boot's laces. Her dark hair hid her cold expression. She waited for the cutthroat to near her. Then she rose, withdrawing a hunting-knife from an ankle strap as she did so. He passed her without giving her a second glance. She gracefully picked herself up off the ground. The metamorphosis from hunted to hunter was thrilling.
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