Runaway : The Journey of thieves {chapter 2}

Chapter 2: Alone

I traveled in the shadows of the night, guided only by the simple beams of moonlight. Heavy screeches from cars erupted through the air, and a light haze spread the area. Silent conversations of mysterious beings whispered through the night while evil cackles fell from the sky. French Gothic architecture in somber colors were the buildings. Magic shops and wizard warehouses on every street, and stray cats haunting the deserted streets. This was downtown Castle, home to the most precarious dark alleys and black markets of our realm.

And there I was, a lone child wandering the night. Wearing only a light gossamer dress tied at the waist by a violet sash. A velvet cloak of royal blue veiled me, tied loosely at the neck by a silver ribbon. My pirate leather boots were doing all the work that day, running heavily as I tried to escape the dangerous streets. Light treading on concrete floors, heavy panting and a slight rustling of a bag. This was me.

Midnight soon came, and I needed to recharge myself for the next days severe traveling methods. A hundred plastic trash bags and soiled dumpsters were my company that lonesome night. Laying down on the icy stone, I gently drifted off the sleep.

“Sirena, she’s waking!”

“Oh shut up Sage, let her sleep.”

“But Sage! Her eyes are already open. Look, they’re gorgeous. They’re like two brilliant purple gems.”

“They’re a bit impish aren’t they? Large and bright, but slightly pinched at the ends. Looks mysterious.”

“Sure are, and she has a beautiful nose! Perfect size and not too pointy. Slightly rounded at the edges. “

“Yes and a lovely complexion. Rose petal skin, and creamy smooth like it too.”

“ I wish I had her ears, they’re wicked cool.”

“You idiot. I wish I had her hair, it’s amazing!”

“Yes, an pale blonde beauty she is. Should I get my hair cut like her?”

“Maybe. But I don’t think you could pull those layers off. I like how her side bangs slant over her forehead.”

“I like how they sweep over her forehead! And it’s a great length too! Right by the elbows.”

“The shape is absolutely stunning. The short layers at the top make it more voluminous while the bottom remains thin and long.”

“SHUT UP!”

My weary eyes were abruptly awaken by a screeching command. Blinking rapidly a few times to clear my image, I regained sight and conscious. Standing before me were two roguish looking girls at similar heights. The first one had sausage orange hair and narrow hazel eyes. The other, long dark tresses and neon green eyes like a cat’s. Their bright eyes were glaring at subtly in a direction somewhere off to the right.

“Look what you two have done! She’s awake now!” The ear piercing screams were coming from an older girl far off in the right. Fiery red flames made her restless hair and fierce green irises were her eyes. Dressed in a dark gown and filthy cobwebs were her adornments.

My lips were sealed shut while they argued, but my eyes never stayed still for a second. They wandered the perimeters of my new surrounding. Laying on a dusty crimson carpet I was, in a world I’d never known of. The grimy rock walls surrounded me. Bits and pieces were crumbling of their edges. The ceiling was a sandy shade, its texture like wet dirt. A thousand toadstools broke through the ceiling, hanging upside down. Their bright glows illuminated the underground cave.

“Sage, Tabitha. Do you not know how to listen to your leader? When I tell you to do something I expect you to do it.” Sirena hissed frigidly.

Her soprano voice was beautiful and earsplitting at the same time.

“You know what happens to the rule breakers, they leave this place forever to wander alone! You bloody as well know that you can never make it alone out there alone. To your dorms, I will not see of your faces again today if you disobey me.” Sirena condemned them, her clenched fist high in the air.

Sage and Tabitha’s lips curled down at the edges, their heads slowly throbbing forward. Then they were gone.

I had completely forgotten that I was awake rather than dreaming, and what I saw was the reality I was in.

“You see what defiance does in the down here? I won’t be seeing you rule breaking now novice, will I?” Sirena was now facing me, a wicked grin spreading from her pallid face.

I stood myself up, still not measuring to her elevated height and bluntly replied, “Depends on what the rules are here.”

A terrible cackle escaped Sirena’s ruby lips, her head thrown back with laughter.

“Why you’re a mischievous one aren’t you? I like you’re style kid. You’ve got potential in you, leadership potential,” She flashed a toothy smile. “Sirena Beckett here. And what shall we call you?”

I lifted my chin, “Arion. Arion Mystique.”

My hand reached out to meet hers, we shook.

“Pleasure having you join us novice. We rarely get any like you. You don’t know how many boys snuck in her last night while you were sleeping. Even the girls could tell there was something special about you.” She winked, left eye still twinkling.

I wrinkled my nose in disgust, “Novice?”

Once again Sirena threw her head back, erupting into laughter.

“Wow, you’re real funny. You see this is an underground rebellion site known as Midnight Revolution. Our leader, the magnificent Silvia, found this place and made it her own. Before it became home to slickest of thieves, it was once an secret Kingdom. But it was destroyed and all the inhabitants fled like cowardly pigeons. Back to the story, Silvia was a wanted witch. She performed forbidden spells, illegal magic lessons, and was charged with grand theft. She opened this place to house all the abandoned, forgotten children and people who wander the realm alone. She teaches them spells and enchantments they would need in case their thieving days got them into trouble. Her officers even hold pocketing classes each week for beginners. The big shots here do all the serious burglary-”

I interrupted with a quick question, “So just about anyone can join Midnight Revolution?”

“Of course not! Silvia’s recruiter’s search the city and the whole realm for new members. The recruiters only bring in people if they think they meet the standards, or if something is special about them. Silvia herself judges whether or not that person is worthy of keeping our secret. If they are, they stay. If they aren’t, they’re done for.” Sirena swiped her index finger on her neck life a knife.

“Once you join, you start off at the bottom, a novice. You can raise your level and gain new titles by mastering your craft and doing different tasks. For easy pick pocketing you can become a Pocketer, pretty easy. If master your skills you can gain a title that Silvia herself will bestow upon you. If you perform a harder theft, like lets say stealing a magic talisman or a valuable treasure, you gain the rank Thief. For something a grand theft, or several of them, you can raise your rank up to Grand Thief, Bandit, Outlaw, or even become a legend. Other times you can show great potential and skills required to become an officer, or a leader, like me.” Her nose shot up into the air proudly.

“You’re an officer?”

“Why yes I am. Chief Officer Sirena Beckett, thief of the twilight. I run the west wing of the Midnight Revolution and train all the newbie’s worth my time. I got my title by the Scroll of Western Winds, and by capturing the soul of the wizard in my mirror. But enough about me, we must prepare you for your judging.” With a simple snap of her fingers, a sinister looking maiden appeared by her side.

“ I’d like you to prepare Arion for her judging in a few hours. Take her to see Terrence. Tell him that her rucksack has a spell cast upon it and it cannot be opened. He needs to inspect her for any weapons or any items that may make her lethal. Also bathe her, clothe her, and get her a room.” Sirena ordered.

“Of course Sirena. Anything for you.” The maiden purred, her words rolling off her tongue.

Within the same instant the cat-like girl appeared by my side and grabbed my arm with her grimy paws. Her free arm swiped a handful of gray dust from her pocket and threw it on the ground. For just a second we were enveloped in a world of smoke, then we were transported to hallway. Murky stains lined the arched walls while welcoming skulls and scattered bones lay on the ground.

“Nice way of traveling.” I flattered her.

“I know isn’t it. I wish I could transport further though, but I don’t have enough power.” She droned, her lips shaping every word.

“My name is Kitty by the way. Mistress Kitty to you.” She smirked, lime green pupils twinkling in the dim light of the toadstools. Her mysterious auburn hair contrasted finely against her pale skin and wine-colored lips. We walked silently down to gloomy hall. Screeching bats fluttered the ceilings while we traveled wordlessly, our light steps crunching against the earth.

At the end of the hall waited tremendous wooden doors painted cinnabar red. Golden patterns and handles adorned the entry.

“This is where I must leave you for now, Arion. Give Terrence this message.” Kitty passed a tiny cream-colored scroll into my hands before disappearing into smoldering smoke.

“Great.” I muttered to myself.

I turned to face the great entrance. An soft light flashed through the cracks, distorted by the obstacle. Faint crowing and hooting could be heard, while heavy vibrations resonated from the ground.

I grabbed the golden knob and knocked it against the door twice. The room silenced while the soft light continued to flicker creepily.

The door opened just a peek, an cream colored boy pressed behind it. His brown marbles for eyes looked me up and down before shutting the door closed.

“It’s girl! A beautiful one too.” A voice called from behind the door.

“You heard him boys! Get your act together.” A more rugged voice called. A swift ruffle of movements sounded themselves and became silent once again. The door opened again, this time wide open. A vast room welcomed me. Wooden benches were spread about. Tinted barrels were laying still in the far corners of the room. Mischievous boys populated the area, some standing others sitting. All were dressed in loosely fitted garments similar to traditional pirate and traveler attire. All expectant eyes were glaring at me. I grinned wickedly, they all smiled viciously in return.

One of the boys, a tall and slender looking one with messy chocolate hair stood up from his bench and walked toward me.

“Hey they gorgeous, want to go for a little walk?” His husky voice was bloodcurdling.

“Yeah or maybe take a spin with Bruno over here?” Another muscular teen asked.

They all broke out into rough laughter. They were out of control as soon as they began, continuing to speak of me in my very presence. As flattering as these comments were, I wanted to all their heads off for messing with me.

“Silence.” A golden voice rang with certainty. With a hint of a authority to his harmonic voice, I immediately knew he was their leader.

From a hidden room in the back, a fair haired young man—around sixteen or seventeen— with solid gold eyes and a careless expression to his face stepped forth. His slim yet muscular olive skin shimmered in the light of the flickering fireplace. Dressed superiorly in an pirate style ivory blouse, baggy black slacks, and solid gold cuffs, he stood out. The room was silenced in his presence.

“Daren, step forward.” He commanded boldly.

His thin brows furrowed in distress.

Daren, the chocolate headed boy who started all the cheering stepped forth. His hands were locked together behind his back as if they were tied together. He bowed his head before his captain.

“What have I told you about sending my guests immediately to me?” Their leader asked.

His voice was so calm and so emotionless that you would’ve never guessed he was angry.

“To report them directly to you, chief.” Daren answered nervously.

His warm tint to his face disappeared, turning a pale and horrified white. The dagger tied to his belt rattled as he trembled.

“And.”

“And to not speak directly to them unless to guide them to your presence. I am forbidden to speak to your visitors unless they address me first.”

“Did you break these rules , Daren?” Their leader paced around the room as if to build suspense.

“Yes. I take full responsibility. “ Daren answered.

The captain walked up to Daren, his mighty stature shadowing him.

“On your knees ,fool.” He barked before knocking Daren to the floor with a swift blow against his legs. Daren wobbled on the ground in fear of his sentence. The captain lashed out a coiled whip from his gold belt loop. The whip’s ferocious snap traveled through the air.

“Why did you break the rules Daren? What led you to disobey my orders?” The captain’s leather boot was crushed against Daren’s bare back; a trickle of sweat ran down his face like rushing water.

“I’m sorry captain. She was just so, so beautiful. I’d never seen anything like her. I couldn’t resist, I mean look at her. I’m sorry.” Daren stuttered on his words as the captain trodden harder on his back. The other boys watched intently, their mouths sealed shut.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry. That’s all I ever hear from you Daren.” Another brutal blow hit Daren in the gut. He throbbed helplessly on the ground, taking in the stinging pain.

“You’re a wretched fool for even thinking about a maiden like her, and even more pathetic for trying to take advantage of her. I hope you’ll learn you lesson after this.” The captain’s sculpture face turned callous, his cuffed right hand raised in the air ready to lash his crewmember. His sleeves were folded up to his elbows, but I could still see his muscles tighten forming a hard stone. I looked down at the suffering Daren, feeling pity towards him. He didn’t do anything wrong in my book, and I wasn’t seriously offended either. I couldn’t believe the way the officers cruelly punished their team for disobedience. I guessed they loathed disloyalty.

Right before the captain’s whip started at Daren, a piercing scream escaped me.

“Stop!” I commanded with a solemn expression on my face.

My torso stood tall and prodigious even though I was shorter than most of them. Both my fists were clenched in rage. My eyes were humorless and solid as the ones belonging to the fearless captain. The confidence and authority I possessed was something I was born with. I didn’t try to order people around and lead them, I just did it.

The heavy gasp came from the audience, their eyes terrified of what was about to happen. The captain lowered his whip, his muscles loosening. He looked to me, and then down at Daren. He recoiled his whip, dropping it dramatically onto the ground. The whip quivered before finally coming to an end.

“I’ll show mercy for you today because I won’t lash you in front of the girl. Remember what happens when you break my rules, Daren.” The captain whispered coldly. His voice was like frigid ice, scraping against the drums of your ears.

“Now scatter! All of you!” He barked venomously, and his whole crew scurried out of the room like wild mice.

His head was lowered, topaz eyes staring contemplatively at the ground. His olive skin had a faint glow that complemented the soft shimmer to it. I stared at the side of his cherubic face in awe. He looked like an angel, a destructive and heartless angel, beautiful nonetheless.

“I’m sorry you had to see that.” His fierce tone shook.

“When someone here shows defiance to their leaders, they are prone to brutal punishment. That’s just the way rules are.” His voice was grim.

His liquid gold eyes flickered with the light from the fire, the shadows crossing part of his angelic face. For some reason I got the idea that the captain actually was tormented by punishing his crew. His eyes seemed so depressed and tortured, as if he had empathy toward those he had punished.

His eyes flickered into mine when he faced me, blistering flames burning within them.

“That’s alright, I’m fine. Condemning a defiant is no big deal to witch. We do stuff like that all the time, except with spells and enchantments. I turned one of my admirers into a toad one time. He was actually more pleasant to be around that way.” I grinned impishly up at him.

His distressed expression distorted into a wicked smirk as he rose his head.

“How kind of you, witch. He should be thankful that no one decided to add them to their stew.” He chuckled a harmonious laugh.

His glorious laughter, his kind smile, his happiness… It brought a warm light feeling inside me, forcing me to smile in return.

“I’m Terrence, the captain of the all-male crew. I am the leader of the south wing. Glad to see you’re awake.” He smirked lucidly back at me.

“Arion Mystique. And what do you mean glad to see I’m awake?” I mocked in horror.

He simply erupted into laughter like Sirena had earlier that day.

“Who do you think found you lying there in that alley? It’s dangerous in the streets at night if you weren’t aware.”

“So you’re one of those scouts, or recruiters or whatever. I’ll have you know that I was doing perfectly fine without your assistance. I wasn’t dead now was I?” I sniffed pompously. He laughed again.

“I’m sure you were.” He jeered. “Actually I’m not a scout. Lower ranks do that sort of dirty work. I was actually visiting an old friend when I saw you.”

“Why didn’t you just leave me there then, if scouting wasn’t your job? Wasn’t that task one for the boys?” I teased, flashing my fangs up at him.

“Yes, but you weren’t an ordinary find, my dear. You looked like an abandoned angel there just resting. So innocent, so pure, until you yawned. Then I saw your fangs and the picture shattered. I couldn’t leave you there. Someone could’ve taken advantage of you while you were so helpless.” He accused. It wasn’t my fault that I had no place to go.

“So what brings you to me today, my dear?” He purred, gold eyes locked on mine.

I handed him the miniature scroll. He unfastened the red string holding it together, and his eyes scanned its message. As he read on, a wicked grin inched on the corners of his lips. What could that mean?

When he was finished he deposited the note into his pocket and looked to me.

“I have the pleasure of inspecting you today , Arion. You’re not armed with anything dangerous are you?” He joked. He narrowed his eyes and held his chin as if to say I was suspicious.

“Just your average witch material. Wand, broomstick, magic mirror.” I shot a dazzling grim up at him.

“We’ll see about that. Come with me.” He turned on his heel and led me to his back room.

There wasn’t much except a large wooden desk, a coat rack, and a few scattered items on the floor. The ceiling glowed with the same toadstools as the rest of the place. Terrence took a seat on his thick, leather chair and threw his feet up onto the desk.

“You need to open that bag of yours for me, Arion. Otherwise you’re be labeled as a dangerous intruder.” He said, his velvet voice smooth.

I untied my brown rucksack with ease, spreading its valuable contents on the floor. I shook the bag a few times upside down to show that it was empty before throwing it on the ground with the rest of my stuff.

Terrence eyes sparkled from the sight of the precious treasures. He stood up from his seat and came to pace around my belongings. His arms were folded behind his back as he stepped.

“Let’s seem what we’ve got here. Witch ingredients, a cauldron full of treasures, a few magic charms, a magic mirror, a crystal ball, a wand, and a leather back book. Very dangerous. I should report you.” He said with a straight face.

“You could very much put us all in danger with hazards like these!” He turned to face me, a smirk playing on his face.

“I’ll let you keep your belongings. But only if you tell me where it all came from.” He nodded to me. I sighed.

“Mrs. Dianna Marseille. She died just yesterday and I burned her house and belongings down as she asked. All but a few things I’d need for my travel.” I explained without hiding a thing. That was the bare truth.

“ I believe that. Now onto your second inspection. Are you carrying any weapons, talismans, or hazards on your person?”

“No.”

He paced around in circle, a smile building on his face. “These are just rules, but I’m going to have to hand check to see it for myself. Cloak off, shoes off, arms up.” He ordered, and I did as I was told.

His icy hands pressed lightly against my sides, sliding down to my waist. He continued checking down the sides of my legs in a regulation manner. Something light fluttered in my stomach when his nose accidentally brushed against tummy. I could feel his light breathing as he inspected me and his divine fragrance that smelled of roses smelled heavenly. Each time I inhaled, a filmy intoxication would compel me to inhale once more.

When he finished with my ankles, he stood up with just a quick movement.

“You’re all clear.” He whispered softly in my ear before returning to his desk, my stomach knotted. I couldn’t help but gaze at his long golden lashes as he pondered silently at his table.

“After organizing your belongings I’ll have Kitty come back down here to dress you. I don’t want you wearing something so thin and delicate as gossamer. You’re much to good to be wearing anything lowly like such. You should be wearing fine silks and adorned with gold and diamonds.” He muttered to himself.

I felt my cheeks flush an intense red when he said this. I hurried to pick up all my belongings.

“Kitty will be waiting at the door for you. Please give her my thanks and remind her to give you only the finest and most luxurious of garments if she forgets.” Terrence requested absently as he twiddled a quill between his long fingers.

I walked to the exit of the room, but abruptly turned back.

“Thank you.” I expressed my gratitude toward him.

He looked up to me, his face completely perplexed by my comment.

“For saving me.” I added before beaming at him impishly.

“Anytime.” He flashed a pretty boy wink up at me.

I nodded and hastily exited the room.