The Inheritor of Light

"There is a popular belief among the general population that monsters lie in wait around every bend. This is mostly false. Ignoring the far north, scattered no man's lands, and underground depths monsters are actually quite rare. Most often, populaces are harmed by outlaws or other nations, rather than beasts. The belief in monsters has mainly been enflamed by nations attempting to shirk their responsibility of protecting their own people." 

– Slayers' Guild, "State of Infestation" (587 SA)

"We've been walking for ages. Can't we stop and rest?" Sãra complained as she staggered along the road, her heavy pack causing her to shamble several paces behind Johnathan.

"It's not even midday. We haven't been walking for very long. Don't tell me that this great country's very own princess can't walk for more than a few hours?" Johnathan mocked.

"I can do anything I set my mind to," Sãra stated indignantly, straightening up and matching Johnathan's pace.

"I've been meaning to ask, why were you in the woods surrounded by bandits? Your royal guard get tired of your attitude?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but no. When I awoke from a nap I was taking, my escort had completely disappeared. That's when I first saw those bandits. They probably thought my carriage was abandoned and decided to have a look."

Johnathan put a hand to his chin. "Interesting. I can't see why they'd leave you there, and why bandits would appear out of nowhere. It all seems a little too convenient."

"So, you're saying someone set it all up? The missing guards, the bandits, even you?"

Johnathan laughed. "Don't look at me. I just happened to be a passerby. Unless, of course, you believe that it was fated that I save you in the woods."

"Yeah, no." Sãra waved a hand. "Still, I can't imagine who would choose to do such a thing, if someone did."

"Well, once you're back in your cozy little palace, I'm certain you'll be able have your little lackeys root out the person responsible."

Sãra didn't respond. She looked up, into the sky. Was it possible that someone had meant her to be taken by bandits? She couldn't think of anyone who'd want such a terrible thing to happen to her. The mystery burned in her mind for the rest of that day.

By evening, they had arrived at the town of Altan. It was one of the few hamlets that lay on the road they were taking to Cerenzi. The only thing that separated the village from the surrounding land was a weathered wooden wall. A watchman sat at the entrance, legs crossed, head down with his kettle hat down over his eyes, and his spear helping to prop him up.

If Sãra hadn't been so tired, she might have said something to the man. However, it was all she could do just to trudge on after Johnathan. Looking around, she didn't see much that interested her. Actually, she was quite certain she'd never been to that town before. It didn't matter, the last thing she needed was another place to have to visit.

Down the thoroughfare, halfway into the city, sat stone and timber building, the only one of its kind in that tiny village. The wood was a deep brown, almost black, and rose up from its stone foundation. Above its two crimson doors was a sign that read "The Serpent's Lair." Johnathan ran a hand along the intricate carvings on the doors. After a moment, he pushed one of them open.

The door led to a large open floor. Dozens of tables sat around the room, with only a handful of patrons sitting amongst the multitude of chairs. Opposite the entry, lay a bar and next to it stairs that led up to the second story. At the bar, polishing a bronze tankard, was a tan-skinned man. His long, black hair was pulled back behind his head and braided to keep it out of his way. A short, well-trimmed goatee covered his sharp jaw. He glanced up at Johnathan with his emerald eyes, a smile growing along his lips. "Well, if it is not the infamous Johnathan Black who has come to grace my most humble tavern," he said in a distinct accent. Then, his gaze shifted to Sãra, who'd just stumbled in after Johnathan. "Out picking wildflowers, I see."