The Pearl Of Vynes - Chapter 29 Wanted

Alice peeked away from the embrace of Miles as she noticed she was back in room they were staying at. Miles shuffled out of her hold and grabbed a blanket to cover her, realising her nudity she blushed and held the blanket tight around her. Miles came back over and sat next to her, despite her embaressment Alice clung to him still. It didn’t suprise Miles, considering he was still trying to process his own death and rebirth. Staring at Alice with a high amount of suspiscion and worry, he was still glad she was alright.

“So Alice, can you explain what happened?” Miles asked, Alice began to explain what she remember so far, saying her memory was hazy for some reason. Miles pondered it for a number of minutes as she stared up at him

“It’s definitely a lot for both of us to take in. So for now we’ll start again in the morning and we’ll go get you some new clothes” Miles laid back on the bed, Alice at his side holding him tightly as they both let sleep take over them. Miles last thought before his eyes closed heavily was of Joel back in his small village far away and whether he was taking care of his daughter well.

Miles wondered around the market square as he looked for clothing that he could tailor personally, picking up a pair of boots here and a number of loose clothing and belt to hold the whole cloth together. Grabbing a snack as well he returned to the inn, his ear picking out the whispers and rumours of maniac who halted the celebration of Atloc. Hurrying up to their room to see Alice sleeping soundly. The sound of the door closing woke Alice from her nap, dazed she stared at Miles for a second before beaming at him.

“I bought you a new set of clothes, don’t burn these ones away ok?” Miles said tossing it onto the bed, turning away he faced the wall as Alice changed into the new clothes.

“Ready” Alice said and Miles turned around to look at Alice. Despite the draping clothes and harsh cuts of material she still emanated a female appearance.

“We’ll have to muddy you up unfortunately if we’re going to get out of the city in one piece. I’m sure they’ll be scouring the city for someone that looked like you”

“I’m sure we’ll think of something” Alice said optimistically. Miles looked doubtfully at her.

“We’ll probably need to drop by the guild, there’s a number of supplies we’re going to need in order to make the trip north”

“What was the Lady talking about in finding her son?”

for visiting.

“That was Lady Moira, I don’t even know how you managed to summon her but I’ll take her word any day of the week” Miles said. “It’s a lead in explain something that is unexplainable for you and how you are now”

“Well I haven’t felt any different than before it happened” Alice said.

“Still means you might just activate your powers again, and who knows when you’ll need it again” Miles explained as he packed the last of his stuff into his bag. Alice was already packed and went out back to the stables to see the horse, the cart ready to go as they hopped in. Miles cracked the reins and they trundled along towards the guild, passing by a large number of troop patrols occasionally stopping people to check their faces and papers. Miles looked away as nonchalantly as possible while Alice stared at the officers searching the people on the streets. They stopped in front of the huge guild hall and they both got off. Entering the room, it was swarming with people running around that took both of them aback. The walls were covered in a barely put together drawing, Alice had a closer look and could see herself similarly in the picture but it was changed into a demon, covered in blood. A bounty stated below for capture alive, and an amount that even Alice couldn’t read. Miles put his hand on her shoulder and lead her further into the hall. The marble flooring gave way to carpet and the shouts and collective noise died down as they went further in.

“We’ve going to the library, they’re we may be able to find a map that would lead us to the northen wastes” Miles whispered, they passed a few people along the way but it was practically empty aside from that. Turning into a small door it opened into a massive vaulted ceiling, walling them were shelves upon shelves of books and tomes that Alice couldn’t even process the size. Miles walked forward confidently passing by the bookshelves with a quick pace and suddenly stopping. Turning to his side he went to a particular section of the shelf brought out a partchment, opening it Alice could see a number of drawings and squiggles on it. Placing it under his arm he carried back out to an open space in the fillied with wooden tables. Laying the partchment flat he brought out another map from his bag, copying the details down quickly he gave the partchment a wave to dry out the ink and placed it back in his bag. He went back to shelf and put the partchment in its place and they walked back out of the library. Alice was close behind with her hood drawn over her face to draw less attention to herself as people still searched for the mysterious woman. As they were back in the hall Miles took a quest to avoid suspiscion, a small item delivery into the northen wastes. As they both walked out the door, a number of burly came in pushing past. Knocking Alice over her hood flung up and brought the attention of everyone to her. A man looked down at his bounty poster and pointed at Alice.

“It’s her, it’s the woman in the poster” he shouted. Everyone hesitated for a moment and then launched for their weapons as they try to capture the girl. Miles was faster however and threw down a smoke bomb to cover their escape but it was in Alice’s face, coughing from the surprise she could barely see as she crawled away hoping to get outside. Suddenly a pair of hands grabbed Alice and pulled her above the smoke, it faded away and Alice realiased she was left alone. The men raced at her and tied her up in chains as she tried to free herself from the rough grasp. Struggling the men were sent out to fetch the guards and Alice looked worried to where Miles had gone. She noticed him in the small corner of the room and gave her a signal of hush and watched from the back. A man picked her up and threw her over his shoulder and they walked outside. Alice was roughly thrown in the back of a cart and the driver raced off as the other Brave’s tried to run after them to also claim the prize. The sights of the jail loomed overhead as the men drove onwards, a single tower jutting out in an awkward and ugly way. The slight decay and dampness signalled trappings and things that had never seen sunlight in years, settling a small quiver of fear in her. Cloth wrapped around her eyes and she was shrouded in darkness again. Her weight shifted and was carried again, the murmurs and talks of men gave a rough idea of her situation. The sound of rusted gates opening and closing and the cold air pressing up against her face told her she was within the bowls of the leaning tower. Being thrown roughly in her bindings loosened and she ripped off the blindfold around her head. The two man that she assumed took her here smiled at her and walked off away from the cell. As she ran up to the bars of the cell the men had already disappeared, frustrated she shook the cell itself. Surprising herself with her own strength the door came loose and was held so lightly in her hands. As she was about to exit the cell she heard a noise behind that caught her attention. Looking up she could see an opening to the sky, Miles was lying down with his face looking straight at her. Alice quickly ran over to the opening and put her hand out for Miles to grab, he held her hand as she relaxed with him around.

“Alice, I’m guessing from the door you still have some of your powers. The one thing you’re going to have to do is not escape” Miles said. Alice stared at him with an extremely confused face.

“I know its crazy, but we’ll be able to get out of here in a better place if you don’t run away. Trust me” Miles said smiling, letting go of her hand her signalled her that he will be back soon. Alice looked back at the door she had ripped off its hinges and placed it back neatly. Sitting on the pile of hay in a corner she waited for someone to come by soon.