Clandestine

2: The Labyrinth Key Thief

--Present--

The fabrics hanging on each light posts of the street strongly danced along the winds, grey clouds blanketed the kingdom's welkin like it's in the middle of the night despite the afternoon, and the alleys stayed under the hood of darkness.

I looked around, trying to keep my wits together as I descend the brick stairs.

The whole place radiated blue. The lively noises are nowhere to be heard and instead are replaced by noises hinted with worry. All happened under a night.

"I still can't believe it." I heard one woman speak.

"What will the emperor do now?"

"Why did they let that happen?"

I gritted my teeth when I bumped against their backs. The space is getting smaller and smaller.

"Why is the emperor not addressing this?" An alarmed tone echoed.

Little by little, their whispers became louder. Each second the noises in the crowd doubled until all I can hear are screams.

"What will happen to our empire now?" An uproar rose, people screamed in protest. There are few knights around and they no longer can control the crowd. "It was our kingdom's key who protected the empire, and this is what they will do in return?!"

I slid myself in between the people, trying to leave the place as fast as possible. Staying there would suffocate me. I have to leave.

"Everyone, calm down! This behavior is unbecoming of the--" before the knight in charge finish his sentence, the people already countered angrily.

"Why did the imperial forces let the labyrinth key be taken?" A man angrily shouted.

"We're forsaken now! We have failed the gods!" The screams mixed with each other and I watched the sight as everyone panicked in horror. They were stomping against the bricks on the ground, fists swinging in the air and the cries of children echoed.

I averted my gaze.

"How can the labyrinth key be missing?!"

Just now, the imperial soldiers are trying to keep the crowd in control. They don't deny the allegations that the labyrinth key is missing.

I know that the mass' reactions are normal. They feel as if they broke their connections with the god they worshipped for years, so the news must be terrifying.

The labyrinth key is a sacred piece of relic bestowed upon the Bavel kingdom by their god the moment this world came into existence. It is said that the key provides protection and abundance to the said kingdom.

It is the only reason why they fully surrendered to this empire. They had their full trust on that so called sacred key, thinking it will always protect them.

And just now, the news about it being missing raised alarms and panic on the masses. I can see it with my own eyes. They trusted the empire wholeheartedly to protect them and the key that it is almost unbelievable they are all alarmed causing such ruckus now. How funny.

People are unbelievably prideful.

I covered my face with the hood and slipped through the crowd.

"Hey! Watch your way!" A woman glared at me even when it's her blocking my way.

"Sorry..." I whispered and hid my face further into the hood.

My heart raced as I reach a different alley where I'm away from the mob of protestants. I should do something about how I react. This may be a hindrance.

"The empire isn't worthy of keeping our kingdom! This is preposterous!"

"How are we sure that this is not your scheme?"

"Seize the thief!"

I can still hear their voices, albeit faintly from my place. They are all angry.

But do they exactly have the right to be this angry about their place that's not even theirs? The Bavel kingdom is no longer a kingdom. It's already a part of a bigger empire. They already lost it in the war! Clinging to something that's gone isn't going to help them.

I rested my eyes on the waves of people screaming and shouting. They look pathetic.

I looked up when a thunder roared, the grey clouds gathered more and the trails of lightning marked. Raising my hand, I already felt what's going to happen.

I sighed and held my cloak as I run to leave that place. Few drops of the rain are already visible. It would not be long for the rain to pour heavily.

I was right. Just a few minutes later, the rain poured all out, as if syncing with the feelings and agony of the people of the former kingdom.

This won't do. I have to stay somewhere nice, even for one night. Tomorrow would rain less, and the lightnings would shrink.

I can see a tavern across the street. Perhaps I can quell the cold if I enter.

When I reached it, I can already hear the muffled noises from inside.

It's still afternoon but it feels like night. The rain is cold, the wind is strong and even though I think my cloak can withstand the upcoming storm, it is not wise to barge straight and continue moving.

At least not now.

"Hah." I panted, fishing my pouch under my coat before entering.

As I opened the door, the noise immediately filled my ears. There was the glasses clinking against the wooden counters, the sound of liquid being poured, the taps of everyone's shoes against the ground, and the loud booming of thunder from outside.

"Excuse me." I said as I try to slip once again to reach the counter. My hands trembled whenever people would look at me, I bowed my head and hid more under the hood.

"Hey, what can I get you?" A woman that looked my age greeted. Although she didn't really looked enthusiastic, she gently gave me a wooden tablet where the menu was carved into.

I pretended to think about what I would order as I observed around. There's a stair on the right, meaning there's a second floor. The place is warm, if I look at it, there's most definitely a storage room, maybe a pantry. Anything would do.

I just need to stay for the night.

"One glass of this." I pointed a beverage without alcohol that I saw first.

"Alright." She reached for a board of the cups.

"Thank yo--" I was cut off when I felt my arm go cold, liquid running as it was splashed all over my arm and shoulder.

"Oh no!" The man beside me, who was probably the one to accidentally splash his drink exclaimed.

"What the hell?"

Before I can even react, the bartender woman slammed the menu on her hand against the counter top. "Can you all please settle down!" She said in a yelling tone. The people near us lessened their noises.

"I'm so sorry!" The boy with a ginger hair scrambled to find a napkin as he placed it firmly in my arm. "I didn't notice this stool and bumped into it, I was pushed because of the line here. I'm so sorry!" He tried wiping me.

The moment we had contact, my head started aching.

Shit, not again.

He's going to be in danger. There's a strike of lightning, a river, and no one in sight to help.

"...It's alright." I said and grabbed the cloth from him, wiping the mess he made as I swallowed hard.

"I'm so clumsy, please forgive me." He fisted his hair and turned to the woman in front of us. "Uhm hey Miss Beatrice. Can you charge her drink on me? Don't worry, I'll pay for every single cent!"

"You didn't have to ask. I would do it anyway." The woman who I think is called Beatrice glared, holding the tray in her right hand as she lent me another napkin. "Sorry about that, these folks are real messy. Guess the news are shaking them up." She sighed.

"Ah.. it's alright." I looked away. "I can also pay for my drink, no need for him to pay it for me."

"No, please I insist!"

"I'm really fine--"

"Yeah, just let Ashar pay for it. This boy wouldn't be in peace if you won't let him." Beatrice said again. "Do you need anything else? Perhaps a new garment? I can lend you one."

It doesn't look like she's very willing to.

"No need." I shook my head. My cloak was slightly wet from the rain anyway. "I am fine, thanks. Ill just get my drink and settle somewhere else. Would that be okay?"

"Yeah, sure."

As I leave, I heard the ginger shout another 'sorry'. This is a headache. I gathered up unwanted attention. And another useless vision.

I sat down somewhere near the walls. It's a good thing that the attention didn't really last because all the patrons are busy talking about something else.

"The key is missing. How can that even happen?"

"It's probably not true. This is a political scheme, I tell you! Don't be surprised when you wake up and there's another war!"

I leaned, listening to the conversation of the people in the table near me to distract my hand trembling. There were four of them. The three we're drinking hard and talking loudly. Almost everyone was talking about the Labyrinth key.

Well except for the fourth guy all covered up in his hood, just like me. He was silent in the middle of all the loud people around him.

"I guess we're all destined to ruins." One of them laughed crazily. They looked really drunk.

Few minutes passed by, I tried to ignore what flashed in my mind.

"Uhm, hello.."

I looked up and saw the boy earlier with red hair. I swallowed hard when I remembered the future I saw for him. "Sorry about that again, Ma'am! Here's your drink."

"Oh," I nodded as he slid the cup to me. "It's alright, really. Thanks for this."

"I already paid for it! So you don't have to worry about your tab later!"

He looks really kind. I heaved my breath.

"I-I see. Thank you again."

Before he can respond, someone called his name.

"Hey Ashar!"

We both looked to the direction of the one who called him.

"Go do something about the crops at my house! The rain would wipe them all if you don't!" A middle aged man that looked excessively overweight drank from his mug, pointing at the boy as he commanded. He was sitting at the table next to us. "Make sure you hurry now, lad!'

"Oh, okay." He palmed his nape. "The ones in your yard right?"

"Go do ours too! Grab the tools near the river from my house!" The others chimed in, laughing in such an annoying tone.

I cannot help but frown. And the mention of the river made my ear ring.

"Now go on! You don't want me to lessen what your parents earn by several nickels now, do ya'?"

"Yes, Sir." He nodded, looking down before turning back to me with a smile.

"Well then, I hope you enjoy your drink! Ill go now!" He was about to turn around and leave when I spoke.

"Wait." I called, my hand still shaking.

"Yes? You need something?"

"Who are these men?" I made sure they can't hear me.

"Oh." He blinked. "They're people from our village."

"Do you serve them?"

"Huh? Well, they make me do some things for them."

"In exchange of what?" My eyebrows furrowed.

"Well, my parents work for them. They order me around too." He awkwardly smiled. "It's not really a big deal."

"Do they pay you?"

"Uh, well..They pay my parents--"

"Do they pay you?"

"N-no. Why are you asking?"

"Hey!" The man cut off our conversation. "What are you doing? Hurry up now!"

"Yes, sorry!" He was about to leave when I stood up.

"Don't.." I curled my fist. "Don't go. The rain is really hard, and a storm would fall any second now. If you go to the villages, the water level would rise. It's not safe."

"Eh?" The man spit his tobacco, tilting his head as he pointed at me. "Who are you to command this boy? He'd do as I say!"

"But it's not safe." I said, composed. "There's no people at the villages, they're all here because of the news. You're telling me you're sending this boy to risk his life just to save your crops?"

They were silent for a few seconds before the three of them bursted out laughing.

I gritted my teeth.

"Who are you to say that?" One of them grinned, exposing his crooked teeth, front shining in gold.

"Getting real cocky, aren't you, young lady?" He crushed the tobacco, laughing.

"H-hey, it's really okay." Ashar stood in front of me. "Sir, no need to get worked up, I'll do it! Really!"

"You'd be in danger." I said.

"What's wrong with you?" The man interrupted as he stood up from their bench.

"How do you know he'll be in danger? It's only rain!"

"There's going to be a storm." I said flatly.

"Oh really?" He said in a mocking tone. "There's going to be a storm--Why should we trust you? You don't even look like you're from here!" He shared loud laughter with the two men beside him. Now people started looking at us, some even whispering and murmuring to each other as if they pity me.

"Listen up, now. If you're not from here, don't talk to me about my place. It always rains here on this season, and it's obvious you're not aware of that! This boy is someone I order around, and he's used to taking care of my crops! Do ya think you're someone intelligent for having that shady cloak of yours, thinking you're some sort of a sorcerer?" He hysterically laughed.

"At least let him off the hook for this night. Are you seriously planning to send him over in this darkness and rain?" I said, now facing them completely.

"It's okay, I'm used to it--"

"Being used to something doesn't mean you're not getting taken advantage of. Especially that they don't pay you. Learn to refuse, Ashar."

"You have a big mouth there!" The man stood up, seething. "Don't put your nose on other people's business. Do you even know me?" He walked towards me. "What are you? Some kind of a future teller?"

He grabbed my arm, squeezing it as his nails dug into my skin. My eyes flashed as I saw something in my mind.

Danger again. There's blood, knives. People. Such an unsightly view.

Ashar panicked, holding his shoulder but he immediately slapped Ashar's hands.

"Please don't do this, Sir. I will do as you say!" The boy pleaded.

"Let me go." I said.

"You were a bit too cocky for someone who doesn't want to show her face, quite a rascal!" He looked at his side and spit.

My lips formed a wry in disgust. I would've pity him in other circumstances.

"Why are you bowing down now? Im not going to bite you! Let's just take off that shabby hood!"

"Let me go."

"Sir please--"

"Shut up!" He shouted at the boy and grabbed my hood, forcefully making me drop it.

I wore a fabric like a mask, but the thought of people seeing me made my throat dry.

"Now tell me with your arrogance, how is my future?" He mocked as he released another laugh. "Spare me the payment, lady future teller!"

"You want to know?" I responded flatly.

"Oh, looks like her delusion's up in her silly little head!" He looked back at his friends before mocking me again. "Yeah, what's it about? How will I end up, please let me have the honor to hear it from you!"

"Alright." I smiled and whispered very faintly. "You'll end up dead. Later this evening."

He looked at me as if the alcohol left his body, and the traces of laughter subsided.

As if shakened, his eyes twitched. "Ha!" He pointed at me. "You're really pushing my patience!" I gritted my teeth as his nails dug into my skin further.

Oh saints, this is so incredibly inconvenient! He's such a hindrance, it's upsetting!

"You're really pushing me, aren't ya'? Now, why are you so covered up?"

He was about to pull my mask when someone held his arm from behind.

"How about let's all calm down?"

Our eyes met, and I swore he looked so awfully familiar despite being under his hood. He was the guy at their table who's silent the whole time, but I felt like I already saw him somewhere else.

The big man let go of me. The second he did, I covered my face again and my stomach churned with the realization of the eyes on me. I held my forehead, trying to cover it up even though people must've already seen it.

"Are you okay? Im so sorry!" Ashar looked like he was about to tear up.

Before I could answer him, my attention focused on the people around us, murmuring to each other. This time, not about the fight, but about me.

"Did you see her forehead?"

"There's a diamond shaped mark, what the hell?"

"Isn't that the mark of Bavel's royal family?"

"She's one of the traitors!"

I felt my insides drop and my surroundings turn around. Their whispers echoed in my ear and all that mattered in that moment was to leave.

The air is suddenly so tight, I struggled breathing. I can't see Ashar, nor the man I almost got in a fight with. Nothing was clear. Everything was mixing up in my head and my heart tightened that all I can think of is that I'm suffocating.

Suddenly, the guy in the hood stepped up, about to go towards me when I ran, not caring about the flock of people that I bumped against.

"Hey wait up!"

I need to get out of here.

I fled the tavern in my full speed. Adrenaline pumping through me. The moment I got out, the rain showered heavily and the thunder rang in my ears.

I got carried away! I shouldn't have done that! I shouldn't have talked to anyone, I shouldn't have argued with anyone!

"Let's talk for a second!" I glanced back. What the hell? The guy in the hood was still following me!

I looked back at my track and searched for structures where I can lose my trail. I just ran and ran, mind circling around the fact that people just recognized me.

Entering an alley, I paused to catch my breath. I looked around and climbed the metal ladder to reach the roof. I need to get out of everyone's sight.

The water from the rain blocked my sight. I could only rely on the moon's brightness, and even then, seeing was a struggle because of the clouds that covered it.

When I reached and jumped to the other side, I sighted a carriage near a porch of a house. The horse isn't attached to the carriage and I immediately slumped myself, riding it as my mind focused only on getting away.

"Someone stole my horse!"

Shit. I looked back again and swallowed hard, maneuvering the horse nonetheless. For now, I'm reaching the borders of the empire.

I pushed back my plan because there'll be a storm, but then I got carried away by my emotions in the tavern. I messed up my own plans.

The horse rode fast and I was able to catch my breath when I left the narrow alleys.

I got out from the busy district. About half an hour later, I ended up in a place where there's only grass and trees, a sloppy path, and the rain.

Everything is in complete shambles. Nothing's going my way!

The only thing successful is me managing to drive out my pursuers. There's no longer anyone following me.

Or so I thought.

Because the second I slowed down, a searing pain engulfed my arm. And when I looked down, I was greeted by a sight of a tranquilizing arrow.

And before I knew it, my vision went black.

---

"Oh, looks like you've woken up."

I groaned, eyes squinting from the light. The bed is soft, the upper walls are sophisticatedly carved and the scent was pleasant.

Shit. Am I in a room?

I was immediately alarmed as I hold my body. I was still wearing my clothes but my hood is gone. But where is it--?

I came to my senses and in front of me was someone sitting comfortably in the seat beside the bed I'm in. He was reading with a help of the lamp beside him and--

He was the guy in the hood back from the tavern!

What happened? Was he the one to shoot me? He's the one chasing me! How did he even manage to do that!

"Who are you?" I tried to quell my panic. I looked around subtly for windows and the door.

"It's useless to search for those points."

"I asked who are you? Where am I?" I tried to calm down hopelessly.

"You can't really get out, I can't risk it because you sure do put off a good chase. And provoking people." He said, not answering my question. "You were pretty cool there yesterday, standing up to that old man."

Yesterday...?

He closed the book and placed it on the desk. Compared to earlier, he's not wearing a hood. He looked classy wearing a long satin sleeve shirt and black breeches.

He's a noble, there's no doubt.

His hair is in a shade of brown, almost black. His eyes however were lighter in tone, amber like an autumn leaf.

"How are you feeling?"

"Can you answer me first?"

"I'm thinking about it."

I frowned, looking around again as something struck me.

I anxiously held my clothes, looking for my pouch that I strapped into my belt. I secured it over and over again that it caused me extreme fear when I realized that it wasn't with me.

"Looking for this?"

I looked at him, eyes bloodshot as my heart felt like dropping from a high point.

"You caused a real headache for my father, you know?" He chuckled. "Come on Princess. What's with the stare?"

With the mention of my title, my grip on my clothes tightened.

"I must say, you have quite the knack for attracting trouble." He leaned on his palm as his elbow leaned on the armrest, the other hand holding it so casually.

"Don't you think so, Princess Azure--" And the tip of his lips rose even more, holding the Labyrinth key that I struggled so hard to steal.

"Or should I say, thief?"