The Wraith

Chapter 3

Raven;

The day of the festival the Manor is bustling with people running in and out. Some faces I remember and recognize, others I don’t. The servants were prepping breakfast long before dawn was up. Walking down the hall I can smell the amazing food that is cooking.

Althia is ready to kick down her stall by the time I get to her. She’s huffing and puffing like the sassy thing she is. “Shhhhhh.” I say lightly trying to get her to calm down. She gets like this everytime the festival goes around. We always go into town for the day. The humans use this to market and boost up their business.

Ledding her out of the stables I catch sight of a new horse in the last stall. I’m slightly shocked by the breed. It's a Friesian horse, known very well for its speed in races. Not a very common horse to have in the underground. My mind wanders to who those 2 strangers were in Kaz’s office. Rowan and Jesper? I think. Shaking my head I guild Athia on the path into town.

Yesterday I had overheard a conversation that was happening just outside of Ascot. It was the lord of the city talking with his right hand. After hearing what they were saying I followed the right hand man. He had a meeting with the Lieutenant of the city guard. I was too far away to hear, but I managed to lift the letter and run it back to Kaz along with the audio recording.

Ascot is always beautiful around this time of year. Turning onto 5th street which would be the start of the festival. The Lord had just verified that the new Emperor was in fact coming here to annocene something important. Rolling my eyes I walk into the closest bakery. “HELLO!!!” a cheery voice greets me. Smiling, I walk up to the front pointing to the caramel and blueberry scones. “How much do you want dear?” The old lady says politely. I place 10 kuza on the counter. Smiling, she runs around behind the counter getting my food.

Walking out I give Athia some of the blueberry scones to stop her whining. We walked along 5th street for a good part of the morning. I always loved the library. The smell of books and all the quiet. The cranky old scholars couldn’t care less about me or what I do.

As long as I don’t burn down the library. Chuckling, I walk over to the fantasy knowing where I going,

“And what do you think you’re doing?” A snarky voice drawls at me. Smiling, I whisper, “Looking for a certain b***h. You seen her?” Ruby laughs coming right up next to me, “I think I know who you're looking for.” She says, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. Chuckling, I elbow her lightly in the ribs, “Where have you been?” I say very softly, “Shhh someone might hear you!!!!” She jokes. Rolling my eyes I start walking over to the government section.

Following behind me she starts talking about her latest date. Her dates range from stubborn male fae’s all the way to strong head women (humans). “Raven, you would have loved her.” Ruby states excitedly. Looking at the different books I whisper, “I don’t think so.” Ruby says, “I think you would have. She’s a wolf shifter, who’s mother was human. You know how cool that is?!” She exclaims. I’m slightly surprised by this. Just 50 years ago it was illegal for a human to even look different species in the eye. Ruby comes right up next to me, “Have you heard of the humans with abilities?” I stare at like she’s lost her mind. We all know that humans don’t have anything special about them unless one of their parents were a different species.

I grab History of Humans. Shoving it in Ruby’s face on the page where it says humans don’t have abilities. She chucks the book aside and pulls out different newspapers and hands them to me, “See!” She points. “I know the news isn’t the most accurate place to get information, but you can’t deny the evidence.” The title of the newspaper is “IS IT STILL ILLEGAL FOR HUMANS TO HAVE MAGIC?” Glancing through the article they talk with other humans who are claiming to have magic. I look at Ruby raising one eyebrow, “Did you forget. You're not a spider. Any human could have published this article just to get a little fame.”

Ruby sighs, “I know, just…” She trails off, “It would be nice for you to have magic. I wouldn’t have to worry as much.” I walk over to her hugging her, “I understand, but remember I don’t directly deal with conflict. I get information for a living.” Nodding, she hugs me back, “Sooooo, what’s your plan for today?” She starts skipping towards the exit. Following her I whisper, “Nothing really, just get some new weapons and walk around.”

Athia raises her head as we walk out the front door. Whining she paws at the ground, “I know you missed me.” Ruby says flipping her hair. Athia snorts and I chuckle getting on her. Ruby walks beside me as we make our way downtown. The humans majorly live downtown, but they always have the best decorations and most energy.

Ruby makes me stop at a jewelry store for her to buy somethings to go with her “outfits” if that’s what you could call them. She loves dressing up and taking out bad people in the process, “Raven get something!” Ruby shouts from somewhere in the store. I find her back by the chokers with 3 other things already in her arms. She waves her hand to the jewelry all around. I walk over to where the necklaces are placed. I pick up a small dainty little black onyx charm on a golden chain. I show Ruby the necklace. She drags me over to the counter handing the lady 150 kuza.

We wander around town buying everything from clothes to food. I bought a new pair of shoes and a beautiful black throwing knives. In the town square you can see them setting up for the emperor’s arrival. Ruby glares at the stage the people are building. I wonder what got her panties in a twist.

Horns sound off all throughout Ascot. Looking around, people start filing into the square. Ruby looks to the stage. Following her eyes I see the Lord of Ascot coming up on the stage, “Hello people! It is with great honor that I announce the new Emperor. King Kai!” The crowd cheers sound more stressed than happy.

The Emperor walks on stage looking around at everyone of use. His eyes linger on the humans longer than the rest. With a fake smile he says, “Hello people of Ascot! I am blessed to be here during this festival. As you may have heard my mothers death was very unfortunate.” I could hear the fakeness in his voice as he mentioned his mother. “In the past 3 years I have been talking with my advisor and walking throughout our communities. I have come to the conclusion that most of our problems have 1 solution. I have talked with the Lords and Ladys. Even my general has advised me of this. I am making it a royal decree. Every and ALL HUMANS will be killed!”

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I update every Saturday.