Sleeper

There was a crimson-golden haze collecting on the horizon. Ironic, I thought. Any other night, I would have thought the colours impressive. Tonight, though, with blood still drying on my leather coat and ashes still stinging my eyes, I could only see the horrors of the light show.  The treasure, secured under my arm by a cloak I’d taken from a dying castle guard, burned with a peculiar heat.  To Hevaria. The soldier had whispered, struggling to form the words.  I didn’t even know where Hevaria was. Legend had told of a nation on the outskirts of Terra, all but forgotten to the rest of the world. No one seemed quite sure if it was mere rumours, or something more substantive.  I was half convinced that my impromptu flight would lead me to nowhere.  There was a rustle of wind, and it brought the slightly sulphuric scent of burning the burning city.  I shifted my weight slightly, causing the small flying boat under me to rock disconcertingly. I quickly readjusted my weight, and the swaying settled.  In the distance, I could hear the eerie cries of the Fae and their riders.  If Hevaria existed, I doubted I could find it first.