Two soldiers walked through the streets of Eduardo, engaged in hushed conversation. One, a towering giant of a man, stood at 6'8" with a broad, imposing frame, thick arms, and massive hands, clad in chainmail armor. His rugged face and piercing eyes commanded attention, radiating raw power and strength. A massive great sword, 1.70 meters long and 8 inches wide, was equipped on his back - a behemoth of a weapon, fitting for a man of his caliber.
His companion, stood at 6'2" with a lanky, gangly frame. Despite being hunched over, he moved with elegance and poise draped in a leather vest and coat. His thin eyes looked soulless, coupled with his pale complexion instilled dread in those who stared too long, A standard sword lay at his hip, and he held a lantern in his hand.
As they walked, the giant's brow furrowed with concern. "You sure this is the place, Gab?" Trant asked, his deep voice low and even.
"I'm positive," Gab replied. "Their last message said they had him cornered in an alley downtown."
Trant's expression turned skeptical. "So, what's the problem?"
Gab hesitated before responding, "They were supposed to send me updates every half hour. It's been half an hour, and I've heard nothing."
Trant's face split into a wide grin. "Ahahahahah... Maybe they took the money and ran off?"
Gab glared daggers at his partner, sneering,'' I trained them personally, they know better than to-"
His voice trailed off as they turned a corner into an alley, where a gruesome scene unfolded before them.
Three lifeless bodies laid bare, blooded and brain matter splattered everywhere-- the walls, the ground and the nearby building , unable to be washed away by the rain. Slash marks and throwing knives littered the alley as well. The pungent odor of blood wafted through the air, but they remained expressionless, silently observing the battleground.
Trant moved first, walking into the alley, he bent down to examine at the headless man on the ground.
"He pissed himself?" a grin spread across his face at the realization. "He was scared that badly? By that kid? Ahahahahahaaha"
Gab remained still, his expression contorting hideously. His eyes flashed with anger, his grip on the lantern tightening.
Trant watched him amused, a grin still plastered on his face. " So,what are we gonna do about this?"
"We find him" his voice seething with contempt.
"Look how upset you are, I didn't take you for someone who cared for his subordinates so well" Trant mocked as he stood up
" I don't. But raising these things are expensive, I don't like losing money"
"Ahahahaahaha, that's so like you", Trant bellowed.
Standing up, he walked towards his partner before suddenly turning serious," I get to be the one who catches him"
Gab stood silent, staring at the man before him, his face illuminated by the lantern's light.
Trant was a battle crazed lunatic, he enjoyed nothing in life but the thrill of fighting, ripping his opponents to pieces and bathing in their blood.
'A threat huh. Truly a madman.'
"Do as you please"
"Ahahahahahaha, that's why I like working with you." Trant laughed once more, a maniacal smile glued on his face, an aura of bloodlust surrounding him. " Fighting him would be fun, but we have to find him first."
"Right" Gab glanced at the alley once more before turning around, Trant followed, listening as they walked away. "He couldn't have gone far, considering he came here as a merchant, he wouldn't be familiar with the town's layout", he continued, "I'll gather all the men available on night watch, they'll search all the streets in the area..." taking a brief pause, he glanced at the giant beside him,"...you can wait at the gate."
Trant's smile widened even more, "More than happy to"
The lower district of Eduardo had a maze-like layout, with streets that turned and twisted at awkward corners. Without much knowledge of the area, it was easy to get lost or go around in circles.
Whoosh!
A shadowy figure darted through the streets of Eduardo, barely visible from the moonlight. Its footsteps barely audible, drowned by the howling winds and receding rain.
Arthur he knew the bodies would soon be discovered, he needed a headstart before the search began. So he ran, his lungs burned from exertion and his breath turned ragged. But he hadn't stopped for a second since he left the alley.
He knew the town's layout by heart; he had to. His constant errands demanded a general understanding of where he was.
'Argh'
He finally came to a stop at a narrow passageway between two houses, finally, he could catch his breath.
'It hurts', Arthur mumbled to himself wincing as he held his left arm. The pain and exhausion made his vision blurry, but he endured.
CRASH....RUSTLE
The sudden noise shook Arthur from his daze. He swiftly hid himself, melting into the darkness as the sound of people approaching grew louder.
"Walk quietly ,dammit, you're gonna alert the fugitive"
"There was a damn cat in the way; that ain't on me"
"Uh-huh, sure there was."
" Forget that. Aren't you curious about what fool managed to piss off Gab, of all people?"
"I know right. That f**ker scares the crap outta me"
"Are you insane!? What if someone overhears that? You'd be skinned alive"
"Stop your whining; there's no one around, that's why I said it."
"When you're dying, do well to forget about me"
"You lil sh*t! I'm telling everyone you have a crush on Rene when we get back"
"Oh, c'mon man"
"Ahahahaha- "
Arthur remained completely still as the men walked past, before collapsing to the ground.
'Already? Dammit'
He shut his eyes, taking a deep breath as he tried to calm himself.
"If soldiers are already patrolling the area, going through the gates is impossible. Just how do I get out? Think,Arthur, think!"
His mind raced, thoughts spiralling into a jumbled mess.
Every possibility, every action, every variable, but he lacked concrete information to make a concrete plan.
"Just how did they send word about me so quickly", a plan began to take shape in his head, his eyes shot open, a lightbulb exploding in his mind. He staggered to his feet, and after taking one look at the building beside him, he climbed it.
'I have to make sure'
He scrambled up the building,his fingers scraping against the rough surface, his feet thudding against the wall.
The familiar sensation sparked a memory, 'Guess climbing trees in the forest were worth it' Arthur thought, a hint of a smile on his lips as he expertly scaled the building.
"Phew"
Standing on the roof, Arthur gazed out at the horizon before him, his hair and cloak fluttering in the howling winds. He took a long look at the areas around him, his eyes narrowing as he observed.
"12 lights, each representing a lantern and soldier pair on the lookout. Also-", he switched his gaze towards the gate, his eyes locking onto the darkness, "no light illuminates from there. A trap" His voice spoke in whispers as he stood still, his mind racing with calculations.
'Three are routes to the gate, each blocked by 4 pairs of soldiers. One miscalculation and I'd be surrounded.'
A sigh escaped his lips as he mentally reevaluted his plan. It was crude and everything could go horribly wrong. But he had no other choice, he pushed his doubt aside as he steeled himself.
"It's doable", With a quick stretch he gave the gate a final stare ,"I have to move quickly.",he muttered before jumping down.