Order Amidst Chaos: Chapter 2

As Seeker went around to the back of the Inn to negotiate the return of the horses, Aryellia dashed down the street, her bare feet sending mud flying everywhere as she dodged between people headed towards their morning duties. The sky still shed tears, though the size and quantity of them had dimished somewhat, each droplet feeling cool and refreshing on her skin, still singed from the night before. She reached out with a hand, grabbing onto a small iron pole built into the side of a building, and used it to swing herself into an alleyway between two rows of buildings. Her feet pounded over and around forgotten and discarded items until she came to an abrupt halt. Her hand was midway towards a simple, well-used metal latch on a gate in the back of a fence. Shaking her head, she steeled herself and flung the gate open.

As it swung slowly on its thick hinges, an unsightly image revealed itself to her, charred and burnt timber and stone all piled on top of itself. She turned her head away, blinking back the sudden wetness dimming her vision as she returned to her errand. Ducking into a small shed pressed against the back fence, Aryellia moved several objects around inside the building, revealing a small hole dug into the ground. She reached in, pulling out a small bag which she opened. Inside was an intricately carved wooden and metal box, only slightly bigger than her hand and featuring no visible opening nor hatch. The only indication of its purpose was the faint sound of rattling coming from within when moved quickly.

She stood, pocketing the object and grabbing a second off the wall behind her. With well-rehersed movements, she slipped a small strap around her lithe waist and strapped it to herself, sliding a dagger into the sheathe. Slipping back outside, she closed the gate one last time, trying to hold her emotions in check. It would not do to be seen blubbering on her way out of town. With hastened footsteps, she rushed back towards Seeker.

The inn loomed above her as she saw him cinching up the saddles to their appropriate tightness. Seeing her approach, he lead the steeds towards her quickly. He pointed to her hood, whispering as they got close. "I was just informed via unintentional eavesdropping that you and I are being sought by the peacekeepers. For what purpose, I know not, but I do believe our departure would be delayed infinitely should they succeed." He looked about cautiously. "I'd recommend placing your hood upon your head as quickly and as quietly as you can so that we may depart without leaving a trace." She nodded and complied as he handed her the reins of one of the horses. "I urge you to make no sudden movements, nor to reveal your true identity. Our greatest advantage at the moment is my anonymity. Let us not waste it."

He walked forward with his horse towards the town gate, keeping his face locked foward and his attention focused. Aryellia, on the other hand, had to keep catching herself from looking around at the people she knew well. It was a strange experience, trying to hide herself, but the sorrow in her heart and the gravity of the situation assisted her greatly in remaining silent and invisible. As she turned once more to look forward, she wondered to herself why she felt the ability to trust this unknown boy. Shaking her head, she had to admit that the only reason she had was his actions the night before, which in hindsight seemed to be flimsy at best. Yet, there was something about him and the whole situation that seemed to encourage her to continue down this strange path.

She looked up, fully expecting to see the stone and wood of the buildings she had grown up around. With a start, she realized that Seeker had already lead them onto the path outside of the town, past the gates without so much as a pause. She looked behind them, realizing that the town was already out of sight around a bend in the trees. She looked up, noticing that Seeker was already on his horse, but was keeping up with her walking pace. "Why didn't you tell me?" she blurted out to cover her embarassment.

"You appeared to be delving deep into the caverns of your mind. It would be unbecoming for me to interrupt such a process."

She raised an eyebrow at his unique choice of words. "Fair enough." She lifted herself into the saddle, settling down in the well-worn leather. "Where to?" she asked as they began to move forward at a reasonable pace.

"There is an expansive city not far from here wherein a few members of my order have taken up residence. As this experience is outside of my realm of knowledge, I feel it would be best to seek their wisdom in the matter." Seeker glanced over at Aryellia. "Unless you disagree, Ms. Aryellia."

Aryellia looked over at him, faintly showing disgust on her face. "I don't care. Everything I know is gone, so whatever you want. And don't call me 'Ms.'" She thought for a second before continuing, "In fact, you don't even need to call me Aryellia. Call me Elle."

Seeker nodded before urging his horse forward at a slightly faster pace. Elle watched him go for a moment, worried she had done something wrong. Unable to answer either in the positive or the negative, she attempted to push the question from her mind as she brought her steed back up along side of him.

They both knew that it would be a long ride before they could rest that night.