A shadowy figure silently brushed the silken curtains aside as she slipped through the open window and stepped into the dark chamber. Passing a small table and a bed, the fox quickly headed towards a cabinet that stood against the far wall.
Beaded necklaces hung above a oval mirror that was set in the center. Her eyes rested on a miniature strongbox half hidden behind the mirror.
Paying no heed to the deafening clatter coming from the oblivious guest downstairs, she skillfully picked the tiny lock and raised the lid. It was hard to tell what was what in the darkness, so she emptied it into a sack, before replacing the strongbox on top of the cabinet.
Suddenly, the door burst open and two mice entered, dressed in servants’ clothing.
Lexi crouched in the shadows, pulling the hood of her blue mottled cloak over her head with one hand, the other resting on the hilt of her dagger.
The light from the mice’s lanterns cast a soft glow about the room as they sat at the table, chattering in lively tones. The minutes slipped away, but they appeared to be in no hurry to leave. Lexi felt herself growing stiff and shifted slightly. And still the mice talked on, about everything from the winter weather to good old Willa’s pies. Who Willa was, Lexi had no idea.
Gradually, they lowered their voices, from time to time glancing around them.
The fox became increasingly curious. She understood a word here and there, but the subject of the conversation remained a mystery.
Then she heard a word, the name.
The world seemed to spin as she sprung up and crossed the room to stand between the servants and the door.
They let out a cry and staggered to their feet in shock at her sudden appearance.
“Now,” she said, her voice low. “What is it that you were saying?”
“N-nothing.” the older mouse stammered.
The fox took a step forward, her eyes locked on his face. “You sure about that, are you?” she asked.
He nodded hurriedly.
Turning to the younger mouse, she inquired, “What’s the news about Mirrikh?”
Fear flickered across his face. “What is it to you, thief?” he said, looking to the other mouse for help.
“That should not matter to you in the least. I’m not playing games, as you know, I am between you and your only way out. Now, tell me everything you know.” Lexi said.
The young mouse glanced to the older one for help before beginning. “Mirrikh and his army were seen departing from Mount Everen and word is that they are marching toward Zamari. Hundreds of solders, I have heard. All of the simple folk are leaving now. The king and his warriors are going to stay, but they have no chance of winning.”
“You can say.” she muttered.
“That’s all I know.” he promised quietly.
The older mouse stepped forward. “Now you tell me what you’re doing here, in the dead of night, lurking around in Sir Javan and Lady Salone’s bedchamber?” he said angrily.
“Just surviving.” she said, brushing past them. Reaching the window, she looked over her shoulder at the mice who were watching her every move.
“You will be hung.” The older mouse said.
“We’ll see.” Lexi answered before disappearing out the open window.
Lexi made her way briskly through the nearly deserted alleyways. At midnight, most creatures were asleep in their homes; the few that were roaming the streets were most likely up to no good. The fox kept to the shadows, staying out of sight from any bypassers.
Soon she stood at the entrance of the Dancing Lilly, a small inn built at the end of Wind Street. Circling around to the back, she paused and let out three short whistles.
A moment latter, a knotted rope descended from the small attic window. She hasty climbed, the rope swaying beneath her, until she was able to haul herself through the window and into the loft. Aldah, a young rat, was coiling the rope with a questing look on her face. “So, how was it?” she asked.
Lexi walked past the old tables, chairs, and wooden crates that littered the attic floor. She opened a crate to reveal a small pile of weapons, clothes, and a few other things , which was all that belonged to the fox.
“I’m leaving for Zamari tonight. You can leave the rope hanging.” she responded, not looking up. “Tonight?” Aldah exclaimed, maneuvering around a broken table to stand beside the fox. “Lexi, it takes a good week to get to Zamari. Why go now?” the rat asked.
Lexi laid a folded map alongside a quiver of arrows on the table. “Because,” she answered. “Mirrikh will be there.”
Aldah eyes widened. “Mirrikh the wildcat? King Raja’s brother?” she asked.
“The very same.” Lexi answered, drawing the bow and adjusting the string.
“Then we should stay as far away as possible. Unless you’re thinking of joining his army.” Aldah stated. When Lexi didn’t answered, she asked, “You’re not, are you?”
The fox glanced up from her work. “No, I’m looking for someone, he should be there.”
“But do we have to leave now? Lets wait until the morning, that way it will be less noticeable.” she persisted.
“I don’t remember asking you to come along.” Lexi said, laying the bow on the table.
“You didn’t have to.” the rat said. “That’s what friends do.”
Lexi smiled. “Ok. We will wait ‘till morning, no later.” she said as she gathered the rest of the stuff that she would be taking with her. She spotted a red hat that was laying under a chair.
“Where did this come from?” she asked, picking up the strange-looking hat. It was decorated with dried flowers of many colors and a large black feather in the center.
Aldah quickly snatched the hat from Lexi and delicately set it on her head. “How does it look?” the rat asked, stepping back. “Found it in the back ally. Someone must’ve dropped it.”
“Well…it’s… it’s different.” Lexi managed to say.
Aldah took it off. “I’m glad you liked it.” she huffed.
“That reminds me. Here’s what I got from Javan’s place.” Lexi said, reaching under her cloak for the sack. The rat watched as she poured it onto the table. The many-colored jewels sparkled in the candle light. “I told you!” Aldah gasped, reaching for a ruby ring.
“We’re keeping all of these.” Lexi said.
They had a rule that anything they did not need would be given away to someone less fortunate
then themselves. Now, with a long journey ahead, the fox was not willing risk any delays. At last, after two long years, she had a lead. A lead to the one who had killed her family and ruined her life.
If he was in Mirrikh’s army - if he was still alive - she would find him.
She had to. On that stormy night long ago, she had sworn to destroy him.
The one-eyed rat would pay.
“I am coming, Aviso.” she whispered into the night.
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