Provisions

Osiris had left the small house almost an hour ago and he understood that the journey ahead would most certainly cost him a pretty penny.

He was now on his way to a small hut on the outskirts of the capital that had served as his safe house for the past few months. It contained a portion of the money he had secured over the past few years as well as some of the equipment he may have need of.

Osiris entered the rundown building.

The infrastructure of the hut wasn't as sound as most buildings in the innermost regions of the capital but it had served him well and had done its job. Most people didn't come near the hut and those who did were usually kicked out as soon as Osiris became aware of their presence, allowing him to keep his goods relatively safe.

Osiris then made his way into the uppermost right area of the hut and found a small discrepancy in the wooden floorboards.

He wedged a small knife into the board and pried it upward until it became loose. He dug around in the dark, not feeling that casting a spell was worth it. Soon he found a satchel and a small box made of dark brown wood. Opening the box he counted thirty silver shells, the currency of the kingdom. Each one inscribed with a symbol that told of their value. Thirty silver shells may not seem like a lot but each one held enough value to feed a family of four for almost two weeks on bread.

Two other items rested among the glimmering shells. One was a medal that could only be earned through the service of the kingdom. He looked at it with disdain but he could never destroy it, it was an heirloom that was given to his mother after his father's passing.

Beside it rested an obsidian-encrusted wrist band. It was worn by his mother the day she had died and served as a constant reminder as to why he burned with hate whenever he saw a knight.

The bounty he was bound to would be long and perilous, Osiris felt that leaving the only two things that connected him to his parents would be a sin. He carefully moved the two objects and the thirty silver shells into the satchel, which contained a map of the continent as well as a small leather canteen.

Now that Osiris had packed he could leave at any time. However, he had looked at the notes that Xavier had given him. The closest shard was located within the Maw, a mountain range that was located northeast of the capital. The distance of the Maw was quite far on foot, the trek could take almost three weeks.

Knowing that other nations would be sending their own knights or bounty hunters Osiris wouldn't have enough time to secure the shards before his completion. The only way to get there fast enough would be on a horse and even then Osiris was betting on the fact that others would be in groups that would significantly slow their pace.

In the end, Osiris decided he would sleep until the next day as shops would not be open at this time of night, then he would go about purchasing a horse as well as extra provisions.

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Osiris woke just before sunrise.

He equipped almost all of his armour except his helmet. Within the city, his helmet had become known by some of the citizens and could draw unwanted attention. Whilst the king's men probably already knew of their partnership, some armed citizens may not be so kind, seeking the bounty the king had placed on his head. As long as the posters of him were up people would continue to hunt.

Osiris decided to wear a cowl.

His cold grey-blue eyes glinted in the early dawn light as he put on the black, abyssal hood. He left the small hut with his satchel hanging from his shoulder. His helmet tucked snugly inside.

He soon found his way to a stable that was quite close to other markets in the city. The building was almost completely wood with small bits of lichen and moss making their way up the walls of the structure. The inside was lined with stalls that held horses of a myriad of colours. The ground in front of Osiris was surprisingly well kept, though that was not enough to eradicate the stench of the wooden stalls.

Eventually, a woman came into sight, a smile on her face; she was glad another customer had come along. "Hey! What are you looking for today?" the auburn-haired woman said.

"Something for distance please," Osiris asked politely.

"Ah, I see. Please follow me." She said as she made her way down the aisle of stalls until she came upon a stall that held a majestic black and white horse. "I must ask: have you ever ridden a horse before?"

"I have, she was an excellent steed though she was old and only a few months ago did she pass away." A tinge of sadness was carried on his tongue.

"Ah, I'm sorry to hear that," the woman paused before putting a smile on her face, once more becoming professional."I am glad you have experience. Her name is Dusk and she can go a ways without food or drink and can carry you as far as you need." She continued.

Osiris nodded. "How much will she cost me?" Osiris asked.

"She'll cost you five silver shells without any equipment and seven with."

"I see, that will do just fine."

"I'm glad to hear it. I'll have her all set up in about fifteen minutes, do as you please until then." She said as Osiris handed the lady seven silver shells from his satchel.

"Very well," Osiris said as he made his way out of the stable leaving the stench and the cacophony of horses behind. He then made his way to a nearby shop that was selling a plethora of items. The building was cozy and had a comforting mellow smell. The opposite of the stables. Osiris made his way around the small shop picking out salted meats as well as some bread. He also picked out a few vegetables and fruits, as well as a sleeping bag. All in all, it would cost a single silver shell.

After he was done purchasing the goods he made his way back to the stables.

He still had a few minutes so he took his time to look around the small street, It was worn down by the inhabitants of the city and was rougher than after its initial construction.

Eventually, the stable hand came from the building towing Dusk along with a lead. Osiris thanked the lady and then mounted his newly acquired steed.

Ready to ride on the cobbled roads, his satchel felt considerably lighter with the help of Dusk. As he was about to set off he noticed a small boy on the side of the road; he appeared no older than thirteen. Osiris stopped, took out an apple and passed it to the boy. He saw the child stumble and barely grasp the plump fruit.

Osiris wasn't sure why he had done that, especially considering he was about to set off a journey which could take him god knows how long, but perhaps he saw himself in that small quivering child.