12 20 Seasons Pass (12)

The town was in full panic by the time they walked out of the alleyways. The story of a demon appearing in the middle of a crowd was circulating through the populace. Most of which was now in a full fledged riot, stampeding through the street with the black robed priests in the vanguard. Seas of torchlight creating billowing clouds of smokey soot that blotted out the sun.

Rhosyn crouched behind a pile of crates and slowly peeked over the edge, watching the rapidly growing mob rushing through the streets. The guardsmen were also there, trying to maintain order, but the rioting citizens, frenzied by the priests sermons, only knocked them aside. Fear welled up inside of Rhosyn as she watched the display, guardsmen trampled underfoot. It was only the warmth pulsing in her grip from Saffir's small hand that kept her calm.

She looked at her and breathed in deep. "Okay, we just have to get to the Bits, then we are home free. We can lose them easily in those alleys."

"That's on the other side of town, Rose." Saffir whimpered, using her nickname.

"I know, Saff, but once we get across the main streets, we can keep to the back roads and out of the way."

Rhosyn looked back at the main road, seeing that the mob had already passed. Only a few stragglers were in view but were quickly disappearing out of sight. She pricked her ears, focusing her senses to listen to her surroundings. Slowly but surely, the sound of the rioting peasants vanishing out of earshot. They waited for a few minutes longer, making sure it was safe before they left their hiding spot. Hand in hand, they casually crossed the street, Rhosyn pulling her hood closer to her face.

Rhosyn noticed she was holding her breath the entire time. When they entered the adjacent alley, she let out a gust of air as she panted heavily. Together they continued, slowly sneaking their way behind buildings and warehouses. Their progress was slow, by the time they reached the Bits, an hour had passed. The large, beautiful houses slowly becoming seedier and seedier.

Saffir let out a small cheer as they saw a familiar sight in the old clock tower. The empty square opening up at the end of the alley they skulked in.

"We are nearly there!"

"Stay calm, Saffir. We aren't out of the woods yet."

"But look, there's no one around." Saffir stepped out of cover and entered the square.

"Saff! Get back here." Rhosyn hissed.

But it was too late. As soon as she left the safety of the dark, two rough looking men dressed in dark armour grabbed her from behind. They stifled her screams, stuffing her mouth with a rag and binding her arms behind her back.

"Agg, grab the witch." The voice was cold, professional.

"Right boss." The other replied gruffly and drew a glittering sword.

Rhosyn backed up, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the blade. It reeked of magic, she thought, feeling the aura emanating from its edge. She backed away, her eyes growing harder as she saw the other man pull Saffir's arm back, creating a squeal of pain.

"Look, you devil," The man holding her said calmly. "You are as good as caught, the entire city is out for your blood, and the church is now on your scent like a bloodhound. Give us no more trouble, and she goes free."

Rhosyn didn't know what to do.