20 Seasons Pass (4)

Aria sharply turned away, a sliver of fear creeping its way into her heart. She'd seen enough, she'd heard enough, and she wanted out of there. With her back facing the mob, she heard them begin to go into a frenzy. The sound of stamping feet and hoarse shouting rang in her ears as she quickly escaped the rapidly violent crowd, screaming for the death of all non-humans.

Aria shook her head, pushing the thoughts of what transpired in the square out of her mind. It wasn't what she was here for. She couldn't waste her time with these pathetic humans. Putting it behind her, she continued on down one of the other busy streets.

When she reached her destination, it was already noon, the snow billowed through the alleyways of Vizara like a blizzard. The wind blowing just hard enough, it created small snow tornados that danced along the now-quiet alleyway. Aria looked up at the northern gate, the salt tang of the sea mixed with the smell of trees and grass filled her senses. She paused and took a deep breath. Relishing the smells. A small smile on her face as she stepped through the vaulted archway and left the city limits, the azure sea stretched out in front of her beyond the merchant docks. The soft sounds of the waves crashing against the harbours and shores.

She focused her attention on the squat building that sat on the outskirts of the nearby forest. The outer Barracks. Her goal. She smiled and quickened her pace, heading straight for the treeline. Quietly moving through the trees and sticking to the shadows, she passed a group of guardsmen, their frosted armour glistening in the sun. Aria bowed her head, pausing behind a bush, as they marched by, their steps in time creating a rumble with every footfall.

When she reached the building, she leaned against the rough surface. There she watched the dockworkers and guardsmen move about on their tasks. When at last she was alone, she turned to the wall and stretched her legs. With a practiced leap, she clambered up the wall, then jumped up the battlement wall until she reached the parapet. When she reached the top, she peered over the edge, finding the top of the tower empty.

"Perfect," she whispered.

With a vault, she was over the parapet and hidden behind the embrasure. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and looked down at the guardsmen below in the training field. There she watched their exercises, studying their stances and their strikes. She focused more on those using the sword and shield, watching them batter training dummies and each other in mock battles with dull blades.

During one of the duels between two young guardsmen a man dressed scarlet robes came running through the main entrance of the garrison. He spoke animatedly to the guard captain and after a minute of conversation, the captain gathered a dozen men and headed for the main gate. It was at the entrance she heard the gruff captain's voice carry over.

"Right men, all guards are to head for the main square. The riot started up by the churchmen has gotten out of hand and we need to bring them under order."

"Yes sir!" the men saluted and headed for the city, the rattle of armour ringing out even when they were out of sight.

Aria peered out over the battlements and saw the training field empty. Weapons and armour left scattered around in the snow. She waited for a moment, for some other guard to watch the place, but no one came. She looked at the discarded weaponry below, a sudden yearning welled up inside of her.

It was right there, ripe for the taking.