Darkness and dots of lights, slimy brick and wet wood. Moss creeping in the cracks, lapping at the dark damp stone. The rare flicker of radiance across the aqueduct’s end point. A splash, a series of coughs, and a body rising from the water.
Arms slender, body slim, It bulged, throbbed, growing into a nice shape and size. With a slimy thud it landed on the stones. Heaving and coughing, it pushed itself onto two hind legs, shaking hands until they were dry.
Eyes glanced over a distant building. It sported a wide, determined grin, eyes slightly squinted. The darkness turned to even shades of gray, as if the moon grew three sizes.
“Whats that over there?” A gruff voice asked. The creaking of leather around a wooden rod was faintly heard. The creature adopted a tall, imposing figure, claws curled into fists.
“Did it just come from the water?” A second voice wondered, as two gleaming spears tried to pierce the darkness.
“Sirs, sirs. No need to worry yourselves.” A satin-gloved hand pushed the implements of justice aside.
“Then sir and madam it is.” The bespoken figure had the cadence of a refined birth, spoken precisely yet with the flow of a bending river. “Sorry to be such a bother.”
“It’s far past night, sirrah. Ye bein’ out is sign of ill will.” The gruff one did not let his spear off the target. He knew far too well what could hide in the waters to let someone off the hook so easily.
“A drunken caper, nothing more. If the two would be most kind, I wish to see an inn. So in the morrow, I can find my fine escorts and leave your delightful... town.”
“Sirrah, there ain’t no inn that takes in the likes of you. Damp and wretched.” The gruff one had enough of talking, though relented at the sight of any man’s weakness; a glimmering, pristine coin of gold. Solid, and of size to weigh a hand down.
“Perhaps a modest tip is worth a modest tip?” The elegant figure offered a warm smile and two coins. One for each. The lady of the two guards went along.
“Across th’ street, on yer left.” She weighed the coin carefully and squinted. Solid gold, the royal mark, and in fine shape. A noble’s pay, that much is sure. “Any reasin we didn’t see the likes of ya in the morn? And better yet, who are ya companions?”
The figure felt silent. They feigned insult, yet to anyone else, their keen smile told a different story. “I, hm, entered during midday. And my companion is a fair fellow by the name of Kingston.”
“Kingston... he’s at the lord’s manor. Might want to wait till morn then.” The male guard seemed at ease.
The figure grinned wide once more and wrapped their hands behind their backside. A quick click sounded from their heels. “Naturally. I’ll be taking my leave then. On the left, wasn’t it?”
The male guard was too busy chewing his gold coin, so the lady had to fill in. She nodded, and saw the slender figure walk off. Her eyes might be playing tricks, but in the half moon’s light, she was certain the figure seemed to shift shape and size, like a shadow caught between two wild fires. All she hoped was that there wouldn’t be blood.
