The auburn fox’s corpse mocked me.

  My own kill I couldn’t eat, fur I couldn’t own, bones I couldn’t sell. The fox’s pyrokinetic abilities were active even in death. Under its skin the meat sizzled and filled the carriage with a flavorful smell that teased my nose. Its body levitated in the air, attached to the carriage’s roof by a rope and a hook that pierced its jaw. Every bump the wagon hit along the dirt road caused the vials and jars in my bag to rattle and swung the fox in the air. My eyes followed its hypnotic movements. Back and forth-.

  “Hey! Keep your grubby eyes off the tribute.”

  Vig adjusted himself in his seat. He wore a solid purple cloak too small for his frame. It barely reached his waist, akin to a child’s cape. He kept the hood back so he could keep me in his vision. His brown hair looked like a bird’s nest as usual. He rarely spoke on the trip, his facial expressions did the talking. Once I entered the carriage with the corpse he had sneered at me. I’ve seen him carry a baton stained with blood and he has the audacity to sneer at me?

  You get gifted a cloak worth more than my bow and arrow and you suddenly think you’re better than me? Than anyone else?

  I imagined how wide his eyes would be with my arrow buried deep into his neck. How loud would his body sound once it collapsed on the floor and watch how the blood gushed from his jugular. I’d cross the puddle of blood and steal the fox and return home. I’d share the meat with my roommates, Aira and Alric, and await my fate. And once the guards find and capture me, I’d accept my execution with a smile. But I knew Alric wouldn’t like that.

  “Calm yourself, girl.” His eyes were locked on my forehead. “I can see that throbbing vein of yours it’s disgusting.”

  He narrowed his eyes further.

  “Calm down, before I cut it myself.”

  Tension within my head slowly began to exit my body. Vig smirked and relaxed his shoulders.

  “Good.”

  His eyes drifted toward the fox. He nodded and stroked his chin.

  “For a woman your size, a kill like this is genuinely impressive. The baron will be very pleased for such a tribute. Very pleased.”

  You’re acting like you're good friends with this guy

  “In fact,” he scanned the beast and nodded. “This deserves a reward.”

  A reward? Too many ideas came to mind. I looked at my bow, the grip’s brown color slowly began to erode. I thought about the jars and vials I had at home littered with tiny cracks. My eyes drifted toward the fox. When was the last time I ate good meat?

  My stomach bellowed. The sound awkwardly echoed within the carriage. Vig’s laugh started as a soft chuckle that grew louder and louder. It carried a tone of condescension.

  “Anna, was it?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I’ll put in a request for your home to have an increase in rations.”

  Rations.

  Stale crackers, cold porridge, fruits and vegetables potentially days away from becoming expired, and meat poisoned with salt.

  Those rations.

  Only saving grace was the free access to the well.

  I forced a smile and thanked him. His word as a guard was nothing but a lie. A lie to whoever they promised and a lie to themselves; to pretend that they mattered in the noble’s world.

  For the rest of the ride, I decided to keep my attention on the window. The trees lazily passed by and blanketed us in shade. We continued on the dirt path and exited the eastern forest. Sunlight hit my eyes, and I adjusted my vision. Out the window was a field filled with red grass.

  Fat golden cows dominated the field. It was a miracle to even notice a black and white one. When I had, they were slightly skinnier than the golden ones. Guards with similar clothes as Vig trailed them. This time the cloaks fit them properly. The people that hovered near them wore simple civilian clothes. A shirt probably with sweat stains and dark pants. Accompanied with wagons or carried bags.

  Just a few more minutes and we’ll be at the town gates.

  “Impressive, isn’t it?”

  I looked at Vig.

  “Baron Feldt imported them cows just a few weeks ago. Skinny frail things they were but now look at them.” He licked his lips and rubbed his hands. “Those steaks are going to taste divine. A real gift from the gods.”

  I remained silent.

  “Unlike those pathetic cows over there,” he pointed at one resting in the field. “These cows' milk actually has mystical properties. Great for healing elixirs and if prepared properly could fill your stomach for days. You ever tried it before?”

  I remembered the young boy the guards paraded throughout the town. A golden milk stain was traced around the child’s mouth. The white of his eyes turned the same color. They marched and shouted the proper way to prepare the milk. A warning on the Baron’s behalf. Buried in so much jargon, it’d be easier to buy the prepared version from the baron or try it yourself and pray you get to see another new day.

  “No. But I’ve seen what it can do.”

  The carriage stopped. Vig rose from his seat and gripped the meat and yanked it from the hook. Vig stumbled backwards and looked down at me,

  “Baron Feldt thanks you for your support.” The carriage wobbled after each of Vig’s steps. He slammed his shoulder against the carriage door and left. I collected my gear and headed toward the exit. I landed on a cobblestone floor.

  The Ima village square was a former husk of itself. Months ago, the square would be filled with people. The town attracted a menagerie of adventurers and locals to a wide array of shops and smitheries. Humans, orcs, beastfolks, they all could be found at Ima village square. Bards would sing songs and play their instruments near the grand fountain. Traveling merchants fought each other for customers. Khemist traded formulas, adventurers discussed their journeys, and priests and priestess preached their faiths. Now the square was a husk of its former self. Smitheries sat cold and silent. Bakeries that once had windows filled with pastries were left with nothing but crumbs. Tales of adventurers, the haggling of customers, and music had vanished. Adventurers that once used to greet the locals were replaced with the guards that polluted the street. The only shop open was painted pure white that had a red door. On the door held an emblem. A boar with red eyes surrounded by seven stars, the emblem of Baron Feldt.

  Massive white buildings dominated a few streets. Its pointed blue roof reached toward a now cloudless sky. A massive line of people protruded from the building. I recognized a few people, Mr.Krumpet the old baker and his wife. Some people carried conversations, others stood in silence with their hands over their stomachs, everyone held a spoon in their hands.

  The walk back home wasn’t always a lonely one. The houses I passed were usually filled with noise. I could unwillingly catch a few conversations and after hours of solitude they were nice. Older women would call me from a window and offer me snacks or treats. Children played in the street, and I’d join them. I walked along this familiar path with an uncomfortable silence. Amongst the rows of homes finding one that had their family together was a rarity. People were either out at the farms and collected tribute for Baron Feldt. Or they became victims of the famine. A nearby door clicked open, and a priestess walked out. Adorned in a black gown with a black veil she looked at me. Around her neck was a grey necklace with a triangle pendant.

  “Another person died?” I had asked her. A dumb question, but she nodded. The open door allowed the wails of another broken family to fill the street. I caught a glimpse of a man kneeling over a body covered in a white shroud. Widowers had become more and more common lately. The priestess gently shut the door. She looked me up and down and placed a cold hand on my shoulder.

  “Peace be with you, child.” Her voice was soft and nurturing. Though her tone was melancholic and tired. “I bless you with good fortune.”

  “And to you, sister.”

  She left, the chill of her hand still presents on my shoulder. How many funeral rites has she done? I turned back to ask her, but like a wisp of smoke she vanished.

  If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  I passed by a new building under construction. Men grunted as they hammered into wooden frames and carried bricks. Near the construction site a flag with Baron Feldt’s emblem. Whatever the building was going to be, it sat between two homes. An odd addition to a street dominated by houses packed together. Though, whatever houses still had families was unknown to me.

  Deeper into the town I stopped walking on cobblestone and began to kick up dirt instead. My house sat on the outskirts of the town. It bordered the south gate and teetered between civilization and the woods. Thirteen more steps along the earthy road and you’d come across my home. A one floor log cabin with a brick chimney and a red door. Two windows in the front of the house that allowed sunlight to flow in. The only noticeable aspect of my home was the flag dug into the ground. It had Baron Feldt's emblem and the message this home was under his protection. I cupped my hands to my mouth and imitated a bird cry. The lock clicked and slowly the door opened. A young girl with green skin peeked her head through the door. Her wide smile exposed her bottom tusks. Her face collided with my stomach, and she tightened her grip around me.

  “Aira, Aira, Aira, you’re crushing me,” I said between strained breaths and patted her head. My fingers disheveled her brown hair. I entered my home with Aira glued to me and shut the door. I removed my boots, and the wooden floor felt good against my feet. Smooth with a slight cool touch. The smell of soup circulated in the air. A rich aroma that carried the scent of an unfamiliar spice.

  Alric squatted over the fire. The massive orc blocked the fireplace. Near him were beige pouches I assumed held those unfamiliar spices.

  “Alric! I’m home.”

  He turned to me and wore the same smile his daughter had. Alric hadn’t changed from his field clothes (excluding his boots). Brown overalls on top of a white shirt. More grey hairs sprung in his black beard. In his massive hand he held a ladle that swirled in the cauldron.

  “Little Anna, welcome home!” He rose from the fireplace and in a few steps, he looked down on me and ruffled my hair. “I’m making rabbit stew today.”

  “Rabbit stew?” I asked. He nodded and walked toward the cauldron. “How did you get any rabbits?”

  “A guard had come by and dropped off rabbits for rations.” He squatted back down and tended toward the soup. “Truly, Baron Feldt is a generous man.”

  Yeah, generous.

  I felt a tug at my cloak and looked at Aira.

  “Help me set up the table.”

  The “table” was a rug buried in one of the closets that were placed against the wall. Brightly colored liquids sloshed in the jars as I gently removed them from the closet. Once I felt the soft red and gold fabric I removed the “table” from the closet. Despite my offers, Aira carried the rug between her small arms. She struggled to hold her balance but still smiled as she carried it to our dining spot. Aira dropped the rug onto the floor. Small particles of dust leaped into the air. We rolled out the rug that held golden leaf patterns. Aira carried two fluffy blue pillows, and I carried my own. We sat them around the carpet. I carried three grey clay bowls and sat them down. Aira got the biggest bowl, while Alric and I got something that could be considered medium. Alric carried the cauldron with a hunter’s precision, careful not to spill a single drop. He placed it over the carpet and quietly winced.

  “Alright, time to eat.”

  “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!” I exclaimed.

  “Yeah? Well, I could eat a bear!” Aira proudly smirked.

  “I could eat a..a.” Shit what’s more dangerous than a bear? I closed my eyes and racked my brain. Baron Feldt’s emblem flashed in my mind. “Well, I could eat seven wild boars!”

  After our prayer to the gods Alric filled our bowls with a brown liquid that carried chunks of potatoes and pieces of meat. A rich aroma blessed my nose, and I hadn’t cared about how hot the soup was. My mouth watered and I was controlled by hunger. I burned my mouth, but it was worth every bite, every sip from my bowl. The hunger that assaulted my stomach for hours had finally been put to rest.

  “Anna, are you ok?” Alric questioned me.

  My face was red and tears fell from my face, but I assured him I was fine. Just hungry. From his bowl Alric took out a piece of meat and slowly chewed it. He smiled after he swallowed.

  “It’s...good that we can share a meal together.” I stopped eating my soup and turned toward the old man. Aira was too young to notice, but the smile he wore didn't match the look in his eyes or the tone of his voice. I want to ask him about his day. Curiosity gnawed at my mind to do so. Though the look in his eyes felt like he created an invisible wall. A wall I desperately wanted to break.

  “Father, how was your day?”

  Alric stopped eating and looked at his daughter and then at me.

  “Baron Feldt’s guards had come by again asking about the home. They claimed that Baron Feldt himself is now offering to buy the property for 200,000 gild.”

  “And what did you tell them?” I asked.

  “The same as usual. That this is a conversation I’d have to have with you,” he looked down at his bowl. “Truth be told, I was afraid they were going to harm me. This time the guards came armed. One even rested his baton in his hand and glared at me. Instead, they offered me this rabbit’s meat as consolation for wasting my time. They claimed it was a part of our rations. And then he added a pouch of spices, courtesy of Baron Feldt. How generous!”

  Something...off. Baron Feldt just doesn’t give away things without a cost.

  “Alric, did the guards say anything else after they gave you the rabbits?”

  “Just to have a nice day and may the gods bless me tonight.”

  I brought the bowl to my lips and drank the soup. Too many questions and theories polluted my mind. The rich taste of the soup had turned bitter. I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples. Why won’t these parasites leave us alone?

  Clean-up was quick. A few minutes that rug was rolled up and I collected the bowls and utensils. I placed them near the back door. I’ll wash them later. Alric took out the fire and rested near the fireplace. Aira ran around the room, behind her she dragged a toy horse with a dirty rope and wheels for feet.

  Aira and Alric froze. They watched as someone struggled with the doorknob. They shook it left to right and up and down.

  “Are you expecting anyone?” I whispered to him. Alric shook his head. I overheard muffled words from behind the door. “State your business!” I shouted. The doorknob stopped moving. Whomever was at the door had knocked this time and poke. Their voice much clearer than before.

  “Ms.Fairfield, I presume?”

  I know that pompous voice...I’ve heard Baron Feldt speak once. His “welcoming party” once he entered the town. A voice that shrill, pompous, that oozed with arrogance is something a person could never forget.

  “It is I, Baron Feldt. I wish to speak with you.”

  Shit. I walked toward the door and opened it. In the doorframe stood Baron Feldt. He wore a jovial smile and rested his hands on a silver cane. Despite his dirty blonde hair and youthful face, I wouldn’t have been surprised if this elf was in his late 80s. How they gleamed in the sunlight I could tell the buttons that ran down his lavender shirt were made from pure gold. A red cape protruded from his shoulders and nearly touched the ground. The regality overshadowed his white pants and brown shoes. Behind him stood Vig and some random guard I hadn’t seen before.

  “Ms.Fairfield, a pleasure. May I come in?” The question was more of a formality than anything since he pushed past me. His guards followed, Vig looked down and smiled. In his hand was a small wooden chest with Baron Feldt’s emblem. Baron Feldt wandered around my home, his hands behind his back. His eyes never stayed focused on one spot for too long.

  “Anna, I’m not happy with how our relationship has been,” he said while he walked. “Many people in the city alone would just have the chance at 500,000 gild and yet you refuse. Why?”

  And go where? This is my home and I’m not about to let you push me out.

  “This land provides me with a lot of game to-.” My stomach moaned. Hunger returned to my stomach. The sensation clawed at my stomach.

  “ Ms.Fairfield? You’re sweating. Perhaps you need to e-.”

  “I’m fine my lord,” I snapped. After some slow deep breaths, I stood firmer and smiled at Baron Feldt. A tired polite smile. “I apologize for my...outburst. The land here provides me with a lot of food to hunt. Therefore, I won’t be leaving.”

  “Yes, yes, that’s right.” Baron Feldt froze. “Nice fertile land perfect for farming. Especially the little plot under our feet.” He stroked his chin and chuckled. “I’ve been nothing but generous to you. Final offer.”

  “Feldt. Listen, I told you-.”

  “AIRA!” Alric’s voice boomed. Even Vig flinched at the tone in Alric’s voice. Alric cradled Aira’s body in his arms. The young girl’s arm went limp. A trail of saliva leaked from the corner of her mouth. It began to stain her pink dress. Before I could react the strength in my legs vanished. I collapsed to the ground and my knees collided with the wooden floor. I braced myself for pain but I felt nothing.

  “W-what?” A searing pain that started in the pit of my stomach began to grow through my abdomen. Like hot wax filling my intestines. I gripped my sides and cried out in pain.

  Baron Feldt towered over my body. His jovial smile had grown sadistic.

  “It took longer than I expected, but the poison finally kicked in. Guess it varies depending on the race. I’ll have to let my khemist know.”

  I’ll kill you. I promised myself. I’m going to fucking kill you!

  Baron Feldt’s smile faltered. I stood from the ground and my body leaned forward. My arms hung at my sides and swayed like the hook from the carriage. The only thing I could see was the spit puddle that formed on the floor. My sense of balance teetered every second. My legs shook trying to hold up my body.

  “Oh, you poor thing,” Baron Feldt said. “Too stubborn to die? I’ll help with that.”

  Thick fingers dug into my hair and jerked my head backwards. Baron Feldt tossed his cane, it rattled against the floor. Vig walked toward Baron Feldt and opened the chest. The pompous bastard smiled and pulled out a triangular dagger. Sleek, silver, and unnerving sharp. Baron Feldt slowly walked toward me. The dagger swayed in his hand. His cold blue eyes looked deep within my soul. The cold touch of metal bounced against a vein that throbbed in my neck. The tip of the blade dug deeper into my skin. He glided the dagger across my neck with disturbing precision. I fell to the ground with a heavy thud against the floor. My lungs burned trying to take in air. The stench of my blood assaulted my nose and the pain that burned my neck faded. Darkness teased my vision, and I felt my consciousness disconnect from my body. Before I took my final breath one thought flickered in my mind: I don’t care how it needs to be done. But I want you to have an agonizing death.