Peering through the barred window, I scanned the perimeter of the dark forest. No movement. My fingertips brushed against the door’s latch, but I hesitated, checking the woods again instead.

  Of all my duties, standing gate watch was my least favorite. I paced back to the fire to warm myself up, and in hopes that moving around would lessen the urge to go. Unlike the more heavily garrisoned entry points, this one lacked a decent place for the guard to relieve himself.

  After moving back to the barred window, I studied the area again. Still no movement. A shiver ran down my spine as I peered into the dark and eerie woods. Entry into the Forest of the Forgotten was ill-advised. Those who did tended never to re-emerge.

  After shifting my weight to the other foot, I realized I couldn’t wait much longer. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have drunk anything before standing this watch, but we were celebrating Lar’s appointment to the town council. The liquid had run through me quicker and with more force than I expected. I rested my hand on the latch. The only place to go was out there.

  As a soldier, I felt foolish for being afraid of the forest. But feeling foolish didn’t make a man any braver, especially when nobody was around to see him acting a coward. I considered opening the door a crack, but worried someone might report the smell of urine so close to the door. Standing orders insisted we move at least one hasta from the door before doing our business.

  Just as I felt waiting longer would lead to an explosion, I pushed the latch and swung open the door.

  “Wah.” A deep voice said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  I flinched back, almost releasing my liquid on the spot. A man stood but an arrow away, holding out his hands as if in surrender.

  “I didn’t...” I shook my head. “How did you get here?” I squeezed my fingers against my palms, trying to hold back the urge to go.

  He glanced to the right, then to the left. “I walked.”

  “But I didn’t see you.” I exhaled slowly as I peered at the man. By his clothing, I was certain he wasn’t a Mallma soldier. Nor was he equipped for the chill of the night. He had a deerskin draped over his shoulder and what appeared to be leather leggings. A belt around his waist held a leather flap that covered his crotch.

  I put up a hand, signaling for him to halt. “This entrance is for soldiers only.”

  He looked confused. “I’m a warrior.” He held out a spear as if to prove his words.

  “For Mallma?”

  He shook his head but didn’t elaborate.

  I shifted my weight again, finally realizing that one way or another, I was going to piss immediately. I’d prefer it to occur outside my pants. “Give me one moment.” After closing the door tight, I spun around and took care of business. Relief washed over me. I finished and spun back around. “Sorry, I really had to go.”

  He nodded. “Something’s been following me.” He pointed back to the forest. “Can I come inside until it passes?”

  My brow wrinkled. “I can’t allow entry to anyone but Mallma soldiers.”

  Over his shoulder, I saw the leaves of a tree rustle. A low, long howl followed. It didn’t sound like the call of a wolf. I took a step back and rested my hand on the door. “What did you see out there?” Two of my fellow soldiers told me they witnessed a tall, hairy creature in the woods a few nights back. At the time, I thought they told tall tales, but now I wondered.

  “It didn’t show itself, but I heard it.” He extended his arm, offering me his spear. “I’ll surrender my weapon if it makes you more comfortable.”

  I grabbed the wooden handle, pulling back as he released his grip. For a moment, I studied the tip of the weapon. It wasn’t iron like I suspected. Instead, a black stone was shaped into a large arrowhead. “What is this made of?” As much as I wanted to be safely behind the cover of the door, talking to the strange man helped pass the time. While I couldn’t let him go inside, I didn’t think he appeared dangerous. He lacked any armor and had handed over his weapon.

  “Obsidian,” he said.

  “I’m not familiar with it. Where is it mined?”

  “Back on Nahasdzaan.” He studied my face, recognizing my confusion. “I believe you may refer to it as Midgard or Earth.”

  I stepped back and gained a tighter grip on the spear. “You’re an Arsat?”

  He put his hands up again. “I’m not familiar with that word. I’m Navaho.”

  “Is that an Arsat religion?”

  Twice, he opened his mouth, but words didn’t come out. Then he finally said, “Arsay, is that your word for Human?”

  I’ve heard someone say ‘human’ before. I racked my brain until I remembered a friend of mine using the term after he returned from Earth. He fought beside Arsats in the war of Inges Salvos and referred to them as humans.

  He started to move forward.

  I drew my sword. “I shall not allow a wizard into my kingdom.”

  He chuckled. “I’m no wizard.” He glanced behind himself. “I’m just a man seeking shelter.”

  I pulled the door open wide enough to squeeze through. “This door is for Mallma soldiers only.” After slipping through, I closed it behind me and pushed the latch. Then I stuck the spear through the bars on the window and slid it out. “If you stay next to the wall and travel in that direction, you’ll find a major entry point. Perhaps they will allow you through there.”

  I watched as he walked away. My heart thumped in my chest. In my twenty winters, I’ve never come face to face with a human.

  Just as my nerves began to settle, another voice erupted behind me, nearly causing me to jump. “Tye, anything to report?”

  I spun to see a familiar face. Canus, a fellow soldier, had arrived to take his watch. “You shouldn’t sneak up on a guy like that.”

  “Not the words you want to hear from the man guarding entry into or otherwise safe kingdom.” He grinned.

  “A wizard was out there. He carried a primitive spear and wore barely any clothing.”

  Canus half-suppressed a chuckle. “Sure.” He threw his hands up and said in a mocking tone, “I also hear a hairy creature is roaming through the forest, searching for a meal. What did the old timers call it?” He thought for a moment. “Sasquatch.” He arched his back and threw up his arms like a beast hunting its prey. “Some fairy tale creature from Earth.”

  Despite his mocking tone, thoughts about the creature made my muscles tense up. I knew the stories, but wasn’t aware it had a connection to Earth. What were the chances of seeing an Arsat when another being from Earth was nearby? “He walked that way.” I pointed

  Canus opened the door and moseyed out.

  I stepped back, my hand dropping to my hilt. “Don’t just fling the door open like that!”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  He shrugged as he strolled back in. “I don’t see anyone. Funny little prank, Tye.” He sniffed twice. “Why does it smell like piss?”

  “I thought the same thing.” I raised my eyebrows. “Perhaps the human relieved himself by the door when I wouldn’t let him in.” Instead of waiting for a reply, I hustled down the long corridor and out into the dark streets.

  I pulled my cloak tighter around me to block the chill of the night air. My walk home wasn’t a long one. Then again, Palla Cahua was a smaller village, so nothing was very far. Its small size allured me, offering the fantasy of escaping the hustle and bustle of the capital.

  “Hi, sweetie,” a soft voice said from the shadows. “Need some warmth on a chilly night?”

  The little hairs stood up on the back of my neck. I hardly expected to hear the call of a harlot in this little village. I spun around, half expecting to see a friend playing a prank on me. Instead, I stared into the shadowy soft features of a beautiful young woman. Still, something about her face was familiar. “I’m on my way to a cozy fire as we speak, but thanks anyway.”

  She peered down at her shoes. “I can offer more than company. Perhaps prepare you a meal?” Her voice rang with desperation. Not a tone I’d expect after years of listening to the confident self-promotion of the women working the streets of the capital.

  Again, something about her face seemed familiar, but the shadows covered too much of it.

  “Can you step into the light so I can get a look at you?”

  “So, it is company you seek.” She stepped forward.

  Her eyes, green as a human emerald, burned right through me. Even slightly out of arms reach, I saw the tiny specks of red that made them nearly sparkle. Eyes a man could never forget. “Kiri?” I met her once, a few winters back, when our fathers left to go to war. Neither would return.

  Her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. “How did you...” Clasping my arms, she eased me forward, drawing my face into the light of the stars. She gasped. “Tye?”

  I was surprised she remembered me. “What are you doing in Palla Cahua?”

  “By chance.” Her chin trembled. “I hate for you to see me like this.” She bit her lip. “I’m not what you think.” She hung her head. “I’m so tired. So hungry.”

  Despite the erupting feeling of pity, a ping of curiosity made me perk up. If not a harlot, then why offer comfort to a stranger? “I won’t make any assumptions. I can, however, offer you a warm place to sleep for the night.”

  Her forehead scrunched.

  “Not that I expect anything...” My face flushed. “I’ll sleep on the floor, my lady.”

  She smiled. “You will let me cook for you?”

  I nodded. “I can boil meat with the best of them, but would enjoy something prepared properly.”

  She poked my belly. “Looks like you can use it. You’re all skin and bones.”

  Over her shoulder, I saw a figure vault over the exterior wall and begin scaling down. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

  Her eyes widened. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  “Not that.” I pointed behind her. “I think that might be the human.”

  She spun around, threw her hand to her mouth, and took a step back. “What is he doing?”

  “Stay here. I’ll be right back.” As I advanced, I heard her footsteps behind me. Before I could tell her again to wait, voices rose from down the street, past the human.

  “Stop where you are!” one of them called out.

  “Alert the others!” Another added.

  The human dropped, bending his knees as he landed. Then he took off in our direction.

  I threw my hand back to nudge Kiri closer to the buildings, getting her out of harm’s way. With my other hand, I pulled my sword. Stepping sideways, I moved into the human’s path.

  He stopped when almost within reach, holding his spear in his hand with the tip pointed toward the ground. “You again,” he huffed. “I mean no harm. I just need sanctuary for the night.”

  “They shall give you straw to lay your head on in the dungeon.” I pointed my sword at him. “Drop your weapon and surrender.”

  “Tye,” Kiri stepped near me and placed her hand on mine. “He looks more scared than dangerous.”

  “I’m not scared.” The human said.

  Down the road, footsteps clomped off the dirt. The guards were heading this way quickly.

  She scanned the area, then pointed to a bay that was filled with hay. “Hide in there. We will send them away.” She glanced at my sword. “Put that thing away.”

  I glared at her in protest. She squeezed my hand and raised her eyebrows. Reluctantly, I sheathed the sword and nodded toward the hay.

  The human leaped into the pile just as the two guards became visible, heading toward us on the road. They kept a brisk pace, but slowed enough to survey the area as they moved.

  Once they spotted us, the taller of the two called out. “Have you seen a man run by here?”

  The other added. “I believe he wasn’t wearing a shirt.”

  “No.” Kiri said.

  Once within arm’s reach, the guard made eye contact with Kiri, then glanced at me. “Kind of late for a stroll.”

  “I just got relieved of my post.” I pointed toward the wall.

  The taller man nodded. “Well, soldier, we’re looking for a possible human. Not only did he gain entry to our compound, but we heard he had pissed on the watch door.” He scoffed. “Not much more civilized than an animal.”

  I could feel the human glare at me from the hay pile. “We’ll keep an eye out. What does he look like?”

  The shorter man scoffed. “Report back all the shirtless humans you see.”

  I grinned as they continued down the path.

  Kiri faced the haystack. “What is your name?”

  “Sani,” the human said.

  “Be careful.” I stepped between her and Sani. “He’s a wizard.”

  “I’m not a wizard.” He stepped out of the hay, glancing both ways down the road. “Not all humans are wizards.” He locked eyes with me. “I fought beside the Yaksha in war. Now, I’m just trying to get home.”

  Kiri focused on me. “Let him hide at yours tonight.”

  I considered arguing with her, but could tell by the fire in her eyes that she wouldn’t let this go. Not wanting to chance her going off with this human alone, I said, “Just for the night.” I didn’t disclose that in the morning, while they still slept, I would report the human to my watch captain.

  “We should go then.” Kiri glanced at Sani. “Keep to the shadows and be ready to hide if anyone comes.”

  I had been standing night watch for the past two winters. Unlike the capital, these streets were normally empty this late at night. So, seeing another figure emerge between two buildings and scurry down the street caught my attention.

  Sani moved back into the shadows, hiding well.

  The man headed our way, but focused over his shoulder, as if he checked to ensure the guards hadn’t re-emerged. A satchel swung from a shoulder sling, and he clutched a book in his hands.

  He was nearly on us when I finally called out. “Hello.”

  Startled, the man jumped back, nearly falling to the ground. He dropped his book as his hands instinctively grasped his satchel.

  I picked up his book, then stared at his face, recognizing my good friend Lar Farus.

  “Tye, what are you doing sneaking about?” He reached out to take the book.

  “Not sneaking, just returning from my watch. I heard about a human in the area and lingered a bit to help find him.” I glanced down at the book. No title was scrawled across the front, nor did it have any imagery stained on the leather cover.

  “Yes.” Lar nodded. “That’s why I’m out and about. We must take such a threat seriously.”

  I glanced at his waist, noticing the lack of any weapon. “What were you to do if you found him?” I lifted the book into the air. “Club him with this?”

  He again reached for the book.

  I pulled it back. “What is this about?” I tried to open the cover, but it didn’t budge. Yanking harder, I realized it wouldn’t open.

  “It isn’t what you think.” His eyes widened.

  I’ve heard about grimoires being locked with magic, but no other books. To me, this made no sense. Ownership of such magical items was forbidden. Unlike the heathens outside these walls, we understood that only those with royal blood could decree the use of spells and potions. I whispered, “Are you a Naser Wigon?”

  “Tye,” Kiri pleaded as she yanked on my shawl.

  Lar leaned forward to grab the book. I held it behind me with one hand and snatched his satchel with the other. Friend or not, anyone practicing the dark arts without royal guidance was a danger to themselves and those around them. I needed to know.

  He pulled back on his satchel. The bag tore, spilling the contents to the ground. Among the many small pouches now scattered on the road was a mortar and pestle.

  “Tye,” Kiri said again. This time I noticed her finger pointing past Lar.

  “What is the meaning of this?” The taller guard from before said. He and his partner must have snuck up on us. Kiri noticed, but my preoccupation with Lar blinded me to their approach.

  Before I could speak, Lar said. “He was walking with a book and that satchel. I thought it strange. Being the newest appointee of the town council, I couldn’t just turn a blind eye. So I demanded to look inside. It appears he and his harlot were planning on mixing some potions.”

  The guards drew their swords.

  As Lars stepped out of the way, I drew mine. “He’s lying. They were in his possession.”

  “Drop your weapon.” The shorter guard said.

  Kiri muttered, “Run!” She turned and took off.

  Still gripping the book in my other hand, I spun and followed her.

  The taller guard said, “Go after them! I’ll take this one back for questioning.” His voice trailed off as we gained distance.

  I threw the book to my right, far enough that they wouldn’t see it. I felt relieved being rid of it. Just holding it gave me a grimy feeling.

  Behind us, I heard the loud footsteps of the shorter guard. He was gaining on us. Ahead was the door to my watch station. I thought I could go in there and get Canus to confirm that I had no such items on me when I left the watch station.

  As if he read my mind, the door flung open, and Canus stepped out.

  “Stop them.” The shorter guard said from behind me.

  Canus grabbed both of our arms. Before I could shake free, the shorter guard held his sword to my neck. “Move, and I will cut you down.”

  “Is that necessary?” Kiri asked.

  “Canus, tell him. Tell him I didn’t have this book or a satchel when I left the watch station.”

  “He didn’t,” Canus said.

  “Then she must have brought it with her.” The guard pointed at Kiri. “Tie their hands behind their backs,” he ordered Canus.

  Canus tied mine first, apologizing as he did. Then he bound Kiri.

  The guard, sword still drawn, ordered us to walk back in the direction we came.