us.
Zane remains silent as the sun sinks lower into the horizon. I know we need to find shelter and soon. Last night made the dangers of a night on the prairie glaringly apparent. Had we been alone, the bandits would've overpowered us. The idea of camping alone on this endless road tonight makes my skin crawl.
My eyes dart back to him when I notice he's gripping his scabbard with his left hand again. My senses heighten every time he does this since it appears he will draw his sword any second. He fails to relax but I don't see any sign of danger on the darkening plains. Slowly my heart beat returns to normal, though Zane is still as tense as my bowstring. I continue to walk by his side, hoping he has some sort of plan to keep us safe tonight.
I've heard about mirages in an infinite desert landscape, the last illusion of a desperate, dying mind. So when I see a large building appear in front of us, I have a brief moment of despair.
Am I finally giving in to hallucinations?
I glance at Zane, gazing up at his face. His mouth is still set in a tense, determined line, and his gait never wavers. Shadow is prancing around in front of us, excited about something. Do I dare to hope the structure looming before us is real, and I'm not going insane?
As we approach, I get a better glimpse of the fortress up ahead. Only the roof of a large building is visible above an immense stone wall. In front of us two men guard a massive wooden gate. They have the same gruff appearance as the militiamen back home and are sporting less-than-pleasant expressions on their worn faces.
"We seek a night's lodging," Zane announces to the fortress guards.
Feeling uncomfortable, I fidget as the men inspect us without moving. Shadow appears at my side and rubs up against my leg in a dog-like manner, perhaps sensing my apprehension. The older of the two guards is ogling me in a most disturbing way. I move a bit closer to Zane's side and clutch his arm.
"We're quite tired, so if you don't mind…" Zane trails off.
The men step aside and signal for the gate to be opened. It creeps upward, creaking and squealing with every inch. I begin to wonder at the need for a fortress in the middle of nowhere. Images of the attack last night fill my mind, bandits. Well bandits and monsters, though I've yet to glimpse a monster out on the plains. I follow Zane through the immense wooden gate with Shadow padding along beside us.
"I was expecting a fight over Shadow entering with us," I murmur.
For some reason I feel the need to whisper. Perhaps because I'm feeling uneasy and have since we first approached the gate. The loud boom of the gate closing behind us causes me to jump in surprise, my pulse leaping in my throat. Thick stone walls at least ten or twelve feet high surround us, making me feel claustrophobic. The guards were haughty and crude to say the least. There's nothing welcoming in the dark imposing structure before me. It all just sets me on edge.
"Welcome to the fortress that is the Gemini Zodiac Inn," Zane says. He eyes me for a moment. "Are you okay?"
"Just a bit uneasy," I reply, taking several deep breaths to relax my tense body.
"The inside of the inn is much more inviting," Zane replies, leading me toward the large building. "Believe me, you'll like it here."
He opens the main door, giving me a little push when I remain motionless in the doorway. The foyer is well lit with several gas lamps along with numerous candles. Wonderful aromas are wafting in from somewhere down the hall to my left. My stomach gurgles and churns in anticipation — the last of the jerky and cheese made for a small lunch earlier.
Zane strides over to the main counter, and I follow closely behind. A young blonde woman behind the desk giggles while bouncing up and down when she sees Zane. I'm not sure if she's having a seizure or attempting to flirt with him. Stifling a laugh, I turn away so she can't see my face. She's like an older, less attractive version of my sister
Zane remains silent as the sun sinks lower into the horizon. I know we need to find shelter and soon. Last night made the dangers of a night on the prairie glaringly apparent. Had we been alone, the bandits would've overpowered us. The idea of camping alone on this endless road tonight makes my skin crawl.
My eyes dart back to him when I notice he's gripping his scabbard with his left hand again. My senses heighten every time he does this since it appears he will draw his sword any second. He fails to relax but I don't see any sign of danger on the darkening plains. Slowly my heart beat returns to normal, though Zane is still as tense as my bowstring. I continue to walk by his side, hoping he has some sort of plan to keep us safe tonight.
I've heard about mirages in an infinite desert landscape, the last illusion of a desperate, dying mind. So when I see a large building appear in front of us, I have a brief moment of despair.
Am I finally giving in to hallucinations?
I glance at Zane, gazing up at his face. His mouth is still set in a tense, determined line, and his gait never wavers. Shadow is prancing around in front of us, excited about something. Do I dare to hope the structure looming before us is real, and I'm not going insane?
As we approach, I get a better glimpse of the fortress up ahead. Only the roof of a large building is visible above an immense stone wall. In front of us two men guard a massive wooden gate. They have the same gruff appearance as the militiamen back home and are sporting less-than-pleasant expressions on their worn faces.
"We seek a night's lodging," Zane announces to the fortress guards.
Feeling uncomfortable, I fidget as the men inspect us without moving. Shadow appears at my side and rubs up against my leg in a dog-like manner, perhaps sensing my apprehension. The older of the two guards is ogling me in a most disturbing way. I move a bit closer to Zane's side and clutch his arm.
"We're quite tired, so if you don't mind…" Zane trails off.
The men step aside and signal for the gate to be opened. It creeps upward, creaking and squealing with every inch. I begin to wonder at the need for a fortress in the middle of nowhere. Images of the attack last night fill my mind, bandits. Well bandits and monsters, though I've yet to glimpse a monster out on the plains. I follow Zane through the immense wooden gate with Shadow padding along beside us.
"I was expecting a fight over Shadow entering with us," I murmur.
For some reason I feel the need to whisper. Perhaps because I'm feeling uneasy and have since we first approached the gate. The loud boom of the gate closing behind us causes me to jump in surprise, my pulse leaping in my throat. Thick stone walls at least ten or twelve feet high surround us, making me feel claustrophobic. The guards were haughty and crude to say the least. There's nothing welcoming in the dark imposing structure before me. It all just sets me on edge.
"Welcome to the fortress that is the Gemini Zodiac Inn," Zane says. He eyes me for a moment. "Are you okay?"
"Just a bit uneasy," I reply, taking several deep breaths to relax my tense body.
"The inside of the inn is much more inviting," Zane replies, leading me toward the large building. "Believe me, you'll like it here."
He opens the main door, giving me a little push when I remain motionless in the doorway. The foyer is well lit with several gas lamps along with numerous candles. Wonderful aromas are wafting in from somewhere down the hall to my left. My stomach gurgles and churns in anticipation — the last of the jerky and cheese made for a small lunch earlier.
Zane strides over to the main counter, and I follow closely behind. A young blonde woman behind the desk giggles while bouncing up and down when she sees Zane. I'm not sure if she's having a seizure or attempting to flirt with him. Stifling a laugh, I turn away so she can't see my face. She's like an older, less attractive version of my sister
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