haunted as well. Because by this point, most of the chasers were running out of steam, so it never even crossed their minds to shift to the right and enter an area that scared the lot of them.
The secret lair was born.
He'd spent several weeks clearing an area and created a fairly workmanlike residence. He'd fashioned a primitive chimney out of river rocks and sandy mud and even laid a nice wooden floor. Soon, he was camping on the base of his home, even though he hadn't yet built walls. There was no real winter to speak of, but once the rains came in fall, he would need a well-crafted roof over his head. He made a million mistakes, but slowly and surely, he had actually created his first project; a small hut with heat, protection from the weather and everything he and Darius needed to live quite comfortably. And in a final touch, he let some of the villagers unknowingly contribute some very comfortable furnishings that added just the right touch. It was amazing how generous some of these wealthy people were when they didn't know they were contributing.
Aladdin was also quite proud of the homestead he'd created. Protected as well as the palace by trees that had been in place for hundreds of years, he had cleared enough room to give his new plot of land ample sunlight. He was far enough away from the palace that he never felt like he had to sneak around and his dog could bark all day and never be heard. The forest was wonderful for berries and fresh game; so much so that Aladdin had begun to curtail his thievery. Today's romp was simply an exercise to keep his reflexes up to speed.
Time in his own home changed him. Now, rather than dreaming of the exciting life of a heroic thief, Aladdin found his thoughts turning to someday marrying the girl of his dreams and settling down in a nice home with children. He felt no envy living in the shadow of a lavish palace that most could only dream of. Instead, he thought, “ My time will come .” He hadn't given much thought to what career he would choose, but he did rather like the vision of a family man and not one of a criminal who was always sleeping with one eye open.
Once he had shelter, he began the process of protecting his residence. He had no real fear that anyone would stumble upon his home. He knew that the townspeople were mostly content with whatever lot they had in life and that they did very little exploring of the world outside their own familiar existence. He had been a criminal, but as that facet of his life receded, he was glad that he had never been caught and identified. He could still walk about town in relative anonymity. But that didn't stop Aladdin from crafting intricate secret pathways that gave him several entrances and exits should he ever need them. He enjoyed the process of imagining an attack and the many ways he would lead his trackers astray.
He planned situations and reactions to them. He literally crafted dozens of plans that would be triggered by some dreamed up situation. Each move he created was a counter-move to some invisible foe or unseen circumstance. Planning was his gift. Every situation had an exit strategy. That exit strategy was currently in use as he ran on; away from someone for something.
But today, none of the planning in the world could have prepared him for the events about to unfold.
Enna
Today in Altanan had started much the same as any other day. The farmers were in town with small wooden tables, which held the various vegetables and meats that they traded for the necessities they needed to keep their families happy and well fed. Amongst the crowd picking through these items were the palace representatives who sampled various items and purchased them (at a slightly inflated rate, of course) for the Royal Family.
King Paden was well thought of by the people in his kingdom. He charged only reasonable taxes and had provided a safe and secure haven for his people. The kingdom was quite beautiful and mostly shielded by a
The secret lair was born.
He'd spent several weeks clearing an area and created a fairly workmanlike residence. He'd fashioned a primitive chimney out of river rocks and sandy mud and even laid a nice wooden floor. Soon, he was camping on the base of his home, even though he hadn't yet built walls. There was no real winter to speak of, but once the rains came in fall, he would need a well-crafted roof over his head. He made a million mistakes, but slowly and surely, he had actually created his first project; a small hut with heat, protection from the weather and everything he and Darius needed to live quite comfortably. And in a final touch, he let some of the villagers unknowingly contribute some very comfortable furnishings that added just the right touch. It was amazing how generous some of these wealthy people were when they didn't know they were contributing.
Aladdin was also quite proud of the homestead he'd created. Protected as well as the palace by trees that had been in place for hundreds of years, he had cleared enough room to give his new plot of land ample sunlight. He was far enough away from the palace that he never felt like he had to sneak around and his dog could bark all day and never be heard. The forest was wonderful for berries and fresh game; so much so that Aladdin had begun to curtail his thievery. Today's romp was simply an exercise to keep his reflexes up to speed.
Time in his own home changed him. Now, rather than dreaming of the exciting life of a heroic thief, Aladdin found his thoughts turning to someday marrying the girl of his dreams and settling down in a nice home with children. He felt no envy living in the shadow of a lavish palace that most could only dream of. Instead, he thought, “ My time will come .” He hadn't given much thought to what career he would choose, but he did rather like the vision of a family man and not one of a criminal who was always sleeping with one eye open.
Once he had shelter, he began the process of protecting his residence. He had no real fear that anyone would stumble upon his home. He knew that the townspeople were mostly content with whatever lot they had in life and that they did very little exploring of the world outside their own familiar existence. He had been a criminal, but as that facet of his life receded, he was glad that he had never been caught and identified. He could still walk about town in relative anonymity. But that didn't stop Aladdin from crafting intricate secret pathways that gave him several entrances and exits should he ever need them. He enjoyed the process of imagining an attack and the many ways he would lead his trackers astray.
He planned situations and reactions to them. He literally crafted dozens of plans that would be triggered by some dreamed up situation. Each move he created was a counter-move to some invisible foe or unseen circumstance. Planning was his gift. Every situation had an exit strategy. That exit strategy was currently in use as he ran on; away from someone for something.
But today, none of the planning in the world could have prepared him for the events about to unfold.
Enna
Today in Altanan had started much the same as any other day. The farmers were in town with small wooden tables, which held the various vegetables and meats that they traded for the necessities they needed to keep their families happy and well fed. Amongst the crowd picking through these items were the palace representatives who sampled various items and purchased them (at a slightly inflated rate, of course) for the Royal Family.
King Paden was well thought of by the people in his kingdom. He charged only reasonable taxes and had provided a safe and secure haven for his people. The kingdom was quite beautiful and mostly shielded by a
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