An Obstacle Has It's Own Rewards

I walked up the tunnel away from the home I had known all my life wondering what was in store for me. I had never belonged there, and I knew that I would never return. As I was coming around a bend in the tunnel I heard something in the distance ahead of me. I had no idea what it could be, but I knew that whoever was coming down the tunnel wouldn't be expecting to see me there. I had to find a place to hide; remaining unseen might be my best option. I kept close to the wall and found an alcove that was just big enough to hide in. As it got closer I could tell that it was the wheels of a cart as it rolled over the rough stone of the tunnel floor.

Whoever was driving that cart wouldn't be expecting me; I ducked back into the slight hollow in the tunnel wall trying to position myself so that I could see the cart's approach. There was a lantern on the seat, and as the cart drew near I could make out Bur'daer. He and I had been classmates at the academy. We had had the same teachers, and had been trained to be fighters together. I knew that Bur'daer's guard would be down here in his family's private tunnel. If he had been sent on a trading run he would have no idea about the raid. I waited for the perfect moment, stepped out of the shadows, and grabbed the reigns of the cart mule.

"Hello Bur'daer Teken'ndar" I said with a smile.

"What are you doing here?"

"Bur'daer, I don't have time to explain myself. Either you will help me or not. It's entirely up to you."

"What are you doing in my family's tunnel?" Bur'daer insisted.

"I need some new clothes. I'm leaving; I didn't want anyone from my family to see me."

"leaving? Where are you going?"

"Look! I don't know! I don't have time to get into this! Can you help me, or not?" I looked into his lavender eyes trying to size him up. Was he going to help me? "Bur'daer, I need some new clothes and I've got to get going! I was still looking right at him and hoping he wouldn't notice my hand moving from my hip to my broadsword.

"OK, I guess I can give you an outfit. I'll just say the tailor didn't have it yet." he stepped down from his seat on the cart and started rummaging in the back of the cart. I was watching him closely. I knew that this seemingly friendly gesture could turn into a battle in an instant. I kept my hand on the hilt of my weapon. "Here it is! Will this work?" he handed me new black pants and a new blouse.

"Those look great!" I breathed a sigh of relief as he handed me the garments. I knew that he would understand my deceit as soon as he had returned home and heard about the events of the last two days. "Thanks" I said as I turned and walked away.

As soon as I was around the next corner and heard the cart continue it's journey I broke into a run. It wouldn't be long before Bur'daer exited the tunnel and learned the truth. When he did, he and a host of Teken'ndar troops would be coming up the tunnel after me.

I had to keep moving and worry about the new clothes later.