She wanted to help, but quickly and without drawing attention. Larkyra had already sensed this group was without the lost gods gifts, a common finding in Jabari, and one reason she had decided to intervene. Larkyra internally stroked her powers which swam restless in her lungs, a master calming a hungry tiger. Yet currently with only one proper working hand… Larkyra wasn’t in the mood for a fight, but she also didn’t want to merely walk away. He appeared to think on this as he resized his opponents. “But for how much longer?” challenged Larkyra. Now, as I said, you should leave.” More amused chuckles from the group. “Then I’d spend yer day in bed, little mop, or pop out dem pretty blue eyes, fer no grains fall down here without all dem things.” “Because today is my birthday, you see, and I’d really like it if I could spend it without seeing anyone get robbed…or killed,” she added for good measure.

“I can’t do that,” said Larkyra, her magic beginning to stir in her belly. Now be on yers way and we’s promise not to hurt ya next.” “I’m here to tell you to leave this poor man alone.”Ī laugh burst from the giant. “Who are ya?” barked the leader, his crew all glancing her way. “If he does not,” chimed in Larkyra from where she was leaning against a wall, watching. The larger street dweller stepped threateningly close, blade raised. “Good to know you all are not without reason.” “Why not take all my clothes?” “Nah, that would be right greedy.”

“I’d like thems shiny boots.” “Then we leaves you right be,” finished the first. “Hands over whats youvs gots in yer pouch-” “Thens don’t.” Smiled one of the street dwellers, his shoulders spanning two men. “I do not want to fight,” said the man, his accent thick with well-bread education. But Larkyra was not ‘normally’ anything, and the pang of empathy she felt in her chest seeing anyone cornered, pulled her into the ally. Survival was not just for the strong, but also for those who kept their noses clear from other’s troubles. Now, normally those who lived in the lowers learned to pay no mind to scuffles like these. While he was armed, he was surely outnumbered and the crude shivs and iron-spiked balls resting in his opponents’ grips didn’t help matters. His well sewn clothes gleamed with a higher standard of living, his boots waxed to shine a matching glint as his sword in hand. Crossing a small bridge that led to the last ring of the lower quarters, a commotion brought Larkyra to glance down a side alley.Ī group who looked a lot like her were surrounding a man who looked nothing like any of them.

Song of the forever rains series