Cross the Line

I pulled back the flap to Anama's tent. The solemn white hut stood out among the flamboyant array of warm colored homes situated along Central Square. An exasperated sigh escaped my lips as my bare feet padded into the ancient woman's territory. Despite the outside being a pure and clean white, the inside was surprisingly dark due to large black curtains draped along the interior. Even more surprising was the hundreds of lanterns lit among the tent. It was close to a hundred degrees outside, yet there were enough candles here to keep a person warm in below freezing temperature. Sweat dripped down my face as I reluctantly closed the opening behind me.

"Anama? You rang?" My voice called as I slowly approached a droop in one of the curtains held by two large golden pillars.

Come Desme. I have been awaiting you. A slow, aged voice echoed. It always slightly shocked me when her voice replied within my thoughts rather than aloud. I always couldn't help but feel extremely violated.

Following her orders, I strode forward and kneeled before the hidden figure. Her face was always concealed, her body wrapped in layers of maroon tulle and held together by large bronze pins resembling eyes. I swallowed uneasily and slightly shifted my position. Tsun's grandmother's voice deepened with a sense of intention, droning instructions into my mind.

You are three days away from your coming-of-age ceremony, are you not Desme? Therefore I am to deliver unto you your one final task as a young thief. This mission will determine the future you are to behold. A small, pruned hand extended from underneath the fabric and rested upon my forehead. Images danced behind my eyes, staining my brain. First, one of the Middle World with its large glass buildings fixated along adobe structures and lined with market stands. Next was one of a shadowy figure of a man; tall, thin and with markings of an Iedas. The image captivated me. The man was lean but built with long shimmering black hair, confident crystal blue eyes peering out from between strands of darkness. His fair skin set off the firm line of his jaw and the black mark of the Sorcerer's family that blazed across his chest. Last was one of the eerie world of the Iedas. Wretched blizzards and ice marking every shape and blurring the picture of a towering white castle-like building.

Anama's sharp tone snapped me out of my reverie.

This is Zealie Galacem. You are to disguise yourself as a petty Middle Worlder, draw him out, and assassinate him.

The image shattered before my eyes, realization dawning. Kill? Sure I'd stolen, sure I had to stun and beat up a few people to get what I wanted, but never have I intentionally killed a person. I felt an involuntary shiver roll down my spine. But if it was for the Ira, I would do it. No denying it. Nevertheless Anama's voice continued.

He is the key to their power, Desme. With him out of the picture, the Ira will rise as victors to this ridiculous war. If you are able to dispose of him in time for the ceremony as well as your binding, you will truly prove yourself a man.

I swallowed down my uncertainty and nodded in assurance, a cocky smile playing on my lips. "You know me Anama. Have I ever let you down? Trust me, I'll get this done faster than you can say 'Ira'," I hopped up and widened my grin, "No, faster than you can say 'Desme'." And with that I bowed my head in respect, turned, and went just as I had come.

Back home I gathered the appropriate necessities needed for the mission, including my daggers, throwing knives, disguise, and a small pouch filled with Tsun's special Sun Dust he had given me last year for my birthday. Just as I was wrapping my daggers and throwing knives into my backsack, there was a light tap at my door.

"What is it? Go away! I'm packing!" I yelled, annoyed. My mother's sarcastic tone answered back, her raspy tones piercing my concentration.

"Well I don't care if you're packing, you should always have time for your mother! Who gave birth to you? Oh yeah, that was me. Now open up right now boy, you're not a man yet!"

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to detain my anger as I stalked over to the door and threw it open.

"Was that really necessary?" I demanded, eyebrows raised.

"Hell yeah. You know I love embarrassing you Dessy." She retorted, reaching up to ruffle my hair; her mellow orange toga and graying auburn hair flowing around her bone-thin frame majestically. "So, done packing yet? Your father'll be home soon, so he should get to see you off. Need help?" Her concerned yellow eyes trailed the open backsack laying atop my cot.

"Nope. Last thing I need is you shoving family photos and sentimental crap into my weapon bag." I turned her on her heels and pushed her out, closing the door on her angry cries.

"You know I love you." I shouted over her detesting outbursts full of words even a potty-mouth wouldn't have been proud of. Finally finished, I tied my backsack underneath the small of my back and pulled my dark brown cloak around my bare shoulders. Deciding on avoiding the questions and scolding from my still upset mother, I pried open my window and dropped down. I took in a deep breath of warm air and sprinted towards the forest almost colliding head on into Lear.

Her face drooped upon seeing me, tears welling in her eyes. "Are you really leaving Dessy? Don't go! Please! Mama says you won't be back for three days, that's like forever and ever and ever!" Lear sobbed clinging onto me tightly. My eyes filled with affection, my expression softening. What can I say? Lear was my weakness. I leaned down, softly brushing away her tears.

"Don't worry Le. I'll be back before you can say 'hippopotamus.'" I smiled as the small girl pouted, reluctantly releasing her grip. I knew more than anyone that she couldn't pronounce that word to save her life. "Now go on, it's four o'clock. Don't you usually meet that friend of yours at this time? What was her name again?"

"Oh no! Zee!" Lear cried out, seeming to of completely forgotten about my departure. She hurriedly pecked me on the cheek and ran off into the western woods. I straightened up watching her dancing figure disappear into the aspen trees and into the red woods. Turning towards the eastern woods, I draped my hood over my determination-filled eyes and dashed into the trees.