I quietly make my way down the hallway heading towards the balcony that is at the grand hall of the castle. King Theodore was having a party for his son’s new engagement with the princess of Evergate. I know no one will look my way if I walk in, but I need to get somewhere quieter and unseen.

“Sir Kael!” I hear a voice call out to me. I force myself to not growl as I look over my shoulder to see one guard making his way to me. “What are you doing here? The party is on the ground floor.” He said.

 I sigh as I think about what to do in this situation. I got caught almost instantly, and now I know he will keep a close eye on me. He raises an eyebrow in question before I grab him. I slam his head into the wall, knocking him out. I watch the body collapse to the floor before turning away from him. Heading the rest of the way to one balcony. 

King Theodore was standing, giving a speech about peace in all the lands among the races. I squint my eyes at him and shake my head. I need to complete my objective. Even if it means throwing away all my years of being a beloved hero…

With my crossbow in hand, I ready the poison arrow. I take a deep breath before I steady my crossbow to shoot. I could turn away. Pretend I never thought to do this. Go somewhere else and live my final years in a cabin… but my family won’t be there. 

I let the arrow fly, hitting the king in the neck. People's screams begin to fill the room and panic ensues. A guard spots me from below and yells, “Kael! What! Why would he kill the king!” another guard follows his gaze. “Doesn’t matter, idiot! Get him! He must pay for his crimes!”

I put my crossbow back into its place. I jumped to grab the leg of the balcony and climbed my way up to the window. As I swung myself through the window and onto the cold stone ledge, adrenaline surged through my veins and threatened to consume me. The shouts and chaos from below echoed in the grand hall as I sprinted across the narrow ledge, my heart pounding in my chest.

With each leap and bound, I pushed myself further away from the scene of the crime. The forest loomed ahead, its dark embrace offering sanctuary from the turmoil I had unleashed. I could hear the heavy footfalls of the guards behind me, their shouts growing fainter as I plunged deeper into the trees.

Branches clawed at my cloak as I raced through the underbrush, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, a stark contrast to the opulence of the castle behind me. 

I risked a glance over my shoulder, heart pounding with fear as I searched for any sign of pursuit. But the forest had swallowed them whole, their shouts fading into the distance. Relief washed over me, but it was fleeting, drowned out by the weight of what I had done.

I stumbled to a halt, doubling over as I struggled to catch my breath. My hands trembled as I pressed them against my knees, the enormity of my actions crashing down upon me like a tidal wave. 

But there was no time for remorse, no luxury of dwelling on the past. I had to keep moving, to disappear into the depths of the forest and leave this life behind. With one final glance back at the castle, I turned and vanished into the shadows—a fugitive in the night.

Throughout the night and into the early morning, I stumbled my way forward, running. I feel exhausted as everything hits me now that I am far from the kingdom. I never want to return, even if I had the choice. 

I see a great wall in the distance that seems out of place. My brain was catching up after a moment and a chuckle escaped my lips. “Olnvine City…” I grumble. I have to find a way over the wall. 

People also know Olnvine City as the human city. Many years ago, the founders made it when wars were at the highest and they were the most endangered. It is a safe space for non-adventurer humans—usually a place of retirement. An Orc like myself won’t get in without the proper paperwork to enter.

The towering walls of Olnvine City loomed before me, a barrier between the chaos of the outside world and the tranquility within. With a weary sigh, I scanned the wall for any signs of guards or patrols, but the early morning mist shrouded the area, masking any potential threats. 

Summoning the last of my strength, I approached the wall, its smooth surface seeming to mock my predicament. But I was not one to be deterred by mere obstacles. With a grunt, I leaped, my fingers finding purchase on the rough stones as I climbed.

Muscles strained and breath ragged, I scaled the wall with a determination born of desperation. Each handhold brought me closer to safety, to the promise of anonymity within the city's walls. And finally, after what felt like an eternity, I reached the top, my body trembling with exertion.

Peering over the edge, I surveyed the city below, its streets bathed in the soft light of dawn. But there was no time to admire the view. With a silent prayer of thanks, I lowered myself down to the other side, landing in a crouch on the deserted street below.

As I made my way through the narrow alleys and winding streets of Olnvine City, the stares of the humans followed me like accusing eyes. They whispered amongst themselves, fear etched on their faces as they hurried past, casting wary glances in my direction.

But I paid them no mind, my focus fixed on finding a place to rest, to escape the relentless march of exhaustion that threatened to consume me. And then, as if by some stroke of luck, I stumbled upon a bakery, its warm glow beckoning me like a beacon in the darkness.

With the last of my strength, I pushed open the door and stumbled inside, the scent of freshly baked bread washing over me like a wave. The baker looked up in surprise as I collapsed on the floor, my limbs heavy with fatigue.

"What in the world..." they began, but I could only manage a weak smile before darkness claimed me, and the sweet embrace of sleep finally overtook me.