Sneaking my way into a wayward alley, I never pulled my hands away from my hood. If Eda was missing, and the only places we both knew were her house, and the library, my best bet was to get to one of the two and wait. With a price tag on my head, that may not be as easy as it sounded. Should anyone notice me, I was done for.
I only had one trick up my sleeve, letting out a breath I did not realize I was holding I whispered "Blink. . ."
The star of light popped into existence directly in front of my face, and I had to stop myself from jumping back in surprise. The star twinkled in delight.
"Blink, I'm in a pinch here," I attempted to keep my voice down, "I'm trying to get to the library, and I've got a bounty on my head. Is there anything you can do to help?"
A gentle voice whispered in my head, "I will do what I can."
Taken aback by my mote companion's 'voice' I held back asking why this was the first time they had decided to 'speak.' Pleasantries could be saved for when we were out of immediate danger. Blink at this point nodded and began to lead the way to the library. I skulked behind, willing myself to lower my hands from my hood. It would only draw attention.
The last walk to the library seemed so amazing. This time, every turn, every character seemed to spell out danger. That was when it happened. A short witch with almond eyes and a windswept bob of silver hair came up to me. Atop of her head was a stubby set of antlers. Despite her hair, she could be no older than 17.
She smiled, and said, "I've been following you."
I tensed at this comment, but the girl had summoned a strange staff, a hare perched atop of it. Brandishing it like a weapon, I decided I did not want to be on the receiving end of whatever she had planned.
"Follow me," she whispered.
With a soft nod, I turned my attention to Blink. The girl lowered her staff, and at that moment Blink turned a bright yellow and grew brighter. The girl stepped back at the sight, before Blink expanded into a blinding wall of light. I had barely enough time to cover my eyes as the wall swallowed the whole street.
Using this as my chance, I ran. Taking a turn to the first alley I could find, I pulled myself up a downspout and onto the roof. Thank god for having to stay fit as an Organizer. Running across the roof, I could see the library.
Blink zoomed to my side and I leapt to the next building. At some point I would have to come down, but I wanted to put as much distance between myself and jackalope-girl as possible.
Nearing the library, I crouched lower and began to reduce my speed. I had lost her. Stopping at the final house before the library, I was panting in exhaustion. I hated sprinting. Still, I had made it.
Pulling my hood back over my head, I scurried my way down another downspout and made my way into the library. The lost and found key was easy enough to get. No one asked a thing, but as I neared my destination, I fiddled with the harmonica in my pocket. This was not how I envisioned testing my bard magic, but this would have to do.
As I neared the location, I pressed my body against where the door ought to stand. If I was caught, I needed in as soon as possible.
Grasping the cool metal in my hands, I closed my eyes and blew a gentle tune. Suddenly the wall behind me was gone and I fell inside the clubhouse. I was safe.
