Secrets from the Past - Part 2

The town of Yela was fairly large compared to the other cities around. People far and wide came here for various reasons. The street vendors sold various items and goods to the tourists who came here and the merchants could always be found on almost all of the street sides. The road was always dusty and the buildings were tall for that age of time, four stories tall. There were several pubs that were always bustling with activity. Most people in town lived in small apartments because all of the houses were on the outside of the town and people were afraid to live there because of invaders. 1

A man by the name of Saldir lived in the town of Yela.  He wondered the streets most of the day, seeming as if he was looking for someone or something. On a hot sunny day Saldir walked down the dusty street, looking back and forth at the street merchants as he usually did. He looked like he was in his early twenties or late teens, though he was actually 35. No one seemed to pay attention as he passed by locals looking in the shops. His brown, long hair hung down into his eyes and the back was pulled into a pony tail.2

His brown eyes looked around in almost a lonely expression, although being alone was how he liked it. His mouth hardly ever expressed anything so no one knew what he was thinking. Off of both ears hung large golden earrings that made him seem like a pirate. He never wore a shirt because the town was always hot, even at night. Around his body hung a long cape, white and shimmering in the sun. Around his waist were two long swords that were hidden by the cape. His pants were brown, held tightly against his legs. Metal wrist braces were on his wrists so he could defend himself with them when he was fighting.3

Moving quickly, he dogged between two shops and jumped down into a small window well. He snuck into the opening and closed the wooden shutters, shutting out the light. His eyes took a few seconds to adjust to the low lit room. A small lantern burned on a table in the corner. He assumed he was alone in the room as he walked over to the table and pulled out his swords. He looked at them, thinking back to how many times they’ve saved him in the past. He sighed and then shook the thoughts from his head.4

Right as he was about to lean his swords against the table, a voice startled him. “Hello, Saldir. It’s been a while since…”5

He spun around, his gold earrings slapping against his face. “Where are you?!? Show yourself!” he shouted into the darkness. He held his sword in an inverse fighting position hunching over, ready for a fight.6

An elderly man hobbled out of the darkness towards him. As Saldir looked him up and down, he realized that this man wouldn’t be much of a threat. /A small man, not taller than 4 feet. Green eyes. Short blonde hair. About the age of my grandparents… if they were still alive. He could be no threat./  “I’m sorry for startling you, but I had to come see you. My name is Genos.”7

Standing in front of Saldir was a short, old man who leaned on a cane. “What business do you have to be here… Genos?” Saldir said to him.8

“I am in need of… your expertise. I’ve heard you’ve grown to be quite a good… well, what you do.”9

Saldir seemed surprised by Genos’s last statement. “By whom have you been told of me?”10

Genos avoided the question and continued. “I will pay you greatly if you take my job.” His eyes stared into Saldir’s, almost searching his soul, as neither man spoke a word. Breaking the glance, Genos noticed a tattoo on Saldir’s left arm. He seemed to recognize the symbol with an eye in the middle.11

Saldir noticed the man eyeing his arm and moved his cape over it so it was unseen him. “What of this job? Tell me about it.”12

Genos seemed to avoid the question again. “Tell me about yourself a little bit. What of your childhood? I like to know a little about my employee before I hire him.”13

“I’m an employee of no one… understand me?” Saldir said. He paused, thinking…. “My childhood… that is none of your business. I always get the job done and that is all you need to know.” Another pause. Saldir seemed to be in deep thought.14

By: Sharcu(Tim)15