You wake up fairly early, but then you didn't really sleep much to begin with. This was more of a brief rest anyway.

After a quick check to see if anyone is in the area, you get out of your bloody clothes and change into some new ones. You might not be properly clean, but it's better than you were.

You then check your supplies, which aren't much. You've got a few coins, but you aren't excessively worried about that since food and water are more important out here in the wilderness. You've got a little food and water, but it isn't going to last long. The only weapon you have currently is your dagger.

Part of you is only just now starting to feel the various negative emotions involving your parents and Annah. You can only imagine the shitstorm they're facing because of your actions. You just hope that they don't suffer the consequences of what you did.

Then there's Annah. You feel like you should be feeling a lot sadder about her, maybe even crying a bit, but maybe you got all those emotions out of your system when you killed Klint.

Still seems a bit surreal that you killed someone. Not just anyone, but someone you knew since childhood, even if you didn't like him.

You definitely don't feel bad about it and while that can be due to several understandable factors, you can't help but wonder if you could do it again under different circumstances.

You may have to, especially now, though your mind certainly went to a dark place during that time.

Whatever the near future holds, you'll have to deal with it when it happens. Right now you have to make a decision on where you're going to go because you're not exactly hot on the idea of staying out here in the wilderness.

Your first thought is to head west to the city-state of Klyton. It's certainly the closest city and it's the direction you ran from Teckleville anyway. The problem is if anyone from Teckleville is still searching for you, that's going to be the first place they look.

Still, Klyton is the only place you really have any basic knowledge about thanks to your parents both being originally from there. Your father never really spoke too much about it, just saying that the only thing worthwhile that he got there was your mother and he was glad when they finally moved to Teckleville to be closer to your grandmother at the time.

Your mother on the other hand didn't speak so ill of the place, which is surprising since she grew up in a lower class area than your father did. She even said that sometimes she missed the times when she worked at the inn where she met your father in the first place. Of course her knowledge about the city is bound to be a bit out of date.

Also, while Klyton has no jurisdiction over Teckleville, it has been known to apprehend wanted criminals from elsewhere trying to hide out there. Not to mention the place in general has a fairly good reputation (And they want to keep it that way) as far as its own security goes.

The Delantium Kingdom to the east isn't really high on your choice list. For one thing, you'd have to backtrack around Teckleville to go in that direction. From what you've overheard, the kingdom has been slowly trying to expand again which sounds a lot like more soldier types running around and that's the last thing you need. Still, the kingdom is a big place and they can't possibly be everywhere. Sivak is the closest major city there.

The only other nearby bastion of major civilization you can think of that's close is another city state by the name of Holgard. It's to the south and in terms of existence, it's only a little older than you are.

It was founded by a noble from the Delantium Kingdom. Originally it was most likely supposed to be some sort of outpost or colony for the DK. But whatever the original intent, the noble soon set himself up as absolute ruler with no ties to the kingdom at all.

For whatever reason, the DK hasn't taken any action against him, whether that's because the cost wouldn't be worth it, they've got more important things to deal with or they're simply glad to have him gone is unknown. The third possibility isn't entirely out of the question either, since you've overheard travelling merchants say that Baron Varsakken is a very unlikable man and it's amazing he hasn't suffered any assassination attempts. His children are apparently little better.

Still, you've also heard the place is filled with corruption so it would probably be a better place to do your work than Klyton.

You kingdom

The Delantium Kingdom is a large piece of territory and whether they're increasing their military endeavors or not, there are still bound to be places where the security is going to be less than adequate.

It's a long way to Sivak though, and you're probably going to have to more or less stick to the roads since you only have the vague knowledge that it's east somewhere.

You'll probably hit one of the many small villages under Delantium rule first, so you'll be able to learn a little more about the Kingdom in general, as well as hone your skills and hopefully make a little profit at those. You figure by the time you get to Sivak you will have a clearer idea of what your long term plans are.

With this goal in mind, you backtrack around Teckleville, maintaining caution the entire time. You stick mainly to wooded areas, hoping that you not only don't run into someone from Teckleville trying to hunt you down, but potentially anything worse. You've never really been big on hanging out in the wilderness after all so you don't know what to expect.

When you once again put enough distance between you and Teckleville again, you slowly start exiting the wooded areas (which are starting to thin anyway) and start following the road directly.

The road itself is empty for most of the time, though you do pass a couple merchant caravans heading in the opposite direction. You just think how if you were still in Teckleville, you probably would have been stealing from them.

Whenever night starts to fall you temporarily get off the road and sleep in the fields behind whatever cover you can find though you never really sleep easily and are constantly waking up at various sounds.

Despite being on the road for a few days, you don't know when you've actually crossed into Delantium territory until you see a sign post along side the road that states that fact. Not far from the signpost is a building, probably a roadside inn of some sort.

As you make your way towards the inn, you hear the clopping of horses behind you. At first you get concerned that someone from Teckleville is galloping your way, but a quick glance shows it's probably just some other travellers given their relaxed pace.

In any case, it's getting dark again and as much as you're getting used to sleeping outside, you'd prefer to sleep on a normal bed for a change. You just hope that you've got enough for a room.

You enter the inn, which is fairly empty. An older woman sweeps the floor, while an older man stands behind a bar. You see a couple of people sitting at tables, but none of them really pay much attention to you.

You figure that the man behind the bar is the innkeeper so you go up to him to ask how much for a room. The price he gives you is just out of your price range, too bad you can't just "steal a room."

"Come on, you can't cut me a break? I'm only a few coppers short." You say.
"I cut you a break, and all of a sudden I get a reputation that I just let everyone walk all over me. Before I know it I got every wanderer in the region asking for handouts. No! You pay the price or get the hell outta my establishment!" the innkeeper exclaims.

"Ren, you oughta be glad anyone even pays for the misfortune of staying at this shitty establishment!" you hear a voice chuckle.

You turn and see three people walking in the place, probably the travellers that you saw earlier. The speaker (and presumably leader of the group) is a man dressed in leather armor with a sword by his side. His two companions are dressed in a similar manner.

"Flynt! Been awhile since you've stopped by. You want the usual?" Ren remarks.
"You know me so well."

The innkeeper calls to the older woman (probably his wife) to go get the special wine from the cellar and then begins exchanging pleasantries with Flynt and his men. He seems to have forgotten about you entirely, though this Flynt seems to be looking over in your direction a bit.

Just as you're about to leave, Flynt calls over to you.

"Hey son, don't you still want that room?" Flynt asks.
"Um…well yeah, but I don't have the money." You answer.
"Yeah, money is always an issue these days, but I think I've got a solution to your problem. Just hold on a moment while we get our drinks."

Flynt hands over a few gold coins to Ren who takes them and then heads over to a table. He then waves you over to come sit with him and his buddies. You figure it can't hurt to hear what he has to say.

"Sooo, where you from son?" Flynt asks.
"Why?" you ask.
"Hey, Mr. Flynt asked you a question!" one of Flynt's friends snaps.
"Easy there! We're just having a conversation, not an interrogation! I apologize for my friend; sometimes our line of work keeps one on edge. It's okay if you don't want to tell us where you're from, a man has a right to his secrets." Flynt says in a cordial tone.

The one guy who snapped at you is still giving you a hard look, meanwhile the other one isn't paying too much mind to you at all and is focused on his drink. Flynt of course is still smiling at you from across the table.

You aren't quite sure how to play this so you decide to go with your immediate thoughts.

"So you said something about solving my money problems?" you ask.
"Straight to the point. I can appreciate that. You want to get the how out of the way." Flynt says.
"Actually I was thinking more about the why."
"Heh, suspicious type aren't you? That's a good quality. Smart. Yes, I may indeed have an ulterior motive…but let me ask you this first. Are you familiar with the shadowy arts?"

You look a bit wary at Flynt and his fellows after that question.

"Oh don't worry son, we're not soldiers for the Delantium Kingdom or any other law men if that's what you're worried about. I just get a vibe from you, that you might be…shall I say skilled in the less than legal endeavors. I'm usually good at judging people with only a bit of observation…so am I right?"
"…if I was…and I'm not saying that I am. What business is it of yours?" you ask.
"Well it could be that this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Especially seeing as you're currently too poor to afford a room in this shithole. Look, here's the deal, we're in a little trouble with the law right now and have to lay low for a while. In fact we're probably going to be leaving soon after we have our drinks. However, I have to make a delivery to a man in Sivak, are you familiar with the city?"
"I was heading that way, but I've never been there."
"Oh just stay on this road, heed the signs and you really can't miss it."

Flynt takes another drink before continuing.

"As I said, I have to make a delivery to a man by the name of Crasnov. He runs a pottery shop by the same name. If you could take this package to him when you reach the city, I'd certainly be in your debt."

At this point Flynt pulls out a fist sized wrapped bundle and pushes it towards you. He then pulls out twenty gold coins and puts them right next to the bundle.

"Now, the only rules are, you don't tamper with it and you definitely don't give it to anyone else except Crasnov. If you accomplish that, you will be rewarded with more money and I guarantee you will have the thanks of some powerful friends. Friends that may call upon you for other lucrative opportunities."
"Wait, you're basically paying me to be a courier?" you ask.
"If you wish to see it that way. If I were you though, I would see it as a first step to become an important person in certain circles."

Twenty gold coins up front just to deliver a package and more reward afterwards seems like a pretty good deal. Plus the making connections bit is what entices you a bit more.

"Okay, I'll take the job." You say.
"Knew you were a smart and ambitious boy. Good, glad this is settled. Now judging the distance from here to Sivak, and you should get there in about four more days as long as you follow the roads and keep on a normal timetable of walking and resting. Too bad you don't have a horse; otherwise you'd easily cut that time in half. I do urge you NOT to take too much longer than six days though." Flynt says.
"What happens if I don't get there in six days?"
"Well let's just say many people would be upset with you. If you're concerned with being timely however, you can probably buy a horse with some of that new money, over in Hegglesburg. You should reach that town by tomorrow and they might have a horse you can buy."

You nod and thank Flynt while pocketing the coins and grabbing the package.

"Well I trust you know just about all you need to. Remember, that package is very important, so guard it carefully. Though I don't expect that you're going to have any problems, Delantium's military definitely makes sure bandits and the like are less of a threat, especially on the roads." Flynt remarks.
"Yeah speaking of that, should I be worried about getting stopped by the law?" you ask.
"Why? Are YOU a wanted criminal son?"
"Um…no I guess not."
"Heh. You guess not? Not sure are we? Well let me rephrase…are you a wanted criminal within the Delantium Kingdom?"
"No, this is my first time within its borders actually."
"Then you're safe son. You aren't going to get randomly hassled. You just look like another young wanderer. Just keep your head down around the law and you should be fine. Was there anything else?"
"No, I guess not."
"Okay then, my fellows and I are going to finish our drinks and then get back on our way. Unlike you, we don't have the luxury of an unknown reputation. Such is our burden in life. I trust you'll want to get some rest for your journey tomorrow. Perhaps we'll meet again in the future."

Flynt wishes you good luck and returns to finishing up his drink. His friends are doing likewise and you take that as your sign to leave the table.

You return to Ren and hand him a gold coin for a room to which he just grunts and hands you a key.

"Upstairs, last room on the left. Best one in the establishment. You're out of here by morning." He says.

You head upstairs and make your way to your room.

When you open the door, the room is nothing special. It's not bad, just nothing that would stand out to think this is a good one. Still, if this is the best room, it's a good thing you didn't get one of the lesser ones.

You settle in for the night thinking about your task. You didn't expect to get someone approaching you to perform a job, even if it is just a courier one. Still, this seems pretty low risk for decent money so you're not complaining.

You go to sleep wondering if things are starting to look up for you.

Next morning

"BUST IT DOWN!" a voice shouts followed by the splintering of your door.

You're barely awake before you're rushed by several men dressed in chainmail.

"DON'T MOVE!" one shouts as several spears are pointed directly at you.
"What's going on?!"
"Shut up!" one of the men says and pokes you in the chest with his spear hard enough that it superficially breaks the skin.

You don't say any more, but between the men holding you at bay with spears and a couple other searching your room, you fear the worst. One of them inevitably grabs the package you put under your bed. He then opens it and while you're having a hard time seeing from your position, he pulls out some of its contents and holds up a vial with blue material inside it.

"Is it contraband, sir?" one of them asks.
"Yeah, there's twenty vials of Blue Dream in here." A slightly more decorated man remarks.
"You think it's the Ebony Claw Syndicate?"
"Who else would it be? They're the ones who mostly smuggle and deal this stuff."
"But this kid doesn't look like he's Claw. He doesn't even have the tattoo on his arm."
"Meh, maybe he has it elsewhere…doesn't matter, what matters is he's going away for a long damn time."

A feeling of dread overwhelms you.

"Hey wait! Can't we talk about this?!" you say.

The man with the package turns to you.

"And what would we have to talk about criminal? You've got enough Blue Dream here to get the entire town of Hegglesburg trashed. This seems like a pretty simple situation as far as I'm concerned. You think because you're young, you deserve leniency? Hah! You can try it on the judge when he sentences you, but in any case you're coming with us."

You're lifted up roughly from your bed by the men with spears (Who you're assuming are Delantium soldiers at this point)

Your arms are put behind your back and iron shackles are placed on your wrists. When you're marched down the stairs and in front of various inn onlookers, you hear Ren complain about them breaking his door, to which the one that was talking to you earlier remarks that Ren's lucky that they aren't taking him in and shutting this whole place down.

When you exit the inn, you're shoved into the back of a cart. Another older man with many scares on his face in iron shackles sits in the cart. He gives you a brief look and then returns to looking back at the cart floor.

"The prisoner is secure, sergeant." One of the soldiers says.
"Okay, let's take this drug dealing trash back to Sivak." The sergeant says, still hanging on to the Blue Dream package.

This is the second time this week that you've been accused of a serious crime and once again you didn't even mean to do it!

Was this all a set up, while Flynt took off to parts unknown? Flynt DID seem pretty willing to just hand off illegal drugs to you. Then again, why bother setting you up, when he could have just hid them somewhere rather than risk losing the product altogether? Maybe this is all just more bad luck hitting you.

In any case, your mind starts racing about what you can do in your current situation. First thing you think about is escape. The cart is going slow enough that you could probably easily jump out and just run. The problem with that plan is there are multiple mounted guards to the front and back of you. They would easily run you down and most likely kill you for attempting to escape.

The second thing you can think of is what the sergeant said. Something about the Ebony Claw Syndicate. You can make an educated guess that Flynt and his friends were part of this organization. Maybe if you told them everything that transpired at the inn, they would let you go.

Of course you could just resign yourself to your fate for now and look for an opportunity later.

You rat out Flynt

You're not taking the fall for some assholes you're not even connected with, you didn't even know about Blue Dream OR the Ebony Claw Syndicate until today!

"Hey! I wanna tell your superior something!" you say.
"Shut up criminal, or we'll have you WALK the rest of the way tie to back of the cart!" one of the guards remarks.
"But this is really important! It's about the Blue Dream! Your sergeant will want to hear this!"
"I said SHUT IT!" the same guard says and trots his horse next to the side of the cart and hits you in the head with a small cudgel causing you to fall off your seat and onto the cart floor. The other man in cuffs just watches you as you attempt to get up.

"Alright what the hell's going on back here?" the sergeant asks riding his horse back to the cart.
"This criminal claims he's got something really important to tell you about the Blue Dream we confiscated."
"Oh, still trying to talk his way out of it is he? (Sigh) Fine. Let him get it over with, so we can get on with this in silence."
"Thank you, sir! Thank you for allowing me to tell my side!"

The sergeant tells his people to stop and then you begin to tell your tale. You mention how Flynt came up to you and how you accepted his offer because you needed the money and thought it was just a simple delivery since he never mentioned what was in the package.

As you're telling the story, the sergeant begins to look a little concerned.

"This Flynt you mentioned is a known Ebony Claw Syndicate lieutenant and you're saying you aren't affiliated with them? All right son, just stop talking right now and get…" the sergeant says.
"What you don't believe me? I would have never carried illegal drugs had I known!" you exclaim.
"You're not listening kid, I'm telling you to get…"
"Do you need more information? He gave me the name of the person I was supposed to deliver to! Someone named Crasnov that runs a pottery shop in Sivak!"
"Shut the fuck up kid and get the hell out of the…SHIT!"

Suddenly the other prisoner has lunged at you and you're taken completely off guard.

While you couldn't have known that the other prisoner in the cart was an Ebony Claw enforcer, the sergeant certainly did, but by the time he and his people get him off of you, the man has managed to head-butt you in the face, breaking your nose followed by ripping your throat out with just his teeth.

As you lie gurgling and bleeding to death you see the enforcer spit part of your flesh back at your face.

"Fucking rat." He says before you die.