The Search

This world smells different. Not threatening, but there’s a slightly toxic tinge to the air that makes his hair stand on end. That, together with the fact that there’s barely any magic in the air will make this mission harder. Could they have sent him to the wrong place? No, the Ritual has never failed, and he’s sure it hasn’t now. And it’s not as if he’d back down from an extra challenge, return home with his tail between his legs.

No, giving up is unthinkable, the search has barely begun. The one he’s come for is here somewhere. Hidden among these tall, ugly, hard buildings, and the covered, dead ground that shows no tracks. A challenge indeed.

Something rustles nearby, and he spins around, but it’s only a couple of rats squabbling over what looks like a slice of half-eaten bread. He chuckles, the sound more a growl than a laugh. Some things are the same, no matter where you are.

He lifts his head, closes his eyes, and lets several strands of magic seep out from his body. Searching magic. He hopes they will find his prey before he runs out of mana. He must. With this air, there’s no way for him to replenish it here.

He will succeed. He must.

He opens his eyes, takes a deep breath, and takes off into the shadows.