I really hope that this feeling in my gut is wrong. I know that it might be wistful thinking but I'm hoping against all odds.
As Sasha, Shu and I make our way to the circus tent, we are silent. Just before we enter the tent I get the feeling that someone is following us.
As I make my through and we stand in the back servaliencing the exit, entrance and the crowd. I Still feel the unwanted attention of someone on us as I decide to take my leave and begin the plan.
Exiting the tent I'm not surprised when I am followed out and around the corner. As I round the corner I hide in the shadow of the buildings and wait for my stalker to round the corner after me.
When I catch them stealthily sneaking around the corner and I ponce. I tackle them to the ground and put one of my daggers to their throat.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, after all, I am the person you are looking for aren't I?" I heard my master say as my breath caught in my throat and I quickly dropped my dagger and hoped off of my master.
"Master. I am so sorry," I started quickly unsure of what to say or do.
"No need to be Sorry little one. I trained you well and I am glad my training did not go to waste," He said softly as he got up and dusted himself off.
"Master, pardon my bluntness, but why did you leave?" I asked quietly and looked up to see his mesmerizing hazel eyes already on mine.
"I had to leave you. I didn't want to, but look at you so far. You have made good friends and they are helping you get stronger and explore the world. I have been watching you and I am impressed. I honestly didn't think that you would be able to make it this far with someone else," He stated with complete bluntness and a little but of admiration.
"Can we go back now master? I want to go home and I want to learn more from you. I am not ready to be out here on my own, I may not show it, but I am struggling and I don't think I'm ready yet," I say sadly and start to look down.
"I wish that we could go back, but honestly I am glad that we left. That place was toxic and I am glad that you were strong enough to make it all the way out here on your own." He said in a soft voice.
"Did you leave me the clues on how to find you in hopes that I would follow you then?" I asked as I finally looked up slowly and saw him already watching me.
"Clues? I didn't leave you anything, if you found me it was because you wanted to and I let you. Do you still have the clues on you?" He asked carefully, almost considering something.
I reached my hand in my hidden back pocket and pulled out all the clues that I had gathered, saving them in fear that I missed something.
My master took them and studied them carefully and then asked, "Is there anyone that you knew in your village well that you were friends with before you met me?"
"Yeah, Sasha. I thought I told you about her once. She had nowhere to go and I took her in and we kind of took care of eachother," I said sadly.
"Did something happen that made her leave?" He asked while still studying the papers.
"We went out to get some water and when we heard a scream we rushed back and her siblings that she had with her were killed and tortured. I buried them and the next morning she was gone," I replied as a tear rolled down my face at the memory.
"Did you by chance met her again when you got to this city?" He asked and finally looking at me.
As I nodded slowly my eyes got wide with what we just told me. "You, you think that Sasha is the one that left me clues? But why? What would she have to gain, and after all these years too?" I asked, thinking out loud.
"Maybe she blames you for the death of her siblings and wants revenge," My master said bluntly, suddenly studying the papers again like they held all the answers.
"Why would she do that though? She has been nothing but nice and understanding and I even admitted that I loved her. She even seemed genuinely happy when we saw each other again for the first time," I said now, sounding as confused as I felt.
"I know that you want to believe that she couldn't have done this," My master started still not looking up, "But there is a very real possibility that she did. Afterall appearances can be deceiving little one."
I knew that what my master was saying was right and if I was going to be completely honest with myself, I had to admit that something didn't feel quite right since she had been back. I wanted to believe that she was ok and that we did just happen to find each other again. Something just didn't add up though, so I guess I had to admit it and confront her.
"Will you come with me? At least until I know for sure?" I asked quickly.
He looked away from the papers with a sad smile and nodded.
I held out my hand and he placed the papers in them and I put them away as I turned towards where we had just come and prepared for the worst.
Little did I know that the worst that I had imagined wasn't even the tip of the heartbreak that I was about to face.