"Some mages even came by my house for a check up," the Granny said, confusion evident in her voice.
Shit. What if they came by my house? I glanced towards my house. They wouldn't break in if they are just checking in. It's against the law for forced break-ins unless there are dire situations. I sighed relieved. I glanced back at the couple and smiled as I started to cross the road again.
"My neighbor told me that there are higher cases of black magic being spread across the nation," a deep and weary voice spoke out.
The three elderly people glanced at the man and looked shocked.
"In this day and age, more people turn over to the bad side and use disgusting methods to attack people!" the other Granny's voice turned shrilly as her anger burst out.
Her husband put her hand over hers. She calmed down before starting again.
"When I was young, I would attack anyone with a broomstick who approached me with evil intent," the old lady clenched her fist in the air, her fierce eyes flashing at the sky.
They all laughed at the old woman's warrior stance.
"Yes, it was all about power and the strength running through our veins. Use of mana was restricted, but even if it was used, it was for beneficial purposes," the husband recalled.
They all nodded their heads and continued talking about their gangster days. I crossed the road in a jog and started to run. I liked running in the mornings to wake me up. I passed by buildings, houses and shops. Some people started to come out for an early morning walk, or indulge in their activities early in the day to bask in the sunlight. I smiled as I remembered what the old couples were talking about. My Nanu was probably the saddest Granny around though.
I smirked as I turned around a corner to go down a small hill. Right before I can even turn, I bump into two people.
"Oof!" I step backward caught off guard, "sorry, I didn't see-"
Two tall Imperial mages stand in front of me. I look at their crisp uniform, sporting red, black, and silver colors. Their black robes fan out behind them, swaying in the gentle breeze. The red and silver linings run in swirls at the bottoms of their uniforms. They look very prim and proper, contrary to my very disheveled look.
I glance up at them. Their towering height casts a shade over me and I gulp, forcing a small smile to come on my face. I awkwardly laugh it off and try to walk around them after bowing an apology. The brunette steps in my path his intimidating stature casting a shadow on me. I peek up at him through my hood. His dark brown eyes cut daggers at me as he observes my form. They probably thought I was some beggar or thief considering the state I was in.
"Name," he orders.
"Nadia Rafsani," I don't hesitate to respond.
"Address?" the brown-haired dude regards me as if he's looking at a suspect on a criminal's list.
I looked up at the mages in confusion. They shouldn't be asking my address like this. It just seemed too...weird.
I didn't answer them, and they continued to stare at me.
"Kind sirs," I say as polite as I can be, "I have to go to my workplace."
The other mage is the one to step forward this time. His red-brown hair shines in the light, and his green eyes hold mine for a second before looking away uninterested. He had creases in his forehead and hard lines carved his tanned face. He was probably a senior mage. At his impatient stance, I felt hope once more. Good, now tell me to leave.
"Where?"
A nerve in my head pops from frustration. Why the hell are they taking an interest in me?
"In Karandish," I reply then bow down, "I am truly sorry for bumping into you, but as you can see I really am in a hurry today."
I think of their silence as tacit consent and I continue to walk on my path. This time, they don't stop me from going on my path, but why do they have to follow me???! I cry internally as I suppress the urge to tell them to piss off. I don't let them know the fact that I have understood they were following me but at the pace, I am walking at, it will take a million years before I can reach Karandish in time. Not to mention, if I get caught up in a sandstorm. It'll be work overtime! I bite my robe in frustration.
I can still hear the two mages follow after me. I am now at the sand dunes, and it doesn't look like a sandstorm will pick up. To lose the two mages I decide to take a detour through a few alleyways and jump onto a truck going to Karandish. If I am lucky to find a truck going to Karandish, that is.
I looked at my broken wristwatch. I left my house at 6 in the morning, I should be able to arrive at the mansion at 8 if I use my detour and increase my pace. Thank the lord, Master Thelowar's mansion is not located deep inside Karandish, and is close to the outskirts. I sigh in relief as I crack my knuckles.
Time to get rid of some pests, I smirk.