"Hey, will you pass the beer?" asked Pranav.
The self-proclaimed freedom fighters; Pranav, Arsalan, and Monica sat in a crowded bar, celebrating their latest victory against some nearby thugs.
"Sure" replied Arsalan, smiling, as he took some for himself.
So they drank, drank, and drank some more. They were full of beer when they left the bar.
As they drunkenly hobbled down a road of dirt, Monica thought she heard a sound. Realizing that they were drunk, she knew that the heroes would be perfect targets.
"Hey, guys, did you hear that?" questioned Monica, "That rustling in the bushes?"
"Don't be paranoid," replied Pranav, "You're just hearing things." Suddenly, a figure appeared behind them with a sword in his hand.
"Who crosses my territory? Who are you?" Growled the figure. He wore a dark cloak with the royal insignia, his face still hidden under the shadows. The heroes drew their weapons but did not attack. The figure ripped off his cloak, revealing a battle-scarred face and huge, muscular arms.
Gasping in surprise, the heroes realized this was Jahaan, one of the most wanted criminals in the kingdom.
"What do you want with us? asked Arsalan.
"You're the protectors of the prophecy, aren't you?" Jahaan answered. "I could sense it." He stood there, unmoving, not drawing weapons, and not posing any threats. He only smirked.
"W-what are you t-talking about?" Pranav stuttered, confused.
"Oh? You don't know anything after all. Well then, I'll be on my way." Jahaan said, mysteriously reaching for his satchel for something.
In the blink of an eye, Jahaan took out a stone etched with a sigil and disappeared into the daylight with an evil laugh that echoed and lingered long after his departure, leaving no trace of his presence or evidence that he was even there.
"Wait, Jahaan! Stop!" cried Arsalan.
"Let it go, Arsalan." said Pranav, grabbing his shoulder, "He's no longer the person that he used to be." They ran away, leaving Monica to think about what just happened.
"Why is he wearing the crown's insignia?" Monica asked the empty space in front of her.