Vessel

FlashBack.

Somewhere In Durbent.

December, 1724.

Sven's POV

The sun shone brightly, a rarity at this time of year, but I felt none of its usual warmth today.

I ran down Sabnova street, the harsh rays of the sun beating down on me. My hand stayed firmly on the hilt of my sword, hope and fear warring for dominance in my heart. Still, I uttered payers to a god I could only hope truly existed even as I used all of my spare energy to run.

I hoped Kros would find me before them, but simultaneously, I prayed he had the good sense to run as far as he could. Far away from here. Even if it meant my life was forfeit, at least he would be safe.

The corner ended at a dead end. I’d seen no one behind me, but I didn’t delude myself into thinking I’d managed to escape them. I scanned the area furtively, my panicked gaze latching on to a small rotten ladder in the corner. Half of its rung was missing, but there was still about three rungs left on it. Good enough for me. All I really needed wa