As the buildings steadily became grander and more elaborate, Briar slowed his pace; fairly certain he’d evaded any guards still in pursuit. As he began to relax and calm down, munching absentmindedly on his well-earned prize, Briar breathed in deep, relishing the clean crisp night air. The serenity surrounding him was enthralling the evening so still he could almost hear the twinkling of the shimmering stars above. The carefree and joyful feeling that filled Briar put a smile on his face and a spring in his step as he hummed softly to himself, walking the long route back home. A loud scream pierced the air and Briar quickened his pace, heading towards the cry. Rounding the corner, he stopped in his tracks, his sharp mind quickly taking in and analysing the situation facing him.

 A young girl was struggling and screaming, trying to escape the man forcefully dragging her through the streets by her long blonde hair, her feet kicking up clouds of sand and dust as she tried to free herself. Briar dismissed his original thought instantly, this child was not just a common whore who’d picked up a rough customer; clearly, something else was afoot. On closer inspection, the girl was obviously from a wealthy background, as was her captor, both dressed in fine fabrics, tailor fitted and well cared for as they were. From the looks of things, she was planning on running away from wherever it was she resided, her fingers adorned with multitudes of rings, and her wrists sparkled and glistened as her many bangles and bracelets caught the dimmed light. Briar sighed inwardly, even if she did manage to escape, she’d be set upon and robbed before even one item of jewellery had been sold. He smiled softly to himself as she began to gain the upper hand, for a small rich girl, he thought, she as a natural fighter. The girl sunk her teeth deep into her assailant’s hands, forcing him to release her as the droplets of blood began to well up, and she scrambled back, preparing to flee yet again, her long flowing skirt dragging in the dirt. Her attacker, however, had other ideas, and swiftly jammed his leg in front of hers, rising to his feet as she plummeted to the ground, gasping as her smooth forearms scraped across the stony path. Briar winced, knowing how much it stung, and sighed again. In his heart, he’d wished she’d succeeded, he would have enjoyed training her, and she had potential. Besides, he had to admit, she was beautiful in a way he’d never experienced before. Despite her plight, face and limbs dirtied and clothes torn and ruined, she was still pretty, though almost disturbingly innocent looking.