Prologue: The Masked Stranger

   "Have you heard the rumors, kind sir?"

   "Rumors, well --- what kind of rumors?"

   "That the thief of bones is amongst us tonight, hidden in the crevices like a wolf stalking its prey."

   What was once a bustling tavern has suddenly quieted down as the masked man flips a coin in his hand. Behind the mask he wears a smile: sinister, wicked, sharp, as if he knows the secrets that everyone wished to find out.

   "Well go on, mate. You must know who it is, tell the rest of us here."

   The masked stranger simply lets out a laugh before putting a finger to his lips, telling the other fellows in the tavern to hush and listen.

   "While I cannot disclose whom, just know it is someone who..." He tosses the coin into the air and then catches it quickly, before it drops to the ground. He then looks towards the man who asked and walks up closer, getting face to face, only inches away. The other man's eyes flicker with fear as a bead of sweat starts to drip down his forehead.

   The masked man backs up and lets out a laugh.

   "It is someone who impacts..." He whips around and glances from one intrigued face to the next before shaking his head. "It is someone who impacts all of us, oh so very dearly!"

   "What does that bloody mean?" A drunken chap perks up.

   The masked man slowly turns towards the drunkard and tilts his head. He then lets out a low chuckle before putting the coin in his hand on the bar counter.

   The stranger's steps echo throughout the quieted tavern as he walks towards the entrance. Only to spare a glance backwards as he pauses in the doorway.

"It means to keep an eye on those you treasure the most."

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Word count: 302

Author's Note: Hello, welcome to my story "Thief of Bones". This is a medieval/steampunk fantasy story. There is a lot of action, and there will be romance later on, not to mention, lots of LGBQT+ moments. Feel free to tag along for the ride!

Question of the Chapter: What is your favorite genre to read?

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~Ari