Chapter 35 : : : : : : : Scratching the Itch

*Alec*

As I arrived in the rogue village, the air was alive with a vibrant energy that pulsed through the bustling streets. The stars had begun to shine in the sky, and the moon had started to rise. Laughter and singing filled the air as I walked through the village’s center past the party going on.

Half-dressed women hung on the arms of various men. Others danced with each other lifting full cups as they twirled around. Giggling couples whirled around the bonfire in the center of town.

I recognized a few faces from the carnival among the group, but most of the villagers were unknown to me. Most of them didn’t even acknowledge my presence, either too drunk or otherwise occupied, as I walked past, heading toward the largest house in the area.

It wasn’t at all like the castle. I assumed it probably had eight rooms in it, but it had a sort of comforting feel. I could feel the mist of a large body of water on the breeze and the scent of a garden. Soon, I saw Sawyer standing on th