Sharp cliffs at Scarlet Ridge thrust against the evening sky, their deep red colors capturing the sun’s fading light. Siren’s Maw waters roiled fiercely ‒ challenging any reckless sailor to gamble with fate. Westward? There stood our unexpected hero ‒ teetering on chaos gripping a stolen artifact, maybe even his final breath. 

“Among all spots for mercenary pursuit,” Ryn grumbled quietly while barely avoiding a crossbow arrow, “why not a meadow or tavern? Scarlet Ridge ‒ it fits perfectly.”

1. The Thief and the Relic

Ryn Shadowkin worked as a thief plus flirted often ‒ both actions caused his current problem. Held tightly in his hand the Ruby of Eldra ‒ a gem people said was cursed or blessed depending on who spoke. He didn’t steal it exactly; instead, he freed it from a pompous duke who clearly misused it.

From behind him a voice shouted loudly, “You think you escape the Crimson Blades?”

“Escape? No way! Just stretching my legs!” Ryn shouted back with a grin even though sweat dripped down his face. “You folks move slowly ‒ maybe all that armor slows you.”

Another bolt flew past his ear; Ryn ducked along with cursing quietly. Into a narrow canyon he dashed ‒ the ruby glowed softly in his grasp.

“Lovely,” he murmured to himself. “Cursed plus bright ‒ it really makes finding me easier for them.”

‍2. The Witch of the Ridge

Ryn turned a corner and almost bumped into a shadowy figure. She stood totally still her presence strong yet oddly calm. Her face hid under a hood but her lips formed a smirk that could melt ice.

“Running from troubles darling?” she asked with amusement in her voice.

“Not troubles,” Ryn replied while breathing heavily. “Just armed angry men who ‒ oh great, here they come.”

The mercenaries appeared at the canyon entrance ‒ their leader growled at the sight of the witch. “Move aside hag. The thief holds something that’s ours.”

She tilted her head; surprise danced in her eyes. “Oh? This charming rogue? He doesn’t seem like one to steal anything… except maybe kisses.”

Ryn lifted his hand ‒ acting innocent. “Guilty as charged ‒ but about those armed men ‒ any chance for help?”

3. A Wicked Deal

The witch’s grin grew wider. “What do I gain thief? My help isn’t free.”

“Maybe my endless thanks?” Ryn suggested showing a charming smile. “Plus a vow to never bother you again?”

She laughed ‒ a warm sound that made Ryn shiver. “Interesting but I’d rather have the ruby.”

The ruby glowed brightly ‒ stopping the mercenaries in their tracks. The witch reached out her hand ‒ the gem jumped from Ryn’s grip as if it had its own will.

“Excellent,” she murmured inspecting the ruby. “Now ‒ let’s handle your… friends.”

4. A Dance of Fire and Fury

The witch lifted her arms plus the air buzzed with energy. Flames shot up from the ground creating a circle around the mercenaries. They screamed in fear as the fire moved closer ‒ yet her eyes stayed on Ryn.

“You owe me,” she said softly yet firmly.

Ryn raised an eyebrow his usual confidence slipping. “I thought you wanted the ruby.”

She moved nearer her grin appearing again. “The ruby is just a start. You have much more to give.”

Ryn gulped hard unsure whether to feel proud or scared. “Well I really do have many skills…”

5. A Secret Agreement

Flames vanished leaving only burnt land where mercenaries once stood. The witch faced Ryn, the ruby still dimly glowing in her grasp.

“Your life belongs to me now,” she declared hiding the gem inside her cloak. “I really find… inventive uses for it.”

Ryn tried to speak but words stuck in his throat. Something about her gaze ‒ part danger plus part allure ‒ made him reconsider his usual defiance.

“Alright,” he replied with a heavy sigh. “But if cursed or enslaved happens to me, I just loudly complain.”

The witch laughed ‒ a low and dangerous sound. “Oh thief I wouldn’t expect anything else.”

6. A New Path

When the witch disappeared into shadows, Ryn thought about his future and smiled. “From one problem to another,” he whispered fixing his cloak. “But at least the company’s really fun.”

With the ruby missing plus a new debt to the witch beginning, Ryn moved toward the horizon. Scarlet Ridge had been a mess but it started something much more risky ‒ maybe far more thrilling if he acted wisely.

For Ryn Shadowkin chasing thrills meant nothing without danger nearby. He sensed this chase was only starting now.

Come back and check my next fantasy!