The Great Path

==><== <h1>The Great Path</h1> by Sam Lewis [[Begin->The Rain]]

Prologue—Natural Cycles Sulkie stepped out into the pouring rain. She was immediately soaked to the bone and freezing cold. Everywhere around her there were other people running to find shelter or covering their heads. The rain had started suddenly, so the streets were still clearing out. Sulkie did not run for shelter. She did not cover her head or flinch as the water ran down her back. Her clothes would be wet for a long time, this was certain, but then they would dry and she would be comfortable again. [[Wet and dry->Wet and Dry]].

Wet and dry. Wet and dry. She kept repeating the words in her head as she walked. Wet and dry. Tension and release. It was a natural cycle. The wheels of the world would spin like a grand eternal machine, and the sun and clouds would move according to their [[predetermined courses->Natural Cycles]].

Sulkie knew all of this. It was the way of the world, but it didn't give her any comfort. The natural cycles were dizzying and frightening. She had to watch them. She had to watch the cycles and take account of them. If she didn't they would spin out of control and make her sick. There was only [[one thing->The Great Path]] that gave her true comfort.

The Great Path. Sulkie could always feel the pull of the Great Path, no matter where she was. Indeed, she was following it now. It led her down one street, and then another. Sometimes forwards, sometimes backwards. Nobody else could see the Great Path. Sulkie didn't know why they couldn't; it was very easy to see during the day. They must all be blind, she thought. Although, she had to admit that sometimes it was weak and she would become frightened. Not today, however. Today it was strong and guiding her [[every step->The Alley]].

Chapter 1—The Price of Bread Sulkie suddenly turned and ran into a nearby alley, her heart racing and breath ragged. She slipped into the shadows and tried to remain as quiet as possible. She waited. Sure enough, the man who had been stalking her appeared at the entrance to the alley. He stopped. Sulkie [[held her breath->Don't Breath]].

The man adjusted his coat—an affectation, Sulkie reasoned—then continued on his way. Luckily, he had not seen her. Sulkie breathed a sigh of relief. The man had been following her all day. She had seen him more than once, and he was always disguising his intentions by carrying out everyday errands. It was a transparent attempt to blend in. Sulkie knew that he must not find her. The Great Path was diffuse, so she was [[safe for now->The Voice]].

"Do you need something?" A woman's voice rang out. Sulkie had not seen anyone in the alley, and she flinched at the sound of the voice. She turned around to face the woman, but did not speak. The woman looked kind. She was shielding herself from the rain with a makeshift coat, but Sulkie could see that she was very thin underneath it. "Come have a bite to eat, child," said the woman, and she brandished a [[piece of bread->Bread]].

"Ah, princess Sulkie?" said the woman. She smiled again. "We make quite the pair." Sulkie looked down. She didn't really want to make a pair, even with someone nice. "I should repay you for the bread," she said, changing the subject. "It's no matter to me," the woman said. Sulkie knew it was a lie. "I would feel better if I could repay you," she insisted. The woman seemed amused. "Very well then. A princess shouldn't have to feel bad. Just don't hurt yourself." "I'll come back here," said Sulkie. She then turned and started to trot back towards the street. Her bare feet tapped out a light rhythm on the wet stone. She knew [[where she was going->The Streets]].

Sulkie could feel the emptiness in her own stomach, but it was no good to take from someone who had so little, so she shook her head. "Nonsense. I won't see a child starve," said the woman, throwing the bread to Sulkie. The bread traced out an arc in the air. Sulkie reached to the end of the arc, and the bread landed neatly in her open palm. "Thank you kindly," she said, with a small bow. "What's your name, young one?" asked the woman. "Sulkie." The woman smiled. "And I'm the queen. What's your real name?" Sulkie replied by taking a bite out of the bread. "I'm the princess," she said with [[a grin->The Princess]].

Sulkie made her way back onto the streets. The wind changed direction and she took note of it. Her target was the man who was stalking her. She knew he was wealthy because she had seen him buying expensive things and he had a nice coat. He would not miss a silver coin, but the woman could buy many loaves of bread. Sulkie felt the weight of the dagger hidden in her sleeve. If the Great Path was a comfort to her mind, then the dagger was a comfort to her body. She knew the blade was cold, but it felt warm. The knife would be a part of [[her plan->Her Plan]].

Chapter 2—The Plan Sulkie started to think about the details of her plan. There were a few options. Would she [[rob the man->Robbery]] at knifepoint? Mugging is always a risky move, but it's quick and effective. Perhaps she could [[pick his pocket->Pickpocket]] without being spotted? Sulkie was good at picking pockets; she could be very quiet if she needed to be. She could also [[make a scene->Make a Scene]] and convince him to give her a coin. Sulkie knew a thing or two about looking pitiable.

Sulkie nodded to herself. The man had been stalking her, after all. What better way to teach him a lesson than to frighten him with a knife? Most people would drop their coin purse at such a provocation. The only problem was getting away afterwards. [[Running away->Robbery (Run Away)]] was an option, but Sulkie knew that she could also [[pretend to be innocent->Robbery (Innocent)]].

Sulkie felt good about her plan. It was raining, so not many people were out on the street. This would make her task more difficult, but she was up to the challenge. All she had to do was wait until the man approached a crowd of people, and then push past him, taking a silver coin in the process. The only problem was getting away afterwards. Simply [[running away->Pickpocket (Run Away)]] was an option, but if she [[caused a distraction->Pickpocket (Distraction)]] first, it might give her cover.

Sulkie smiled to herself. A little bit of theatre would work wonders. Most adults could be manipulated into giving up a coin or two. The best strategy was to make them feel guilty. All she had to do was make the man think he had injured her, perhaps by knocking her to the ground. A few drops of blood would make the act much more convincing. The only problem was getting away afterwards. The man might insist on taking care of her, which was dangerous. She could simply [[run away->Make a Scene (Run Away)]], or she could [[pretend to be frightened->Make a Scene (Pretend)]] of him.

Sulkie decided that running was her best bet. She was quick on her feet and could slip through small spaces that adults couldn't. If she only took a single silver coin, the man might not even bother chasing her. Time to [[carry out the plan->Robbery (Part 2)]]. \{ (set: $story to "1a") }

Adults could be very stupid. The town guards wouldn't easily believe that a fully grown man had been threatened by a skinny young girl. Sulkie had pulled this trick before. Time to [[carry out the plan->Robbery (Part 2)]]. \{ (set: $story to "1b") }

Adults could be very stupid. If Sulkie spilled the contents of the man's coin purse on the ground, not many people would hesitate to pocket his wealth for themselves. In all the commotion, he probably wouldn't notice her leaving with a single coin. Sulkie had pulled this trick before. Time to [[carry out the plan->Pickpocket (Part 2)]]. \{ (set: $story to "2b") }

Sulkie decided that running was her best bet. She was quick on her feet and could slip through small spaces that adults couldn't. The man might not even bother to chase her. Time to [[carry out the plan->The Town Square]]. \{ (set: $story to "3a") }

Adults could be very stupid. If Sulkie pretended to be frightened enough, other people might even berate the man for hurting her. With the crowd on her side, he would let her go for sure. Sulkie had pulled this kind of trick before. Time to [[carry out the plan->The Town Square]]. \{ (set: $story to "3b") }

{ (set: $story to "1a") }

Chapter 3—The Robbery Sulkie made her way to the local tavern. The Great Path stretched out in front of her, weaving between the few townsfolk that, like her, were not bothered by the rain. She knew that the man would be there for a drink; she could feel the convergence of a great many cycles. Lines of inevitability were beginning to snake their way into the building. Then, in an instant, he [[came into view->Wait For It]].

Chapter 3—The Pickpocket Sulkie made her way to the town square. The Great Path stretched out in front of her, weaving between the few townsfolk that, like her, were not bothered by the rain. She knew that the man was nearby; she could feel the convergence of a great many cycles. Lines of inevitability were beginning to snake their way around the square. Then, in an instant, he [[came into view->Find an Opening]].

Chapter 3—The Actor Sulkie made her way to the town square. The Great Path stretched out in front of her, weaving between the few townsfolk that, like her, were not bothered by the rain. She knew that the man was nearby; she could feel the convergence of a great many cycles. Lines of inevitability were beginning to snake their way around the square. Then, in an instant, he [[came into view->Cut the Hand]].

The Great Path narrowed, and became bright and clear. Sulkie's instincts took over. Without looking, and without hesitating, she pressed the blade of her knife into her left palm, letting loose a warm trickle of blood. She concealed the wound and started walking closer to the man. Tension. She took a quick detour behind a stack of boxes that was being unloaded from a cart. When she emerged from the other side, Sulkie was [[running at full speed->Practised Tears]].

She ran as fast as she could, and collided with the man head on. Release. The man shouted in surprise as he went tumbling to the ground. Sulkie tumbled as well, but deliberately and without hurting herself. As soon as the man realised what had just happened, Sulkie began to cry. She climbed clumsily to her feet, holding her bloodied hand and flooding her face with practised tears. It wasn't long before all eyes in the square were on the wealthy man and the poor child [[he had injured->What Have You Done]].

"I say, child, are you alright?" asked the man. Sulkie was glad to hear the earnestness in his voice. It would make her job easier. She turned to him with fury in her eyes. "Why don't you look where you're going!" she yelled. She thrust her left hand out towards him. "See what you've done to me!" "Why, young miss, I only stopped to check my pocket watch," he said, feebly. (if: $story is "3a")[\ Sulkie stole a glance at the crowd that was starting to form nearby. A woman was shaking her head, clearly aghast. This was Sulkie's [[favourite part->Theatrics]]. \](else:)[\ Sulkie stole a glance at the crowd that was starting to form nearby. A woman was shaking her head, clearly aghast. This was Sulkie's [[favourite part->Bandages]]. \]

She turned away from the man, so the crowd could see her face. "How can I make a living now, without the use of my hand?" she wailed. It was a little dramatic, but it didn't matter so long as the crowd was on her side. She threw a sharp glance back at the man. He flinched. "Alright, if it's coin you want, then have at it," he said, reaching into his purse. He pulled out a few copper coins and threw them at her feet. Sulkie spat on the ground. "My starving mother doesn't eat copper," she said. The man reluctantly reached back into his purse and pulled out a silver coin. He threw it towards her. Sulkie reached out and caught the coin. She grinned, and then [[bolted->Running Away]] before another word could be spoken.

It only took a moment for the man to realise that he had been tricked, but a moment was all Sulkie needed. She threw off her feigned clumsiness and had already reached the edge of the town square before the man thought to say anything. "You little rat!" he cried. It was no use. Sulkie was already slipping into the nearest alley, silver coin in hand. The Great Path led her past familiar doors and through narrow gaps. There was [[no chance->No Chance]] of her being followed.

She turned away from the man, so the crowd could see her face. "How can I make a living now, without the use of my hand?" she wailed. It was a little dramatic, but it didn't matter so long as the crowd was on her side. She threw a sharp glance back at the man. He flinched. "All I can do is offer my assistance," he said, reaching into his jacket. He pulled out a handkerchief and started towards her. Sulkie stopped crying and recoiled. "Don't touch me," she said. "I don't need your help." The man paused, clearly at a loss [[what to do->Pretending]].

She had to be careful. The man had not given her a coin yet, and she couldn't just ask for one. He would get suspicious. "If you won't accept my help, then there's nothing I can do," said the man, putting the handkerchief back in his pocket. Sulkie started to panic. The crowd was dispersing as their interest waned; she had to think fast. "Wait," she said. "I know you." It was [[a gamble->A Gamble]], but Sulkie could feel the pull of the Great Path. This would work.

"I'm sorry, I don't recognise you," said the man. "I'll tell them all what you did," said Sulkie, pointing to the crowd. Heads began to turn. This was what she needed. Every man had his weakness. It didn't matter what it was; he would fill in the details in his mind. "Excuse me?" he said. "You think nobody knows, but I saw it all," said Sulkie. There it was. The man's eyes flicked to the crowd for a split second. A dead giveaway. The [[trap was sprung->The Trap]].

"I don't know what you think you saw," said the man. "If I saw a silver coin, I might have forgotten by now," said Sulkie. "You've paid more for less, haven't you?" Adding that detail was a risk, but the Great Path was guiding her. She knew it was worth it. "Fine, you little rat," said the man, "have your filthy change." He took a single silver piece out of his purse and threw it at her. She snatched it out of the air with ease. The man stormed off into the rain. He wouldn't soon shake off his new reputation. Sulkie just [[smiled to herself->Payback]].

She had accounted for all the natural cycles. The rain was letting up, and the wind had changed directions three times. Everything was in order. Sulkie wandered the streets of the town, letting her clothes dry as much as possible. She kept pressure on her hand to stop the bleeding. She still had to take the coin back to the nice woman in the alley, which meant she had to [[find the alley->Find the Alley]] again.

Sulkie would have to be careful for the next few days. The man might find her again and hurt her. At least she had nothing to fear from the crowd. They had even laughed at the man when she ran away. Nobody in this small town cared much for wealthy travellers like him. He would soon be gone, and she would be free of his [[stifling presence->Stifling Presence]].

Some people would say she was being unfair and that he hadn't done anything to her. Even so, Sulkie knew he was dangerous. The Great Path had steered her clear of him so far. It wouldn't have done so without a reason, and she trusted it. Sulkie even knew why the Great Path had chosen the man as her target: he needed to be afraid of her. That fear would make him think twice before approaching her. Sulkie [[smiled to herself->Payback]].

When she listened, she understood the meaning. Sulkie was surprised. She learned that she would have to leave the town soon, perhaps even tonight. She had expected to stay a while, but the message was clear. The sound of a door closing whispered in her ear. "Deep water," said the door. She had no idea what Deep Water might mean, but she could feel the length of the journey ahead of her. She would need to ask for directions. She [[would not see->Write a Note]] the nice woman again.

Sulkie decided that she would leave a note instead. She did not have any ink or paper, so she would need to find another way to write a message. She decided that she would tear a length of fabric off her clothes. Most of them were in tatters already; a slightly shorter sleeve wouldn't be a problem. There was still the matter of what to write with, but Sulkie [[had an idea->Grease]].

Chapter 4—The Realisation Any ordinary person might retrace their steps, but Sulkie had a superior method that she preferred. By taking a circuitous route through the town, she was able to take account of even more natural cycles. The extra information was invaluable. The flow of crowds in the afternoon Sun, the steady breeze, the rhythm of horse-drawn carts on the cobblestone. Sulkie let the world [[speak to her->The Realisation]].

She made her way over to a stationary cart. Reaching past a wheel, she was able to run a finger along the axle. When she withdrew, her finger was covered with a thick layer of grease. This was perfect. Sulkie knew exactly how difficult it was to get grease out of fabric. The note would last even if it rained again. Now there was only one final challenge: Sulkie [[could not read or write->Writing]].

Standing in the middle of the street with a finger covered in grease, she was a little embarrassed that she hadn't considered the contents of the note earlier. Looking around, she saw many shops lining the streets, and many townsfolk milling about. She did not consider asking someone for help. Instead, she looked for [[a bakery->Bakery]].

Finally, she saw it. It was a small shop selling loaves of fresh bread. She trotted over to look in the window and was enveloped in the delightful smell of baking. Her eyes looked over the many signs sitting on the shelves. One of them was written in bright red and caught her eye. The shape of the writing was very pleasing. With this message, the woman would certainly understand that the coin was payment for the bread. Sulkie traced out the shapes onto her sleeve with her greasy finger. She was careful to get all the loops and lines [[exactly right->The Note]].

When she was done, she tore off the sleeve and wrapped it around the silver coin. The woman would need to know who the coin came from, so Sulkie drew a picture on the outside of the bundle. Following the Great Path, Sulkie made her way [[back to the alley->One Last Trip]].

As expected, there was no sign of the nice woman. It had to be this way. The Great Path would not let Sulkie make a connection with anyone, even if she wanted to. She carefully laid the bundle in the exact spot where the woman had been sitting. When she stood back up, Sulkie hesitated. Her eyes lingered on the spot. The natural cycles spun in perfect harmony, and, for a brief moment, they were unaccounted for. Sulkie turned around, and [[walked away->The End]]. \{ (mouseover-replace: "even if she wanted to")[not that she wanted to] }

Epilogue—The Note The bundle of fabric sat on the ground, patiently awaiting the day when it would be discovered. There was a crude drawing of a princess on the outside, and a single silver coin hidden on the inside. There was also a cryptic message to whoever found it. "On Sale Half Price" ==><== THE END

Sulkie's eyes narrowed as she tracked the man's movement. He was heading to the tavern. It was perfect. The hustle and bustle of drunk patrons inside would cover her escape. Sulkie carefully slid the knife from its hiding place in her sleeve and started towards the tavern door. Tension. She took a quick detour behind a stack of boxes that was being unloaded from a cart. When she emerged from the other side, Sulkie was [[running at full speed->The Doorway]].

She ran as fast as she could, and bumped into the man as he passed through the tavern door. Release. The man shouted in surprise as he was shoved aside. Sulkie's knife flashed past his belt and cut his coin purse loose. As soon as the man realised what had just happened, Sulkie had already pocketed the silver coin. The knife slid back into her sleeve and disappeared. The pull of the Great Path faded for a moment, and she couldn't help but take a look back at [[her victim->Empty Belt]].

"I say, child, are you quite alright?" asked the man. Sulkie heard a note of frustration in his voice. She didn't understand why the Great Path was letting her stand still. "You should really watch where you're going," he said. Sulkie didn't say anything. She only watched as his eyes moved to observe his coin purse, clutched tightly in her hand. He patted his empty belt. (if: $story is "2a")[\ Sulkie grinned. Without warning, she threw the purse directly at his chest and [[bolted->Stop Thief]]. \](else:)[\ Sulkie grinned. Without warning, she tipped the contents of his purse out [[onto the floor->Butterfingers]]. \]

The man caught his purse in surprise. "You little rat," the man sputtered. "What are you up to?" Sulkie weaved between the tavern's many patrons. None of them rose a finger to stop her as she fled, but she saw the bartender moving to cut her off. The Great Path pointed her in the direction of the stairs. Clearly, she wouldn't be taking the back entrance. The bartender was almost upon her, but she easily ducked under his outstretched arms as she passed. Still on her feet, Sulkie sprinted [[up the stairs->The Window]].

The man watched in shock as his coins scattered everywhere. "You little rat," the man sputtered. Sulkie just laughed as she weaved between the tavern's many patrons. Every one of them had sprung to their feet after they saw the coins, but she saw the bartender moving to cut her off. The Great Path pointed her in the direction of the kitchen. Clearly, she wouldn't be taking the back entrance. The crowd was raucous as they chased the coins across the floor, and the man was preoccupied trying to recover his wealth. The bartender was the only one still after her, but she easily skidded past his outstretched arms as she entered the kitchen. Still on her feet, Sulkie [[threw pots and pans behind her->The Mess]].

"Curse you, urchin!" yelled the bartender. "My bar is no place for your sort." At the top of the stairs, Sulkie turned and stuck out her tongue at him. He started up the stairs in pursuit, but thanks to her small size, she was already slipping out one of the windows on the second floor. Outside the building, she carefully lowered herself from the window frame and dropped onto the street below. She took a tumble, but didn't injure herself severely. Finding her feet again, she slipped into the nearest alley. The Great Path led her past familiar doors and through narrow gaps. There was [[little chance->Small Chance]] of her being followed.

Sulkie would have to be careful for the next few days. The man might be looking for her, and she certainly couldn't enter the tavern again. At least she had nothing to fear from the patrons. Some people had even laughed when she ran away. Nobody in this small town cared much for wealthy travellers like the man. He would soon be gone, and she would be free of his [[infuriating presence->Infuriating Presence]].

Some people would say she was being unfair and that he hadn't done anything to her. Even so, Sulkie knew he was dangerous. The Great Path had steered her clear of him so far. It wouldn't have done so without a reason, and she trusted it. Sulkie even figured out why the Great Path had let him see her face: he needed to be afraid of her. That fear would make him think twice before approaching her. Sulkie [[smiled to herself->The Debt]].

She had accounted for all the natural cycles. The rain was letting up, and the wind had changed directions three times. Everything was in order. Sulkie wandered the streets of the town, letting her clothes dry as much as possible. She kept her hand in her pocket to protect the coin. She still had to take it back to the nice woman in the alley, which meant she had to [[find the alley->Find the Alley]] again.

"Curse you, urchin!" yelled the bartender as he stumbled over his own utensils. At the kitchen door, Sulkie turned and stuck out her tongue at him. He started towards her, but she was already slipping outside into the alley. The worst was behind her, but she ran past familiar doors and through narrow gaps to put as much distance between her and the tavern as possible. There was [[no chance->Hiding]] of her being followed.

Sulkie would have to be careful for the next few days. The man might be looking for her, and she certainly couldn't enter the tavern again. At least she had nothing to fear from the patrons. They would tell stories of her escapade for years to come. Nobody in this small town cared much for wealthy travellers like the man. He would soon be gone, and she would be free of his [[infuriating presence->Infuriating Presence]].

Sulkie's eyes narrowed as she tracked the man's movement. As expected, he entered the tavern. The hustle and bustle of drunk patrons inside would provide the perfect cover for what would happen next. Sulkie carefully slid the knife from its hiding place in her sleeve and started towards the tavern door. Tension. After waiting for a moment, she was able to [[slip inside->Inside]] just as a small group was leaving. Release.

Inside the tavern, Sulkie quickly made her way into the corner where she knew the bartender could not see her. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, she was able to make out the figure of the man. He was seated at a booth in the back, alone with a glass of mead. She made her way over and sat down next to him. He looked up from his drink in surprise. "Do I know you?" he asked. Sulkie smirked. She pressed the tip of her knife [[into his ribs->The Threat]].

The man gulped. "If this is about something, I'm afraid I don't know what it is." "This is just a matter between me and your money," said Sulkie. The man looked at her. She was sitting with her chin on one hand, looking positively bored. The knife held in her other hand told a different story. "How much do you want?" he asked. Sulkie heard the resignation in his voice. She was grateful. It would make things easier. "A single silver piece." "Only a single—" he started, before cutting himself off. "Yes, yes, that's fine." (if: $story is "1a")[\ Sulkie held out an [[empty palm->Got Away]]. \](else:)[\ Sulkie held out an [[empty palm->Caught]]. \]

The man reached into his purse and retrieved a single silver coin. He put it in Sulkie's palm, and then suddenly clamped down. Sulkie panicked, but he had already grabbed her other wrist. She tried to stab him, but he was too strong and held her arm steady. Her first instinct was to scream, but the Great Path told her not to, so she kept quiet. "You won't get away with this, rat," said the man. He called [[the bartender->The Bartender]] over.

The man reached into his purse and retrieved a single silver coin. He put it in Sulkie's palm. "Is this all you're after, rat?" he said. Sulkie pocketed the coin but didn't leave the table. The Great Path was telling her to stay a moment longer. "Why were you following me?" she asked. The man blinked at her. He seemed confused. Sulkie [[repeated the question->The Question]].

The bartender sauntered over. "What seems to be the trouble, sir?" he asked. "This girl tried to rob me. What do you say to that?" The bartender looked at Sulkie. She was tiny, and being held firmly in place by the much stronger man. The accusation was ridiculous on the face of it. Under the table, Sulkie let the knife drop neatly into the man's lap. "Anything to say, young miss?" asked the bartender. Sulkie prepared [[her lie->The Lie]].

"This man was trying to buy me," she said. The man's eyes boggled. "Look in my hand, he paid me a silver coin." The bartender indicated to the man that he should release her. He did, reluctantly, and the gleaming silver coin was revealed. Sulkie suppressed a grin. "He tried to threaten me with a knife when I said no." The bartender put his hand on the man's shoulder and gave him a stern look. The man released his grip on Sulkie's wrist, defeated. With both hands freed, she lifted the knife from under the table [[as proof->Proof]].

"This is outrageous," said the man. "She's the one that threatened me." The bartender sighed, and a group of nearby patrons laughed. Nobody believed him. "Your sort doesn't belong here," said the bartender as he pulled the man upright. The man's very expensive coat would be in a frightful state after this rough treatment. Sulkie finally unleashed her grin. As the man was escorted out in bewilderment, she slipped the coin into her pocket and the knife into her sleeve. By the time the bartender went back to see her, she was [[already gone->But Not Forgotten]].

Sulkie had accounted for all the natural cycles. The rain was letting up, and the wind had changed directions three times. Everything was in order. She wandered the streets of the town, letting her clothes dry as much as possible. The coin was safely tucked away in a pocket. She had to be careful in case the man came looking for her, but his reputation was ruined and he wouldn't stay long. Of course, Sulkie still had to take the coin back to the nice woman in the alley, which meant she had to [[find the alley->Find the Alley]] again.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he said. It was clear from his voice that he was telling the truth. Now Sulkie was the confused one. She was sure he had been following her. "You're lying," she said. But he wasn't. The cycles were wrong. She must have missed something important; there was something that she hadn't taken account of. She felt dizzy. "Are you quite alright?" asked the man, but she wasn't listening to him. Sulkie stood up. The world was wrong. Everything was at the wrong angle. Her head was on the wrong way, she was [[sure of it->The Delusion]].

Everyone was looking at her. Everyone. She tried to count how many pairs of eyes, but there were too many. She looked at the floor and saw eyes in the ground; they were looking at her too. Sulkie was still holding the knife, and she swung it at the air in panic. "Stay back!" she yelled. She couldn't tell what the other people were doing anymore. Where was the bartender? She wasn't sure. The noise of the crowd surrounded her and forced its way into her ears. She had to [[leave->Leave]].

Sulkie pushed past the patrons in the tavern, and burst out onto the street. The fresh air hit her in the face. That was it; the rain had stopped. She had forgotten the rain. Sulkie looked around her and saw that the cycles were not out of alignment at all. Her perspective shifted and everything started to make sense again. She hid her knife and dove into a [[nearby alley->Resting]].

It took a while, but Sulkie managed to sort out the natural cycles once more. The wind had changed directions three times and she took note of it. She could feel the pull of the Great Path again. She wandered the streets of the town, letting her clothes dry in the afternoon Sun as much as possible. The coin was safely tucked away in her pocket. She had to be careful in case the man came looking for her, but she suspected that he wouldn't. Not after what happened. Of course, Sulkie still had to take the coin back to the nice woman in the alley, which meant she had to [[find the alley->Find the Alley]] again.