The elf bolted as soon as she hit accept. Braden laughed; she wasn't completely stupid. But he would be if he tried to follow. He was running perpendicular to her path, diving into the gap between two buildings as the timer reached zero. He rolled and came up to his feet, his sword still in its sheath. Now he had time to plan.

The elf had run for the less crowded side of the plaza, away from the pheasant grounds. There would undoubtedly be streets leading him around to get behind her, but that would offer him even less cover and she would be watching. No, he needed something better. Braden threw his gaze about the plaza in front of him, but found nothing that may help.

Turning to look down the alley behind him, a grin spread across his face. There was exactly what he needed sitting there. He ran ahead to the next street--the market street, lined with vendors and their stalls and a swarm of players purchasing items.