I stood alone in the forests south of the Imperial City. The deer was about 50 yards ahead, alone and unaware.
It had been two days since I had eaten. Pursued by bandits, my sword had been broken in the fight. I barely escaped after torching the leader with a fireball. They were probably watching the roads. I wouldn't be able to make it to the city in this condition. Besides, he would be there.
I drew an arrow and set it to the string. Shifting my weight slightly, I drew the arrow back. A bird chirped above me. The deer paused, its ears twitching.
"STOP! YOU VIOLATED THE LAW"
Who the hell was this guy? Some guard had materialized behind me. Why was he standing to uncomfortably close?
I mumbled, "Um.."
"THEN PAY WITH YOUR BLOOD!"
Pay with my what? He drew his sword and stabbed me through the lung. Two days later I woke in the Imperial City dungeon, with some Emperor and his guards trying to get into my cell. God damn it.