Vozz Stabtoe's Arc

Chapter 1 of 8

Vozz Stabtoe crouched on a crumbling rooftop in Greenhaven, her yellow eyes fixed on the Hunter team below. They moved through the street with confidence, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. She wanted to be down there with them, earning their respect through explosive feats of daring that would make them remember her name. But wanting wasn't enough. She needed to prove herself first. Her hands worked quickly, binding together strips of painted bark and carved wooden pieces into a practice target. The forest item took shape beneath her fingers—bright reds and yellows marked the blast zones she'd painted on. She set it against a stone wall in the empty courtyard behind her. The straps on her vest jingled as she backed away, pulling a small charge from her belt. This was it. One controlled blast to show she could handle precision work. She lit the fuse and ducked behind cover. The explosion cracked through the air, sharp and clean. When the smoke cleared, the target stood scorched but intact, the outer ring blown away perfectly. Vozz grinned, her pointed ears twitching. She was getting closer to being Hunter team ready. She climbed down from the rooftop and headed toward the market square. Her boots kicked up dust with each step. If she wanted to join the Hunters, she needed to know where they gathered. Where they posted their missions. A carved wooden message board stood near the fountain, covered in elven motifs and forest imagery. Hunters used it to share information and announce jobs. Vozz stopped in front of it, scanning the notices. Most were simple—escort missions, supply runs, creature tracking. Nothing that screamed for someone with her skills. But now she knew where to look. Tomorrow she'd check again. And the day after that. When the right mission appeared, she'd be ready. Her charges were getting more precise, her timing better. The Hunters would see what she could do. They'd have to. She traced her finger along one of the carved forest patterns on the board, then turned and spotted the lodge through the trees. The building rose from ancient wood, blending with the forest around it. That was where the Hunters gathered. Where they'd witness her explosive feats when the time came. Vozz adjusted her vest and started walking. She had work to do.