by J. T. Wright
“The reward I have prepared is less impressive. I’m afraid a price must be paid for my meddling. Only 3 Free Attribute Points and 2 Free Skill Points instead of five. You will also receive the Unarmed Technique of Al’rashia, and a Charm, Self-Clean.”
Darak’s golden eyes twinkled as Trent sat up straight when the Charm was mentioned. Darak had been watching closely as the young boy progress through the Trial for some time. The Charm was a trap to lure in the young Survivalist. The Keeper knew Trent yearned for this Spell more than anything else.
The Trial would not allow Darak to tell the boy that the Unarmed Technique was essential to mastering Al’rashian combat. As simple as it was, the Unarmed Technique, Three Steps, set the stage for greater Techniques like Ocean Meets the Shore. Even if they never became Warriors, all Al’rashians learned Three Steps as children. It pained the former King to see one of his people who had never learned this Skill.
The Charm was bait, and it was effective. The weapon and Ability, Swordborn, interested Trent. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t have to think twice before choosing the first box. But the smell wafting up from a body that hadn’t been cleaned after weeks of fighting made the simple Charm in the second box call out to him.
Trent’s eyes locked onto his choice. His hands reached out to touch the silver and gold that wrapped around the chest. Trent drew the box toward himself, eyes glittering with greed.
“Ahem, I will go with your suggestion if you will answer…” Trent coughed and looked up.
The table and the King, even the room itself, was starting to fade. The Trial had taken his touching the chest as a sign of his choice. Trent shot to his feet, holding the box to his stomach as if he were afraid his reward would disappear too.
“Wait! I have questions! There’s so much I need to know!” Trent called out. Whether he was talking to the Keeper or the Trial, even he couldn’t say.
It was Darak who responded. “We have no more time, Trent Embra. I wish you luck. Remember, you are and always have been Al’rashian. The people need you.”
You have left the Trial, Lands of the Undying Lord.