by Erik Colombe
He didn’t know if anyone believed him, but he snuggled in with his blankets and tried to sleep. It proved difficult with how bumpy the road was. They climbed the hill and were able to see the pile of bodies that were in the middle of the road. There was about nine of them that had been too far away from the hole to fall down into the grave. Mihel climbed down from his mount and moved them out of the way without a word. B’narld did the same. He looked the bodies over and the parts of them that had been cut. The scales had been cleaved cleanly in two on many of the bodies that had not been crushed.
John shut his eyes and pretended to be asleep until they were well passed the road and he could hear normal conversation. Saarka spoke just loud enough for John to hear from where he was perched next to her on the wagon.
“Can you summon down lightning?”
John mumbled some incoherent words.
“I am not one of these people you are trying to fool. I have seen you wield magic that is only talked about in tales mothers use to frighten their children. We are business partners, now tell me, can you do it?”
“Only once in a while. What’s it matter to ya?”
“Nothing, it’s just the stories.”
“Was there some hero that could summon down lightning in them?”
“No… Only the villain,” Saarka said.
John was silent after that, with heavy thoughts that made sleep difficult and his dreams nightmares.
Chapter 2
The knuckles of the wagon drivers were white from their grasp on their horses’ reigns. A silent urge was present through everyone in the caravan; a wish to move as quickly through the night as they could. Their eyes darted to every shadow and everyone flinched when there was even the slightest breeze.
John sat up in the wagon and threw his makeshift sleeping bag in the back.
“Gave up on pretending to sleep?” Saarka asked.
“Was it that obvious?”
“You mumble while you think.”
“I’m so bored of this traveling. When are we stopping for the night?” John asked.
“Well, since someone said that the skarats were just scared by the lightning and not killed, Vihpier is worried we’ll encounter more on the road and wants to get as much distance between us and them as possible.”
“It’s not like a single bolt of lightning would’ve killed thirty skarats.”
“I don’t doubt that you know that, but no one else would have second guessed it,” Saarka said.
John mentally kicked himself.
“Next time, I’ll let you do the talking.”
“A man of true wisdom,” Saarka smirked.
“Since I’m up I’ve been wondering for a while, what’s with the mountain that we’ve been circling for the past few days?” John said, thinking it a neutral topic.
Saarka sighed.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t be happier with pretending to be asleep?”
“I take it you don’t know anything about it then,” John said.
“I know more than you think. Unlike you I make small talk with our traveling companions who won’t shut up about the stupid thing.”
“Well, I’m all ears and we have a long way. Tell me a story.”
Saarka sighed deeply.
“The mountain used to be sacred. The top of the mountain would erupt with a blue flame that bestowed magic to the surrounding area. It caused everything to grow larger than other kingdoms and was the home to a city circling the mountain,” she said.
John looked around.
“I don’t see anything that looks like a city.”
“And you won’t see anything except rubble. The town existed seven hundred years ago or that’s what they say. Who knows how long ago it was; besides the basic seasons, no one but the church keeps track of time.”
“What happened to the city?”
“They say the mountain erupted for days at one point until the mana rained down from the heavens and was so thick it became tangible like water and flowed down the mountain, washing away the city.”
“If it did, who was around to tell the story?” John asked.
“Vihpier brought that point up. He said it probably killed a lot of people, damaged the homes and washed them away, but people rebuild. No, what killed the city was after that day the mountain never erupted again. The monsters in the area probably made nests and drove everyone out and nature reclaimed its mountain. The road we’re traveling is what’s left of the city.”
“What was its name?”
“Whose?” Saarka asked.
“The city. What was its name?”
“Hachate Ru Masha”
“What does that mean?”
“Heavenly Rain Mountain.”
Saarka slowed the wagon as the ones in front of her had stopped.
“Now what?” she said, under her breath.
“I’ll go take a look. I need to stretch my legs anyway,” John said, as he jumped out of the wagon before walking to the front of the caravan. The trees were dense and blocked a lot of the sun in this area. John looked to his right and only saw the forest gently sloping upward to the top of the mountain.
It would have been a cool city to see, John thought, as he made his way up to the front of the caravan.
He saw Vihpier and Mihel arguing while Clem and B’narld were busy sitting on a rather large log that was blocking the road.
“I say we turn back,” John heard Mihel shouting at Vihpier as he got closer.
“This has been a disaster ever since we entered the QoBraiden Kingdom. This road isn’t safe; we need to turn back and go a different route around the mountain.”
“Are you crazy? That will add a month to our travel time. We’re a two days ride to Fort Light. Not to mention we have to face the skarats back there,” Vihpier said.
“They are the least of my worries. Look at this area; it’s a giant trap,” Mihel yelled.
John examined the road, but it looked normal to him. There was more moss and dead leaves that covered it compared to other stretches of road and it looked a little worse for wear, but he didn’t see anything that said trap. He checked his radar and saw that everything was clear.
“Look at the base of this tree; it didn’t fall down, it was cut. The ends are smooth and there are no roots. You can actively see where other people have tried to cut through it.”
John took a closer look at the tree in the middle of the road. It did have some deep groves in it, but they were covered in moss and easy to miss.
“Look at the drag marks on the road! Something happened here and they dragged bodies, or wagons, off into the forest.”
“You’re being paranoid. It could have easily just been the skarats coming through this area and attacking another traveling group. This road has been used for years!” Vihpier yelled back.
“And when was the last time you heard of anyone crossing it safely? Actually, now that we’re on the subject, why did you feel the need to hire three adventurers when the job normally only calls for one or two at most and you have a total of four? You knew something was wrong with this road, didn’t you!”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It never hurts to be prepared.”
“And when we reach Fort Light I’m not going to find out there was a bounty for exploring why this road has been a complete cluster of monsters and traps?”
“There may have been a moderate sum offered if someone could find the reason, but it doesn’t matter now, I’m telling you the problem was the skarats. We just need to make it to Fort Light and this road will be cleared. We have nothing to worry about.”
“I’ll believe that when we’re out of here,” Mihel said, turning to look at Clem, B’narld and John.
“You three watch the sides. I’ll move the tree out of the way and then we run out of here like our asses are on fire. Vihpier will let everyone know to stay ready,” Mihel said, glaring at Vihpier who simply nodded and went to tell the rest of the caravan to be ready to ride as soon as the tre
e was cleared.
Mihel hefted a battle-axe out of the pack on his horse and began to swing at the tree. John kept his eye on his radar to see if anything was hiding, but it was clear until the first arrow came from the trees. Mihel had heard the arrow buzzing through the air and was already moving out of the way as it traveled; just barely getting grazed. Then John saw his entire radar light up like it was the 4th of July.
“To the wagons! We’re vulnerable here. Retreat!” Mihel yelled, as loud as he could to everyone.
Clem and B’narld ran for it, diving under a wagon to avoid a hail of arrows. John ran over to where Saarka had already cut Clyde’s reins off and he ran off into the forest. Saarka jumped behind the wagon as arrows started to follow her and John dove behind the wagon next to her.
“Damn horse; I was going to ride him out of here, but he just took off. John, you got to do something about this. I understand that you’re trying to hide, but everyone is going to die. I know you want to help, so help!”
John held out a hand to keep her quiet, it was hard to concentrate with her yelling at him.
Saarka looked around and saw the pile of arrows that seemed to be landing everywhere, but in a tight circle around John and her. She looked at the others and noticed they all had similar pockets of protection.
“I can’t keep this up for long. I’m going to make a break for the forest. I should be able to take out their archers. While I’m busy, get the tree cut and I’ll meet you down the road.”
John’s magic was not cut out for protection. Everything he could do well was made for a one-on-one fight. The magic he knew was used for killing. Having a hardened air shield cost him a lot of his mana, but Mihel was right, he had been treating this place like a game and he was starting to see the people he was around as more than just NPCs. He dashed out of cover and ran into the forest.
It wouldn’t help him if there were a bunch of corpses on the hill in case Clem or B’narld decided they wanted to come help. Instead John had a plan; he cast haste on himself which increased his physical speed and dexterity. He then activated his True Hunter perk, which gave him the ability to see into the forest and avoid branches that would trip him while giving him insight to the world around him like an experienced tracker. John smiled. Coupled with his radar, it was like he had a map of everything in his mind. He was the predator of the forest. This is what his skills and magic were made for and it made his body light with anticipation. Darting through the forest, he picked out the archers first. He found them on his radar and moved past them like a streak of lightning. He only caught glimpses of the creatures that were hunting them and could tell they weren’t human, but he didn’t let details slow him down. He quickly darted past them and cut their bows in half before dashing to the next target on his radar.
He made quick work of their bows and then ran through the forest, looking for others that were waiting and had not triggered his radar. He found them huddled in a group, holding wooden and stone clubs waiting for a signal. John rushed past them, letting his sword slice and bite into the group. He darted back and forth striking a few, mostly just trying to cause confusion and fear. After their attention fell away from the caravan and to their surroundings, John paused waiting to see if they would retreat so he could use his analyze skill on them.
Name: Rahka
Level: 8/+3 for every Rahka within a thirty-foot radius
Magic: Wolf’s Lament, Howl
Class: Demi-Human/Animal
Rahka are part of the Demi-Human race or the evolutionary equivalent of humans. Due to mana in this world, animals have been found to adapt themselves to resemble alpha predators faster than they would from neighboring dimensions. They are bi-pedal and have opposable thumbs. Rahka have heightened senses and physical prowess when compared to humans. Their intelligence is limited to the leader of the packs.
Note: They make excellent allies and are extremely loyal. Do not pet them; they take it as a personal affront.
John heard a loud howl come from the forest and the Rahka started to retreat up the mountain.
Let’s just see what you guys are hiding, John thought, as he followed behind them quietly without their notice.
The Rahka ran on all fours up the hill, but when they reached an entrance that even John, with his magical perks, would have overlooked, they stood on their back two legs and walked inside. They didn’t post any guards, which John thought was odd as he waited a few minutes before he walked into the entryway covered in branches. It led into a cave passage that he needed to hunch down to fit through. The narrow passage continued for about fifty yards and John kept his ears open for any kind of movement as he went through, trying to make as little noise as possible. As he got closer to the exit the passage started to widen and he could see light at the end. John realized he was going deep into the mountain itself and, when the passage ended, he was amazed at what he saw.
The cave opened into an immense room. The entire mountain was hollow and a blueish light illuminated the entire interior. John looked over to see that the walls were covered in a glowing crystal. When John placed his hand closer to it, the rock grew brighter, responding to the mana in his body. The light from the crystals illuminated the inside of the cave like a city street at night. Along the walls, John could see huts made from the scales of skarats and leathers of different animals. They were held to the wall with ropes and connected with a system of rope bridges. Two streams of water trickled down the roof of the cave from some source and fell into a small pool at its base, while the other stream seemed to exit the cave underground at the base of the mountain.
The homes all looked very crude and stood in contrast against the large mansion that was carved on the base of the floor near the back of the mountain. It was made from polished white stone that didn’t appear to be natural to the area and sat high on a plateau to look out over the rest of the hollowed out interior. Near the center, John could see that the Rahka that had attacked the caravan had already descended onto the ground floor. They walked to a pile of trash where they tossed their broken weapons. John could make out the remains of broken wagons, tools and other weapons. The pile of trash was the shared tombstone of the caravans, or travelers, that had come before them.
John watched the Rahka pick up tools and walk into the large hole that he realized was a mine, as other Rahka came up from a set of stairs carrying tools and pulling wagons of rocks up the slope from the sides of the hole. He saw two men sitting at a table playing cards, while a third stood atop a pillar watching the Rahka. He wore a hooded robe and John couldn’t see his face, while the others were younger men wearing patchwork armor. John used his analyze skill on the two men.
Name: Talkom/Mehew
Level: 8/10
Class: Human/Mercenaries
Two mercenaries will work for whoever pays the highest. They do not question their leader, but will plunge a sword in his/her back if a more lucrative offer comes their way.
He then used his analyze skill on the hooded mage.
Name: J’tion
Level: 3
Skill: Detail Oriented/pure magic
Class: Human/magic mercenaries
A low class mage that has farmed out his magic and managerial skills to take part in a mining operation as a slaver.
One of the mercenaries got up and commanded a Rahka to come over to him. John recognized it as one that he had injured earlier. The mercenary looked at the Rahka’s leg and, without any warning, stabbed a sword through its chest. When it was dead the mercenary removed a collar from around its neck and tossed the body into the stream, watching it disappear underground before going back to his poker game. None of the other Rahka seemed to notice or moved to help; instead they continued to haul rocks.
“Do you think they got attacked?” Talkom asked Mehew.
“Just skarats. Probably looking for a new nest; nothing to worry about. We’ll keep everyone inside for a few days until they’ve moved through. Deal the cards.”
J
ohn looked at the collar lying down on the table and used his analyze skill on it.
Name: Poker Cards
Note: You have poker at home, why is this weird?
“Not the cards. The collar, stupid skill,” John whispered, under his breath.
Name: Slave Collar
Class: Special Item
A collar that when placed around the neck of a person will cause them to obey the commands of the owner.
Note: Apparently works on demi-humans as well.
John stared at the mercenaries as they went back to their game and the hooded figure that barked orders now and then. He couldn’t believe it; this was too much. It was one thing that everything in the world he had loved had turned sour, but this was an evil he had never thought about. He could leave; the mercenaries had killed the scout and no one had cared. They weren’t going to be coming for the caravan. By the time he got back down the mountain and met up with everyone, Mihel would already have cut through the tree blocking their way and they could ride through the night.
I could scout ahead this time and clear the road. Make sure there’s nothing in the way of us getting out of here, John thought, as he got up to leave, but his body didn’t move. Instead he kept watching the Rahka toil in their mine.
I know what Mihel would say if he was here, John thought.
“You’re running away from the world, John.”
I’m not running away. I can’t do anything.
“You can, but you won’t, because you’re a scared chicken shit.”
Fuck you, I’m not the hero.
“You could be.”
I just want to go home.
“No one’s stopping you. Go home. Run away with your tail between your legs.”
This doesn’t affect me, John screamed at his own fake conversation.
“Then go home and don’t tell a soul about being a coward. Continue to live your life like the scared child you are. No one’s going to judge you. Except you don’t want to go back, you want to help. Fight John.”
No!
“They’re using them as slaves. They’re just like you when you came to this shitty world; just here to be discarded.”