I stumble through an unfamiliar realm, clutching my blood soaked sword tight in one hand.
A deep voice bellows, reverberating across the plane.“So you have returned, favoured of the Gods”
I howl back, preparing once more for a death in battle.“Show yourself, so I may tear you limb from limb”
I whirl around to face the new voice and see a mysterious woman, a hair’s breadth out of striking distance.“You’d do well to listen to a god of warfare, traveller.”
I glare through my eye-slits at the mysterious figure. Booming laughter echoes around us.“Free me from this illusion, demon!”
“If you wish to trifle with beings beyond your comprehension, then come meet your fate!”
Another voice, belonging to a wiry farmer, chimes in.“Now now brother, let us issue our quest.”
Agrees the hooded woman.“Yes, while we have the winds of fate in our favour.”
The booming voice declares.“Very well! You, chosen of fate, will carry the black blade of Kalet-Zur into battle.”
I try to speak and reply but find myself silent as my jaw remains set in place.
The booming voice is joined by the voice of the farmer.“Until you deliver unto us the crown of myth, you will be unable to stray from the path you are set upon”
“Your life as a warrior of order and a servant of law is over.”
They all speak at once.
I come to my senses, wielding an jet-black sword. The forest is still, except for yelling and screaming in the distance. I throw the unfamiliar weapon down and march towards the sound of the shouts.
I find my fellow knights of the order butchering our peasant auxiliaries like animals. One turns to acknowledge my presence before noticing something and marching towards me with bloody intent.
He screams“TRAITOR!”
I see unnatural smoke around my hands and then feel the weight of the dark sword once more.
I know what must be done.
TO BE CONTINUED
