Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2015 16:15:11 GMT -6
Ch 1
More Than a Bucket of Cold Water
Daniel jolted awake freezing. He knew something was wrong before he opened his eyes. Last he vould remember was the warmth of blankets, not to mention the warm summer air. He was anything but warm.
He looked up and saw a misty sky filled with a thick haze. His waist was wet and as he sat up he saw he was laying on the bank of a massive lake. The waterscape was far more beautiful than any he had ever seen.
As enchanting to the eyes as it was, he could only assume he was dreaming. The cold had to have been a trick of the mind, as was the soaked clothes.
However this assumption came to a halt as he lost his balance getting up. He smacked down into the water. The icy coldness should have shocked him awake. However he realized that he was in-fact awake.
He coughed feeling a tingle of his body rejecting the cold. It was one of those coughs that hurts just a little. Enough to assure that he was awake.
He wished he had a dry set of clothes and maybe a jacket or something warm. He had gone to sleep with clothes still on, his jeans and t-shirt. After a long day at the University working in the green house he deserved at least a decent rest.
Denied as it was, he wanted to know at least something about what was going on. How could he be in bed one moment and drenched in icy lake water the next. Looking around he knew there had to be a biulding somewhere.
Yet all he saw was trees, rocks, and in the distance was nothing but more mist.
He rubbed his hands together looking to warm up just a little. At that moment he remembered he had his cigarettes in his pocket with his Pokemon Zippo lighter. The cigarettes were soaked, but the Zippo was fine.
He looked around the trees gathering whatever wood that was dry and put it on the beach of the lake. The wood was barely dry enough to burn, but tender care ensured the precious flame.
After several minutes the fire was finally going steady. Even better news, the sun was coming up and warming up the air. The haze rapidly desolved and the combination was a blessing of the utmost.
He looked sadly at his cigarettes. Wet, ruined, gone. The tobacco mixture leaked and it was no good.
"Always a good day to quit." He said as he threw the pack into the fire. The smell was intoxicating but he had no need for wet or ruined things.
He looked around, the mist no longer obscuring his sight, but what was the point. The view was the same which ever way he looked.
Once the sun was peaked he began striping down trying to dry his clothes. As he did he aligned his positions and stopped to evaluate the situation. His favorite method for problem solving.
"A beautiful place with no houses or biuldings visable. Cold at night, warm in the day. "
He placed his items down and emptied his pockets drapping his pants and socks over the fire on a branch. He took his note pad and pen out of his shirt pocket. He knew it would be useful now and later on.
He had in his pants some pennies and a quarter, with a cereal bar. His back pocket had his wallet with a few dollars and his random assortment of plastic. And his cellphone was in the other backpocket.
It should have worked fine due to being wrapped in a plastic bag. In the other front pocket he had a box of matches for when the Zippo had issues, and a bag of spearmint seeds from work. He didnt know why but he felt he should keep it.
Around his neck he had his torquoise cross neckless from his trip to Chile. And he had his watch that was given to him by his father the last christmas before he passed. Both could be sold if need be. Not that he'd want to, but if he had to buy food or such he could sell either for some small change.
He wrote down his inventory on the notepad.
"A list was always useful." He thought.
Some small change and his wallet if he was lucky may be useful. But luck had never been his freind.
He had his good old worn work boots which would have to last him as would his socks. On his leather belt he had his knife. Nothing fancy but just a knife he liked to carry.
"May be useful someday" he always would say.
It proved itself over and over.
He had his jeans and his t-shirt both which were going to have to last him. His boxers were merely for dignities sake, but still useful.
"Ok now for a game plan." he said
"Stay where you are if you get lost." said most guides for those who were lost.
"No point if i have no idea where in the world i am even at" he thought.
He washed his hair of the dirt in the lake water, which he sniffed also. No chlorine, no mosquito larvae. But he was thisty.
He cupped his hands and scooped a little. Tasting it slowly for any possible issues. In his trip to South America he mastered this art. No perchichlorate, no chlorine, no arsenic, no gasoline flavor. Tasted like pure clean spring water. Was more than refreshing.
The last one was significant. If any towns where nearby or any motor boat ever been here recently he would have tasted it.
He wrote that note down. As well as the what he had experienced so far.
He took his cellphone out of the bag and turned it on. Hoping to at least get some sort of signal. But alas no luck. Not even a 1x data bar or roaming signal. He decided he could use it for pictures. The battery would eventually die so he wouldnt have music or games to occupy his time.
Being that the phone wasnt a major neccessity, he put it aside. Of course the bag, he decided would be useful for water. As it was a gallon bag, it could hold easily a days worth of water.
He put his jeans on which were close to dry, and the t-shirt which had long since dried. His socks felt nice on his feet, all snug and rather clean. The boots he put close to the fire. Using his cellphone he took a picture of the lake and the forest.
He was hungery and was tempted to eat the snack he had, however he knew not of the time he'd be without. While he had gathered wood, none of the plants looked familiar. It was best to go without than take the chance.
He took the warm sun as an opportunity to rest up. As well as a chance to relax as he was trying to decide which way to go. He had to find someone or somewhere to get food, shelter, and just as important...to find out where he was.
As Dorthy from Wizard of Oz once said. "I dont think were in Kansas anymore." In his case he doubted he was even in the USA.
Ch 2
Get Shacked
It was around 6 in the evening when he decided to set off. His water bag tucked under his shirt as it had no handle.
He thought it was best just to head strait away from the lake as he had no landmarks or such to work from.
He turned to stomp out the fire and smothered it with dirt.
For the first time he noticed the countless bizarre animal sounds in the forest. None he had heard before, but nothing here was normal in his case.
He struggled to navigate into the woods, using a large branch to push his way forward.
Vines, ivys, bushes, flowers,thorns, berrys, and trees. None which looked remotely familiar. A particular tree had blue flowers the size of a basket ball. He would have recognized a flower that big. Something was off.
So he plowed forward, knife in one hand and branch in the other. Whacking, hacking, and slashing when ever his path as blocked.
Only thought he had was to go forward. As he went forward he began wondering why he had not seen any animals, even after all the sounds they made. He had no time to wonder.
Food limited, water was as well, but he had a journey of unknown length ahead.
As he surged forward he came upon a clearing. A run down shack in one side to the far right. "Maybe there is someone there, maybe i can get some rest" he said as he noticed the night was approaching.
He walked rapidly wanting to get a little warmth. As he approached he noticed the lack of powerlines or any sort of path. A secluded and closed off biulding with no noticable connection to anywhere else.
He knocked on the door hopefully. Almost as though a prayer was awnsered, the door creaked open. He saw a tall man standing there.
"Hello sir?" he mustered up the strength to ask for help. But stuggled.
"Who are you? What do you want? What are you doing on my property?" the man said in a gruff voice.
In the room behind him was a rustic couch, a table, and a few candles were lit.
The man was burely but his features where not visable in the weak light.
"Im sorry to disturb you sir. I was hoping for some help. I am lost and have no idea where i am. Do you think you could give me directions to the nearest town." He said. Of all things he wanted.
"My name is Daniel, i havent seen anyone else all day." he said "No one except you.
"Wait your one of those humans. " the man looked hastly left to right. " Ok, come in. Do you drink coffee?" the large guy said.
"Thank you, not normally but other than water, I have not had anything all day. " Daniel said. In this weather, coffee sounded good. He gladly walked in. He had never trusted strangers but it didnt matter to him now.
The man walked towards a pot over some burning coals inside was the precious brown gold.
The phrase "One of those humans" popped into Daniel's head. "Sir, pardon for me asking. What did you mean about me being a human?"
Daniel had no idea what the man meant. But what could the worst awnser be?
"You look like a normal young mature male human to me. Obviously your a human."
"Im confused. Of course im a human. What else could i be. Your a human too." he said
He turned around and handed Daniel a wooden cup of coffee. "Son you really dont know where you are do ya? How did you get here?" he said as Daniel took a sip from the cup embracing the warm liquid.
"One moment i was in my apartment, next thing you know i wake up on the bank of the lake. I dont know where i am or how i got here but i am hoping to somehow get information. " he said hopeful.
"The lake huh? You had to have traveled thru the forest to get from there to here. Nothing hard to do, but im amazed you found your way here. As for where you are, we Cyclops are no good with maps. However you are in the territory of Frorstross. "
Daniel almost laughed but coughed instead as the mans single eye was visible barely in the weak candle light.
"Wait you have one eye." Daniel said amazed.
"Yes son, thats why you folk keep us here in the north. Of course that and many of the Frorst Folk hunt your kind for food." he said.
Daniel was about to stand up. But the man said "Dont worry i wont hurt you, i dont think its right hunting those that can speak. Besides i prefer my potatoes over meat any day. "
Daniel didnt know what to think. One day he is working at the University of Bolmonte, the next he is having coffee with a legitimate cyclops. Was rather creepy, however the creature seemed more like a neighbor than a monster.
"As for the town. I would not recommend that you go to any villages in this region. You would be dead before you walked in. Youd have to go south to get to a human village, just beyond the gorge. "
"How far is that?" daniel asked
"Oh kid as much as im sure youd like to see fellow humans. There is no way youll get there on foot. It is easily a couple weeks ride on horseback. That is with you taking the roads. Which would be the death of you. Thats just getting to the gorge. You wouldnt last. "
"Any other ideas?"
"Sorry son, i could talk to a freind of mine in Gotsrog near the border. I may be able to help you get closer. But it would be impossible to get you that far. Not with all the patrols near the border and the Frorst Folk."
It seemed this guy was okay. As for Daniel, he thought back to his family, to his girlfriend Carolina. People he would likely not see any time soon. He had hoped to take her to her favorite resturant on the weekend; and propose to her with the classic ring in the cheese cake stunt. As far as he could tell it was tuesday.
As he thought about her blue eyes and her delightful smile, a small tear peaked from his left eye. Just enough to catch the single eye's glaze.
"Oh what the heck, what do i have to better to do. Do you have a weapon on you. A blade of some sort, in case things go foul. " the beastman asked.
Daniel pulled out his knive which seemed useful but he doubted hed be able to hurt a Cyclops or any other massive beasts like this.
"What is that? A needle, or a toothpick?" he laughed "You are lucky no one else found you here. Youd be on a spit by now"
" Enough chit chat." the not so scary monster said "You are obviously not a local or from the south. I dont know where you are from but id say you are far from home."
He offered me some leftover bread that was going stale.
"I didnt expect company but its what i have."
Daniel broke a piece off. Not wanting to indulge, but he knew he was alot farther from home that he could ever imagine. Being that, this was his first real food he had seen all day. It is likely food was not easy togrt to either.
Daniel thanked the beast sincerely. This 'monster' could have likely saved his life.
"Most humans ask for a name when they meet someone." the Cyclops said "Mine is Rook. What is your name?"
Daniel gladdly shared his name." But my freinds call me Dan."
"You can crash here tonight tomarrow ill head out to the village and see what i can gather. In the mean time ill head to my bed. The bog is in the back, if you need to go make yourself invisible." the massive manlike beast said as he stood up.
The floor creaked as it bore his weight.
As for Daniel. He had no problem or reason to fight the offer of sleep.
The one eyed man went his way to a straw stuffed mattress in the corner of the shack. I aid down using some blankets to cover. The effect of the coffee had warmed me for only so long.
Of course as much as he wanted rest, his mind wieghed heavy. The thought of not knowing anything, it was almost painful. So far he had seen a forest with strange plants. But that could be explained by rational thinking. However the Cyclops was a whole different story. A creature truely impossible. He deep down wanted to give up on anything he held dear.
His family, freinds, his college, and his career. They were all meaningless now. Not to him personally. He desperately missing his normal lifestyle. However everything he knew seemed to far to reach.
His mind buzzed like a swarm of angery bees on steroids, however his imagination took him and left him snoozing. He imagined what else would be in store for him. But he didnt doubt anything was impossible now.
Ch 3
Another Fantasy
Daniel hardly slept. The biulding was far from cozy. Dust and the sound of rats disturbed his attempts. Later on exhaustion was the victor.
He dreamed about home, he dreamed about his boss yelling at him for not showing up for work, and about his family.
He was hopeful that the previous day was the dream. He was hoping the dream was real. That he did miss work and get busted.
However a gruff voice disturbed his sleep. He opened his eyes. Sun light stunned him. His body told him to go back to sleep, but his mind was curious about what woke him.
He saw a single candle lit, the sun had yet to rise. The inhuman being was barely visible. The beastly man was hurriedly packing a bag.
Daniel took a few seconds to come to full senses. When he was fully awaken, he walked up to the Cyclops man.
"What is going on." Daniel asked
On the other side of the Cyclops was a plant. But what struck him wierd was the plant was sitting on a chair.
Sitting...On a chair.
He stepped closer to get a better look. Then the plant moved enough to show a sphere was on it where a flower would have beeb
Daniel saw it blink.
"So this is the human you came to me about. Scrawny, no wonder nothing in the woods got him. They would have still been hungery."
Daniel almost laughed. A plant just cracked a joke.
"Yes, seems a decent enough human. He needs help getting to the gorge. I doubt id be any help. You know why i cant leave." Rook said.
"My name is Ivitrae, it is a pleasure." a vine reached out.
"Um." Daniel stammered as he held the vine in response."Hi"
"Nervous worm isnt he?" the plant said
"Dont worry Dan, she is a old freind of mine." said Rook "Being you didnt know what a Cyclops was i am sure you havent a clue what a Abori Mancer is."
"Abor is tree or something, Mancer is something to do with magic." Daniel said. It was his best guess as the name sounded vaguely more or less like Latin.
"Everyone knows what a Mancer is, but how did you know Abor meant?" the tree lady said.
"It sounded like a language from home. Abor Mancer, sort of like a Pyro Mancer or a Necro Mancer. Am i right?" Daniel asked.
The two responded in silence.
"Its Latin, i studied the language a little back in my college." he admitted.
"Theres no college that teaches that language. And it is not Latin, its ancient Ruinic." she said
Daniel was about to argue when she interrupted.
"And Pyro Mancers are stuck up old Mages, as for Necro Mancers, they have been extinct for many millennia." however as much as they are magic users. They are merely humans playing around with things they cant hardly imagine. " she said. Daniel clearly struck a nerve.
"It is interesting that you know any of the old language. What else do you know? " she asked
Daniel knew Latin from studying latin names in his college courses. He pulled some names off his head as it was not recent information.
"Acer rubrum, Procyon lotor, and thats all i can think of off the top of my head." he said
They were latin names of a common raccoon, and a common red maple tree.
As he saisaid the later, a squeak of a raccoon resounded as a bandit faced furball came scampering towards him.
It was a raccoon.
"What is that?"said the Cyclops.
The plant woman bent down and looked closer at the animal.
"It is a raccoon." Daniel said as he saw the animal come closer and held onto Daniel.
He noticed a bulge in the floor as the biulding creaked. The creaking stopped as a red maple tree rose from the ground and shot thru the roof.
"Okay there are plenty of animals i dont know, but i know every tree. And i dont know this tree." said the plant lady as she felt the tree tenderly and investigated it."
Daniel had no idea what was going on. He had said the latin names for a raccoon and a red maple tree, both which spontaneously appeared.
"Can you explain what is going on, what did i just do?" he asked the Cyclops and the Abormancer.
"Magic." they said. Ivitrae smiled. She knew something.
"That is all well talk about it." she said as she muttered something. Both the raccoon and the tree vanished. " I recommend you dont use your knowledge when you get to the gorge, the humans dont think to kindly of magic users or anyone different than them. "
Daniel half understood and nodded. "How did i do that though?" He said excitedly
"I will only say that you shouldnt use it any more. It can take a toll on a untrained body. As for your question...I said we wont talk any more about it."
"As for getting him to the gorge, consider it done.
Daniel had been startled by the revelation that he used magic.
Rook smiled. "I put some fruit i picked in the bag with some blankets, and a wineskin. "
He pulled out a long knife. Then Daniel realised it was a sword.
"Its not much but its better than the tooth pick you have. I took it off a dead hunter i killed a while back.
Daniel looked at it and picked it up. It was bueatiful and deadly. It was also heavy with an unfamiliar weight to it.
It was like a rpg game or a fantasy novel. He had doubts about this adventure. But he also felt excited. A sword, magic, fantasy creatures. All in his stead.
He held it and smiled. His thoughts of home temporarily put aside. He knew alot more animal and plant species. Not meaning much. But he always wanted to have unique pets. Plants....why not. He wanted to learn more about this magic thing. An art he accidently tapped into. However he had to set his priorities. Even with magic tht he knew of he was defenseless, homeless, and without food or money.
Ch 4
A Happy Moment Cut Short
So far Daniel made friends with a plant lady named Ivitrae and a Cyclops named rook.
But he had yet to make enemies.
Not that he wanted enemies, he knew it was only a matter of time before this sense of peace and security was torn to shreads.
He didnt know what a Earthdrake was, but both Ivitre and the Cyclops did.
The tree he had summoned woke a sleeping Earthdrake in the woods. It was both hungery and angery. It was fast as a demon. And ten times as strong as Rook. In every fantasy a Cyclops was well stronger than a human. That was why they were so feared.
Before anyone knew it they were flying in the air. Pieces of the shack were to follow.
Drake was to be expected of a dragon like creature. This was more of a worm. The worm had a long armored body and was like a giant serpent. Its mouth was full of countless rows of teeth.
And they were sunk into Rook's side.
He knew the wound would be fatal for any mortal creature. Even a Cyclops.
Ivitrae dashed rapidly at the creature with a long pole arm with spikes driping in purple fluid. Looked as vicious as the Earthdrake's mouth.
Daniel had no idea to do. He knew hed be useless with a sword, if it wasnt buried under the rubble somewhere. He wanted to try to summon a animal or do something to help fight. But he wanted to not disobey Ivitraes intruction.
It was when the plant woman screamed that he knew he had no choice.
Her broken weapon flew threw the air, and she was shreaded in the maw of the beast. Not as bloody as he expected.
Then again she was a plant.
He was going thru the names he knew. Against a beast like this a raccoon and a tree would be useless.
Birds eat worms, but not even a prehistoric bird would be able to fight a creature like this. Nothing he could think of.
He thought, he didnt know any of the full latin names of prehistoric. Prehistoric creatures. Velocoraptors were vicious but he couldnt remember thier latin name. Tyranasaurus would be bigger, his luck it would backfire. Likely enough.
Titanaboa. A snake? No no animal would help. No weapon. No tool. But a distraction may help. He had no respect for a extinct snake. So he tried the name. He was lucky that he was wrong about the snake being useless.
"Titanna Boa." to his amazement it was correct. And the snake was real. It was huge as well. It dwarfed the Earthdrake. Several times in size. It saw the EarthDrake and went for the kill. But it was not a boa as its name suggested. It had fangs and jaws of steel. Which sunk the poison filled needles into the armor of the Earthdrake.
But the Earthdrake knew it was done, but had a desperate last bite which took a large chunk largout of the serpent he had summoned.
Both were locked into a death grip. Both doomed to the same fate.
Daniel had saw the death of Ivitrae, he hadnt known her long. However it took a toll on his heart. But to the far right he saw the severed body of the Cyclops. Whic had hurt him more so. He knew both of them for such a short period. Both had been kind to him, the Cyclops had been like a close freind.
He looked behind him. Seeing the rubble. And seeing the Cyclops's remains. It was only proper to say a final fairwell. He used a peice of wood to dig a hole deep enough that he that the body would be covered. Or at least what was left.
The time had flown by. The magical morning, the bloody fight, followed by being alone again. He was back to square one
Alone? Yes.
But not without supplies. He had finally found the bag and his sword was in the rubble as well. Using his belt he hung the sword on the hip like a medieval swordsman. The pack was amusing as it had a wooden frame, with leather from some unknown animal. Inside was about a dozen red fruits, a wine skin and a water skin. Both were made from leather. And of course some blankets.
He said a fair well and a silent thankyou.
But it was half hearted as he knew he had to go to some sort of gorge. From what he understood, it was far south. He figured south due to the fact he came from a lake to the north.
He smiled as he put it on. He put his other belongings in the bag and slung it over his shoulder. It felt odd to the body, but it was useful.
He needed to move, there was no point staying at the graveyard he stode at but even so he needed to be careful.
As he began walking south he felt his stomach gurgle. Realizing he was hungery, he ate the cereal bar, which was potential more energy than any fruits he knew.
He was satisfied and he took a sip from the wine skin. Which was warming, but also stronger than anything he had ever drank. And he had avstrong stomach, but this was stronger than any vodkas or tequila he had before. But it was warming. So he took another sip and sealed it placing it in the bag.
He was kind of missing McDonald's right now. He snickered at the idea of a Cyclops at a McDonald's. But he returned rapidly to the present.
He using his sword like a machete went forward into the brush, several hundred feet.
He swore as he cut himself on a thorn. Which cut deeply into his calf. But he brushed it off as he found a path. Leading generally in the southern direction.
It as around 5ish in the after noon when he came to a cross road, the road interesecting was much larger. Obviously a major route as tracks varied in all shapes and sizes.
He realizing he would potentially meet some unfriendly Cyclops he used a blanket to cover his head and left only enough open to see and breathe out of.
It was then he chose a direction as neither went south.
On a sign he saw 2 names, Gotsrog in one direction and Oreswell in the other. Gotsrog held a freind of Rook. But it was a risky chance. He didnt even know the name of this 'freind'.
He was not sure but he had to choose. It was then he wondered if he could summon a steed to help him get to his destination.
He pulled out a coin.
"Heads Gotsrog, Tales Oreswell. "
It landed on tales. And that decision was made.
He was then trying to decide what to summon for his ride. A horse would be boring and typical, but he knew how to ride a horse, a trex would be dangerous, a raccoon would be too small.
He flipped again.
"Heads horse, tales something else."
The awnser was tales.
He wanted to do something unique, but nothing massive. He conftributed his sudden hunger before to summoning such a huge beast like the Titanna Boa.
He then gave up and said. "Canis lupis major.....rubrum"
Thus a massive red wolf walked into sight. It was easily larger than a horse. But it was awesome in Daniel's eyes.
He hesitated wanting to name it. All steeds need a name. But he didnt know what to pick. So he picked...Scooby.
"Okay Scooby we're going that way, and i need to rest my feet." he explained. However the beast already knew its purpose was as a steed.
He climbed on its back and they dashed forward. The wolf with its powerful muscles drove forward like a car. The fur was warm and snug. It was late and all the magic he did that day was taxing.
It didnt take long for him to loose track of time, nor for him to fall to sleep.
He dozed off watching trees pass. Buss, tree, bush, tree, rock, bush, tree, tree, rock.....
And thus he was out like his body had demanded.
Ch 5
Oreswell is Swell
Daniel had a restoring sleep, feeling oddly refreshed. More so than normal sleep held. He had no dreams, bad or good.
He was glad for that, as dreams taint the mind.
He however found himself laying on the dirt. The taste of something foul in his mouth. The lack of fur under him.
He woke up seeing his summoned wolf was gone. He knew it was pointless naming it. But he was fine. He understood magic was not in his expertise. He knew there had to be a reason it was gone.
However he was not alone.
He looked up seeing a trio Cyclops starring and one pointing.
Daniel had lost his hood which was laying beside him. One of the Cyclops was larger than the other two.
"Hey Momma, its a Two-eye." said with a feminine one as it pointed.
The other reached trying to touch him with his or her hand. "Can we eat it? " said the other apparently a male.
The 'Momma' smacked his hand.
"You know we dont eat humans here. Morgg take your sister to the school house. I'll see you after you get home."
"But Mooom..."
"I'll have that pie you two like ready when you get home. " said the mother
Daniel was hoping his ears werent deceiving him, he had seen another Cyclops and two children and heard that they werent going to eat him.
He rose to his feet slowly, almost loosing his balance.
Apparently still recovering from his use of magic. He had to be careful what he summoned. A giant tree, a giant snake, and a giant wolf. All were large and he was fresh in the art. He suspected magic took practice as well as training wheatever allowed the magic to be done. He decided today he would not use any magic. It would be best to recover.
He smiled. And thanked her for not cooking him. Half jokingly. She took the joke amd laughed. "Its not common to see a human here. But it is always nice to see a freindly face. She said as she held him steady.
"You took quite a fall. I dont know where or how, but i think you broke something. " she said as he stumbled and felt his left leg give out.
Pain shot thru his leg and he knew she was right. He didnt know what it felt to break a bone, but now he did. His record of unbreakablility had come to and end.
How he didnt know, probably fell off the wolf wrong.
"I keep hearing Cyclopses will eat me, but so far they have only helped out." he said as she helped him to a bench.
"In the last few months many Cyclops have been fighting for equality between humans, but many will gladly eat a human. " she said
"Enough talk we need to get you to the doctor. " she said sounding motherly.
"Hey Morrison will you keep this humans things safe? I need to take him to Gladle ." she said calling someone. From a biulding behind Daniel a young Cyclops came out and picked up his bag and pulled his sword from his belt.
"Hello sir, im the carpenter here, my name is Morrison. Most laugh at it because its a human name, but its my name. And yours?" he asked.
"Daniel." Daniel replied. "Thankyou, just dont loose it. Its all i got." he continued
The mother Cyclops said her name was Quay. As she picked him up with ease. Positioning him so his leg would not be bothered.
She was like a dinosaur strong and burly. As she carried him he recieved a breif tour. Seeing a smith, a produce market, produce, a butcher, a tavern,and many other un identifiable biuldings. All decently biult yet rustic.
Eventually he was set down on a stump. As strong as she was, she was gentle. Probably due to her motherly instinct.
She shouted for the doctor. Who was unoccupied. "Yes? Oh Quay what are you doing here? The kids didnt get hurt again fighting, did they? " he said until he glanced at Daniel.
"What is a human doing here? " he asked"wait is he who needs help?"
"Yes, he messed up his leg. I carried him here."
"Oh wow, it would be my privilege to help. I have never done any work on a human, but as far as i inow they are just thinner boned. I should have no issues healing it. May help give me experience.
Daniel didn't like the choice words, but he was rather limp in options.
"Um sir, it woulf be great if you could help. I dont know how far,i have to go yet. But i cant do much like this. Can you help? Illjust need something to knock me out while you do so. " he said
"No problem. You didn't expect me to sew your bone together while your conscious did you?
With Quay and the docters help he was ushered to a wooden work table, disigned for a larger subject, but he didnt expect much. He wondered how this surgery would work, magic, by hand? Or maybe some other odd method.
He didnt want to think to into it. The doctor put a large rag with a powerful aroma over his face and went to work.
The rag contained a powerful sedative that knocked him out on the spot.
"Hey Margaret it is time for you to do your work." said the doctor.
A cluster of smoke surrounded the injury.
It was a wisp. A sort of spirit. One that decided to help with its unearthly abilities.
"This is a pleasant surprise doctor, a human. But he is very odd. His body seems different than other humans ive seen. Its like hes not related to any human in the realm. His genetic make up is that of a human. But it is not normal as per say"
"What do you mean?" the doctor asked " is he going to be okay?"
"Yes he will, it will take longer to heal though. I will suggest he remains off the break for a while. Even with our ability i doubt any magician or sorcerer could heal it like i would normally. Of course as i stitch the cells together they i can see this body is very old in structure. His body is similar to the structure of a original human, before the merge. "
"Thats not possible, the merge between the human world and our plane happened over six millennia ago. You mean he is an original human."
"Absolutely, i dont know how but he is here. One of the flaws with the original humans was their weak bones. When our realm merged humans all died except for the strongest which evolved. And the gravity was immense even the strongest humans had trouble. How he got here is a mystery and what he is doing here is also. But he shoukd be healed up in about a week.
"At least he will heal. But its amazing you know i dont share my patients unformation but imagine what kind of publicity i would get, what we'd get.
"Dont think about it. If it is natural or magic related it is his business not ours. Our job is his health; that is all.
"He should be awake soon. I have done all i can for him. The rest is up to his body."
The wisp named Margaret said
"Okay how much do you think we should charge? " the doctor said. "This is not a normal case, and you spent more than your normal energy on him."
"Honestly, i would doubt he has much money. You should be generous, how often do we get such a rare patient here, let alone a human." Margaret replied
"Generosity, pffft. Since he is a freind of Quay ill let it slide. As many times as weve had to repair the kids injuries. I think we should offer them a break."
Daniel was waking slowly. First thing he noticed was the lack of pain in his leg. Ghen he noticed Margaret. "Thank you i hope i wasnt to much trouble. " he said greatfully .
He hopped of the ledge of the platform he was laying on. "That was fast healing. Was worried how bad it was." he said
"Dont be to happy, you need to let it finish healing, be gentle on it and id give you about a week and it will be finished healing. "Said the wisp.
"Hope you dont mind me asking, since ive been in Frorstross i havent seen many beings. Ive seen quite a few Cyclops, a Abormancer, and a Earthdrake. What are you?
Just as he asked, Quay walked in. "How is he? Is he okay?"
Margaret explained what she was and that she used her magic to heal his injury as much as she could.
"Thankyou so much i dont know what this town would do without you two." Quay said.
"Wait you said you seen a Earthdrake. How did you get away from it. Those are rare in this region, but are fast and strong. Did a Cyclops or the Abormancer save you? " asked the doctor.
Daniel told how he met Rook and Ivitrae.
"Wow Rook? I havent seen hin in years. How is he? " asked Quay.
"He and the Abormancer are dead, they died fighting the Earthdrake." he said leaving out the fact he could use a little magic.
"Once they were both dead i knew i had to get going. Otherwise i would be dead too." He said.
"I am amazed it didn't follow you. You must be a good runner." said Quay.
Margaret wasnt so convinced but she let it slide.
"Well i have to get home and prepare that pie promised the kids. "
"Ugh Quay you spoil those kids so much" said the doctor.
"Yeah i do, but i love them." she said as she and Daniel prepared to go.
"So how much do we owe you " she asked. Daniel interrupted as he began to take off his necklace. It was important to him. But his mother would rather he have his leg than a necklace.
"Oh mam its on the house. Besides its only a matter of time before the kids come in." said Margaret
Daniel was relieved and amazed at how friendly these Cyclops were. Every Cyclops he had met had been willing to help him some how.
He smiled and thanked the doctors. And he and Quay left.
Ch 6
Peace Of Mind
Quay and Daniel walked back to the carpenter's house where they picked up his belongings.
"Thankyou Sir." Daniel said. He felt with such nice folks they deserved formality and respect.
"Daniel...You need to rest that leg, i doubt you have a place to stay and the inn here isnt to relaxing. If youd like you can stay with me and the kids. Im sure theyd like to meet you properly. "
Daniel had to rest the leg and be gentle with it for about a week. He wondered if practicing his magic would take a toll. But he didnt think much of it. Ivitre told him to be very careful about it. He didnt want any unnecessary attention.
"Sure. What is this pie you mentioned. " he asked.
"Oh its a simple recipe. My mother used to make. Gorseblain pie with geyser nuts. The kids say its thier favorite but they just like the sugar."
Geyser nuts, gorseblain...the fruit in Rook's bag. He didnt know what any of it was but he always enjoyed the natural sweetness of fruit tainted with sweetness of baked goodery.
"Never heard of it, but im sure its good." he said
He followed Quay who invited him to stay with her till his leg was fine to walk on. Of course he didnt know why he was supposed to not walk on it, as it felt good as new.
He smile and shook hands with several townsfolk as they walked through the small town. "This is Oreswell am i correct? Am i pronouncing the name correct?"
"Yes, you are and you said it correctly. " she said clearly deep in thought.
"Is something wrong?" he asked
"No, well sort of. You said that the Cyclops named Rook, over in the forest was dead am i correct." she asked
"Yes, i saw it happen." he said.
"wait. Did you know Rook?"
"He is my husbands' brother? Or he was." she said.
Daniel continued walking. "He told me he knew someone in Gotsrog. Didnt mention anyone else."
"Its a long story, Rook was a good man. He and my husband both strived for equal treatment between us and humans. Then a rogue horde attacked him and killed most of Rooks family and some humans they were helping. No one saw him since." she said.
"Rook and my husband were the only two to survive the massacre. Rook never got over the loss of his children and lover. " she continued "My husband is the one he probably was talking about."
"Isnt he here in Oreswell?" he asked "No he is at a meeting with the representatives of the regions. Trying to discuss options for peace." she explained as they came up to a bakery.
She ushered him through a metal gate. The smell of unnamed baked goods still lingered almost paralysing him as his stomach gurgled. He had eaten stale bread and a cereal bar.that was all he had for the last two days. He may have had a fruit from his bag but couldnt remember.
"Child you must be smelling the Bristlecomb buns i made this morning for the childrens' breakfast. You sound like you are hungery, i think i can muster up something for you to eat." she said as she put the backpack down.
As she did the bag tore, obviously it was old and worn. The contents spilled out. The fruits he had in there spilled all over the floor.
"Oh what is this?" she said as she picked one up. "Oh you didnt eat any of these did you?" she said.
A dozen on the floor meant a certain no. "Why is there something wrong with them?"
"Oh these are unripe. When these Caperoons are not rip they are toxic." what have you had to eat yesterday? "
"I had some bread and a some of nuts and grain." he said trying to explain the cereal bar.
"Oh wow. No wonder you are hungery. Let me make you something to eat before you fall over."
He didnt want to intrude to much, "i also had some coffee."
"Boy, didnt your momma tell ya how to eat?" she said as she ushered him to a table. She placed some milk that smelled wierd, not like a sour wierd, but just not like milk. She also placed a loaf of recently baked bread with some sort of fruit jam.
"Boy what are you doing up here with so little food and supplies. Didnt your momma teach ya sense?" she said.
"Honestly. I dont know where 'here' is." he said realizing he hadnt explained how he got here.
"I washed a shore at a lake up north of Rooks cabin, he was the first person i seen. When i saw him i didnt even have anything. He gave me the bag shortly before his passing." he explained as she sliced the bread and slathered jam on it."
So far every biulding he had seen was short of a third world house. But the food was all that mattered, and getting by. Besides he doubted they had a Merry Maids or a Home and Garden Show.
Of course here it was furnished like a typical backwater cabin. But it was cozy.
He held himself from acting like a ravenous dog and shoving as much as food in his mouth as possible.
He felt safe strangely enough. He did not know where he was, but he had to make the best of it. He felt that it was time to let his past go. He had a opportunity to have a change of career so-to-speak.
Magic, fantasy creatures, old rustic villages, swords, and baked goods made of wierd named produce. He had all the makings of a fantasy story. One he could make into his own.
He was thinking on his last couple days, and he was thinking about his knowledge from his home place. Whatever it was in comparison to where he was.
He could be a knight, a farmer, a mercenary, a robin hood type, or he could study magic and be a mage of some sort. He could have his dream as a shop owner of a herbal shop. But he knew he needed to find information before he did any of that. He needed to learn how life works. He never read a Fantasy Life for Dummies book. But he had time to think and besides that he had to care for his leg.
"You okay?" said Quay. She caught him deep in thought. He nearly fell out of his seat as she startled him.
"Oh yeah sorry. Honestly i feel a little tired. Do you have somewhere i can rest?" he asked. He needed to refresh his mind.
"Yes follow me." she said as she picked up his bag. " Ill toss out the bad fruit while you rest.
She had him follow to a set of stairs that went up to a second. There was several doors one which contained a guest bed. He laid down and felt his body almost fuse to the mattress as he embrassed the relaxed position.
"Ill make something to eat. You can come down whenever you are ready. " she said as she placed his bag down.
She walked out the door and returned with a pail of water several minutes later. She had collected it from a well outside.
"If you want to wash up later help yourself. " she said.
Daniel was feeling thankful to whatever god was watching over him. He was thankful for someone who was careing for him in his time of need.
He spashed some on his face and soaked his hair in the bucket, then returning ot the bed. The cool water was soothing and helped him relax his muscles more. He felt the sleep creeping up and it took him.
Sleep took him like a thief in the night. Or so to speak as he welcomed the sleep as though it were a old freind.
Meanwhile down stairs Quay was preparing a stew made from something similar to chicken, which different types of plants and herbs. She had a pie that she promised to her children baking in a stone oven made of crude cut stones.
She heard the children practically a mile way or some would think. By the time the children were in the door she had the pie and some milk on the table waiting for them. She had the soup cooking steady on a brick wood stove. The smell of fresh burned wood filled the house.
Quay was sitting in a chair working on a quilt that she had work on every day for time untold.
"Hey Momma. Guess what we learned today?" said the eldest of the children who was named Morgg.
"What honey?" she asked half listening while focusing.
"We learned about the old world. The one where there were only humans." said his sister named Marin.
"Oh what did you learn?" she asked. She had always enjoyed learning about the humans. Especially the days before the Merge.
A history long treasured, little was known about the days before the planes of Earth and Perma merged. Of course that happened almost back in the Earth year 2028. It was the Year of the Bronze Wolf in her own world, the year records were so different but simple on Earth.
"There was these things called phones you could press it and you would be able to talk to someone else on the other end. And they had these things called cars. They were like carts but moved on their own. And there was this giant village bigger than any since then. It was called New York City. It was hundreds of miles wide. " she heard the children roll off all kinds of facts she could hardly believe. Maybe they were true maybe not,
The kids continued to go on. But she listened, she also wondered where Daniel had come from. He claimed to have came from the north but there isnt any humans there. The only humans are south of the gorge. She also wondered did he have any knowledge on the history of humans. In the merge human history was suddenly lost. According to historians, all that remained were nameless artifacts. Many which were scraped down or just thrown away.
She intereupted them wanting to get back to working on the soup. "Hey remember i promised you the pie. It is waiting for you. One slice each you dont want to spoil dinner. You can have more after dinner."
They both dashed to where the table was and dove into their snack.
She just hoped that the kids wouldnt be trouble for the human she had upstairs. She was sure he had a interesting backstory being so far north. However she didnt want to intrude on his privacy. She still was wondering how he managed to get to town without noticing the broken leg, she assumed he injured himself with the Earthdrake.
She shrugged and went onto the task at hand.
Daniel didnt come down till after the kids were sent off to bed. Of course he ate heartily as she saved an extra portion for him. Lack of healthy food or even food alone took a toll on ones body. And she could see missed more than a few meals.
That night they both went to bed. Quay later as she was reading a news paper she purchased that morning.
Ch 7
Political Mayhem
The following morning was not peaceful at the least.
Quay woke up and looked out her window. Outside she saw smoke on the otherside of the street several Cyclops were smashing their way through the house. And she saw the other houses were littered and many burning. She saw the corses of her neighbors and saw thier heads were staked on spears in the street.
This was a group she grew to hate,but they never came into Oreswell. They were a group called the Justices They hunted any humans and killed any human sympathizers. They claimed humans were inferior and were only meant for food.
She doubted they knew Daniel was in her home. It was well known that Oreswell backed many pro-human projects. Many pro-relations officials lived in Oreswell.
Whatever the case was, she had her children and a human in her house. Niether would she let get hurt.
She saw her kids were already awake. Before her husband left for Gotsrog he biult a tunnel from the cellar to the ouskirts of the valley. From there it was a long shot to any towns nearby. Before she got that far she had to get everyone out of the house.
She rushed to the childrens room and threw some clothes and belongings in a bag for each. She told them to run to the cellar and wait for her.
From there she went to wake up daniel. However he was already awake. Sword clipped to his belt. Using a curtain and some string he had made some repairs to the broken bag.
That bag was filled with what meager belongings he owned and some blankets.
"Are they here for me, or for you for helping me?" he asked.
"I dont know, but we have to go." she said as she threw some of her own belongings in a bag.
"There is a tunnel in the cellar, lets go. " she said
"Did you pack any food for the road?" he asked thinking more of the kids.
"No we dont have time. Lets go." she said as she pushed him towards the stairs. "Take my things." he said as he handed her his bag. "Ill meet you at the end of the tunnel. "
He had magic and a sword. Hed use the later unless need arose. " ill grab some food. And meet you there. "
Before she could respond he made a break for the kitchen.
There he found a burlap bag and began collecting bread, dried meat, some dried fruits, and whatever he could find.
Before he left he found a jar of cooking oil. He put it on top of the door where it would fall on the first Cyclops to enter.
He lit it and made a run for the cellar where he grabbed some more candles and more food. He put the candles and more dried food items in the bag. Before exitinh he grabbed a hachet, a hammer, and a sharpening stick. He tied the tools to his bag and searched for the tunnel.
He found the small passageway behind a pile of junk and he said the Latin name for poison ivy, and green brier.
The two intertwined as he said the names and they covered the passageway as he just went under. He heard the jar above crash followed by a shriek in pain.
He knew the vines would give him enough time to get through the tunnel.
He turned around and ran with all his strength and his heavy load on his back.
He assumed the food would last them a couple days but he had no idea where Quay intended to go with the children.
He eventually found the exit, which was right next to a small creek. There he saw the kids and Quay. They waited for him as he asked of Quay.
"They wont be able to follow us from the tunnel." he said as he exchanged the bag with Quay for his own. He hung the hatchet from his belt, and handed Quay the hammer.
"I assume you have a plan of where we should go. " he asked
She shook her head. "My husband will want to know where we are, but seeing him now is to dangerous. Gotsrog is to dangerous for humans or us." she said
He had hoped she had an idea of where to go.
He spoke up. "I am hearing that the gorge is where the humans are, we can go there. We can go over together. " he suggested. He could possibly make a cheap buck from his magic. And they could lay low.
"Sadly i doubt you can help us across, theyll never let us cross. Not our kinda." she said
"Any better suggestions?" he said. He hoped to hear one. "You have a map by any chance?"
She pulled one out her bag passing it to Daniel. It wasnt a map from MapQuest but he had an idea where he was.
He found Oreswell and saw Gotsrog to the north east. Not that they wanted to go there.
He found a town labelled to the south east. It was named Rat. It was rather far east, uncomfortable closer to Gotsrog than Oreswell.
"Any listen here that may be safe?" he asked.
"I dont know but it would be several days walk any villages nearby. At least three weeks from Rat to Pasco.
"Roads or no roads? Horse or no horse?" he asked. He was considering trying to steal a few horses the next town or village he saw.
"Thats on horse, and on the roads. In good times, without anyone hunting you. " she said.
By this point he was getting impatient. She couldnt give a helpful awnser. Or at least something helpful.
"Hey human, is it true? Did they have phones that you could talk to others through?" said the male "Was New York City really hundreds of miles wide?" asked the sister.
"Wait how do you know about phones? And New York City?" he asked half taken by surprise.
"We learned about it in history class. Is it true? " she asked.
History class? Woah things from his home world was in the history classes here. He felt motivated more now. If he figured out his relation to his home world. Maybe he could return.
"Lets head to Rat. If we find a town before we get there well stay there and plan our travel. As for the history. If you behave ill tell you all about it when we get there." he took out his phone. " and ill show you this." he said
The children were ages 10ish and 14ish at least according to his estimate. He didnt intend to show anyone his phone as it may cause issues with the local religious folks.
Usually technology is considered dark magic in places where they dont understand it. But he felt he could trust the family with him with it.
They decided to head for Rat. It was far, but they had food to last them a while and they had nothing but time.
Everyone had thier things. But no one knew what would happen.
"Usually there is a town or a house along a river, we may be able to find something useful there if we follow this river." he announced.
He dug his heel into the ground etching a small long indent. Along with the word RAT before it. He didnt know if it would get through. But if the father of the kids investigated, it was sure to deliver a message. He hoped that hed get to thank the father for the tunnel he had made. And at least let the father know his family was okay thus far.
He carried what he could of the childrens belongings, as did Quay. They were kids they didnt deserve this. He understood racial tensions but within their own rsce it was stupid. Not that he approved eitherway.
Everyone nibbled on dried fruit and a piece of bread. And their stomachs were hushed for the time being.
They occasionally stopped to break for the children. Some points taking a hour or more to rest. As they all utilized the break. He and Quay took turns taking watch.
He doubted anyone could have followed them, but they had to be certain.
They were on the move. And he was wandering again, but at least now he had company.
Ch 8
Stonetro
The first settlement they encountered was small 5 biulding 'village'. It held 3 houses, a woodmill, and a inn. Probably not much, but it was quiet. The sun was dying down and the cool air was rampant.
But Daniel and Quay both agreed that the children needed rest. They followed the river for 3 days.
In a small place like this, word of a human would not spread fast, but if it spread at all, they would be good as dead. So he used a blanket to cover his head and face only showing one eye.
Quay had a small pouch of coins and she handed three to the in keeper.
"We need somewhere quiet for my eldest son, he needs to rest. A human hurt him badly. " she said to the innkeeper. She inferred to Daniel in that statement.
The innkeeper ushered the family up the stairs and they were led to a pair of rooms one for Daniel and Quay and one for the children. Both were litely furnished but the decide it was a good idea to break.
It was then Quay tucked the children into the beds. After which he and Quay went to the room.
"I wasnt expecting that but thanks. Probably saved our skins." he said to Quay.
"Hey just because you arent my child doesnt mean i wouldnt enjoy calling you kin. You probably saved us with the food run you did last minute. You are kind to us, same as i wish we could all be kind. I wish the world wasnt so complicated. You and the kids get along decent. And that thing you showed them helped keep them quiet. I expect they forgot about it. But it helped." she said.
"Kin is good enough. We are in a tough situation together may as well be like kin. As for this.." he pulled out the cellphone."i doubt they forgot. I know kids are like, i have several nieces and nephews at home. I know the ups and downs with them.
"Good to here. Its hard taking care of them alone. As for that item you have...what is it anyway?"she asked
"This is called a cellphone. Its similar to a phone that the kids wanted to ask about. As for the New York City question. New York is not that big, it is huge but not that huge." He said hoping he was right. He had no idea how big it was, but 100 miles is pretty wide.
"Wait this is a type of phone? Does it work?" she asked.
"So far it hasnt worked since i was at the lake at the far north. It has my music and some pictures, but it has no signal here. So it cant work." he said. He turned it on to show Quay.
"It has limited energy left but, it can do somethings for now." he said. It was honestly a really old phone for his own time. It was almost 7 years old and worked decent. As for the whole history class thing he didnt understand.
"The kids said they learned about phones and New York City from history, can you explain. "
"Yes, im surprised you dont know you own history. Of course they were learning the history about you humans. Occasionally they get ro learn about the history before the human plane named Earth and our plane Perma collided. After the collison the worlds fused. Destroying most history of humans oddly. None was lost for the elves, dwarves, us, or any other race. We all had the records on tablets. The humans didnt have it recorded. At least not anyone could find. Of course that is old history, very old. The merge happened several millennia ago. "
Okay that was alot to take in, he had a where finally, sort of a when, but the how and why were in the air. Some how he got hurled really far into the future. As for the lost history he knew why it was lost. It ws likely it was all on the internet. thein a world like this internet is non-existent.
Non the less he knew alot of his own history. He didnt know anything about what happened the time after he was warped to this place. It still seemed unfathomable. But she said there were dwarves, elves, and more. He had the whole platter of fantasy beasts in this world. If he couldnt get home, maybe he could at least have a half decent time here. He loved books like the Inheritance Cycle, and the Harry Potter series. His favorite game was probably Skyrim. All included magic, unique monsters, and a world not of his own. Of course they also included dragons. Dragons were a fantasy of pretty much any human. So mystifying. Just barely impossible in his own world. But here maybe not.
And of course scattered in fantasies were ogres, orcs, goblins, giants, harpies, griffons, vampires, werewolves, and so many others. He assumed at least a couple of those were here as well.
"Hey are there dragons?" he asked." Or fairies, or Orcs?"
"The yeah faeries tend to stay to themselves, but you can never trust them. As for orcs, they stay in the barren land. No one likes them, they are vicious killers, they used to raid our settlements and humans when they were up here and south of the gorge. Not to many dragons, no one has seen any and lived afterwards. But we know they are out there. Occasionally a farmer will find his herds burnt or dragon dung in thier fields. "
Daniel imagined what all the fantasy creatures looked like. And he was sure there were creatures that he didnt know of, like a Earthdrake or the Abormancer.
He put his phone down.
"Hey i am going to take a walk." he said. "If the kids wake up give them the phone to play with."
"You sure? I am sure it would be worth alot, but i doubt itll survive the kids. " she said
Worth alot of money? He needed money. Everyone needs money, he of all people.
"Show it to them but make sure they dont break it. I dont want to break a promise. " he said
He wanted to go and wash and perhaps practice some magic. Or practice with his sword.
"Here i sew this the night before they raided Oreswell. Its a cloaked. It may help you out. You need to be more careful. You took a huge risk with the food. But you got lucky. " she said.
It was a dark green cloak with a hood and all. Just a little to big, but enough to cover most of his features. He tried it on. It was then he realized he hadnt changed clothes in almost a week.
He made it his goal to purchase some clothes next town they arrived to.
He had his sword tucked under his cloak. Surprising the cloak was very warm. Quay hugged him. And he went off heading outside.
Outside he saw a sunset. The villagers were preparing for the cold of night. So it would be easy to get around unnoticed.
He went down to the river and sat down in the cool flowing water, he slipped off the clothes down till he was barren. Using the water he sosked the dirty clothing and he hung the clothing on a branch. Underneath he had lit a strong flame. Using latin to control its heat as well as to feed it. It was the first time he had made anything inanimate. So it was a accomplishment for him.
The water was cold, however he ignored it. He bathed in colder water in the Andes of Chile.
While he was bathing he rubbed some of the ashes from the fire on his skin, using the oils to clean his skin of dirt and grime. It was a trick he learned in Chile.
He was starting to think that his trip to Chile was more useful now than ever. Learning tricks that he would need to survive.
How to light a good fire, a healthy fire. And using ashes to wash. Who would have thought.
He considered that he was clean enough as he felt that his body was refreshed. The clothes were dry and barren of dirt or sweat. He was amazed how clean and pure the water was. And he expected the clothes to still be a little dirty.
He was about to get out when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"What do you think you are doing in my river?" said a feminine voice.
He quickly turned around to see a shadow standing in the water. It had a strange shape, he knew it was talking to him.
"Im sorry i was washing." he said hoping it wasnt a threat.
"Ugh your stench and the smoke from the fire you lit. Its aweful. How dare you."
She slapped him knocking him down.
"Sorry, im so sorry." he said confused.
She said it was her river. "I didnt know you owned the river." he said hoping she would accept his stammering apology.
"You think i am going to let you leave after that? I see now you are a human."
Fear sunk in, whatever it was knew he was a human.
"It has been a long time since i tasted one of you kind. But dont worry i can fix that problem. Its a good thing a skipped lunch today." she said showing a serpentine figure. It was scaly and grotesque like a old lady with nothing but scales on her skin. A super old lady.
She had a snake like head. But she had scaly arms and she had a long brown tail. He coloration was like that of a water moccasin.
Why didnt he think before going in the water. Of course there was something living there.
His sword was with his clothes and this creature was going to eat him. He mustered up to say. "What are you?"
The snake lady stopped. "Dont tell me you havent seen one of my siblings before. I know they have Naga like me in the southern kingdoms.
The word bounced off his tongue, he remebered now. They were literally. A mash-up of human and snake. And likely had fangs.
"No offense, i didnt mean to tread on your river. " he said hoping to ward her off.
"Sorry doesnt keep me fed." she said as she wrapped her tail around a foot.
He had no choice but to summon something to kill her. He was unarmed except for the magical latin.
With a shout, he summoned some fish. Which splashed into the water.
"Ah a magician to, but fish wont help you. You should have made dinner plans." she said.
It didnt take her long to let go of daniel as she felt thousands of teeth sinking into her. The fish were not just fish, they were piranhas. And from experience he knew how ravenous they could be.
With a thrust he swam to the shore, and the naga tried to follow with rage. But rage wasnt enough as the piranhas had just finished chewing through her lower body.
With a grimace he watched them devour her. He froze the river before he left as to kill the fish. He didnt want them to hurt anyone else who came upon them unexpectedly.
He had made a obvious advance. He didnt know how he did, but he expected he would grow.
He put his clean clothes on, and he put his cloak on.
He had killed a naga nad an earthdrake so far using his magic. He doubted the killing was done, but he was feeling empowered. He wondered at the same time if there was somewhere he could get tutoring.
He never believed in magic in his old life. But now he had knowledge he was lethal with.
He returned to the moment, and put out the fire wish some water. He returned to the inn, eventually finding his room. There Quay was already asleep.
He opened the door to the childrens room, and saw them both safe and sound.
He closed the door, returning to his room where he sat down on the bed.
He streched and then put the fiberous blanket over him self. He was angery with the heavens for his fate away from home, yet grateful. With a prayer to "whom it may concern" he fell a sleep. The chirps of some bug on the floor were all that could be heard.
Ch 9
Solo
Daniel rose early that morning. The night before he nearly died because of knowledge he didnt know.
In his dreams the family with him was the ones that died.
He realised his negligence and ignorance could kill them as much as himself. He enjoyed the short journey they had, but it was weighing on his heart.
He also deep in his heart desired to find answers for his existence here.
The mother could take care of the kids if be. But he doubt shed find somewhere safe. If it is really that dangerous, they should travel separate. He grabbed the map and his note pad. Copying the map on one sheet, he wrote a message on the other.
Quay,
I am going ahead. I read the map and i am going to go ahead of you and the kids. I feel it is more dangerous for us to travel together than separate.
I took a few food items, some candles and some other essentials from what i brought.
I left all you need without making it to heavy for you. I am going to head south as well. Rather than Rat i am going to Portia.
I will be fine. If anything happens to me i left my phone and a small token of value. Either should help you care for the kids. Tell them ill see them when you get here. Ill find an inn in Portia a small village south of Rat.
Youll find a yellow flower at the steps of the inn im staying at. If you decide not to follow i understand. " he wrote.
He also drew a picture of what the flower would look like. It was a simple rose. Easy to identify. He also drew the thorns.
He grabbed his bag, some dried food,his cloak and sword. He left the knife he brought from home in case the kids ever needed it.
He left with the belongings he had packed. The inn keeper gave him a odd look, but he wasnt paying any attention.
He had his pack on his back, the cloak hid his features as well as the hammer and sword at his belt.
He quickly sped up pace, heading for the river where he took a few minutes guessing where south was. The sun rose in the east, so it was easy enough.
Daniel waded through a shallow part and began jogging south.
He wanted to make sure they didnt follow him. It was only a matter of time before a enemy found him again.
---
"Hey Daniel you awake?" said Quay as she rose from her bed.
She turned and saw the note that daniel had left for her, reading it.
Before she was half way through she understood, but said"Child you are a stupid. Wont last the day out there.
She looked out the window. It was still sunrise so he couldnt have been far.
She ran out the door, down the steps, and then outside.
The innkeeper interrupted her thoughts. "He crossed the river. Once you cross the river there is no return. Thats where the Lord of the Hunt is. " she said
Quay was struck with fear. She didnt know where this villahe was on the map. Ahe definitely knew who the lord of the hunt was.
"I have to get him, can the kids stay here till i return. " she said.
The innkeeper understood her worry as she had grand children of her own in the next house over.
Quay grabbed the axe that Daniel had left her and made a mad dash for the river which she would never have crossed if Daniel hadnt.
She knew she had to find him before the Lord of the Hunt did.
---
It was noon high, and he was taking a break in a small cave. He had seen all sorts of creatures he didn't recognize but he didnt even begin to place names on them.
He took out a peice of bread and began eating along with some spiced wine he had taken.
He never tried spiced wine, he tried some other wine and hated it. But this spiced wine was a alcoholic art peice.
While he had been eating he watched river far off. He was on the slope of a hill, and was several miles from Stonestro. He didnt know where exactly, he just knew the river was far away now ,and that he was going south.
As he finished up his small meal he placed the wine skin in the bag and heard a tree in the distance rustle. Looking forward he gazed down the slope.
He saw a pair of trees move, one of them fell down with a crash. Another and yet another followed
He left his bag in the tree and hopped down. He had his sword on his belt, and the cloak covered him.
He left his bag uo in the tree and climbed down. Probably a stupid idea, but his curiousity was heavy. He just had to know what it was.
He walked as stealthily as possible going towards the commotion. He held his sword and walked from tree to tree. As if it would help defend him from a tree smashing monster.
He looked into the clearing and saw not one but two beasts. One was a massive lizard, the other was a hideous looking man. It was to ugly to be a man but he didnt have a Smithsonian Guide to Monsters with him to identify it.
The lizard was unlikely a dragon. It had no wings. If it was a dragon he was disappointed. He watched with amazement not sure who to root for.
As he watched he noticed the man figure had two pitchblack eyes. It had two eyes, but definitely not human eyes.
He watched and noticed that a leg of the lizard was restrained witha. Heavy chain and the lizard was fighting a loosing battle.
"Hey you. Ugly! I am assuming that is your name. It looks fitting." he shouted.
What ever the two legged monster was, it had no aspect of ugly sparred. Of course in one hand it had a large spiked club.
He guessed by the look it was either a ogre or a troll. If it was a troll, it was an ionic troll. It was trolling some lizard.
He saw the creature turn and it charged at him with the club over head. It swung down barely missing his head. But as ugly as it was, it was also clumsy.
And now it had a sword in its chest. It was amazing how fast Daniel managed to impale the creature.
It did try to kill him, but he wasnt sorry for stabbing it.
Of course the creature didnt quiet understand what was happening. It just stood watching the spot the sword was sticking out of. After a few minutes it finally collapsed.
He drew the sword from the dead beast and looked at the nasty wound with disgust. After wipping the blade on a cloth that was on the beast. He looked at the lizard, who had obviously not been chained by his own will.
It was wierd how cold he felt when he looked at it in the eyes. He felt his body was weakening. But it was like something was restraining his body, he pushed forward but every step felt like he was defying somethings will. He couldnt explain it if he wanted to.
Then he understood. He looked in a puddle and saw his eyes were turning black. Like the creature he just killed. The creature wasnt a human but he was.
A lizard, no it was a basilisk. The basilisk was intent on paralyzing him with his gaze, literally.
However he intended on freeing the lizard. No animal deserves to be chained.
The lizard turned its head trying to focus in Daniels own. Yet he was not slowing down. His eyes returned to normal and he regained his natural momentum.
"It is okay." so far it hadnt made any more of a threatening glare, that amaz8ngly wasnt working. Maybe it wasnt a basilisk.
He watched it as he slowly walked towards the chain. He took out the hammer and he hammered at the chain, using the sword as a chisel. He knew it wasnt proper use but he also knew it would speed up the process.
CHOMP
The basalisk realized its glaze didnt work, but it wasn't its only weapon. It also had a razor sharp teeth, and among it likely fangs.
It attempted to bite him on the shoulder but using his cloak he covered its face and mouth. Taking the chance of the distraction, he finished with the chain.
However the blade cracked about halfway and broke. It was still sharp, but it was not going to last a fight if used.
The basalisk quickly shook the cloak off its face and went to bite one more time. It saw the chain was no longer on its leg.
It sniff and investigated. it noticed it was no longer restrained.
Taking the distraction Daniel backed away hoping the basilisk would not come after him again. He began to work his way back towards the place his belonging were.
As he did the ground flew out from under him. His collar was hinged and he saw the basilisk was dragging him along the ground.
He dropped his broken sword and the hammer. The cloak tore in the process and the basalisk still was dragging him.
He struggled and struggled, but the lizard only repositioned its grip.
He was now being carried off the ground by the basalisk. Daniel was now helpless. He could only wait for the lizard to do whatever it was going to do.
He just hung there and waited.