The twin moons shined brightly in the night sky. Illuminating the clearing along the road. Grass swaying as the night breeze lightly brushed the countryside.

I stood staring up at the night sky entranced by the twin moons. Was it Heaven’s Day already? No, that couldn’t be right; we still had several more months until then. Heaven’s day was when both moons were full at the same time. People used to say this is when the land of the dead is closest to the land of the living.

Everything was foggy. I was trying to think of what was going on and how I had gotten there. Oh, that’s right; there were dire wolves… and Merle and the old man, hopefully, they got away safely. As I stood there, I realized my memory wasn’t the only thing that was foggy; my body was too. My body was like a translucent mist, only reflecting in the moonlight.

“What was going on!?” I tried to say, but nothing came out. I guess that would make sense. If I’m a mist, how could I speak? Still in shock over my current situation, my memories started to return. The dire wolves ripping the other guards and me to shreds. I cringed a bit at the memories that were returning. I stood there for what felt hours contemplating what had happened, repeating the events in my head.

The darkness creeping in like on that day. My consciousness slowly starting to fade, then I remembered my dream. That’s right! My dream to travel the world with a beautiful woman on my arm. I had so much I still wanted to do. I wanted to visit cities I’ve never seen, go exploring deep dungeons like the adventurers, eat exotic cuisine in the coastal towns. There was so much I had left to do; I couldn’t let it end here.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I set off. To where? I didn’t have a clue. I knew I just had to press forward. How was I supposed to do that? I hadn’t the slightest idea; I continued to walk, thinking along the way. Maybe, find an Arch Priest? I had heard from some adventurers Arch Priests sometimes could resurrect the dead. There might be someone who could bring me back to life.

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*****

After traveling a fair distance, I noticed the light from a campfire in the flickering about. Oh, good, finally, people! I drew closer, then it dawned on me if they were adventures, would they cut me down as soon as they saw me? I could see three men were sitting around a campfire, and nearby there was a fancy looking carriage. It had had engravings that looked like flowing waves along the outside. I stood there listening, wondering if I should approach.

“This is decent pay for just escorting some nobles son.” A gruff sounding voice chuckled.

“Well, it isn’t just some noble. It's Duke Strafton’s first son. If anything happens to him, it will be our heads on the chopping block too.” Another man spoke up.

The third man sat there dressed in plain gray robes and had a staff with a sizeable red gem affixed to the top was laying across his lap. He spoke up in a cheerful tone, “It’s simple, just don’t let anything happen to the young man.” Then clapped his hand like he solved their problems.

The other two belted out some laughs.

Maybe this third man was a priest. Perhaps he could help? Caught up with that thought, I briskly walked up to the fire. All eyes immediately turned to me. All the men now were scrambling to get up as I tried to speak, but nothing came out. I waved my arms about, trying to explain to them the situation. How did I think this was going to go again?

I could feel the man in the robes gathering mana. I had some aptitude for it myself, but I never could sense it to this degree, like it was some tangible force. That mana gathered at the tip of his staff. This must be it the resurrection I was hoping for! I let a huge smile slip across my face and put forth both my hands, gesturing that was ready. Finally, I would get my body back.

“Infernium!” The robed man shouted. An enormous ball of flames shot straight for me. I was stunned; both my hands were still out. It happened so quick, then well then nothing it passed straight through me. It felt a little strange, but there was no heat or pain.

Dejected, I sulked back into the shadows. I could still hear the men shout something and scrambling around. I continued walking away. After getting my hopes up, the following hopelessness I felt seemed to double. My consciousness once again faded off.

*****