Firing arrow after arrow Le0n grumbled to himself, as a thin fog covered the ground, ticking his ankles.

“Jazz! Marlow! Get up were under attack! Come, out, here, and, fight me, like, a, man!” Punctuating each pause by firing an arrow at the foggy figure hiding each rock it passed, now shaping to form some oddly shaped stoney trees, he missed by the nearest of inches. He'd be running low on ammunition if he didn’t go retrieve some arrows soon, if only he could get his accuracy up.

CRUNCH! Spinning around he saw another foggy figure charging directly at him. This one was in the shape of a large monkey, unlike its humanoid counterpart.

Reaching for his knife he attempted to slash the ape like he rolled by. Patting his belt he felt where the knife should have been, but his hand only touched it’s missing holster.

His blood drained from his face long before the apedid. Standing up on its hind legs the foggy near towered a head taller than he did. Its eyes glowed with a bright white light piercing the thickening now reaching his knees. Falling forward Le0n expected to be crushed by the gigantic beast, but found himself squinting open his eyes. The ape hand gently put its furry arms on his shoulders and had begun to start tapping its feet in an unknown rhythm. This was followed up by annoyed yelling, as the humanoid figure stood on top of the rock, no tree thing she was hiding behind.

“Pogo, you big baboon! You're supposed to scare the enemy, not dance with them, you old love bug.” The old woman? Screamed at the loving ape, mading slow dilibrat hand gestures along with muttering under her breath, she conjuried a gray bolt of light. Flicking her wrist the bolt shot off hitting Le0n directly in the forehead.

Everything seemed so slow. It was an uphill battle to keep his eyes open, let alone stand up right. He couldn’t even remember falling down. Toppling over his quiver spilled over and across his tired head. The bear, where had it gone? It was so hard to focus, when he just wanted to lay here in the warm, soothing, fog and sleep. It’s nice to do nothing. The rocky, no, grass was so comfortable. I’ll just lay here and close my eyes just for a second.

Sploosh! Warm water rolled down the now flopping adventures. Sputtering and blinking away the droplets they found themselves in a crucially made prison cell. If you could even call it that it was more or less a hole in the ground with a wooden door thrown over it. Looking up they found a child, one of which had a fresh dumpt pale of water.

Marlow stretched an arm out to wave at the curious kids, but what stopped was cold steel. Pulling against his bond, he awoke the others. Each inturn found that they were tied together through the wall. When one would pull the other two’s bond would tighten.

This commotion is what alerted the one ‘guard’, that they were up. Creaking opened the door made a rather small outline of the imposing guard, it didn’t help that his voice cracked every so often.

“Alright listen up you miscreants. I-Aam. I’m Sap, but you can call me Justice. Wait no, call me Mr Authority! Today we will be bring you to the council where they’ll decide your fate. If you make any sudden moves, I’ll cut your ankles.”

Sap said hesitantly, before slamming the door shut and calling out for someone else to come help him. Much scuffling later four figures were at the door daring each other to open it. Much bickering later the door slammed open, starling both captors and captives. Shuffling forward they quickly threw some potato sacks over their heads. The reason why they knew it was a potato sack, to put it simply, was that there were still potatoes in the sacks.

Being hoisted to their feet they were pushed forward only to fall back. Some confusion later, the ‘guards’ realized that the prisoners were still chained to the wall. One of them ran off, to return a few minutes later with a key.

Being pushed around wasn’t the best part of Marlow’s day but it would be one of the few times he'd be able to move around freely.

Heading down a flight of stairs in what seemed to be an endless circle they finally arrived at a heavy door. Stopping they heard Sap mutter to the other to open it. More bickering later the enormous door creaked open, the door ground in agony as it was displaced silencing a multitude of murmuring in seconds.

Practically being shoved they stumbled to was the center of the silent courtroom. Being forced to their knees the sacks were yanked off, causing the few remaining potatoes to fall thumping against the hollow floor. The guards in turn booked it out of there pulling the door closed.

Blinking away the dirt and dust, Marlow got a good look at his surroundings. They were currently in the bottom of a medium size arena, filled with people. What was more peculiar was that it was underground, being illuminated by glowing spores flowing around them. Twisting around in awe of the place he spotted three podiums catching them in a triangular pattern. The walls and seats were caver from gianic roots weaving in and out of the underground arena.

“CITIZENS OF WARWOOD! I call this meeting today with a heavy heart as our once secret society, hidden from the kingdom of Ardania, has been spotted and trodden upon by travelers!” Shouted the giant ginger whom he had been faced with a moment ago, spinning back around, Marlow decided to give his entire focus to him. Slowly becoming entranced by this large man.

“Since the founding of this village our ancestors have sworn it to secrecy to protect this hollow land from bloodthirsty or adventures that seek power for themselves. TODAY I call upon YOU to help me, your humble elder, cast judgment on these wandering travelers.” This small speech caused the crowd to cheer.

“Let us understand what reasoning caused these wanders to come into our humble homes?” The giant ginger held out a hand, silenced rain.

“I am Le0n, member of-”

“What? Could you speak up! We can’t hear you from down there!”

“SORRY, I am Le0n, a member of the newly formed Thunderdome and leader of this expedition. I am truly sorry we didn’t know that people lived this farway from the kingdom of Ardania. We would be ‘happy’ if you were to let us go-”

“NO, we have survived by letting no one leave. If you leave you would report back to your leaders and inform them, I am sorry, but the risk is too high. You will stay here.”

“What if we kill ourselves then? How will you stop us from respawning?”

“Respawning what do you speak of. Only true travelers could do such a thing and they have left us eons ago. How do you possess such power?”

“We came to this world as a safe haven since our world is being ravaged by monsters. I guess one of the benefits is respawning. But what will you do to stop us from simply telling others of this ‘secret’ location?” Le0n questioned good naturedly.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“You don’t even know where you are! You foolish youngling!” Shouted an old woman from on top of a gorilla? From the second pillar of the triangle.

“No, I may know the exact location of where we are currently, but we have two things going for us: the ability to come back and time. Two things you lack!” Le0n taunted.

“I'd like to request a short break so that we may discuss this new information amongst ourselves? All in favor?” The third and most greasiest man Marlow had ever laid eyes on. Just seeing him stand up made him want to go shower.

“Seconded!” Said the ginger giant, raising a hand for all to see. Then the crowd erupted in a cacophony of noise.

Guards came and hauled them away back to their original cell. Standing at attention or at least standing stock still while trying not to look bored. On the bright side they weren’t chain up this time.

“Hey, Le0n” Marlow softly spoke, trying, but failing to avoid the attention of the guards.”

“What?”

“What were you thinking? Back there. When you said we would respawn? Did you really want to frighten them? I thought our mission was to make peace when we found a village, not to declare we were immortal beings that will come back if you kill us?”

“Well I was thinking along the lines of, if they don’t admit us we’ll find our way back here with the full might of the guild to claim this town. Since resources are already scarce it would be better if we claimed a town that already existed and had the infrastructure to support us. Or would you rather have us build up our territory and starve over and over again while doing so? There are digital entities there, not even real people!” Le0n responded for all to hear

“Well you're also a digital entity too, so does that make you real? Or is it that you're only looking out for numero uno and could care less for the people around you? And how do your actions affect other people? I still have blisters from hauling our cart, while you were cat napping!”

“Blisters mishers, at least when we head back out here we well know we're getting close when we start having blisters.” With a fury building, rising in Marlow's chest, Jazmine popped into the conversation.

“I’m with Mar on this one, it isn’t right to force our might on an unsuspecting town. We could instead try a much less threatening route where we slowly move our guild in without any bloodshed.”

This comment almost went unnoticed as the travelers argued amongst themselves, giving the two men pause leaving them to ponder what they should do next. One of the guards stationed there left their post, to inform the elders of this curious predicament.

“I'm sorry , Le0n, but I don’t want to intrude on these people’s land. When they have worked so hard to keep it secret.”

“Which is exactly why we should take it. We can begin our legacy with a huge boon! We’ll have power that can even rival the noble guilds, but we may adamantly have power to even challenge the kingdom itself. If we can commandeer this town I mean it's a secret, so we’ll be hidden from any incoming invitations. It's out in the middle of nowhere so that's great for growing crops in peace and keeping the bounty for ourselves. So that we won’t have to starve over and over again. I personally see this as a win. After all, with a huge flux of people coming in, I don’t think the kingdom is gonna notice a few towns being bumped off here and there on the map.” Le0n ranted listing each thing off on his fingers, sitting comfortably on the dirt floor staring up at Jazz and Marlow complacently.

“Yes those are valid arguments, but these are genuine people since we are just computer code now that means they are just as alive as we are. The only difference being is that they can’t respawn like we can. So their lives are far more valuable than ours. So we should just leave them be. They’ve worked hard to build this place up and I for one don’t think that is our place to play juge, jury, and executioner. If we do find the guild we should set terms that good people here are not to be harmed.” Marlow rebutted looking down at his smug ‘team’ leader.

“I agree with the first part, not the second. Setting terms in this known world are kind of mute. The worst thing you get is a slap on the wrist and a title slot taken away. So we’ll have to find a better arrangement.” Jazz spoke up.

“Why are you so dead set on protecting these people? We don't even know them. It's not like they have any real power over us, besides the ones we set on ourselves.” Le0n countered by picking up a chunk of dirt and letting it crumble into the prison cell.

“Excuse me, ‘travelers’ , the Elders have cast their votes. If you are so kind as to let us tie you up, that would be greatly appreciated.” A guard proclaimed rope in hand. Receiving a nod in return he briskly opened the cell door taking two steps and had in a single miraculous moment tied the three of them in a neat and orderly line.

“Right this way please.” Gesturing for them to follow.

This time they traveled a different route with even more twists and turns. Once again leading them to the large heavy set oak door. That reminded Marlow of a great big Boss chamber that you normally see in old video games. Knocking on the door they were hurriedly shoved in and was once once again forced to knee. In the center of the underground arena.

“Travelers, we have come to a conclusion. We have two options for you: the first option is you may stay here under lock and keep, since we can’t exactly kill you properly. You will have a room and key and maybe down the road become a citizen of this fine town. The second option is that you will serve at Warwood, for as long as you stay here we will begrudgingly accept you as one of our own. During this time you must have the protection of Warwood be your first priority, failing to do this will automatically force you into option one.” The Ginger giant proclaimed to the solemn coliseum.

“We also understand that upon your death you are brought back to the Kingdom of Ardania, so we have already found a method of changing. I guess you could say you’ll no longer be ‘dying’ to get out of here” The Geesy man said snorting at his own joke. Meanwhile everyone else in the room rolled with eyes.

“As I was saying, do you find this deal acceptable? Each of you may choose for yourselves.”

“I personally don’t like the Idea of being locked up at twenty four seven so I will take option number two please.” Le0n responded instantly, already reaching out an arm to shake on this reasonable deal. Only being met with stiff arms from the other side.

“I’ll take it if I’m allowed to grow my own garden. I’m an alchemist in the making and I’d like to start making potions soon if that’s alright with you?” Jazz responded, getting a look for the burly built man.

“What kind of urm potions are you planning on making? If it's some kind of poison or life stealing in any way I won’t allow it.”

“OH, NO! Nothing of that sort I’m quite adept in making healing potions and I dabble with unique effect potions on the side. Other than that I haven’t even dipped my toes into dangerous concoctions.” Jazz responded flushder. Waiting a long moment the big fellow nodded and turned to face the last Member of the group.

“I’m kind of with them, so I guess I'll take that option too. I was wondering if I could have my own little area as well. I'm a Beast tamer, you see, and I'd like to continue doing that.” He mumbled.

“We accept these terms very well. We shall set up a tall tower for the bowmen to stand watch. We shall set up a garden for the alchemist to grow her plants. We shall set up a field for the tamer to pursue his craft. If our ancestors find this deal acceptable. I now complete this deal. I grant you access to our town’s boon.” The ginger giant spoke to the assembled crowd.

Receiving a notification that if he broke the promise they would receive a warlock title, which would basically take up a title slot and give him a charisma debuff until it was removed. As soon as that notification faded away a new one appeared completely blocking the rest of his view.

Welcome to Warwood after a long discussion the elders of Warwood have accepted you into their humble homes. So long as you vow not to share the secret of Warwood’s location you will be begrudgingly welcomed here. All combat skills and spells in this area will deal double the damage when attacking an outside force. All non combat skills and spells used here will increase double when progressing these skills and spells.

Warwood as the name implied was not fairly friendly. As they were escorted away from the judgment room with bags over their heads. Marlow quickly came to a realization that Opal was not present nor had seen her since he had fallen asleep. This anxiety bubble popped when they were dropped off at one of the Elder’s homes with Opal turning the yard haphazardly. Unaware of what new chains had been laid on her Masters neck.