Chapter 6

He sat alone with his back leaning against the stone cold wall, waiting patiently for the original resident of the shelter to return. Inner turmoil ravaged his mind as he waited but another part of him wanted to take his chance and flee into darkness once again. Both choices offered no set of comfort as the benefit of either option were by no right tempting to him. Continuing his indecision, echoes of footsteps far into the distance could be heard through the entrance located a few meter to his right.

Minutes later, the subject of Garen’s worry made its entry into the cave that was acting as shelter from the elements of nature, carrying something in a basket made of straw. “I brought you some food and we can light a fire to warm you up, so wait a bit longer while I prepare something for you.” The undead spoke to him without making eye contact. Unsure of how to reply to the hospitality being given to him, Garen could only look onward in observation at the moving dead.

Within moments, a blazing fire burned into life as a ball of flame erupted from the bony finger of its caster. Fueled by pieces of fallen branches and dried plants, the comforting crackle of burning wood filled the cave. Unable to resist his need for the first hint of warmth, Garen scurried towards the fire in the center of the cave. Seeing the desperation in Garen, a chuckle of laughter leaked out of the undead’s jaw as it handed a basket of fish towards him.

Ever since the passing of his mother, Garen have always made due with whatever he could find for sustenance. Ignoring the quality or taste, he would swallow the item no matter the condition if it could fill his belly. This time was no different, after an extremely long period of time since Garen ate anything decent, the miniscule amount of fish protein in the basket felt like a feast in the heavens. Not bothering to roast them over the fire, Garen dug into his meal as he devoured each piece like a reaper given a soul to keep. Somehow feeling disgusted by the gruesome sight in front of it, the undead ghoul actually flinched for a second as it tended the flames.

“Follow me, let’s get you cleaned up and replace those rags you are wearing first,” the undead gestured a finger towards the inner tunnels of the cave. “There’s a spring that I dug up many years ago, we will head there and have you change into something more presentable.” Surprised by the information, Garen focused his eyes on himself and finally realized how unsightly he looked. Embarrassed by his ragged clothing and dirt covered body, he didn’t want to reply in words as if his voice would only increase his shame.

Nodding in agreement, Garen silently followed behind his guide.

As the two headed further into the cave tunnels, Garen couldn’t help but notice the clothing and accessories adorning his guide. Lit by the flaming torch in its bony hands, he could tell the material was ancient in design. Unconsciously, Garen’s hand reached out as if bewildered by the beauty of the black fabric used to weave the valuable robe adorning its mummified body.

“Remove your hand!” a roaring voice shocked Garen out of his trance. Staring at him, Garen could see a flicker of anger as a dim red glow replaced the once blue shade in its eye sockets.

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“I’m sorry... Somehow, my hands just moved without my realization.” Garen could only utter these words in front of this person as If an aura of strength weighed down on him like a insect.

Seemingly disappointed, a sigh of sadness was released from the undead ghoul. “No, it’s not your fault. I overreacted there but next time; do not touch me unless I give you permission. Now enough of this, just a bit more and we will be there.”

Minutes later, a faint tang of sulphur alerted his sense of smell as gusts of steam in the air brought comfort to Garen. Alit by a purplish light radiating from protruding crystals in the water; details of the walls and grounds revealed themselves to Garen’s eyes. ‘Magnificent’ were the only word he could think of to describe this underground paradise. Without needs of instruction, Garen rushed toward the glittering spring lake in the center of the cavern. Splashing sounds echoed into the air as Garen cleaned his body of filth, unaware his commotion has alerted their presence to other creatures nearby.

“Hey,” waving his hand into air. “I never actually introduce myself yet, names Garen Kindred. Mind telling me your name? This way I know what to call you.” Garen looked towards the shore, awaiting a reply.

Amused by Garen’s playful antics, a smile appeared on its wrinkled face. “My name eh, has been so long since I spoke of it,” tilting its head toward the ceiling as if in thought. “I was called Norzak Frizen by those that knew me in the.” His speech cut off by an anonymous change in the surroundings. Norzak beckoned Garen to come ashore immediately with a hand gesture for silence. The once friendly atmosphere they once had going was replaced with a sickening tense feeling inside Garen’s heart as he struggled ashore against the muddy sand.

Understanding the danger that was drawing closer with every passing second, Norzak shrouded its mummified body in the same black aura coating when it met Garen. Within expectation, silhouettes of multiple creatures revealed themselves as they jumped out of the water, descending upon their location in a circle with no visible escape route left.

Standing in at full height equal to that of a full grown man, stood creatures with faces and gills equal to that of a fish and a tail like a reptilian lizard. Their arms and legs had frog like webs in-between their fingers and poisonous looking claws. Garen understood there are different tribes and races living on the continent, many he would never even thought possible. But his better judgment is telling him these amphibious creatures with silver and black coloration felt wrong to his instinct, as if they did not belong in this world. Unarmed and butt naked with droplets of water dripping off his body, Garen felt anger welling inside himself for his incapability to defend himself against such foes.

Comparing his current situation with his previous life threatening encounter, the Ogre no longer seemed as frightening as it once had in his memory.

End Chapter 6