I wouldn’t say I slept. Instead, I dropped into a restless, dread-filled half slumber. A few times throughout the night, I heard the shuffle of approaching unrecognised foot steps. They never spoke to me, whoever they were. Maybe it was the same person, visiting more than once. I didn’t think so though. They kept to the shadows and observed me through the bars of my cell, never revealing themselves. Just judging me silently, then departing. Leaving me to my uncertain dread.

Finally, the sun appeared beyond the walls of the city and the bustle of common folk making their daily journey between districts or preparing their stores for the day’s trade kept up a constant patter through the small window set high in the stone wall of my small boxed cell. I wondered if I would ever get to experience the daily life of a Pentamorel citizen. I had no idea of the hardships they faced or the sense of community they might have felt. Heck, I didn’t even know what variety of species they were.

There was still so much to learn about this world. There was still so much to learn about me. Who am I and what kind of person would I be? What kind of person was I? After today, I might never get to find out.

The walls shook and a low rumble vibrated throughout the room. I guess this city suffer earthquakes… or maybe there’s a sleeping dragon deep beneath the city. Anything could be the case, I had no idea. I’d had the incredible opportunity to explore a world where anything was possible, and somehow I had ended up on trial for execution in just a matter of days. If I was to rate my performance, I had to admit I was kind of a noob. I mean for crying out loud, I never even learned how to use a Quick Draw Slot!

I should have asked Reginald, I bet he would have known. There were so many things, I should have asked. He was practically begging me to ask about his Gloves of something-or-other. I didn’t ask about those because I had a sneaking suspicion that doing so would have started a quest or worse awakened Reginald as some kind of necromancer boss. I really didn’t have time to deal with that.

The truth was, I had been trying to do the right thing. Pretty much this whole time, I had been trying to be a good person. Or at least, not a bad person. Well, look where that’s gotten you.

The rumbling ground to a halt and my cell trembled with an oddly familiar, yet disconcerting feeling. Huh, what does that remind me of?

I was sure I had felt that exact feeling before. It was a common experience, but not in this world. It was something I had felt on Earth back when I was… whoever I was. Damn. It’s just so frustrating. I feel like the memories of Earth are right on the fringe of my mind, but there’s just this huge empty space in the center. I’m the huge empty space. The individual that existed, whoever I was… they’re gone. I’m just a void. I’m NULL. I’m like an empty space floating up and down with no real direction.

An elevator… that’s what it felt like when the rumbling stopped. It felt like an elevator when it stopped rising.

There was a loud echoing cough and the scratchy squeak of a wooden bench sliding on marble floor.

I sat up on the straw mattress and stared around at a large sandy auditorium. No, it’s a amphitheater, like the Roman colleseum. Marble walls surrounded the sandy oval pitch into which my cell had somehow risen. I was at the center of a huge arena and looking down on me from rows and rows of benches were a hushed crowd of onlookers.

“Holy fucking shit,” I said.

The arena exploded with the laughter of a couple hundred people.

A metallic screech echoed from somewhere below and the walls of my cell began to slide down around me. My view of the amphitheatre opened up and I was able to get a better look at the crowd. There were all sorts of fantastic races. Not just the ones AIAI had listed as Standard Common: dwarves, elves, gnomes, goblins, humans, & orcs. I mean, they were the most plentiful, but there were also fairies and sprites, hags and wood nymphs, fawns and centaurs, even stone golems and ooh, a sphinx.

There was a sphinx eating a skewered rat. It ate the wooden skewer too!

“Silence!” yelled a shrill gnome sitting on one of five thrones on a platform slightly apart from the rest of the crowd. Now that she had drawn my attention, I noticed the people sitting in the other four thrones. Aside from the gnome, there were two humans, a fucking giant, and a goblin.

The crowd quieted and turned to face the platform as the five throne-sitters —councillors, I’m guessing— rose to their feet.

I watched in amazement as each raised mushroom-shaped hats and placed them on their heads. It looked ridiculous and I wasn’t the only one who thought so. A wave of titters bounced around the amphitheatre. The councillors mostly ignored the disruption. Now that I had grown a little more accustomed to the giant and the goblin, I noticed that one of the humans was Captain Horax. His cheeks were blushing red with embarrassment as he donned the silly mushroom hat.

“What’s with the hats?” I asked.

It took the giant rising from his throne and thumping his chest to quiet the crowd before the gnome could answer.

“As representatives of the five major factions who have vowed to protect and uphold the rule of law and peace in Pentamorel, we are honoured to serve in the historic positions of the five councillors. We wear the Morel headdresses in celebration and respect of the five mushroom princes who founded this great and prosperous city,” said the gnome.

Captain Horax stamped his foot and bowed his head. “I am Captain Horax of The Frontier. It is my honour to serve today.”

“I am Sister Franki,” said the human woman, scowling beneath her mushroom hat. “With the All-Mother’s guidance, I will serve as representative of The Devout.”

“I am Dorilli,” said the gnome as she readjusted her headdress so that it no longer covered her eyes. “Of The Requiem.” She nodded slightly and the mushroom slid down over he eyes once more.

“I am Gundyr,” said the giant, the mushroom didn’t fit him and he didn’t seem to care when it flopped onto his shoulder. “Of The Gladium.”

“Inioka,” said the goblin, the mushroom hat looked pretty great on him actually. “I’m here.”

It’s true, he was.

The gnome, Dorilla, coughed lightly.

“Huh, what?” said Inioka. “Everyone knows me. I’m Inioka the Tamer. I’m in the best faction.”

“I did not know you had joined The Gladium,” boomed Gundyr.

“Inioka,” said Horax. “Is here to represent The Zodiac.”

“Yes,” said Inioka to the giant. “Get that in your fat head, you big lump of hadja.”

The giant leaned over him. “I will eat you, and shit you, and feed you to your children.”

“That’s nice of you,” said Inioka. “To feed my runtas, but be careful they don’t tear you up. They’re feisty and you’re so soft and milky.”

“Gentleman,” said Dorilla. “Perhaps you can save your flirting for later?”

“I don’t flirt,” said Inioka. “I go straight to the fuck.”

“We are here today,” said Captain Horax. “To sentence NULL, the unaligned, for his crimes of Heresy and unprovoked violence against the All-Mother’s chosen Sister, Katri of the Devout.”

All five councillors and the entire crowd turned suddenly to stare at me.

“What, no innocent until proven guilty?” I asked.

“In accordance with the law, all councillors must confirm that the accused is indeed present and correct,” Captain Horax continued. “NULL, the unaligned, was witness by two citizens and the victim, although she has elected to withhold testimony. Their descriptions of the accused state that he is a human boy of an indeterminable age—”

“He looks like a teenager,” said Gundyr.

“Yep,” said Inioka. “He’s fifteen. I can determine it easy, look at him. Humans are easy to know by seeing.”

“The witnesses claim that in the short time they spent in his vicinity, the accused aged from a small child to a teenager as he levelled in front of them,” said Horax, his eyebrow twitching.

“That’s not so impressive,” said Gundyr. “I was born bigger that all of you.”

“The accused was described as wearing graded leg armour of a rusted metal, and a white and black arrangement of cloth on his chest.” As Captain Horax spoke, I was suddenly assaulted by a repetitive buzzing shiver down my spine. “The accused attacked the young Sister without warning and delivered a near killing blow when he preyed upon her neck with fangs of venom.”

You’ve got to be kidding me.

“We just gonna piss straight past the fact this little guy is wearing graded armour?” asked Inioka.

“It certainly is a point of interest,” said Dorilli.

My spine shivered with another wave of tingles as the councillors and various members of the crowd Basic Identified me, or used other similar skills to investigate me.

“That tickles,” I said.

“Observers will refrain from activating Skills that target the accused or any members of the council,” said Dorilli. “Councillors, are we all in agreement that this human that stands before us is the accused, NULL, the unaligned?”

“Aye,” said Horax.

“Under the All-Mother’s eye, it is so,” said Sister Franki.

Gundyr grunted an affirmative. "If you say it is."

“He matches it,” said Inioka. “But how’d he get the gear? Where did you get it, you angry, little shit?”

I won it in a bet with your stupid fucking All-Mother. I reminded myself to breathe and tried to remove the furious expression from my face before answering. Reginald had warned me to lie to those who I wasn’t sure I could trust. This seemed like a situation where a little bending of the truth could serve me well.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“It was a gift from the All-Mother,” I said.

“Blasphemy!” Sister Franki screeched.

The crowd collectively gasped and began muttering furiously.

Ohhhhh dear.

“The heretic lies,” said Sister Franki. “He must be punished!”

“It is probable,” said Captain Horax, “But we don’t know for certain.”

“We cannot arbitrate without investigating the veracity of these claims,” said Dorilli.

“This is preposterous,” said Sister Franki.

“If the child bears a gift from the All-Mother, then he cannot be judged hastily. The sentencing trial must be postponed,” said Dorilli. “We must hold a trial of judgement.”

“Secure the prisoner,” said Captain Horax. “The council must deliberate in private. Clear the cavea.”

The metal screech from below rung out once more as the walls of my cell slammed into place around me. The crowd rose from their benches and flooded raucously towards the exits.

You know, I think that went better than I had hoped. I’m not really sure though.

The councillors were holding a private discussion on the platform above. Sister Franki and Dorilli seemed to be arguing. Captain Horax looked to be the mediator. He stood between them nodding and offering calming gestures. The gigantic Gundyr watched them with a bored expression. Beside him the little goblin, Inioka, stared down at me with open curiosity. Our eyes met and he grinned. They are an interesting bunch. I wonder how strong they are.

I had heard them all speak and I had clearly seen them. That gave me two criteria of the three needed for Basic Identify. If I used my Basic Detection first, I would still have enough Mana to identify the lot of them.

The moment I cast Basic Detect, something strange happened. My Mana ticked down as though I had cast the skill, but it didn’t seem to activate correctly. I was struck with a sudden jolt, and I fell back a few steps as though a ghostly palm had stuck me in the chest.

I regained my footing and only then did I notice the gnome standing a few meters away from my cell. I hadn’t seen her move. Seconds ago, she had been arguing with Sister Franki up on the platform. Now, she stood facing me, her small cloak billowing with unreleased momentum. She had one arm raised toward me, fingers outstretched. Despite her stature, it was an intimidating pose. Whatever she had done to me, I had no counter. That was it, she had countered my skill… perhaps a dispel of some kind? Whatever it was, it was instantaneous.

I had been impressed by the sheer stature of the giant and the menacing glee of the goblin, but I had barely considered Dorilli. This gnome is a seriously bad ass.

Then her mushroom hat slipped down over her eyes. Maybe just kinda bad ass.

She lowered her palm and a tightness in my chest relaxed. I hadn’t even known it was still affecting me. She adjusted the morel on her head, then said, “Prisoner, if you try anything like that again, I will kill you on the spot.”

“Sorry, I just wanted to see what level you guys are,” I said.

A shadow blocked out the sky above me and then the entire arena shook as Gundyr landed on the other side of my cell. The long braids of his hair dangled down in front of me as he leaned over the top of the walls. His hair was longer than I was tall.

“I want you to touch that armour of yours to me, so I can know it,” he said.

“What?” I asked.

“Put your leg in my hand,” he said. Then, he reached into the cell and grabbed me.

I was lurched up into the air, my head nearly crashing into the walls of the cell as he raised me up to his eye level. I saw the upside down face of Inioka crouched on the giants shoulder. “You must work on your perception, Gun,” said Inioka. “If you were my summon, I would shower you in gear that could enhance such abilities.”

“I do not need such practice, I can see already,” said Gundyr. He sniffed my Rusty Longshanks.

“This is weak,” he grumbled. “You have not fed it.”

“He is only a runt,” said Inioka. “What did you expect?”

“I want more.” He dropped me back into my cell. I landed on the dry, scratchy sand and tapped the dirt off my face and shoulders.

These people are insane.

“You are not worth fighting.” Gundyr dismissed me and jumped back up onto the platform directing the rest of his words at Inioka. “We will fight soon, you and me. Great battle.”

“I will tame you,” said Inioka. “You'll be my greatest pet. I'll coat you in gold and ride you into battle, my thunder prize.”

“I will eat you and shit you,” said Gundyr.

Dorilli smiled at me. “You may identify me, if you like,” she said as she reached a hand towards me.

I shook her hand, “Thank you.” Criteria fulfilled. “What did you do to me before?”

“A simple counter,” she laughed. “I don’t wish to offend you, but it was nothing complicated.”

“No, I’m not offended. I just haven’t see that before. It was cool.”

I cast Basic Identify on Dorilli and my mouth fell open.

Name: Dorilli. Race: FellGnome. Class: Spirit Witch. Lvl 23.

Magical Common. Channeler. Etherpresent. Enthused. Enlightened.

Child Prodigy turned Witch turned Spirit Witch.

“Wow,” I said.

Dorilli laughed.

“You were a Child Prodigy too,” I said. “Then a Witch, then a Spirit Witch.”

“That’s right.”

“What level do you get to pick a third class?”

“It can be different for everyone, but I remained a Common race, so I picked my third class at level fifteen. It’s nice to see you are so interested,” she said. “I’m glad you can stay positive.”

Ouch. She has a point. I’m probably dead anyway.

“Most kids your age already know all that,” she said. “Where do you hail from?”

Shit. I forgot about the heresy stuff. I need to try to seem normal. What did Reginald say about his upbringing? He was raised near Pentamorel, working a graveyard or something. That won’t work. It’s obvious I’m not from round here.

“Widdle stump,” I said the first thing that popped into my head. I can’t even remember where I heard that before.

“Oh, I’ve never visited,” she said. “Wasn’t there a battle there?”

“That’s right,” I lied. “It’s the only thing the locals ever talk about.”

Did she actually believe me?

“I can imagine,” she said. “Well, I better get back to the discussion. I…” she frowned and the mushroom slipped back down over her eyes. “Good luck, lad.”

Then she was gone. I watched her rejoin the conversation back up on the platform. Within a few moments, she was waving her little arms in protest at Sister Franki.

----------

I watched the councillors argue from my cell. I had no idea who was winning or what they were even deciding on, but I knew somehow my life depended on it. Occasionally, Gundyr would boom something loud enough that I could hear him but judging by the reactions of the other councillors, it was never anything truly relevant. One time he slammed his fist into a marble pillar leaving a wagon wheel sized crack in the polished stone.

“We should let him leave, so that he grows better,” he bellowed. “Once he is strong, he must return and fight me. Only a worthy opponent excites me.”

“The purpose of the trial is not to find you a challenger, Master Gundyr,” said Captain Horax. “Please, reduce your volume. We must not be overheard.”

Dorilli looked towards me and winked, then she clicked her fingers and a bubble formed around the Councillors. Their conversation from that moment on was entirely muted to me.

“Null,” someone nearby whispered.

They were hiding in the shadows of the tunnel into the arena. It took me a moment to recognise her with her cloak pulled tight around her and her face covered by the hood.

“Katri,” I said.

“Keep quiet,” she said. “Listen to what I have to say and nod if you agree. We don't have long.”

I nodded.

“You did well in getting an open trial, but you aren’t out of this yet. I have a plan and thanks to your quick thinking, it is certain to work. When the trial reopens, they will open the floor to you for an account of your actions. You must not give them what they ask. Instead, you must demand a trial by combat. They will be forced to accept your challenge.”

“If I do that, they'll kill me,” I whispered. “I wouldn’t stand a chance against any of them.”

“Just listen!” she shushed me. “You won’t be fighting them. As the victim, I get first claim to your challenge.”

“I can’t fight you!”

“Null, be silent!” she snapped. “I have a champion ready to fight in my place. He understands the assignment. You must make it look real for the crowd. He will hurt you, but don’t panic. Look to me for the signal. You will know what to do.”

“The signal?” I asked.

“If they hear you talking to me, the plan will fail. I have to go. Just nod if you agree,” she ducked back into the shadows.

Damn it. I hate how everyone is just making decisions for me. But what choice do I have?

I nodded and Katri’s dark outline turned in the shadows and crept down the tunnel.

I really hope she knows what she’s doing.

----------

I waited nervously as the crowd slowly refilled the amphitheatre. If anything there were more now than before. The morning crowd had been boisterous, but this crowd seemed more determined for blood. They jeered at me and hurled insults. They spat and cajoled.

I kept my eyes down, focusing on the sand. I just have to remember the plan. A trial by combat. If I was higher level, that would sound like a lot of fun… but at this moment, it sounds like a quick death. Gundyr is going to be pissed.

Captain Horax rose from his throne. “I will remind the crowd to be silent during the proceedings. The Council is summoned. Captain Horax, The Frontier.” He dropped back down into his seat.

“Sister Franki, The Devout.” She barely rose.

“Dorilli, The Requiem.” The gnome raised her arms after rising from her seat made little difference.

“Gundyr, The Gladium.” He pumped a fist in the air.

“Inioka, The Zodiak.” He shrugged.

“Due to certain revelations, the Council has elected to postpone the sentencing until the accused can give an account of their actions and the severity of the crimes can be determined,” said Dorilli. “This is an unusual case, since there exists no prior record of the accused and he is present and clearly willing to cooperate, tradition dictates that he should be granted the opportunity to explain himself.”

“It is the opinion of this Councillor, that a known Blasphemer and Heretic should not be allowed to speak,” said Sister Franki.

“The representative for The Devout’s opinion has been noted. However, the Council has voted and reached a majority decision that the accused will speak,” said Captain Horax. “Prisoner Null, please give a full account of your experience from the moment you first encountered the victim and witnesses up until your arrival in the city.”

I looked to Katri and she nodded. Right. Here we go.

I took a deep breath to steady myself, then as loud and clearly as I could manage, I shouted, “I demand a trial by combat!”

The crowd exploded with excitement.

Gundyr practically fell out of his chair.

Sister Franki’s expression went from scowling to shocked to smirking in a single beat of her bitter heart.

Dorilli and Captain Horax both froze in place.

Inioka laughed loudly and threw his mushroom hat into the air.

And from the shadowed tunnel, a tall, bald human wearing a dull brown cleric’s robe that barely concealed the weave of vicious tattoos over his arms, neck, and the bottom of his legs stepped into the arena. “As a sworn protector of the All-Mother’s Chosen, I, Brother Lecter, claim the right to fight as the victim’s Champion.”

It all happened so fast that the crowd was shocked back into silence.

Inioka’s cackling laughter slowly captured the the crowd’s attention. One by one, everyone turned towards the giggling goblin. Once he realised he was being observed by hundreds of people, he shrugged. “This trial is much more exciting than the usual shit I am asked to sit through. Now, let’s get straight to the fuck.”

By now, Dorilli had recovered. She rose in her chair. “Child, do you understand that the outcome of this trial will decide your fate?”

I gulped and nodded.

“You wish to enter a fight to the death with a champion of The Devout?” she asked. Her tone made it clear that she thought I was being incredible foolish.

Now that she has said it out loud…

I glanced around for some sign from Katri. She slowly dipped her head.

“I understand and wish to continue,” I said, as confidently as I could muster.

From the shadows a grin spread across the barely visible lower half of Katri’s face.

“Very well,” said Dorilli. She sighed. “It is your decision,”

“This is very stupid, boy,” said Gundyr. “You will quickly lose. I will fight as the boy’s champion. Everyone here will be my opponent.”

Inioka laughed. “It doesn’t work like that. You have to witness the fight.”

“I will win," Gundyr replied.

"No, it's not allowed," said Dorilli.

Gundyr sighed and settled down. "Then fight now, quickly. Soon I must feast.”

“The combatants must be granted solitude to make their peace,” said Captain Horax. He raised his arm in signal, then stamped his foot and nodded.

My cell began to slide down below the arena once more.

----------