Awakening, I found myself under layers and layers of furs that ranged from commonly found game to exotic albino pure breeds, the kinds of myths of legend. My nostrils became awoken next by the incents that burned jasmine and spice, which I couldn't name, only feel as they perused through my nose and tingled sensations that had never been amused.

Around me, trinkets of old charms and ornaments with the gleam and polish of the newly acquired have the same feel as freshly dropped loot.

How about that, I thought to myself. Loot, that's a word I haven't used in a while.

Well, the quaint is much better than the rush of men with pointy ends and breaths of rage, I muttered as I began to peel back the layers of protection that insulted me from the night's bite.

It was then that the footsteps came in.

A small voice broke in before the door to the room was opened.

May I come in if you are decent?

I'm decent, I replied.

Again, manners and pleasantries are always a good sign when waking up in foreign lands.

With a walk that told of age, a slight limp, and reliance on a good side, an elderly lady, short and covered in oriental ornaments, walked into the room, procured a stool, and sat. The air seemed to rest as well. As the space around her bent and shifted nervously, I couldn't feel any pulse of power from her.

Odd...

I could open my soul warden and hunt her hidden prowess, but something cold inside told me against that. It was as if I had grown more aware that there is a push and pull to the world the longer I stayed in these lands. One that is hidden but very there. One that, if pushed when one should pull, equals a fate worse than death.

Adhering to these newly uncovered senses, I waited for her to make the first move.

She watched me, yet her eyes were blindfolded in some ceremonial garment, giving the feeling of asceticism and not impairment.

Her lips cracked. Her skin, holding craters and rivers of age, was peaceful and still. She did not quiver or shake in age. She stood calm and composed, giving off an aura of poise and confidence. She knew deep down her purpose. That was her power, and it shook me to the core.

I felt a force, another sensation.

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Letting myself follow its guide, I found my eyes on the ground as I stared at the down, my head bowed.

Laughing a giggle, much too young, her voice quaked the room like a spring in bloom.

With an uneasy breath, I stayed bowed.

Her giggle stopped, and next came words harsh and accurate.

You don't remember me, do you?

The force released its hold, and with it, my head bobbed back up and met the old lady. With the coverings and new feel, I couldn't remember.

Had I met her before?

Everything I told you came true, I'm sorry to say.

Then, it clicked.

That night, after we had helped their cause in the village, I was met by an old lady who spoke in riddles and of dark futures.

Then I remembered what I was given…

Patting my pockets, I held nothing.

Don't worry about that trinket; it means nothing. What does matter is the amount of distance you've made—how far you've come…and for what?

Silence reigned in once again.

The question wasn't a rhetorical one, and I held no answer.

At least you know the question, boy. The answers will come with time, or they won't.

She giggled again.

Ain't that funny.

I found myself laughing in a self-deprecating way. In a way that I had seemed to have lost long ago. When was the last time I laughed? Feeling my face, I felt an upturned grin.

Or smiled, for that matter?

I searched desperately for Power. For the power to laugh and smile with those I love.

My words suddenly broke out, like I was under some powerful binding spell.

Oh boy, it's hit you now and of all times.

I'll give it to you quick and easy.

Finding yourself, the soul of thyself takes even the most adept years of self-reflection. And you have….hmpfff if the storms and the messages from the mainland prove correct…months…if not less.

A big wave is coming, boy.

One that needs a champion.

I know you've never been one to seek out the role of leader or champion, but there is no other option.

It must be you.

I wanted to say why, to question everything, to go against fate, but what would that do? Things are, or they aren't. So be it; I am to be the one thing I think I can't be.

Without hesitation, I answered.

I'll do it if it must be done.

Oh, look what we have here. What fire burns behind those timid eyes? The system may prove right about you, boy. If I had seen this on that night, I wouldn't have vouched for the other one, the leader by force, taking and never once sharing.

What do you mean?

The system chooses multiple choices to tackle the next wave of content. One was the leader of force, or Mercy, yes that was his name.

I liked that boy. Powerful as hell for one who hadn't even awakened.

Mercy…the name had left my memory and now jolted back with a flash of pain.

Well, matters not, the boy is probably long dead.

Wait, what do you mean?

No time, boy.

Follow the trail up past the ridge and into the mountain's ravine. There, you will find a guide of the soul—an old man who looks young but fights like a demon. He will begin your trek.

Before I could muster anything else, she was gone.

Just gone.

As if sucked up by the world itself.

Without a noise.

Without a trace.

Once again, I was left with so much to consume, but I did not have anyone to aid me. Like a child given forks and knives for the first time, I dug into the meal ahead of me with my fingers first.

Gathering myself, I stuffed what looked useful into a backpack I found lying around. Then, I turned around, looked at the room, which meant nothing had helped me, and nodded in appreciation. Finally, I headed to the trail and the mountain ravine, searching for my next master.