Chapter 1: Light
After closing my eyes due to the incredibly bright light surrounding me, I open them once again as I feel the light fading away. Looking around, all I see is darkness. But as time passes and my eyes adjust, I see that I'm in some sort of alleyway between two rows of buildings. Rays of sunlight sparkle at the far end of the alley.
Slowly approaching the light, I see what can only be described as a main street. Shops and carts staffed with merchants and filled with all kinds of people line both sides of the street. Still in the alley but now illuminated by the light of an orange sun, I look down at myself. I seem to be clothed in a grayish coat with brown trousers and fitting leather boots up to my calves. Around my coat is a belt with a simple dagger and something like a waterskin.
Now, looking closer at the people shopping and walking along the main street, I notice that they also wear simple coats or robes. Some are equipped with simple leather armor and short swords or daggers like mine. After looking back into the alley one last time, I decide to head onto the main street. The passersby seem not to notice me, so I decide to walk along with the flow of the crowd.
As I stumble out of the alley, shielding my eyes against the bright sunlight, I try to make sense of my new surroundings. The sounds of the town seem to grow louder, drawing me toward the bustling streets beyond.
A nearby merchant, arranging his colorful display of fruits and vegetables, glances up and notices my disoriented state. He approaches cautiously, his curiosity piqued.
"Are you lost, traveler?" the merchant asks kindly, his voice warm and reassuring.
I nod, still looking around in confusion. "I don't know where I am," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "One moment I was... and now I'm here."
The merchant's brow furrows in concern. "You must have had a long journey. Come, sit for a moment. Perhaps we can figure out where you belong."
As the merchant guides me to a nearby bench, the townspeople continue with their routines, casting curious glances at me. The blacksmith's hammer rings out in a rhythmic beat, and the aroma of freshly baked bread grows stronger, mingling with the scent of herbs from the apothecary’s shop nearby.
I sit down heavily, my mind racing with questions. How had I arrived here? How do I get back? And most importantly, where am I even from? Where is it I want to return to?
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
After a few minutes, I gather myself and decide to explore further. The merchant offers a kind smile and a nod of encouragement as I leave the bench and head back into the flow of the crowd. Walking a few more minutes, I arrive at what looks like a town square. Atop an elevated area, a group of humans dressed in priest-like gowns are preaching to the people.
"Arise, faithful, for our Lord has granted us another day to labor for our glorious nation. Let us strive to be generous and kind, to embrace our loved ones and our Lord and Savior at the end of this journey of life. For the light of our sun is the proof of His divine benevolence. All praise His name, and let your voices be heard."
As the priest finishes, the crowd starts chanting in unison, "From the light we come, to the light we shall return!" The light of the sun seems to intensify as their chanting continues. Perhaps their Lord is watching, or maybe it’s simply daybreak.
The town square is located at an intersection of three main streets, each heading in a different cardinal direction: the one I came from in the west, and the others to the south and east. A building with two towers stands to the north of the square, most likely a cathedral or church. The building is adorned with statues of gargoyles watching over the town square. The painted windows depict murals of an entity beaming with divine iridescence. The towers are decorated with marble tips and golden outlines, reflecting the sunlight throughout the town.
As I stand there, taking in the scene, I feel a mixture of awe and uncertainty. This place is both foreign and strangely familiar, like a vivid dream or a memory from a distant past. I take a deep breath, gathering my courage, and decide to explore further, hoping to find answers in this mysterious new world.
I weave through the crowd, moving toward one of the main streets that seem to lead out of the town. As I walk, I notice a large gate guarded by soldiers. The town gate, a grand structure, looms ahead, its iron bars and stone arches imposing and secure. The guards eye me with suspicion as I approach.
"Hold, traveler," one of the guards calls out, stepping forward. "You must register with the Adventurers' Guild before leaving the town. It will make reentry much easier and ensure you are recognized by the city’s authorities."
I nod, feeling a bit overwhelmed but understanding the necessity. "Where can I find this guild?" I ask.
The guard points down the street. "Follow this road to the town square, then take the east road. The guild hall is a large building with a sign bearing a sword and shield. You can't miss it."
"Thank you," I reply, grateful for the direction. Turning away from the gate, I head back toward the town square, eager to find the Adventurers' Guild and hopefully some answers to the multitude of questions swirling in my mind.
As I walk, I can't shake the feeling that my journey has only just begun. This town, with its medieval charm and mysterious aura, holds secrets that I am determined to uncover. And somewhere within me, a flicker of hope ignites—a hope that I will find my way back to wherever it is I came from and understand the purpose of my arrival in this strange, new world.