The bonfire was a welcome respite as his mind worked around why he was here. His gaze travelled around the circle, witnessing the laughter and chatter of these odd folk. Most were normal enough. A few, however, seemed sorely out of place. The one that had found him first, Iksani, was one such creature. He sat alone, on the grass and close to the fire, facing away from the flames and speaking with a young woman.

  Is he the result of a summoning? Was he once a normal man and somehow cursed?

  He noticed two womanly figures with feline qualities, smaller in stature than Iksani. Their thick, golden fur shone in the firelight. Two sets of piercing green eyes, soft and inquisitive. Their ears and noses resembled mountain cats… and yet, they spoke and moved like humans. Where the grey cloaks did not cover, numerous black marks appeared, nearly passing for stripes. He figured it looked more like careless stains of ink. Their soft voices were barely heard over the chatter of the bonfire as they groomed each other.

  Then, there was Virgil. If not for the crimson fur cloaking much of his body, he would look like a muscular, large man with a thick mane of auburn hair. Every other human wore full attire, and yet, grey pants and leather shoes were the only covering he seemed to care for. His fur seemed enough to provide a somewhat clothed appearance.

  What is on his arm?

  He looked around and finally noticed that each of them had on the same arm-piece. He took a deeper look at Jasper’s arm beside him. It looked to be an odd form of bracer which rested just below his elbow at the top of the fore-arm. It was difficult to observe fully, but he could make out a form-fitting, stony material that glinted like polished metal. The bracer covered three quarters of his forearm and faintly displayed some unknown symbols.

  “Strange, isn’t it?” Jasper met his gaze. “You’ll receive one soon. They serve a vital purpose.”

  He remained silent. It still felt as though he could retch again at any moment. He’d been given water but it would not dispel the sickness and light-headedness. Was it the climate? It gave him an uncomfortable feeling, as though his nerves were extra sensitive and on the verge of raising goose-flesh.

  “I need answers…” He muttered to himself. Jasper was about to speak when Virgil’s voice roared from a few seats away.

  “Friends!” The large man stood from his seat on the log, addressing the small crowd. “We have been blessed with the appearance of a new warrior this night! His name is Shaan and he is, indeed, human.” A few smirks broke out in the crowd.

  It was unbelievable to think that he would need to be identified as human. He took some comfort in the fact that this couldn’t possibly be Enzekkar’s realm. Not unless the underworld had some sort of orientation before the torture and anguish began.

  Virgil continued. “Iksani and I will take Shaan to the temple at first light. Those who wish to join us and pay their respects may do so.” He turned to point at the smokehouse not far away. “Silda still has fish and sprouts cooking so eat your fill and rest well. Tomorrow at midday, we resume our good work.” Virgil took his seat and the folk resumed their chatter.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  He had not corrected the large man with the mistake on his name earlier, hadn’t even thought of it. It seemed too late now and ultimately, didn’t matter in the least. It would be easier to just accept it now.

  A new name, a new beginning…

  Virgil had mentioned this temple during their walk to the settlement. He’d assured him that it would provide answers. Could he find his way home? Was it possible?

  Perhaps it is for the good of all that I’m here now. I’ll become one of them, receive a strange bracer and assist with this… good work?

  A light breeze cooled the air. The field of grass around the fire shimmered and the trees beyond swayed in a soft rhythm. He reflected on his final moments before arriving to this strange world. Surely, this new life could never be as torturous as what he had endured already. War was one thing, but what of the loved ones he’d forsaken? At every turn, he’d been the one responsible for their suffering.

  He thought of the two blades, sheathless, stored in the quarters he was to share with Jasper. Blades of midnight with serrated edges, a slight curve to the tips. That dark, consuming aura from the moment he held them.

  What have they done to me?

  He had refused to eat because of the sickness he felt, but a stronger one now took its place. Shaan welcomed it. He clenched his fists and tensed, his body burning with an all too familiar rage. He found himself aching for the battlefield, wishing with all his might to return to the slaughter.

  His blood boiled. His heart raced. He clenched harder, pushing until he thought his body should ache… but the ache never came. He straightened, clenching his muscles until he shook from the effort. Suddenly, noises echoed from all around him, high and sharp. A piercing sound that only aggravated him further. He growled, pushing his body to its limit.

  A moment later, he felt the hands on his shoulders and took in the booming voice of Virgil shouting his name. The piercing noises died down as he finally let go of what had consumed him. The tension in his body slowly dissipated and Virgil’s countenance seemed to relax slightly. Catching his breath, Shaan’s gaze travelled around the circle once more as Virgil broke his hold on him.

  He was met with a range of looks from concern to full on terror. The large man in front of him looked somewhat confused for a moment, then quickly regained composure.

  “I hope we haven’t done anything to upset you, my friend.”

  Shaan blinked hard a few times, trying his best to settle himself. “I… apologize.” He struggled to explain himself. “I… uh… just remembered my… situation.”

  “Situation?” Jasper asked. He stood stiff next to Virgil.

  “It’s complicated. Again, I apologize.”

  Surprisingly, Virgil donned a look of understanding. “Of course,” he gave a gentle pat on the arm in reassurance. “Some of us have had very similar experiences.”

  He shrugged, turning to face the silent crowd. “I do apologize if I frightened anyone. It’s… been quite the night for me, as you can imagine.” He received a few nods. Some had their eyes fixed upon their bracers, oddly enough.

  “Perhapsss we ought to retire, it isss getting late.” Iksani’s rasp broke the silence.

  The small crowd began to thin. Virgil accompanied Shaan and Jasper to their dwelling, returning through the gap in the walls and cutting through a cluster of stone huts.

  “Virgil, I must know; what is this place?” Shaan asked. “The air is different. It is thick with some sort of… odd energy.”

  Both men nodded. “It is, indeed,” Jasper stated, attempting to keep some distance between himself and the new arrival. “It will take time to adjust to it.”

  Virgil turned to Shaan as they neared the entrance. “I’m sorry to be blunt but this situation has never occurred, to my knowledge.” He let out a sigh. “I would ask that you leave your swords in the armoury as per custom. I assure you that they will not be used by anyone else. I hope you can understand.”

  He’d expected this, of course. Already the madman of the village.

  “Yes. For now at least, I understand.”

  “Excellent. Rest well, I will return at dawn. We can talk at length during our trip to Sharsa’s Temple.”