“They detect the levels of energy your body absorbs into its makeup,” Virgil explained. “You discovered for yourself how vastly different the atmosphere here is from your home-world.”

  They had left the field some time ago and now followed a path through a sparse woodland. Iksani trimmed the overgrowth with two jagged-edged blades of his own. Trailing him were the two feline women, who’d chosen to pay their respects to this Sharsa. Shaan had been allowed to bring his weapons but had yet to put together a pair of sheaths. He held them resting on his shoulders, the tips protruding behind him as he walked.

  “Who created them?” Shaan asked, gesturing towards Virgil’s bracer.

  “Some say it was Sharsa, herself. They were first brought to us by her priests as a tool to assist our cause. You will meet them soon enough. The priests visit on occasion and lift our spirits,” He let out a snort. “If nothing else.”

  Again, he glanced at the bracer equipped to the large man. It looked heavy. He couldn’t imagine having to wear one from sunrise until rest.

  Ahead, Iksani’s sharp, raspy breaths accompanied by the shredding of foliage led the way. The snake-man looked to have some skill with dual wielding as well, however, one of his blades was slightly shorter than the other. Not the same as his own of equal length.

  The morning air was cool and thick with the ever-present oddness. He tried not to focus on the trees and shrubs surrounding them. They appeared thicker than any he’d ever seen, even the leaves seemed unnaturally bloated.

  Iksani glanced over his shoulder, sheathing his weapons. “We’ve arrived.”

  They emerged from the trees and approached a tall rock face split by a narrow canyon. As they entered, Shaan noticed numerous, faded claw marks etched into the walls. There was a level of precision with these sharp lines, as if…

  “The language of the priests,” Virgil clarified, following his gaze. “Some say…” he paused. “Well… they say many things.”

  Before he could inquire further, they had arrived at a large opening. A thick, stone beam protruded from the centre of the space, similar to an obelisk. It was etched in the same markings as the walls, although more intricate and with several different shapes.

  “Sharsssa, hear usss.” Iksani whispered. This was echoed by the two cat-women and finally, Virgil. The four of them each placed a hand on the obelisk, bowing their heads in reverence. A moment later, the others backed away and Virgil urged Shaan forward.

  “Free your hands and place a palm on this symbol.”

  Shaan set his weapons at the base of the obelisk and reluctantly placed his palm on the large claw marks forming an X at the centre. A soothing, feminine voice entered his mind. It was bewildering. There was immense power behind it, firm and somehow full of sorrow.

  Greetings, Warrior. Sharsa is my name. You are here because a great power lives within you. The circumstances of its awakening is unique to each individual. Unfortunately, I do not hold all the answers. Perhaps this power is drawn to the mystical qualities of the world you now inhabit. We cannot know for certain.

  What we do know, is that your new world is an ancient one. As you may have sensed, the life-force of every living thing is able to gorge itself upon this atmosphere. Use this power, but use it wisely.

  Know that hope is not lost. There is a chance to return to your old life, to hold and cherish those you love. It will be difficult. Not all require the fortitude to achieve such a thing… but faith will lift you up.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  As all power does… mine has its limits. My people have constructed a device to assist you. It was built for the sole purpose of aiding those who wish to take firm hold of this faith. I cannot save you all, but those who prove to stand above the rest will be those rewarded.

  I would encourage you to explore, for there is much to uncover. Much that will bring you closer to your goal. Be wary of the secrets shrouded within the land, within the waters. Within every crossing, every passage. Every slit and crevice. Be wary of enemies. Perhaps even, of those you call friends.

  The Grand Temple upon Mount Vulsidian is where those who have proven their worth will be sent whence they came. Only twelve-bar warriors will be worthy of this honour.

  Finally, always remember… your prayers do not go unheard. My temples are scattered throughout the land.

  Hold dear your courage. Hold dear your faith.

  The presence vanished. Shaan opened his eyes, turning to face Virgil and the others. “This? This is an explanation?”

  What a disturbing message. Be wary of everything? Everyone? Every slit and crevice… of those you call friends…

  Iksani raised a hand. “We shall give you a moment—“

  “That will not be necessary,” Shaan interrupted. It was difficult to stifle his irritation as he approached Virgil. “I would like my bracer. When can I receive one?”

  “We shall equip you once we return.” Virgil raised his arms. “Please, let us discuss—“

  “There is nothing to discuss,” Shaan’s breath grew shallow. The light-headedness returned. He made for the exit, this stale air was suffocating. “Come, tell me of this work you do.”

  “Your swords!”

  The voice was unfamiliar. One of the cat-women. Shaan turned to see the furry form grasp his weapons.

  A violent shriek pierced the air. The swords fell with a clang and the cat-woman collapsed. She continued to scream, her body writhing into madness. “Juveen! Help! Make it stop!” She clawed at her head, rolling every which way and carpeting the ground in torn, golden fur.

  Juveen leaped toward her, arms outstretched as she knelt. “What is it, Mira? What’s happening?”

  Shaan stared in disbelief. Unexpected though it was, he understood immediately. Of course…

  “Step aside,” roared Virgil. With his bulky arms, he hoisted the woman up and hastily barrelled down the passageway. Shaan ducked to the side to avoid being trampled, Juveen swiftly following in Virgil’s wake.

  Iksani approached him with a look of concern. “You ssshould never have brought them here,” he hissed. “Thossse blades require exxxtensive inssspection. They’re unnatural and unfit to wield!”

  They shared a wary look. Shaan was too stunned to speak. He’d allowed these strangers to strip him of his property, his only connection to all he’d once known, for a single night longer than he should have. The snake-man darted through the passageway, leaving Shaan alone in the temple.

  As he stooped to retrieve the blades, an unexpected grin took hold of him. A chuckle broke through, which soon grew into a hysterical cackle.

  It was always the same. No matter which world or realm he’d descend to, it was maddeningly amusing that some things would never change. Well… he thought, the laughter dissolving. I daresay, this was much longer than expected. He took a deep breath, savouring the brief moment of solitude. At last, he stood and marched away from the temple.

  Outside, the cat-women clutched each other. Horror washed over Mira’s eyes. Virgil and Iksani halted their conversation once Shaan appeared.

  “Shaan,” Virgil’s tone brooked no argument. “I do not know what secrets you or those weapons cling to, but my people and I will have no part of it.”

  “I see…” Shaan released a sharp breath and smirked. “I’d like to thank you for your generosity the previous night. It was an entire night longer than I’d ever expect.”

  Their expressions did not waver. Virgil stood stern, motionless.

  “I don’t suppose you could point me to a promising direction?” Shaan asked.

  Virgil nodded to his left, keeping his eyes fixed on Shaan.

  West. It appeared to go deeper into the woodland. A stroll through the garden.

  “Farewell, then.” He muttered.

  Virgil followed his exit with a probing gaze until he was out of sight. He turned to the women. “Juveen, take Mira home. I will see that he does not reappear and we shall arrange a ceremony of myrrh once I return.” Juveen nodded, guiding the scarred Mira down the trail and away.

  “You realize the danger he possesesss, do you not?” Iksani hissed. “We could have prodded him to ssshare hisss secretsss. Those bladesss do not belong in this world.”

  “He is alone now, and without a bracer. He will not last.” Virgil snarled, fixing his gaze once more to the west. “Those blades may hold the key to everything. In time, we will find a way to pry them from his corpse.”