My eyes were blinded, the bright light from the outside world over came me as I stumbled around a for a bit, both dazed and confused as I awoke into the world. Although I had just awaken, it felt as if I was already awake some time ago. Before I could even find my step I was pushed about by others who were already accustomed to this world. Their bright diamond armor gleaming in the sun light as they rushed by shouting, "Move it noob!"
Noob? Was this my name? Do these people know my real identity and origin? I had no knowledge of myself or where I was, all I knew was that I was a young male who had just been awaken from a deep sleep. I knew the basic skills of communication but other than that, I was lost.
"Where.... Where am I?" I asked in a weary tone.
"You're in Town!" Said a tall man who was decorated in all sorts of fashion and armor. "But watch your step, the second you leave your no longer under the towns protection. You'll most likely be killed out there." The man pointed across a bridge which led to a valley, all across the wall there were ruins, broken objects, and people fighting and dueling one another. In-between the conflict, a few stray "noobs" just like me were seen running for cover, but as I watched in fear they were cut down with their bodies, soon vanishing.
"What.. What do I do? Where do I go?" While speaking the man seemed occupied with little interest in my struggle, but when seeing the panic swarm across my face he sympathized.
"You see that forest over there?" He pointed across the town towards one side of the valley where a forest formed. Although even from far away I could see that it wasn't much of a forest, but instead old and ruined buildings with one or two trees in-between.
"Make for there and keep going until you think your safe."
"When will I be safe?"
"Listen.. I.. I got other things to do, here take this and go. Better hurry before nightfall, other people won't be your only worry by then." With that said he placed a piece of bread and cooked pork before running off, disappearing into the town.
Not knowing what else to do I listened, running off towards the edge of town joining the crowds of scavengers who would run out, grab whatever loot that had fallen off a dead body to then run back inside the protection. It was during this process of "snatching and grabbing" that I hoped to break away freely, all I had to do was wait until a person was slain.
And before I knew it a soul was slain and like a rush of open water scavengers and looters swarmed out to pick up what they could. It was in this moment when I first experienced the rush of conflict. My blood, rushing through my body at a rapid pace, my heart beating and my throat dry with perspiration streaming down my back. Warriors who were nearby came against the looters, acting as if it was a sport to see how many they could slay.
I was one of the few lucky ones, running off to the side and getting into the cover of the trees, then after a few more moments of open sprinting, the valley was obstructed and I, was out of sight. For a moment I paused, breathing to regain my endurance while slowing down my movement speed.
All around me I saw foreign structures standing high through the tree line and well into the sky, leaving me to question how in the world these were built. The forest, well it wasn't ,much of one. It was more like a forest of rubble and ruin, with only trees as decoration. Trenches and holes were everywhere, with left over crafting tables and furnaces, showing that people commonly use this area.
"Keep on going, just keep on going." Said I to myself as I tracked on pacing through the snowy terrain. All around me was snow, snow in the distant mountains, snow along the building tops, and snow all through the valleys around. I was in a Glacier Biome, with nothing else besides snow, snow, and even more snow... actually maybe a little bit of ice.
But anyways as I tracked across this trench ridden, ruined building land of misery, I found a few use items along the way which I guess had just been left behind. In a tower, ruined with blown entrance ways of course, I found a chest which contained a few pieces of wood, a wooden ax, and a torch. With glee I put the items away into my inventory while grasping a hold of the ax, feeling my fingers move along the handle as if they knew what they were doing. Suddenly I began to find myself already experienced with this object, and although I had no idea what I was truly doing, my hands did. And as I let my hands warm up the ax a noise came from outside.
Ducking away I took shelter in a dark part of the tower watching through a few holes as two brightly armored men came my way. Their swords gleamed as the fading sun bounced off their golden blades and as they approached the tower I could hear them speak.
"Bloody nightfall be comin' in a few hours now.. Better secure this ere' place now." Said one of the two men who had a long red beard and a Scottish accent.
"igh', we'll dig down below the tower yeah? Set up a fire there?" Said the other in the same accent.
"I'll get us some wood now yeah? I left some here in earlier today."
I screamed inside, I had just stolen from these men and now, they were going to find out I was here. I had to get out, before the caught me, I had to make a break for it!
"Bloody gut! Someone went and stolen my ax and torch, along with the wood!" Said the man as he threw his hands up in anger.
"That's why you don't leave your stuff out in the open, gotta be secret now." Laughed the other as he started to dig a hole with a bright iron pick ax. And as the sun began to set across the hills a beam of light reflected right off the pick glaring it right onto my face spot lighting me as I hid in the corner.
The two froze, staring at each other than staring at me as I slowly began to rise, the wooden ax in hand.
"You lil' !" Screamed the owner of the ax as he drew his sword approaching me.
"Now listen I can explain! I... I didn't know it was yours!"
"I'm gonna cut you like a pig!" Cursed the man as he raised his sword preparing to swing, it was at this moment where I... I just reacted. I don't know how, and I don't know what, but all I know is that my body responded to the threat. I didn't think about it, I just did it.
I turned the head of my ax to block his sword and in return I swung the butt of my handle across his face knocking him back away from me and into his friend. At the sight of this his friend raised his own sword swinging it in my direction. I ducked away using punching him in the face while using my ax to push him back across the tower. Then like a flash I was out, running across the fading terrain while jumping across trenched and holes. From behind, they were chasing.
"I'm sorry! I didn't know it was yours!" I shouted while running across a narrow ledge in between too large trenches.
"You damn thief! When we catch you your dead!"
Continuing to run I found myself coming up to a large trench, wider than all the others and with a fall deep enough to kill. I tried stopping! My brain was screaming to my body stop, stop you're going to die! But with the two close behind my body didn't listen, as a matter of fact it began to move faster. And then, I jumped.
It felt as if I was watching myself from another angle, with time slowing down to add to the anxiety. It felt as if I was slowly flying, soaring across the empty space in in-between the two sides, the black empty abyss right below, waiting to swallow me if I missed. Suddenly, as I aimlessly floated through air time caught up.
I slammed into the side of the trench a few inches below the edge but being quick I used my ax to catch grip, and surprising me once again my body had enough strength to lift me up, turning to run off. My two pursuers were left in the distance, figuring that it'd be night soon they probably decided to let me go.
So with that I had gotten away, but I was nowhere close to being safe. I was now out in the wild, with no place to hide in, and with little direction of where to go. The sun was just barely gleaming over the hills, it'd be pitch black soon I had to find somewhere to hide.
While continuing to jog along the rugged snow covered terrain I found many structures around me, soaring high into the sky, expanding why, and built into the sides of trenches. Yet all of them were ruined and weathered, with no places to take cover in. So I kept moving making sure to stay out of clear sight and stick to the low trench line, but it was in the shadows were I found my next enemy.
A moan, a groan and a gnashing of teeth flew my way from the shadows as a zombie who had just awoken came to feast on my flesh. Using my already over used axed I was able to push it away, knocking it along the trenches wall. Turning to run I found myself in the middle of a few other zombies, all of them hungry for flesh.
I dove the head of my ax into the skull of one zombie then ripping it out I twirled it driving it into the stomach of another. And to my surprise, they were still alive and moving. With each step they took I could see the hatred and scorn within their eyes and no matter how hard I slashed them back, they continued to assault. In the process of defending myself the food which had been earlier given to me spilled out, and figuring it was best to fight than to try and gather it I left it to be trampled underneath the zombies feet.
Breaking away a clump of dirt along the side of the trench I was able to hop out but by my foot was grabbed and I dragged back down. Kicking one of them away I used my ax to slash the other, removing its leg knee cap and all.
Using this moment I was able to thrust myself up out of the trench, dodging the other zombie making it away. Running with all my heart I was feeling the energy within me slip away as I continued my sprint, and even then when I felt as if I had nothing else I kept running. Jumping over trenches, moving around zombies and skeletons, and even running away from an exploding creeper. After about three minutes of enduring a solid sprint I found myself coming out of the forest, entering another expanding valley of snow.
But unlike the other terrain this one had less ruin and ruble, although there were still many destroyed houses, there was just not as much cluster. It was in this valley that I found a small house/tower lingering on top of a hill. Holding myself up I slowly wavered there, desperately trying to escape the newly arrived cold while slowly trudging through the ice it began to snow. Flakes falling upon my weary head, drops of cold water sinking into my clothing. Hunger and exhaustion building up within, you can see how anxious I was to hide away in shelter.
And luckily the gods above applauded me, for the place was empty. And inside a furnace was silently sleeping, so in search for heat I started it up by placing the wooden planks within. The comforting heat soothed me and as I rested along the side of the structure I felt myself slip away. Here I laid, without a clue in the world of who I was. All I knew was that I was in an unknown place, and that I had a special set of skills in both combat and survival, doing things I did not know how I could do. So with heavy eye lids I fell asleep anticipating the next day while looking out into the vast wasteland before me which would be my future home.
The howling wind awoke me early next day, and almost instantly was I consumed by the near freezing temperatures. The furnace had died out over night so all I had were the clothes on my back to keep me warm, which were a minimal. But despite lacking the right clothes for the terrain I knew I had to keep moving, it still wasn't safe here, I needed to go farther.
Picking up my almost broken wooden ax I decided to move, steadily descending down the icy slope continuing my march through the snow. Not much happened during this trip, I passed by many more ruined structures, many more abandoned and forsaken houses leaving me to question if there really was a safe place. There weren't any people, but there were the signs of constant travel, maybe from people like me just searching for a home, I couldn't be the only one searching for safety.
My questions kept me busy for some time, trying to think of reasonable theories on where I actually was, who I actually was, and what I was ACTUALLY going to do. As I walked on I felt the temperature get a bit warmer, could I be getting close to another biome? I began to quicken my pace, anxiety and hope building inside me as I rounded over a small ridge. I found myself running, trying to get out of this freezing weather once and for all, finally the top of the ridge was here, but as I rounded all the hope and adrenaline which had built inside of me died out. For before me was a vast blue ocean, as far as the eye could see. All up and down the coast line more abandoned ruble, no trees, no sign of safety, just nothing....
I collapsed in pain, my stomach growling with rage as I felt my heart die out due to starvation. It was within this moment that a loveable, rather adorable looking chicken came clucking across my path. Yet sadly I had no room for pets and in a barbaric manner I leapt upon the innocent animal using my ax to tear it apart while using my hands to devour its raw flesh. It was an uncivilized act, but it was an act of survival and in the wild there is room for no civilized manner. It took me a few mere minuets to devour the creature, and even after wards I was still throbbing for hunger. But the raw meat inside me was just enough to keep me going, so I stood up, wiped my hands clean in the snow, and carried on.
"Well... I can't stay here that's for sure." I said to myself as I stood on the edge of the dark blue water, which was surprisingly clear. Turning to stare down the coast line I looked amongst the houses, seeing if anything could be used. As I gazed a flashing shadow caught my attention and when taking a closer look, I saw a person clothed in warm winter gear. Automatically my first instinct was to ask for help, and thinking people out in the wilderness would be a lot more nicer than the people back at The Town, I ran his way.
But the person turned, disappearing into a passage way in-between two large towers which had moss growing up along the side. Rushing in I ignored how dark it was lighting my torch in search for this person.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" Cried I as I followed inside.
"Please, I... I just need a little bit of supplies than I can be on my way, I just need some help please... I... I don't know what else to do." I tried to make myself sound like a pitiful peace of flesh, so he'd know for sure that I wasn't a threat to him.
"I don't have anything, I'm sorry I can't help you." Replied the voice from the shadows.
"Please... anything will do. Some wood? You have to have some wood. Please, I... I'll die without your help." I paused, lowering the torch waiting for a reply, a few moments later still all I head was silence. When suddenly a cold sharp blade was place to the back of my head.
"Drop the torch, and the wooden ax." Said the voice as I realized he was right behind me.
Instantly I obeyed, clarifying that I meant no harm and that I absolutely had nothing on me. To reassure my plea I even emptied my pockets showing him that I had nothing valuable.
He smirked, "You really are going to die aren't you." While speaking he slid his sword away, "Come with me."
Leading me to the back of the rubble he removed a few stacks of stone exposing a small bright hole, then pushing me in first I climbed my way down a small makeshift wooden ladder, inside was a hollowed out cove, a torch, furnace and crafting table on one side and a bed and chest on the other.
"You live here?"
"Along the coast? Of course not that'd be a death wish." He replied while covering up the entrance hole, "This is just one of my shelters."
While searching through the chest he threw me a large winter coat. "You're lucky I was just out retrieving some supplies I left behind last week, I usually never come out here unless I have too." He seemed friendly, already opening up to me as if I was a friend.
"What do you mean?" Replied I while putting on the coat feeling it's warm comfort soothe my body.
He looked at me as if I was deformed or on fire. "You really are new here aren't you? God how'd the hell you make it this far out from the Chaos Circle."
"Chaos Circle?"
"Yeah, it's the perimeter around The Town, you know... The spawn point? It's without a doubt the most dangerous place in the whole land, second to that is this coast line." While speaking he was still rumbling through the chests, digging up mushrooms and bread.
"Why's it dangerous?" Even though I pretty much knew why, I still wanted to hear his thoughts on it too.
"We'll usually everyone around there has diamond armor with diamond swords, and not to mention everyone there is evil and corrupt killing anyone they please." Pausing for a second he poured a bowl of hot water mixing in the bread and mushrooms. "Here eat this."
Without even asking what it was I took a hold of it, devouring it as he laughed, "Yeah you really were hungry."
I smirked, "So why is the coast dangerous? It seemed to me as if no one was even here?"
"That's why this place is so deadly, it might look empty but before you know it you have an arrow in your back. You can't trust anybody here."
"Should I not trust you?"
He smiled, turning to take a hold of a few pieces of wood. "If you don't have the right amount of supplies than you shouldn't bunker down here. Best bet for you is to sail to The Distant Lands, settle down for a bit until you can get what you need." He opened up a small map which showed what was across the sea, a large strip of land but beyond that it was black with big bulging letters reading, "Unexplored."
"You'll be sailing for a little bit, but once you arrive here along this coast line you should be safer, at least a little bit. Not many people head out that way since the fall of Hasberg."
"Hasberg?"
"Yeah, it was a large tower along the coast line. For many years it protected people there but a war between two princes arose, now it's nothing besides a ruin landmark. But, the good thing is not many people live there, the bad thing is that monsters do. But monsters are a hell of a lot easier to deal with."
I was silent for a bit, staring at the map, and for some reason I couldn't help but gaze at the big "Unexplored" area. It was as if I knew what was out there, as if I had already been there. My instinct was telling me that it was a safer place, a place just for me, as a matter of fact... A place that needed me. But my mind was telling me to stay away, I did not truly know the area it was just an urge from within.
"Yeah, no one really knows what's out that far." He said when noticing me stare. "Could be paradise or it could be an even more dangerous place than The Chaos Circle. But, as far as I know you should be fine if you stay within this area. I'll give you some supplies to last you for a few days but other than that, you're on your own."
I paused for a second, setting down the empty bowl and staring into the man's eyes, "Thank you... I won't forget this."
He smiled back, showing compassion, "It's okay, I had someone help me once long ago when I first started out, as a matter of fact you remind me a lot of him, and to top it off he was the one who built this cove, showed me it a long long time ago.... What was his name again?" He paused for a second trying to remember, but gave up. "Ahh, it's been far too long. By the way what's your name?"
"I...I don't really know." Replied I.
"You don't know? How could you possibly not know?"
"I actually don't know a lot of things honestly... My memory seems locked away for some reason, maybe eventually I'll remember who I really am but as of now, I have no clue."
"Well we can't have you wandering the earth without a name! Hmm... Let me think.... I got it! Your name will be Steve!"
"Steve?" Replied I a bit skeptical.
"Yes! Steve... It actually suits you pretty well." We laughed a bit over the matter, then after wards he packed up some supplies and led me to the coast.
"Okay so first we need to build you a boat what you need to do is-"
"Put the wood here, here and here, then just hammer it yeah?" As I interrupted him I quickly crafted a makeshift boat in a matter of seconds. It was strange, because I knew what I was doing but I didn't know how I knew. For example, you know what two plus two is, but you don't know where you exactly learned it. All you know is that you somehow know the simplicities of math and that knowledge is locked away in your brain.
"Yeah, I think you'll be just fine if you can find a place to settle down in." He laughed a bit while helping me set the boat along the water, while stepping in he tossed me the bag.
"So why do you stay here?" I asked while stepping in.
"What do you mean?"
"If this place is so destroyed and horrid, than why do you bother with it?"
He paused for a few moments, thinking of a reasonable reply. Until finally looking at me, "Well.... Because it's my home." With that he gave me a push, "Remember trust no one!"
"Wait! You never told me your name!" Replied I as the boat began to float away.
"Frank! The names Frank!"
"Well, it was nice to meet you Frank! I won't ever forget your kindness!" Yelled I as our distance grew greater.
"It was nice to meet you too Steve! Good luck and I hope you remember whatever it is you forgot!" And with that his figure vanished, the coastal clouds were all that I could now see. Turning away to direct the boat I looked ahead, nothing but the deep blue sea seemed to welcome me. But trusting the guidance of Frank I continued, praying that hopefully soon would I arrive at my destination.
The sea was calm, the water soothed me as it slowly rocked the boat. And before no time I was up against a coast line. The warm weather was charming indeed, no snow anywhere! Just bright green trees with green grass and green bushes and green everything! The sun was still high in the sky and the soft sand welcomed me when stepping off my boat. And after collecting my things, including the boat, I decided to explore for a bit.
There were a few houses around, but they seemed better intact than the others back in the Chaos Circle. Although upon entering it was obvious that no one had been in them for quite some time, and even these house had holes in them. While searching through a small stone tower I was able to find a stone sword and a stone ax. Figuring my old wooden ax was beyond its use I decided to toss it, taking up my newly two found items. While exiting the tower I saw what Frank had called Hasberg.
Not too far from the coast line in the middle of a bay area there was an enormously large tower, so high that I couldn't even see the top of it and so wide well... Let's just say it was extremely large. But all throughout the tower were exposed holes, blown apart walls and water gaping from different canals and passage ways. From the outside it was easy to see that a great battle had taken place some long time ago, but maybe just maybe there were valuable supplies hidden away inside. Yet figuring it was best to get settled in first I ignored it.
It wasn't too hard to obtain what I needed, a few logs, some stone, some coal, and even some raw meat from a pack of pigs. The wildlife was extremely good within this area, all around me were packs of chickens, sheep, pigs, and cows. I just collected what I needed to let the others live and repopulate.
"So... What now." I said to myself as I held onto these supplies.
"Well you need to get a small base set up. But make sure it's safe, there! Dig over there under that tree than use the dirt to hide your entrance way." Replied my brain.
Figuring that my brain had the best plan I followed it, and after a few moments of digging I had a small cove set up. A nice chest and bed at one end and then a furnace, torch and crafting table at the other. As a matter of fact the cove reminded me a lot of the one Frank had brought me into not too long ago. I didn't plan on building it that way, I just followed what felt right. Nudging it off as a coincidence I continued digging. Building a small stair case where I hollowed out a nice area, big enough to grow some wheat and hopefully have a successful farm. But first I needed water and to get water I needed a bucket, and to get a bucket I needed iron, and to get iron I needed to go mining. So after I had gathered some food, left my cove in an attempt to find a nearby cave hopefully untouched.
It wasn't too difficult though just a few minutes of walking and right before me I found a black tunnel which appeared to be never ending. Striking up my torch I began my descent, making sure to keep my iron sword close in my other hand. I was a bit scared at first, but then an overwhelming heap of confidence hit me. "I can take on anything that attacks me!" Said I to myself as I continued my slow march through the tunnels.
It didn't take long to find some more coal, which I was low on. But finding iron was proving to be a challenge, so I decided to head deeper. So I'll skip the boring detail of the time spent exploring and digging and just cut to the part where I found myself deep into the mine, a good hour from the surface.
I was mining up some coal when suddenly a burst of red flaming lava came roaring my way. I jumped away barely dodging the flow, my heart racing at a rampant speed. And as I look for a way across I spotted what I had been searching for, IRON! With a bright smile and a proud heart I began carving away the precious material filling my inventory with iron. After clearing the stone I had exposed another passage way, one that looked totally untouched. So bracing up once more I charged in, torch in one hand and blade in the other. I went on finding a countless amount of iron, coal, lapis, and even gold. Quickly constructing a crafting table and furnace I soon had myself an iron pick ax and went with my way of careless collecting the bright gold. It was at this moment that I buzzing sound flew by my head ducking away I dove into a dark corner and before me was a skeleton archer.
It crackled and clanked as it loaded another arrow firing it in my direction. Turning back into my corner it flew right past me, closer than the one previously shot. My heart began racing once again, for I was trapped with nowhere to go and no one to help me. It was in this moment where I felt a heap of bravery and courage, from within I knew I could slay this enemy. I knew I could do it! I knew that I would be victorious!
So out of my corner I charged, and after rolling away dodging another arrow I drove my sword towards its head. The skeleton reacted quickly by using its bow to block my swing, but I then reacted faster. Forcefully kicking the skeleton across the legs it fell before me, then in one fast motion I drove my blade as deep as I could into its thin and fragile skull. Upon impact it shattered, bones and bits of skull shattering everywhere.
My breathing was heavy, and as I stood eyeing my victim a victorious smile drew across my face. Once again I had pulled off an extraordinary feat, I had slain my first enemy. Reaching down to its body I removed it's bow and small sack of arrows than, right before my eyes its body vanished. I did not know what bodies would just disappeared but just accepting it as the way of life I let it go containing my track through the mines.
After a few more hours of digging I found myself with more minerals than I could count, so thinking of it as a successful day I began my ascend out. It was a bit challenging to get out of the cave, I made a few wrong turns and dug through a few bad passage ways. But after another few hours of traveling I made it out, and as I slowly paced from the entrance of the cave I could see the rising sun in the distance.
"Had I really been down there a full day?" I thought to myself as I slowly rubbed my wearisome eyes. Then looking back at all the resources I had gathered I shrugged, "Yeah I guess so."
Lifting the bag over my shoulder I felt the weight of it strangle along my back, and the feeling felt great. I had gathered these supplies, me and no one else. These were mine and mine only, I had showed the world that I could survive in this strange place, but most importantly I had showed myself that I was no weak person. But instead I was a strong warrior who would do anything to live.
It's easy to see that my safe and secured cove was a welcoming sight upon arriving. The furnace was still roaring with the coals earlier put in the day before. The bed was soft and comfortable, and after planting a few seeds I poured a few buckets of water starting my newly built farm.
After smelting and storing all my items I figured that I had done enough for now. So I sealed up the entrance into my hole, had a nice bowl of soup with cooked pork and settled down to sleep. Like the night before I was tired and weary, but unlike the night before I now had a new home.
Wow!
This is outstanding!
Way better than how I write. Better than most stories in this forums that I read!
Keep it up, add more action! Willing to read more at what you can bring to me and everyone else.
About two weeks passed and the only sign of life were a few randomly placed torches. But thinking nothing of it I continued my work. I had built up my farm, decorated my living spaces, and made my cove more like a home. It wasn't really hard, just a lot of repetitive work.
But it was all worth it, for I was secure, safe, and comfortable. But I needed better tools, stone and iron can only get you so far. And I deeply did not want to go back into the mines due to an incident that had happened a few days ago where I was lost in a spider den. Thankfully I ran into no spiders and safely made my way out, but until I got items fit to explore with I chose not to go there. Instead I decided to explore Hasberg, the ruined tower.
It was rather intimidating while approaching the large structure. But gathering the courage within braced up and went in. Sinking in a current of water which flowed through a small open passage way it lead me down into a dark dimly lit chamber. In the chamber I found all sorts of empty chests, furnaces and rooms. Thinking it would be best to climb higher into the tower I made my way up.
The second level was by far more attractive to the eye. Not much had been ruined here, all along the walls paintings still hung, carpets still brightly displayed their colors and rooms were lavished with furniture. Although everything was still intact there was very little in the chests. Probably the most interesting of my founds was a journal, written some time ago.
"I have never been one to keep a journal, but figuring as if my life could possibly be limited I see that now is the best time. Our land is now in a chaotic manner, civil conflict is on our hands. Prince Charles calls for war, and his followers support his discussion to march against Prince Hesrim. Every since the death of the king there has been nothing but conflict and division. Now I think it has finally reached a boiling point. Prince Hesrim has control over the tower and all of the nobles who live within, this will prove to be a large part of his strength in the war. But Prince Charles has control over the all of the main I sleland and of the common people, if he chooses to siege the tower than it won't be long until we run out of food. My wife Suzy, she worries for me. As captain of the frontal assault force of Prince Hesrim I will be first to engage in combat if they choose to siege the tower. If this does happen, the beach will be our first defense. We need to hold some ground outside of the castle if we are to maintain a steady stream of supplies to those within, but if we lose the beach I'm afraid we might as well lose the war.
I don't see myself dying though, in fact I won't let it happened. I have the responsibility of leading my men to victory, but most importantly I have the responsibility of raising my new born baby son until he is able to take care of himself. I pray that the Gods watch over us and end this war soon, before it ends us."
One page, just one page of writing. I was a bit baffled and confused by this but seeing that I had better things to attend to I respectful placed the journal back to continue my way up. The next few levels were heard to track through, and were little rewarding. I found a few torches, an iron helmet and some chain mail boots. But other than that everything else was useless to me.
On the seventh level I surprisingly found another journal, and deciding to catch up on my history I began to read.
"They come for us, they have taken the lower levels, they have swarmed the beaches and they have control over the outer lands. Prince Charles and his men were the first victims of this swarm and now, we will be the next. They have organized, they have unified and they have gathered to rise against us, using the darkness of the tower to spawn and hide from the sunlight. The monsters are coming, they now have control over the tower, over the land. They now rule here. They now are the kings. For the time of man within these lands have passed, the monsters now rule. The monsters now rule Hasberg."
Suddenly a hissing sound came from behind and before I knew it an explosion occurred leaving me on a flimsy ledge in the middle of a hole that had now appeared within the middle of the floor. Below me monsters who I had luckily passed by earlier were now slowly looking up at me, then suddenly a loud cry was heard and together they began rushing. At first I was in a daze, the loud sound of bells ringing in my ears with the sound of the horde echoing as a distant scream. But then suddenly I was alarmed, jumping across the blown open hole I tried my best racing towards the stair case up, to only run into another creeper who, without warning, exploded. This time I was able to jump away diving into a nearby room feeling the floor shake and rumble. Once the smoke had cleared I quickly made my way up.
Upon reaching the next level a golden sword came soaring towards my neck. I ducked away with the sword narrowly missing and in return I drew my sword to face a large standing zombie dressed in Iron armor. The zombie screamed alerting of my position and right after it swung again. Lifting my sword I blocked the blow but the force of the swing sent me back into the stair case where I witnessed even more monsters swarming up the stairs.
Yelling in fear, anger, and bravery I lunged at the zombie before me, knocking it over and driving my sword deep into its chest before it even had time to react. Then like a crazed warrior of skill and insanity I lifted its sword and throwing it as a spear it rammed into a creeper who was leading the charge up the stairs. The creeper foolishly tried to explode upon me but the force of my throw knocked it back, blowing up most of the wall and the stair case halting the monsters charged. Turning away I ran higher up on the levels for it would not take long before they caught up.
Foolishly I thought it was somewhat safe since the horde was behind me, but I was defiantly wrong. Right as I entered the next level a few arrows came buzzing by, and by a chance of misfortune one struck me along my leg causing me to stumble. As another arrow was fired my way I was somehow able to block it. I don't know how, I just knew the path of the arrow and blocked it with my sword, something that saved my life.
Stumbling away around a corner I was able to hide myself in a small library cowering behind a shelf. Tearing the arrow out I cleanly removed it, but the pain was over whelming and it had a crippling affect upon me as I tried to stand. But unfortunately before I could address the wound the three skeletons who had fired upon me a few seconds earlier were entering the room. And as they unknowingly approached the shelf where I was hiding, I attacked.
Bursting out of my hiding place I used the heavy stack of books to crush one of them while I slashed my sword over the other two knocking them back. Then, enduring the pain which had stricken my leg, I was able to get up and kick back the other two skeletons who were quickly trying to reload their bows. Slashing one of them across the head it fell headless with the other firing off a missed shot. Then in a rush I drove my sword deep into its skull shattering it along the wall as it was sand witched in-between my blade and the wall. Rushing from the scene I remembered that earlier, outside the tower I had seen a large gaping hole on the twelfth level, if I could get there I could possibly escape, but that was four floors up and with every step I took I could feel my wound tear and rip.
Limping as fast as I could I rounded a corner but came to a dead end. Struggling to another hall way I came to a halt, I just couldn't find the way out, and to make matters worse I could hear the horde pouring up the stairs below.
And by the time I had eventually found the stair way up, it was too late for the horde was already upon me. Arrows buzzed over head, zombies charged and creepers roared my way as I ran up the stair case moaning in pain with every step I took.
Blocking a swing from a rampaging zombie I knocked a nearby shelf crushing the zombie underneath its weight, then as I tried to break away from the group another zombie came charging near. This one met the end of my sword as I drove it deep into its chest making sure to rip clean through its heart, and although it was an easy kill it still slowed me down, I had to keep moving.
But I did not know where to go. The torches were dimly lit and the only real light came from the small holes that were too narrow to squeeze through which marked up the walls. I had no sense of direction and the heat of the clammy rooms began to take a toll on me, and on top of that every time I tried to rest I could see the horde close behind.
"Come on! Just make a right up here and you'll be one level closer!" Said my mind in an encouraging manner as I kept pressing through.
"Okay good, now follow this hall way take a left then they'll be another stair case!" Repeated my mind as it guided me through the dark maze.
"Last level come on you can do it! Straight through this passage way, through the bedroom, then you'll see the hole directly to your right!"
"Wait... How do I know this!" I stopped..... Wondering how I knew which way to go. I had never been here before, or so I thought. But maybe, just maybe I had been here before. Maybe this is a part of my memory that is trying to come back to me, maybe I was here all those years ago during that war. It would explain why I would know how to fight but then again, how would I be alive now? Everything made sense but then again, nothing made sense at all. And before I had time to investigate I found the doorway being swarmed with zombies chasing after me.
By the time I had gotten onto the next level they had caught up to me. Holding onto my side, clawing along my stomach and even trying to bite me across the neck. Their weight was taking a toll on me and every time I slashed one away another would join in trying to bring me down. But before me was the hole, the bright sun beaming through and the warm air rushing in.
Figuring that I would rather die by falling to my death than to be eaten I braced up lifted my body and ran for it, still with zombies hanging onto my sides. Suddenly, I was no longer walking, for I was free falling.
From twelve tall stories up I fell, the sound of the horde ringing in my ear was no more, for now it was just the rush of wind and crackle of fire. The sunlight had caused the three zombies who had held onto me to burst into flames and as we all plummeted to our doom they burned along the way. I can't remember what I saw, but I do remember one thing, and that was that it felt like the longest fall ever. It seemed as if I was never going to crash against the ground, I was wondering if I had floated off into space my chance. But I knew that was highly unlikely so while falling I took the time to prepare for my death. The tower docks were made of hard oak wood, there would be no comfort there, but I accepted what was about to happen. The world had given me time to live and prove myself, and in my mind I did just that. But I had tried a little too hard, and now I had to deal with my penalty. Maybe the afterlife will be merciful, or maybe not. But whatever it throws at me, I will accept it.
Suddenly I couldn't breathe, the rush of water surrounded me as I sunk below the surface. Awakening from my meditated sleep I found myself sinking, in the cool dark blue water which had pillowed my fall. At first I thought I was dead, maybe I was a bad person and this is me sinking down to the dark fires of the world. But then I realized I was alive, the gods above had sparred me. In their eyes I was worthy of a second chance.
Emerging above the surface the rush of air filled my lungs and the pain of my wounds ached throughout my body, and when staring up at the hole which I had come out of I could see skeletons gather, firing stray arrows which dove into the water around me. Panting in both exhaustion and pain I slowly made my way to the beach where I could see the stream of blood flow from my wounds. Gathering to my feet I began my miserable walk back to my cove, the trail of blood staining the ground but being so beat I did not care. The only thing that was on my mind was getting back to my cove and treating my wounds.
Sweet story! Keep writing, I can't wait for chapter 2 umm, sorry, I mean 3. Just noticed chapter 2. A little suggestion, you should edit your first post, and put chapter 2 in there, so we don't have to scroll through the eventual 200 pages to find chapters. But yeah, pretty well written, I just read chapter 2, and I can't wait for chapter 3!
*So I've started writing this story again, sorry for the delay. I've been busy with school, and I am making an Adventure map so if anyone want's to help let me know! Anyways enjoy. Also, in chapter II I left out an important part so make sure you reread it!
Chapter II
The Tower of Hasberg
I awoke three days later from a deep sleep which had kept me to my bed for the last seventy-two hours. The rest really did good work repairing my wounds, and on the third day of sleep all my cuts were healed with only scars left behind reminding me of my near death ordeal. As for my leg, it was a still sore. Whenever I put pressure on it I could feel the muscles swell and twitch, so figuring I should rest I stayed within my cove another day enjoying the warm hot spring I made which was at the end of my cove's tunnel.
It wasn't hard to make, I just found some lava then on top of that put a layer of nice cobble stone, then water. So the lava heated the stone and the stone heated the water, always at a nice warm temperature. And as I sat in my hot spring, looking down the long tunnel passage, I felt at home. It was a bit strange to me but, it felt as if I was finally in my element. Hidden and tucked away from the world, surviving off the land, living on my own, it was my type of life.
So even though I still had no idea who I was or what I was going to do, all I knew was that I was a person who loved adventure. I didn't like the safety of towns, I enjoyed the wilderness, the risks and the rewards of living out on your own. I was finally starting to discover myself.
That night I slept well, the furnace kept my room warm, my wool sheets provided comfort, and the recently eaten cooked pork rested well in my stomach. And when I awoke I felt energized and refreshed, even my wounded leg felt anew as I stepped out of my cove there was a cool coastal breeze blowing through, today was going to be a good day.
I spent a lot of my time just walking my usual trails, a long the woods, then up around a large hill which led through a cave. It was a nice walk, always found something interesting whether it be natural or manmade. Although this time I saw something that really blew my mind, lying just outside the coast of the shore I landed on two weeks back, a large ship rested.
Quickly turning back I raced towards my cove, and along the way I could see small rowboats pouring in, there were probably about a dozen people coming to scout the area. I had no idea why, but all I knew was that I didn't want to be spotted by them. So rushing to my cove I was quickly able to dive inside, but upon arrival I had realized that maybe my "secret" cove wasn't so secret.
The second I stepped in two swords were put to my neck with another man drawing a bow.
"Hey now boys lets settle down just a bit." Said a man who was armored in diamond and upon his helmet was a red mark displaying him as a captain. The others, well they were all suited in iron.
"Who... Who are you people?"
"I am Captain Cupcakes, and we are here on service from Lord Baalrock of The Northern Lands."
"I've never heard of such a place." Replied I.
"Of course not." He sighed, "You know that tower outside? Hasberg? Well a few days back one of our signal fires was sent off by someone who was inside... You wouldn't know anything about that would you?" The man seemed to rummage through my stuff while he asked me questions.
"N... No, there's nothing but monsters in there they could have set it off."
"But the thing about our trap is that it can only be set if the blood of Prince Hesrim spills upon a certain spot.... And I have a question to ask you uhhhh Mr.?"
"My names Steve..." I replied.
"Well Steve...." He turned to look at me while lifting up a small picture frame of the tower back in its golden day. "How do you know there's nothing but monsters in there?" At that moment I knew he had realized it was me who had set off his signal.
"So, the last of the bloodline returns to the original birthplace of the Hesrim family... Quite touching really." The man smiled a bit while giving his other soldiers a nod, "Get him in cuffs."
At this moment I reacted like a striking snake. I fisted one of the two guards in the face kicking the other across the chest sending him back into a table of mine. Then before the third guard to draw his arrow I lifted my pick ax off a counter top slamming it deep into his skull, a loud crunch was heard as the pick ax was driven deep into his head, but soon afterward his body vanished leaving behind everything we was carrying.
"You filth of the world!" Said the captain as he drew out his diamond sword swinging it my way. I lunged back using my pick ax to counter attack but to little avail. His much stronger and well crafted diamond sword shattered my pick ax leaving me defenseless. As well as that the other two guards I had just knocked over were now getting to their feet.
"Leave me be! I do not know who you are talking about!"
"You come back to enslave us all like before! You come back to return us to our peasantry work!" Yelled the captain with fear and hate building within his eyes. It was as if he feared me, but because he feared me he hated me and because he hated me, he had anger against me.
He lunged at me, but at this moment I was able to maneuver around the three attackers getting myself up and out of my cove, but as I made it out on to the surface I was once again assaulted, by the others who had landed.
A man dove at me, the tip of his word barely missing my flesh as I turned him away, getting him into a head lock I flipped him over my back smashing him into the ground, then picking up his sword I was able to block another swing coming from a different man.
Then after I had successfully parried the assault I returned a a strong hard slice across the man's chest, unable to block it the man screamed while falling over. Carrying the blade with me I made a break for it, heading towards the coast line, the one opposite of the ship that is.
As I was able to sneak off into the woods I heard loud cannon sounds being shot off, it was clearly a signal that I was on the loose. It was about a two mile trip to the coast line, I didn't know how many of them there were, all I knew was that I couldn't be caught.
"But why do they want me? Blood line of Prince Hesrim?" My mind raced with theories and ideas and why I could be so important to them. Maybe one of the zombies was once a relative of the prince, and its blood was the blood spilled. Or... maybe I was the relative, maybe I was actually someone important instead of being a loner like I had once thought. While continuing my way to the coast line I faced a few more scouting parties, but luckily I was able to safely sneak past all of them.
Despite all odds I safely made it, and after digging up my boat I contemplated if I should leave or not. I could possibly try to hide somewhere, wait until they leave then get all my things and move somewhere else. But what if I got caught? Yet if I left now I wouldn't have any supplies at all, I would be starting over all again. Before I could make a reasonable choice a volley of arrows came soaring my way, luckily all of them missed. But from an overlooking hill a squad of archers had spotted me, others were on their way.
So in a rush I jumped onto my boat and began sailing away, only a sword within my hands. The arrows saw my way out, making sure that it wasn't safe to turn around. So I just kept going, until the coast line was no longer in sight, until Hasberg tower was no longer in sight, and until I finally felt safe..
So now, here I was... No food, no water, only a sword in my hand and with no idea of where to go. And as I sat trying to think of things to do I remember the "Unexplored" area back on Franks map. For some reason I still had this feeling that this place needed me. It was my true home, and it was calling me back. I had to go back, I had to go into the unknown.
Chapter 3
The Northern Lands
It felt like the sea was endless, every time I thought a spec of land was in the distance I would only find myself to be deceived by low hovering clouds. The first day was easy sailing, a nice wind carried me far but since I had no map or compass for direction I felt as if I was just spinning in circles.
The second day proved a bit more challenging, hungry and dehydrated I could feel my energy slip away slowly but surely. I ended hunting some squid, but that night I got horrible stomach pains as well as diarrhea, the squid was obviously the cause of this.
On the third day I was wrecked, the sickness throughout my body had increased and a fever was now ravaging me. I was in so much pain that I couldn't even stand, and as my bow floated without much of a pace a large storm of clouds were gathering upon my spot. And as I laid on my back, moaning and groaning I felt the first drops of the storm batter upon my head. At first I saw it was a blessing, maybe if I drink enough water I could flush out my sickness and temporarily fill my hunger. But twenty minutes in the I realized that the storm had different plans.
All the way through the night it tossed my boat to and fro. It was as if I was in the middle of a soccer game, being kicked to one side of the field to only be kicked back, with little passes in-between. I tried to fight off the currents, but they were too strong and I was simply to weak. On the fourth day the storm picked it up a notch.
Finally surrounding to the power of the sea I cuddled up and accepted my fate. All around me fifty foot waves were crashing and swelling, it would only be a matter of time before one came crushing upon me. Closing my eyes I blocked out all sound, huddled in a ball I began to slowly remember my short lived rather confusing life.
"I am Steve, I was awaken into this world some three weeks ago. I don't know who I am, or where I come from. I have the ability to fight skillfully and survive on my own. Although I don't know who I am I feel as if a part of me has already been in this world, as if I have once lived here long ago. My mind has been able to make small and fragile connections to my past life, if there was one. And whether or not this is just a theory or fact, I will soon come to find out when I pass in this life. Hopefully I have left a good impression. To the gods above forgive me of my sins, and to the devils below..... I'll see you in hell."
The sound of roaring water covered me, blackness consumed me and the sea.... Well it swallowed me.
My mind was blank, not one single thought crossed my mind but even then, I knew that I was still alive. In this dazed moment I was suddenly jolted awake as my stomach began throwing up all the sea water which had been collected during the storm. Finally several minutes later, my body was clean. My weak legs struggled to hold me up and my blood shot eyes burned in this sea breeze.
As far as I could see the coastal line stretched, inland there was a large jungle. But what really caught my attention was that there were all sorts of structures within the jungle before me. There were towers, houses, tree houses, and even barns. But every single one of them appeared as if they had been abandoned for nearly ten years. Stone was breaking away, vines were making home of the walls, and it seemed as if the tropical weather had worn away any furniture within. For a second I thought I was back within the Chaos Circle, but that would have been totally absorbed, the storm carried me away from the Chaos Circle.
"Well..." I said to myself, "Better see if I can anything worth saving in there." My stomach growled with every step I took and as well as that I could feel my throat crying out for any kind of non salted liquid. But sadly I found nothing to relieve me of this hunger or pain of dehydration, and after several minutes of searching through the ruined scenery I felt absolutely exhausted. The lack of food to create energy was having its affect on me, taking a step felt as if I was having to lift a hundred pound weight. Taking a few more steps I hoped that I could shake it off, but..... I was wrong. My head began spinning and the last bits of energy that I had was sucked right out of me. The tall trees and surrounding structures soon turned into a wild blur then suddenly, everything went black.
My eyes slowly opened and surprising I found myself staring at a wooden roof. Then I saw a fire by my side, a bowl of soup on a table next to me, and then a... A woman in the corner!
"Better eat up, you had a terrible case of Squib Sickness. But what do you expect from eating raw ocean squid." Said the woman with a smile as she nodded towards the bowl of soup. I eyed her, not knowing what to think. "Well go on now, unless you enjoy having no energy at all."
Lifting the bowl I kept my eyes on her as I poured the warm liquid into my mouth when suddenly... SPIT!!! The soup went everywhere, if it even was soup, it tasted like warm liquefied pig meat. She only laughed, "Never had Squid Sickness before? If so then you'll know the only way of curing it is with a bone meal soup. Sorry if you were expecting mushrooms and chicken." Knowing what to expect I was able to handle the god awful soup, although only one sip at a time.
"Who are you?" Asked I in a stutter.
"Well I could ask the same of you, haven't seen you around here before. And why would you even be out in the forbidden zone like that in the first place?"
"The forbidden zone?"
"What?!" She seemed surprised. "You must have something more than Squid Sickness if you honestly don't know what the forbidden zone is."
"No, at least I don't think I have anything else. I'm just not from around here. I got caught up in a storm and then awoke on the beach just before I collapsed." I was able to guzzle down the rest of a soup, her face had turned into a glare of insanity. She eyed me as if I was unstable then suddenly stood, "If you'll excuse me."
She was gone for about ten minutes, leaving me there to simply explore my own thoughts. "Who was that man after me? What if she was somehow connected to him and was actually going to get him right now? What if this was all a trap!" Luckily before my paranoia grew anymore she returned, with a much older man by her side. They seemed to be arguing a bit as they entered, the man suddenly gazed at me, his eyes glowing with interest.
"So where are you from again?" Rushed the man as he came to my side. The woman behind him seemed to be a bit annoyed, rolling her eyes at the question.
"Is... is something wrong? Why is the place of my origin of such importance?"
The man laughed, "You see, there has not been an outsider to come to these lands in over a hundred years...."
"What?" My mouth dropped.
"He's delusional! He's obviously still sick with something else besides Squid Sickness, you can't honestly believe him can you?"
"What's your name son?" Asked the man ignoring the woman's accusation.
"I..." Figuring that saying, 'I don't know' wouldn't be the smartest move I went with the name Frank had given me, "My name is Steve. And to be quite honest I am from another land, a land known as The Chaos Circle quite far from here."
"The Chaos Circle! Now what kind of land would be called that!" Moaned the woman as she threw her hands in the air. "Okay then, if you were in this 'Chaos Circle' then why were you caught up in a storm while sailing through the middle of the ocean?"
"Well, I had a home around a place known as The Hasberg tower but then-"
"HASBERG! HASBERG TOWER!" Shouted the woman. "Now you know this man is delusional!" The man who was so eagerly by my bed had a sudden frown come over him.
"I assure you that I am not delusional in any way! I was living right by Hasberg tower, I even went inside of it too! What's the matter with you people why is that so hard to believe?"
"Should we believe that you also posses super human powers as well? I'm telling you the heat must have done something to your brain and I will not have this crazed man in my home!"
I stood, and unlike before my legs were strong enough to carry me. The bone meal soup had really done the trick, but this woman's accusations were too much to bear. "Thank you for saving me, I think I'll be fine from here now."
"Going back to Hasberg are we?" Insulted the woman, "Bring you into my home, feed you and bed you, and you make up stories of yourself!"
I broke away from the home walking as fast as I could away from the small house. I didn't even pay attention to where I was walking, all I did pay attention too was the fact that I was telling the truth. When reality finally caught up to me I noticed that I was surrounded by not wilderness, but by a large and bustling city!
My eyes were blinded, the bright light from the outside world over came me as I stumbled around a for a bit, both dazed and confused as I awoke into the world. Although I had just awaken, it felt as if I was already awake some time ago. Before I could even find my step I was pushed about by others who were already accustomed to this world. Their bright diamond armor gleaming in the sun light as they rushed by shouting, "Move it noob!"
Noob? Was this my name? Do these people know my real identity and origin? I had no knowledge of myself or where I was, all I knew was that I was a young male who had just been awaken from a deep sleep. I knew the basic skills of communication but other than that, I was lost.
"Where.... Where am I?" I asked in a weary tone.
"You're in Town!" Said a tall man who was decorated in all sorts of fashion and armor. "But watch your step, the second you leave your no longer under the towns protection. You'll most likely be killed out there." The man pointed across a bridge which led to a valley, all across the wall there were ruins, broken objects, and people fighting and dueling one another. In-between the conflict, a few stray "noobs" just like me were seen running for cover, but as I watched in fear they were cut down with their bodies, soon vanishing.
"What.. What do I do? Where do I go?" While speaking the man seemed occupied with little interest in my struggle, but when seeing the panic swarm across my face he sympathized.
"You see that forest over there?" He pointed across the town towards one side of the valley where a forest formed. Although even from far away I could see that it wasn't much of a forest, but instead old and ruined buildings with one or two trees in-between.
"Make for there and keep going until you think your safe."
"When will I be safe?"
"Listen.. I.. I got other things to do, here take this and go. Better hurry before nightfall, other people won't be your only worry by then." With that said he placed a piece of bread and cooked pork before running off, disappearing into the town.
Not knowing what else to do I listened, running off towards the edge of town joining the crowds of scavengers who would run out, grab whatever loot that had fallen off a dead body to then run back inside the protection. It was during this process of "snatching and grabbing" that I hoped to break away freely, all I had to do was wait until a person was slain.
And before I knew it a soul was slain and like a rush of open water scavengers and looters swarmed out to pick up what they could. It was in this moment when I first experienced the rush of conflict. My blood, rushing through my body at a rapid pace, my heart beating and my throat dry with perspiration streaming down my back. Warriors who were nearby came against the looters, acting as if it was a sport to see how many they could slay.
I was one of the few lucky ones, running off to the side and getting into the cover of the trees, then after a few more moments of open sprinting, the valley was obstructed and I, was out of sight. For a moment I paused, breathing to regain my endurance while slowing down my movement speed.
All around me I saw foreign structures standing high through the tree line and well into the sky, leaving me to question how in the world these were built. The forest, well it wasn't ,much of one. It was more like a forest of rubble and ruin, with only trees as decoration. Trenches and holes were everywhere, with left over crafting tables and furnaces, showing that people commonly use this area.
"Keep on going, just keep on going." Said I to myself as I tracked on pacing through the snowy terrain. All around me was snow, snow in the distant mountains, snow along the building tops, and snow all through the valleys around. I was in a Glacier Biome, with nothing else besides snow, snow, and even more snow... actually maybe a little bit of ice.
But anyways as I tracked across this trench ridden, ruined building land of misery, I found a few use items along the way which I guess had just been left behind. In a tower, ruined with blown entrance ways of course, I found a chest which contained a few pieces of wood, a wooden ax, and a torch. With glee I put the items away into my inventory while grasping a hold of the ax, feeling my fingers move along the handle as if they knew what they were doing. Suddenly I began to find myself already experienced with this object, and although I had no idea what I was truly doing, my hands did. And as I let my hands warm up the ax a noise came from outside.
Ducking away I took shelter in a dark part of the tower watching through a few holes as two brightly armored men came my way. Their swords gleamed as the fading sun bounced off their golden blades and as they approached the tower I could hear them speak.
"Bloody nightfall be comin' in a few hours now.. Better secure this ere' place now." Said one of the two men who had a long red beard and a Scottish accent.
"igh', we'll dig down below the tower yeah? Set up a fire there?" Said the other in the same accent.
"I'll get us some wood now yeah? I left some here in earlier today."
I screamed inside, I had just stolen from these men and now, they were going to find out I was here. I had to get out, before the caught me, I had to make a break for it!
"Bloody gut! Someone went and stolen my ax and torch, along with the wood!" Said the man as he threw his hands up in anger.
"That's why you don't leave your stuff out in the open, gotta be secret now." Laughed the other as he started to dig a hole with a bright iron pick ax. And as the sun began to set across the hills a beam of light reflected right off the pick glaring it right onto my face spot lighting me as I hid in the corner.
The two froze, staring at each other than staring at me as I slowly began to rise, the wooden ax in hand.
"You lil' !" Screamed the owner of the ax as he drew his sword approaching me.
"Now listen I can explain! I... I didn't know it was yours!"
"I'm gonna cut you like a pig!" Cursed the man as he raised his sword preparing to swing, it was at this moment where I... I just reacted. I don't know how, and I don't know what, but all I know is that my body responded to the threat. I didn't think about it, I just did it.
I turned the head of my ax to block his sword and in return I swung the butt of my handle across his face knocking him back away from me and into his friend. At the sight of this his friend raised his own sword swinging it in my direction. I ducked away using punching him in the face while using my ax to push him back across the tower. Then like a flash I was out, running across the fading terrain while jumping across trenched and holes. From behind, they were chasing.
"I'm sorry! I didn't know it was yours!" I shouted while running across a narrow ledge in between too large trenches.
"You damn thief! When we catch you your dead!"
Continuing to run I found myself coming up to a large trench, wider than all the others and with a fall deep enough to kill. I tried stopping! My brain was screaming to my body stop, stop you're going to die! But with the two close behind my body didn't listen, as a matter of fact it began to move faster. And then, I jumped.
It felt as if I was watching myself from another angle, with time slowing down to add to the anxiety. It felt as if I was slowly flying, soaring across the empty space in in-between the two sides, the black empty abyss right below, waiting to swallow me if I missed. Suddenly, as I aimlessly floated through air time caught up.
I slammed into the side of the trench a few inches below the edge but being quick I used my ax to catch grip, and surprising me once again my body had enough strength to lift me up, turning to run off. My two pursuers were left in the distance, figuring that it'd be night soon they probably decided to let me go.
So with that I had gotten away, but I was nowhere close to being safe. I was now out in the wild, with no place to hide in, and with little direction of where to go. The sun was just barely gleaming over the hills, it'd be pitch black soon I had to find somewhere to hide.
While continuing to jog along the rugged snow covered terrain I found many structures around me, soaring high into the sky, expanding why, and built into the sides of trenches. Yet all of them were ruined and weathered, with no places to take cover in. So I kept moving making sure to stay out of clear sight and stick to the low trench line, but it was in the shadows were I found my next enemy.
A moan, a groan and a gnashing of teeth flew my way from the shadows as a zombie who had just awoken came to feast on my flesh. Using my already over used axed I was able to push it away, knocking it along the trenches wall. Turning to run I found myself in the middle of a few other zombies, all of them hungry for flesh.
I dove the head of my ax into the skull of one zombie then ripping it out I twirled it driving it into the stomach of another. And to my surprise, they were still alive and moving. With each step they took I could see the hatred and scorn within their eyes and no matter how hard I slashed them back, they continued to assault. In the process of defending myself the food which had been earlier given to me spilled out, and figuring it was best to fight than to try and gather it I left it to be trampled underneath the zombies feet.
Breaking away a clump of dirt along the side of the trench I was able to hop out but by my foot was grabbed and I dragged back down. Kicking one of them away I used my ax to slash the other, removing its leg knee cap and all.
Using this moment I was able to thrust myself up out of the trench, dodging the other zombie making it away. Running with all my heart I was feeling the energy within me slip away as I continued my sprint, and even then when I felt as if I had nothing else I kept running. Jumping over trenches, moving around zombies and skeletons, and even running away from an exploding creeper. After about three minutes of enduring a solid sprint I found myself coming out of the forest, entering another expanding valley of snow.
But unlike the other terrain this one had less ruin and ruble, although there were still many destroyed houses, there was just not as much cluster. It was in this valley that I found a small house/tower lingering on top of a hill. Holding myself up I slowly wavered there, desperately trying to escape the newly arrived cold while slowly trudging through the ice it began to snow. Flakes falling upon my weary head, drops of cold water sinking into my clothing. Hunger and exhaustion building up within, you can see how anxious I was to hide away in shelter.
And luckily the gods above applauded me, for the place was empty. And inside a furnace was silently sleeping, so in search for heat I started it up by placing the wooden planks within. The comforting heat soothed me and as I rested along the side of the structure I felt myself slip away. Here I laid, without a clue in the world of who I was. All I knew was that I was in an unknown place, and that I had a special set of skills in both combat and survival, doing things I did not know how I could do. So with heavy eye lids I fell asleep anticipating the next day while looking out into the vast wasteland before me which would be my future home.
The howling wind awoke me early next day, and almost instantly was I consumed by the near freezing temperatures. The furnace had died out over night so all I had were the clothes on my back to keep me warm, which were a minimal. But despite lacking the right clothes for the terrain I knew I had to keep moving, it still wasn't safe here, I needed to go farther.
Picking up my almost broken wooden ax I decided to move, steadily descending down the icy slope continuing my march through the snow. Not much happened during this trip, I passed by many more ruined structures, many more abandoned and forsaken houses leaving me to question if there really was a safe place. There weren't any people, but there were the signs of constant travel, maybe from people like me just searching for a home, I couldn't be the only one searching for safety.
My questions kept me busy for some time, trying to think of reasonable theories on where I actually was, who I actually was, and what I was ACTUALLY going to do. As I walked on I felt the temperature get a bit warmer, could I be getting close to another biome? I began to quicken my pace, anxiety and hope building inside me as I rounded over a small ridge. I found myself running, trying to get out of this freezing weather once and for all, finally the top of the ridge was here, but as I rounded all the hope and adrenaline which had built inside of me died out. For before me was a vast blue ocean, as far as the eye could see. All up and down the coast line more abandoned ruble, no trees, no sign of safety, just nothing....
I collapsed in pain, my stomach growling with rage as I felt my heart die out due to starvation. It was within this moment that a loveable, rather adorable looking chicken came clucking across my path. Yet sadly I had no room for pets and in a barbaric manner I leapt upon the innocent animal using my ax to tear it apart while using my hands to devour its raw flesh. It was an uncivilized act, but it was an act of survival and in the wild there is room for no civilized manner. It took me a few mere minuets to devour the creature, and even after wards I was still throbbing for hunger. But the raw meat inside me was just enough to keep me going, so I stood up, wiped my hands clean in the snow, and carried on.
"Well... I can't stay here that's for sure." I said to myself as I stood on the edge of the dark blue water, which was surprisingly clear. Turning to stare down the coast line I looked amongst the houses, seeing if anything could be used. As I gazed a flashing shadow caught my attention and when taking a closer look, I saw a person clothed in warm winter gear. Automatically my first instinct was to ask for help, and thinking people out in the wilderness would be a lot more nicer than the people back at The Town, I ran his way.
But the person turned, disappearing into a passage way in-between two large towers which had moss growing up along the side. Rushing in I ignored how dark it was lighting my torch in search for this person.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" Cried I as I followed inside.
"Please, I... I just need a little bit of supplies than I can be on my way, I just need some help please... I... I don't know what else to do." I tried to make myself sound like a pitiful peace of flesh, so he'd know for sure that I wasn't a threat to him.
"I don't have anything, I'm sorry I can't help you." Replied the voice from the shadows.
"Please... anything will do. Some wood? You have to have some wood. Please, I... I'll die without your help." I paused, lowering the torch waiting for a reply, a few moments later still all I head was silence. When suddenly a cold sharp blade was place to the back of my head.
"Drop the torch, and the wooden ax." Said the voice as I realized he was right behind me.
Instantly I obeyed, clarifying that I meant no harm and that I absolutely had nothing on me. To reassure my plea I even emptied my pockets showing him that I had nothing valuable.
He smirked, "You really are going to die aren't you." While speaking he slid his sword away, "Come with me."
Leading me to the back of the rubble he removed a few stacks of stone exposing a small bright hole, then pushing me in first I climbed my way down a small makeshift wooden ladder, inside was a hollowed out cove, a torch, furnace and crafting table on one side and a bed and chest on the other.
"You live here?"
"Along the coast? Of course not that'd be a death wish." He replied while covering up the entrance hole, "This is just one of my shelters."
While searching through the chest he threw me a large winter coat. "You're lucky I was just out retrieving some supplies I left behind last week, I usually never come out here unless I have too." He seemed friendly, already opening up to me as if I was a friend.
"What do you mean?" Replied I while putting on the coat feeling it's warm comfort soothe my body.
He looked at me as if I was deformed or on fire. "You really are new here aren't you? God how'd the hell you make it this far out from the Chaos Circle."
"Chaos Circle?"
"Yeah, it's the perimeter around The Town, you know... The spawn point? It's without a doubt the most dangerous place in the whole land, second to that is this coast line." While speaking he was still rumbling through the chests, digging up mushrooms and bread.
"Why's it dangerous?" Even though I pretty much knew why, I still wanted to hear his thoughts on it too.
"We'll usually everyone around there has diamond armor with diamond swords, and not to mention everyone there is evil and corrupt killing anyone they please." Pausing for a second he poured a bowl of hot water mixing in the bread and mushrooms. "Here eat this."
Without even asking what it was I took a hold of it, devouring it as he laughed, "Yeah you really were hungry."
I smirked, "So why is the coast dangerous? It seemed to me as if no one was even here?"
"That's why this place is so deadly, it might look empty but before you know it you have an arrow in your back. You can't trust anybody here."
"Should I not trust you?"
He smiled, turning to take a hold of a few pieces of wood. "If you don't have the right amount of supplies than you shouldn't bunker down here. Best bet for you is to sail to The Distant Lands, settle down for a bit until you can get what you need." He opened up a small map which showed what was across the sea, a large strip of land but beyond that it was black with big bulging letters reading, "Unexplored."
"You'll be sailing for a little bit, but once you arrive here along this coast line you should be safer, at least a little bit. Not many people head out that way since the fall of Hasberg."
"Hasberg?"
"Yeah, it was a large tower along the coast line. For many years it protected people there but a war between two princes arose, now it's nothing besides a ruin landmark. But, the good thing is not many people live there, the bad thing is that monsters do. But monsters are a hell of a lot easier to deal with."
I was silent for a bit, staring at the map, and for some reason I couldn't help but gaze at the big "Unexplored" area. It was as if I knew what was out there, as if I had already been there. My instinct was telling me that it was a safer place, a place just for me, as a matter of fact... A place that needed me. But my mind was telling me to stay away, I did not truly know the area it was just an urge from within.
"Yeah, no one really knows what's out that far." He said when noticing me stare. "Could be paradise or it could be an even more dangerous place than The Chaos Circle. But, as far as I know you should be fine if you stay within this area. I'll give you some supplies to last you for a few days but other than that, you're on your own."
I paused for a second, setting down the empty bowl and staring into the man's eyes, "Thank you... I won't forget this."
He smiled back, showing compassion, "It's okay, I had someone help me once long ago when I first started out, as a matter of fact you remind me a lot of him, and to top it off he was the one who built this cove, showed me it a long long time ago.... What was his name again?" He paused for a second trying to remember, but gave up. "Ahh, it's been far too long. By the way what's your name?"
"I...I don't really know." Replied I.
"You don't know? How could you possibly not know?"
"I actually don't know a lot of things honestly... My memory seems locked away for some reason, maybe eventually I'll remember who I really am but as of now, I have no clue."
"Well we can't have you wandering the earth without a name! Hmm... Let me think.... I got it! Your name will be Steve!"
"Steve?" Replied I a bit skeptical.
"Yes! Steve... It actually suits you pretty well." We laughed a bit over the matter, then after wards he packed up some supplies and led me to the coast.
"Okay so first we need to build you a boat what you need to do is-"
"Put the wood here, here and here, then just hammer it yeah?" As I interrupted him I quickly crafted a makeshift boat in a matter of seconds. It was strange, because I knew what I was doing but I didn't know how I knew. For example, you know what two plus two is, but you don't know where you exactly learned it. All you know is that you somehow know the simplicities of math and that knowledge is locked away in your brain.
"Yeah, I think you'll be just fine if you can find a place to settle down in." He laughed a bit while helping me set the boat along the water, while stepping in he tossed me the bag.
"So why do you stay here?" I asked while stepping in.
"What do you mean?"
"If this place is so destroyed and horrid, than why do you bother with it?"
He paused for a few moments, thinking of a reasonable reply. Until finally looking at me, "Well.... Because it's my home." With that he gave me a push, "Remember trust no one!"
"Wait! You never told me your name!" Replied I as the boat began to float away.
"Frank! The names Frank!"
"Well, it was nice to meet you Frank! I won't ever forget your kindness!" Yelled I as our distance grew greater.
"It was nice to meet you too Steve! Good luck and I hope you remember whatever it is you forgot!" And with that his figure vanished, the coastal clouds were all that I could now see. Turning away to direct the boat I looked ahead, nothing but the deep blue sea seemed to welcome me. But trusting the guidance of Frank I continued, praying that hopefully soon would I arrive at my destination.
The sea was calm, the water soothed me as it slowly rocked the boat. And before no time I was up against a coast line. The warm weather was charming indeed, no snow anywhere! Just bright green trees with green grass and green bushes and green everything! The sun was still high in the sky and the soft sand welcomed me when stepping off my boat. And after collecting my things, including the boat, I decided to explore for a bit.
There were a few houses around, but they seemed better intact than the others back in the Chaos Circle. Although upon entering it was obvious that no one had been in them for quite some time, and even these house had holes in them. While searching through a small stone tower I was able to find a stone sword and a stone ax. Figuring my old wooden ax was beyond its use I decided to toss it, taking up my newly two found items. While exiting the tower I saw what Frank had called Hasberg.
Not too far from the coast line in the middle of a bay area there was an enormously large tower, so high that I couldn't even see the top of it and so wide well... Let's just say it was extremely large. But all throughout the tower were exposed holes, blown apart walls and water gaping from different canals and passage ways. From the outside it was easy to see that a great battle had taken place some long time ago, but maybe just maybe there were valuable supplies hidden away inside. Yet figuring it was best to get settled in first I ignored it.
It wasn't too hard to obtain what I needed, a few logs, some stone, some coal, and even some raw meat from a pack of pigs. The wildlife was extremely good within this area, all around me were packs of chickens, sheep, pigs, and cows. I just collected what I needed to let the others live and repopulate.
"So... What now." I said to myself as I held onto these supplies.
"Well you need to get a small base set up. But make sure it's safe, there! Dig over there under that tree than use the dirt to hide your entrance way." Replied my brain.
Figuring that my brain had the best plan I followed it, and after a few moments of digging I had a small cove set up. A nice chest and bed at one end and then a furnace, torch and crafting table at the other. As a matter of fact the cove reminded me a lot of the one Frank had brought me into not too long ago. I didn't plan on building it that way, I just followed what felt right. Nudging it off as a coincidence I continued digging. Building a small stair case where I hollowed out a nice area, big enough to grow some wheat and hopefully have a successful farm. But first I needed water and to get water I needed a bucket, and to get a bucket I needed iron, and to get iron I needed to go mining. So after I had gathered some food, left my cove in an attempt to find a nearby cave hopefully untouched.
It wasn't too difficult though just a few minutes of walking and right before me I found a black tunnel which appeared to be never ending. Striking up my torch I began my descent, making sure to keep my iron sword close in my other hand. I was a bit scared at first, but then an overwhelming heap of confidence hit me. "I can take on anything that attacks me!" Said I to myself as I continued my slow march through the tunnels.
It didn't take long to find some more coal, which I was low on. But finding iron was proving to be a challenge, so I decided to head deeper. So I'll skip the boring detail of the time spent exploring and digging and just cut to the part where I found myself deep into the mine, a good hour from the surface.
I was mining up some coal when suddenly a burst of red flaming lava came roaring my way. I jumped away barely dodging the flow, my heart racing at a rampant speed. And as I look for a way across I spotted what I had been searching for, IRON! With a bright smile and a proud heart I began carving away the precious material filling my inventory with iron. After clearing the stone I had exposed another passage way, one that looked totally untouched. So bracing up once more I charged in, torch in one hand and blade in the other. I went on finding a countless amount of iron, coal, lapis, and even gold. Quickly constructing a crafting table and furnace I soon had myself an iron pick ax and went with my way of careless collecting the bright gold. It was at this moment that I buzzing sound flew by my head ducking away I dove into a dark corner and before me was a skeleton archer.
It crackled and clanked as it loaded another arrow firing it in my direction. Turning back into my corner it flew right past me, closer than the one previously shot. My heart began racing once again, for I was trapped with nowhere to go and no one to help me. It was in this moment where I felt a heap of bravery and courage, from within I knew I could slay this enemy. I knew I could do it! I knew that I would be victorious!
So out of my corner I charged, and after rolling away dodging another arrow I drove my sword towards its head. The skeleton reacted quickly by using its bow to block my swing, but I then reacted faster. Forcefully kicking the skeleton across the legs it fell before me, then in one fast motion I drove my blade as deep as I could into its thin and fragile skull. Upon impact it shattered, bones and bits of skull shattering everywhere.
My breathing was heavy, and as I stood eyeing my victim a victorious smile drew across my face. Once again I had pulled off an extraordinary feat, I had slain my first enemy. Reaching down to its body I removed it's bow and small sack of arrows than, right before my eyes its body vanished. I did not know what bodies would just disappeared but just accepting it as the way of life I let it go containing my track through the mines.
After a few more hours of digging I found myself with more minerals than I could count, so thinking of it as a successful day I began my ascend out. It was a bit challenging to get out of the cave, I made a few wrong turns and dug through a few bad passage ways. But after another few hours of traveling I made it out, and as I slowly paced from the entrance of the cave I could see the rising sun in the distance.
"Had I really been down there a full day?" I thought to myself as I slowly rubbed my wearisome eyes. Then looking back at all the resources I had gathered I shrugged, "Yeah I guess so."
Lifting the bag over my shoulder I felt the weight of it strangle along my back, and the feeling felt great. I had gathered these supplies, me and no one else. These were mine and mine only, I had showed the world that I could survive in this strange place, but most importantly I had showed myself that I was no weak person. But instead I was a strong warrior who would do anything to live.
It's easy to see that my safe and secured cove was a welcoming sight upon arriving. The furnace was still roaring with the coals earlier put in the day before. The bed was soft and comfortable, and after planting a few seeds I poured a few buckets of water starting my newly built farm.
After smelting and storing all my items I figured that I had done enough for now. So I sealed up the entrance into my hole, had a nice bowl of soup with cooked pork and settled down to sleep. Like the night before I was tired and weary, but unlike the night before I now had a new home.
This is outstanding!
Way better than how I write. Better than most stories in this forums that I read!
Keep it up, add more action! Willing to read more at what you can bring to me and everyone else.
About two weeks passed and the only sign of life were a few randomly placed torches. But thinking nothing of it I continued my work. I had built up my farm, decorated my living spaces, and made my cove more like a home. It wasn't really hard, just a lot of repetitive work.
But it was all worth it, for I was secure, safe, and comfortable. But I needed better tools, stone and iron can only get you so far. And I deeply did not want to go back into the mines due to an incident that had happened a few days ago where I was lost in a spider den. Thankfully I ran into no spiders and safely made my way out, but until I got items fit to explore with I chose not to go there. Instead I decided to explore Hasberg, the ruined tower.
It was rather intimidating while approaching the large structure. But gathering the courage within braced up and went in. Sinking in a current of water which flowed through a small open passage way it lead me down into a dark dimly lit chamber. In the chamber I found all sorts of empty chests, furnaces and rooms. Thinking it would be best to climb higher into the tower I made my way up.
The second level was by far more attractive to the eye. Not much had been ruined here, all along the walls paintings still hung, carpets still brightly displayed their colors and rooms were lavished with furniture. Although everything was still intact there was very little in the chests. Probably the most interesting of my founds was a journal, written some time ago.
"I have never been one to keep a journal, but figuring as if my life could possibly be limited I see that now is the best time. Our land is now in a chaotic manner, civil conflict is on our hands. Prince Charles calls for war, and his followers support his discussion to march against Prince Hesrim. Every since the death of the king there has been nothing but conflict and division. Now I think it has finally reached a boiling point. Prince Hesrim has control over the tower and all of the nobles who live within, this will prove to be a large part of his strength in the war. But Prince Charles has control over the all of the main I sleland and of the common people, if he chooses to siege the tower than it won't be long until we run out of food. My wife Suzy, she worries for me. As captain of the frontal assault force of Prince Hesrim I will be first to engage in combat if they choose to siege the tower. If this does happen, the beach will be our first defense. We need to hold some ground outside of the castle if we are to maintain a steady stream of supplies to those within, but if we lose the beach I'm afraid we might as well lose the war.
I don't see myself dying though, in fact I won't let it happened. I have the responsibility of leading my men to victory, but most importantly I have the responsibility of raising my new born baby son until he is able to take care of himself. I pray that the Gods watch over us and end this war soon, before it ends us."
One page, just one page of writing. I was a bit baffled and confused by this but seeing that I had better things to attend to I respectful placed the journal back to continue my way up. The next few levels were heard to track through, and were little rewarding. I found a few torches, an iron helmet and some chain mail boots. But other than that everything else was useless to me.
On the seventh level I surprisingly found another journal, and deciding to catch up on my history I began to read.
"They come for us, they have taken the lower levels, they have swarmed the beaches and they have control over the outer lands. Prince Charles and his men were the first victims of this swarm and now, we will be the next. They have organized, they have unified and they have gathered to rise against us, using the darkness of the tower to spawn and hide from the sunlight. The monsters are coming, they now have control over the tower, over the land. They now rule here. They now are the kings. For the time of man within these lands have passed, the monsters now rule. The monsters now rule Hasberg."
Suddenly a hissing sound came from behind and before I knew it an explosion occurred leaving me on a flimsy ledge in the middle of a hole that had now appeared within the middle of the floor. Below me monsters who I had luckily passed by earlier were now slowly looking up at me, then suddenly a loud cry was heard and together they began rushing. At first I was in a daze, the loud sound of bells ringing in my ears with the sound of the horde echoing as a distant scream. But then suddenly I was alarmed, jumping across the blown open hole I tried my best racing towards the stair case up, to only run into another creeper who, without warning, exploded. This time I was able to jump away diving into a nearby room feeling the floor shake and rumble. Once the smoke had cleared I quickly made my way up.
Upon reaching the next level a golden sword came soaring towards my neck. I ducked away with the sword narrowly missing and in return I drew my sword to face a large standing zombie dressed in Iron armor. The zombie screamed alerting of my position and right after it swung again. Lifting my sword I blocked the blow but the force of the swing sent me back into the stair case where I witnessed even more monsters swarming up the stairs.
Yelling in fear, anger, and bravery I lunged at the zombie before me, knocking it over and driving my sword deep into its chest before it even had time to react. Then like a crazed warrior of skill and insanity I lifted its sword and throwing it as a spear it rammed into a creeper who was leading the charge up the stairs. The creeper foolishly tried to explode upon me but the force of my throw knocked it back, blowing up most of the wall and the stair case halting the monsters charged. Turning away I ran higher up on the levels for it would not take long before they caught up.
Foolishly I thought it was somewhat safe since the horde was behind me, but I was defiantly wrong. Right as I entered the next level a few arrows came buzzing by, and by a chance of misfortune one struck me along my leg causing me to stumble. As another arrow was fired my way I was somehow able to block it. I don't know how, I just knew the path of the arrow and blocked it with my sword, something that saved my life.
Stumbling away around a corner I was able to hide myself in a small library cowering behind a shelf. Tearing the arrow out I cleanly removed it, but the pain was over whelming and it had a crippling affect upon me as I tried to stand. But unfortunately before I could address the wound the three skeletons who had fired upon me a few seconds earlier were entering the room. And as they unknowingly approached the shelf where I was hiding, I attacked.
Bursting out of my hiding place I used the heavy stack of books to crush one of them while I slashed my sword over the other two knocking them back. Then, enduring the pain which had stricken my leg, I was able to get up and kick back the other two skeletons who were quickly trying to reload their bows. Slashing one of them across the head it fell headless with the other firing off a missed shot. Then in a rush I drove my sword deep into its skull shattering it along the wall as it was sand witched in-between my blade and the wall. Rushing from the scene I remembered that earlier, outside the tower I had seen a large gaping hole on the twelfth level, if I could get there I could possibly escape, but that was four floors up and with every step I took I could feel my wound tear and rip.
Limping as fast as I could I rounded a corner but came to a dead end. Struggling to another hall way I came to a halt, I just couldn't find the way out, and to make matters worse I could hear the horde pouring up the stairs below.
And by the time I had eventually found the stair way up, it was too late for the horde was already upon me. Arrows buzzed over head, zombies charged and creepers roared my way as I ran up the stair case moaning in pain with every step I took.
Blocking a swing from a rampaging zombie I knocked a nearby shelf crushing the zombie underneath its weight, then as I tried to break away from the group another zombie came charging near. This one met the end of my sword as I drove it deep into its chest making sure to rip clean through its heart, and although it was an easy kill it still slowed me down, I had to keep moving.
But I did not know where to go. The torches were dimly lit and the only real light came from the small holes that were too narrow to squeeze through which marked up the walls. I had no sense of direction and the heat of the clammy rooms began to take a toll on me, and on top of that every time I tried to rest I could see the horde close behind.
"Come on! Just make a right up here and you'll be one level closer!" Said my mind in an encouraging manner as I kept pressing through.
"Okay good, now follow this hall way take a left then they'll be another stair case!" Repeated my mind as it guided me through the dark maze.
"Last level come on you can do it! Straight through this passage way, through the bedroom, then you'll see the hole directly to your right!"
"Wait... How do I know this!" I stopped..... Wondering how I knew which way to go. I had never been here before, or so I thought. But maybe, just maybe I had been here before. Maybe this is a part of my memory that is trying to come back to me, maybe I was here all those years ago during that war. It would explain why I would know how to fight but then again, how would I be alive now? Everything made sense but then again, nothing made sense at all. And before I had time to investigate I found the doorway being swarmed with zombies chasing after me.
By the time I had gotten onto the next level they had caught up to me. Holding onto my side, clawing along my stomach and even trying to bite me across the neck. Their weight was taking a toll on me and every time I slashed one away another would join in trying to bring me down. But before me was the hole, the bright sun beaming through and the warm air rushing in.
Figuring that I would rather die by falling to my death than to be eaten I braced up lifted my body and ran for it, still with zombies hanging onto my sides. Suddenly, I was no longer walking, for I was free falling.
From twelve tall stories up I fell, the sound of the horde ringing in my ear was no more, for now it was just the rush of wind and crackle of fire. The sunlight had caused the three zombies who had held onto me to burst into flames and as we all plummeted to our doom they burned along the way. I can't remember what I saw, but I do remember one thing, and that was that it felt like the longest fall ever. It seemed as if I was never going to crash against the ground, I was wondering if I had floated off into space my chance. But I knew that was highly unlikely so while falling I took the time to prepare for my death. The tower docks were made of hard oak wood, there would be no comfort there, but I accepted what was about to happen. The world had given me time to live and prove myself, and in my mind I did just that. But I had tried a little too hard, and now I had to deal with my penalty. Maybe the afterlife will be merciful, or maybe not. But whatever it throws at me, I will accept it.
Suddenly I couldn't breathe, the rush of water surrounded me as I sunk below the surface. Awakening from my meditated sleep I found myself sinking, in the cool dark blue water which had pillowed my fall. At first I thought I was dead, maybe I was a bad person and this is me sinking down to the dark fires of the world. But then I realized I was alive, the gods above had sparred me. In their eyes I was worthy of a second chance.
Emerging above the surface the rush of air filled my lungs and the pain of my wounds ached throughout my body, and when staring up at the hole which I had come out of I could see skeletons gather, firing stray arrows which dove into the water around me. Panting in both exhaustion and pain I slowly made my way to the beach where I could see the stream of blood flow from my wounds. Gathering to my feet I began my miserable walk back to my cove, the trail of blood staining the ground but being so beat I did not care. The only thing that was on my mind was getting back to my cove and treating my wounds.
2umm, sorry, I mean 3. Just noticed chapter 2. A little suggestion, you should edit your first post, and put chapter 2 in there, so we don't have to scroll through the eventual 200 pages to find chapters. But yeah, pretty well written, I just read chapter 2, and I can't wait for chapter 3!I awoke three days later from a deep sleep which had kept me to my bed for the last seventy-two hours. The rest really did good work repairing my wounds, and on the third day of sleep all my cuts were healed with only scars left behind reminding me of my near death ordeal. As for my leg, it was a still sore. Whenever I put pressure on it I could feel the muscles swell and twitch, so figuring I should rest I stayed within my cove another day enjoying the warm hot spring I made which was at the end of my cove's tunnel.
It wasn't hard to make, I just found some lava then on top of that put a layer of nice cobble stone, then water. So the lava heated the stone and the stone heated the water, always at a nice warm temperature. And as I sat in my hot spring, looking down the long tunnel passage, I felt at home. It was a bit strange to me but, it felt as if I was finally in my element. Hidden and tucked away from the world, surviving off the land, living on my own, it was my type of life.
So even though I still had no idea who I was or what I was going to do, all I knew was that I was a person who loved adventure. I didn't like the safety of towns, I enjoyed the wilderness, the risks and the rewards of living out on your own. I was finally starting to discover myself.
That night I slept well, the furnace kept my room warm, my wool sheets provided comfort, and the recently eaten cooked pork rested well in my stomach. And when I awoke I felt energized and refreshed, even my wounded leg felt anew as I stepped out of my cove there was a cool coastal breeze blowing through, today was going to be a good day.
I spent a lot of my time just walking my usual trails, a long the woods, then up around a large hill which led through a cave. It was a nice walk, always found something interesting whether it be natural or manmade. Although this time I saw something that really blew my mind, lying just outside the coast of the shore I landed on two weeks back, a large ship rested.
Quickly turning back I raced towards my cove, and along the way I could see small rowboats pouring in, there were probably about a dozen people coming to scout the area. I had no idea why, but all I knew was that I didn't want to be spotted by them. So rushing to my cove I was quickly able to dive inside, but upon arrival I had realized that maybe my "secret" cove wasn't so secret.
The second I stepped in two swords were put to my neck with another man drawing a bow.
"Hey now boys lets settle down just a bit." Said a man who was armored in diamond and upon his helmet was a red mark displaying him as a captain. The others, well they were all suited in iron.
"Who... Who are you people?"
"I am Captain Cupcakes, and we are here on service from Lord Baalrock of The Northern Lands."
"I've never heard of such a place." Replied I.
"Of course not." He sighed, "You know that tower outside? Hasberg? Well a few days back one of our signal fires was sent off by someone who was inside... You wouldn't know anything about that would you?" The man seemed to rummage through my stuff while he asked me questions.
"N... No, there's nothing but monsters in there they could have set it off."
"But the thing about our trap is that it can only be set if the blood of Prince Hesrim spills upon a certain spot.... And I have a question to ask you uhhhh Mr.?"
"My names Steve..." I replied.
"Well Steve...." He turned to look at me while lifting up a small picture frame of the tower back in its golden day. "How do you know there's nothing but monsters in there?" At that moment I knew he had realized it was me who had set off his signal.
"So, the last of the bloodline returns to the original birthplace of the Hesrim family... Quite touching really." The man smiled a bit while giving his other soldiers a nod, "Get him in cuffs."
At this moment I reacted like a striking snake. I fisted one of the two guards in the face kicking the other across the chest sending him back into a table of mine. Then before the third guard to draw his arrow I lifted my pick ax off a counter top slamming it deep into his skull, a loud crunch was heard as the pick ax was driven deep into his head, but soon afterward his body vanished leaving behind everything we was carrying.
"You filth of the world!" Said the captain as he drew out his diamond sword swinging it my way. I lunged back using my pick ax to counter attack but to little avail. His much stronger and well crafted diamond sword shattered my pick ax leaving me defenseless. As well as that the other two guards I had just knocked over were now getting to their feet.
"Leave me be! I do not know who you are talking about!"
"You come back to enslave us all like before! You come back to return us to our peasantry work!" Yelled the captain with fear and hate building within his eyes. It was as if he feared me, but because he feared me he hated me and because he hated me, he had anger against me.
He lunged at me, but at this moment I was able to maneuver around the three attackers getting myself up and out of my cove, but as I made it out on to the surface I was once again assaulted, by the others who had landed.
A man dove at me, the tip of his word barely missing my flesh as I turned him away, getting him into a head lock I flipped him over my back smashing him into the ground, then picking up his sword I was able to block another swing coming from a different man.
Then after I had successfully parried the assault I returned a a strong hard slice across the man's chest, unable to block it the man screamed while falling over. Carrying the blade with me I made a break for it, heading towards the coast line, the one opposite of the ship that is.
As I was able to sneak off into the woods I heard loud cannon sounds being shot off, it was clearly a signal that I was on the loose. It was about a two mile trip to the coast line, I didn't know how many of them there were, all I knew was that I couldn't be caught.
"But why do they want me? Blood line of Prince Hesrim?" My mind raced with theories and ideas and why I could be so important to them. Maybe one of the zombies was once a relative of the prince, and its blood was the blood spilled. Or... maybe I was the relative, maybe I was actually someone important instead of being a loner like I had once thought. While continuing my way to the coast line I faced a few more scouting parties, but luckily I was able to safely sneak past all of them.
Despite all odds I safely made it, and after digging up my boat I contemplated if I should leave or not. I could possibly try to hide somewhere, wait until they leave then get all my things and move somewhere else. But what if I got caught? Yet if I left now I wouldn't have any supplies at all, I would be starting over all again. Before I could make a reasonable choice a volley of arrows came soaring my way, luckily all of them missed. But from an overlooking hill a squad of archers had spotted me, others were on their way.
So in a rush I jumped onto my boat and began sailing away, only a sword within my hands. The arrows saw my way out, making sure that it wasn't safe to turn around. So I just kept going, until the coast line was no longer in sight, until Hasberg tower was no longer in sight, and until I finally felt safe..
So now, here I was... No food, no water, only a sword in my hand and with no idea of where to go. And as I sat trying to think of things to do I remember the "Unexplored" area back on Franks map. For some reason I still had this feeling that this place needed me. It was my true home, and it was calling me back. I had to go back, I had to go into the unknown.
It felt like the sea was endless, every time I thought a spec of land was in the distance I would only find myself to be deceived by low hovering clouds. The first day was easy sailing, a nice wind carried me far but since I had no map or compass for direction I felt as if I was just spinning in circles.
The second day proved a bit more challenging, hungry and dehydrated I could feel my energy slip away slowly but surely. I ended hunting some squid, but that night I got horrible stomach pains as well as diarrhea, the squid was obviously the cause of this.
On the third day I was wrecked, the sickness throughout my body had increased and a fever was now ravaging me. I was in so much pain that I couldn't even stand, and as my bow floated without much of a pace a large storm of clouds were gathering upon my spot. And as I laid on my back, moaning and groaning I felt the first drops of the storm batter upon my head. At first I saw it was a blessing, maybe if I drink enough water I could flush out my sickness and temporarily fill my hunger. But twenty minutes in the I realized that the storm had different plans.
All the way through the night it tossed my boat to and fro. It was as if I was in the middle of a soccer game, being kicked to one side of the field to only be kicked back, with little passes in-between. I tried to fight off the currents, but they were too strong and I was simply to weak. On the fourth day the storm picked it up a notch.
Finally surrounding to the power of the sea I cuddled up and accepted my fate. All around me fifty foot waves were crashing and swelling, it would only be a matter of time before one came crushing upon me. Closing my eyes I blocked out all sound, huddled in a ball I began to slowly remember my short lived rather confusing life.
"I am Steve, I was awaken into this world some three weeks ago. I don't know who I am, or where I come from. I have the ability to fight skillfully and survive on my own. Although I don't know who I am I feel as if a part of me has already been in this world, as if I have once lived here long ago. My mind has been able to make small and fragile connections to my past life, if there was one. And whether or not this is just a theory or fact, I will soon come to find out when I pass in this life. Hopefully I have left a good impression. To the gods above forgive me of my sins, and to the devils below..... I'll see you in hell."
The sound of roaring water covered me, blackness consumed me and the sea.... Well it swallowed me.
My mind was blank, not one single thought crossed my mind but even then, I knew that I was still alive. In this dazed moment I was suddenly jolted awake as my stomach began throwing up all the sea water which had been collected during the storm. Finally several minutes later, my body was clean. My weak legs struggled to hold me up and my blood shot eyes burned in this sea breeze.
As far as I could see the coastal line stretched, inland there was a large jungle. But what really caught my attention was that there were all sorts of structures within the jungle before me. There were towers, houses, tree houses, and even barns. But every single one of them appeared as if they had been abandoned for nearly ten years. Stone was breaking away, vines were making home of the walls, and it seemed as if the tropical weather had worn away any furniture within. For a second I thought I was back within the Chaos Circle, but that would have been totally absorbed, the storm carried me away from the Chaos Circle.
"Well..." I said to myself, "Better see if I can anything worth saving in there." My stomach growled with every step I took and as well as that I could feel my throat crying out for any kind of non salted liquid. But sadly I found nothing to relieve me of this hunger or pain of dehydration, and after several minutes of searching through the ruined scenery I felt absolutely exhausted. The lack of food to create energy was having its affect on me, taking a step felt as if I was having to lift a hundred pound weight. Taking a few more steps I hoped that I could shake it off, but..... I was wrong. My head began spinning and the last bits of energy that I had was sucked right out of me. The tall trees and surrounding structures soon turned into a wild blur then suddenly, everything went black.
My eyes slowly opened and surprising I found myself staring at a wooden roof. Then I saw a fire by my side, a bowl of soup on a table next to me, and then a... A woman in the corner!
"Better eat up, you had a terrible case of Squib Sickness. But what do you expect from eating raw ocean squid." Said the woman with a smile as she nodded towards the bowl of soup. I eyed her, not knowing what to think. "Well go on now, unless you enjoy having no energy at all."
Lifting the bowl I kept my eyes on her as I poured the warm liquid into my mouth when suddenly... SPIT!!! The soup went everywhere, if it even was soup, it tasted like warm liquefied pig meat. She only laughed, "Never had Squid Sickness before? If so then you'll know the only way of curing it is with a bone meal soup. Sorry if you were expecting mushrooms and chicken." Knowing what to expect I was able to handle the god awful soup, although only one sip at a time.
"Who are you?" Asked I in a stutter.
"Well I could ask the same of you, haven't seen you around here before. And why would you even be out in the forbidden zone like that in the first place?"
"The forbidden zone?"
"What?!" She seemed surprised. "You must have something more than Squid Sickness if you honestly don't know what the forbidden zone is."
"No, at least I don't think I have anything else. I'm just not from around here. I got caught up in a storm and then awoke on the beach just before I collapsed." I was able to guzzle down the rest of a soup, her face had turned into a glare of insanity. She eyed me as if I was unstable then suddenly stood, "If you'll excuse me."
She was gone for about ten minutes, leaving me there to simply explore my own thoughts. "Who was that man after me? What if she was somehow connected to him and was actually going to get him right now? What if this was all a trap!" Luckily before my paranoia grew anymore she returned, with a much older man by her side. They seemed to be arguing a bit as they entered, the man suddenly gazed at me, his eyes glowing with interest.
"So where are you from again?" Rushed the man as he came to my side. The woman behind him seemed to be a bit annoyed, rolling her eyes at the question.
"Is... is something wrong? Why is the place of my origin of such importance?"
The man laughed, "You see, there has not been an outsider to come to these lands in over a hundred years...."
"What?" My mouth dropped.
"He's delusional! He's obviously still sick with something else besides Squid Sickness, you can't honestly believe him can you?"
"What's your name son?" Asked the man ignoring the woman's accusation.
"I..." Figuring that saying, 'I don't know' wouldn't be the smartest move I went with the name Frank had given me, "My name is Steve. And to be quite honest I am from another land, a land known as The Chaos Circle quite far from here."
"The Chaos Circle! Now what kind of land would be called that!" Moaned the woman as she threw her hands in the air. "Okay then, if you were in this 'Chaos Circle' then why were you caught up in a storm while sailing through the middle of the ocean?"
"Well, I had a home around a place known as The Hasberg tower but then-"
"HASBERG! HASBERG TOWER!" Shouted the woman. "Now you know this man is delusional!" The man who was so eagerly by my bed had a sudden frown come over him.
"I assure you that I am not delusional in any way! I was living right by Hasberg tower, I even went inside of it too! What's the matter with you people why is that so hard to believe?"
"Should we believe that you also posses super human powers as well? I'm telling you the heat must have done something to your brain and I will not have this crazed man in my home!"
I stood, and unlike before my legs were strong enough to carry me. The bone meal soup had really done the trick, but this woman's accusations were too much to bear. "Thank you for saving me, I think I'll be fine from here now."
"Going back to Hasberg are we?" Insulted the woman, "Bring you into my home, feed you and bed you, and you make up stories of yourself!"
I broke away from the home walking as fast as I could away from the small house. I didn't even pay attention to where I was walking, all I did pay attention too was the fact that I was telling the truth. When reality finally caught up to me I noticed that I was surrounded by not wilderness, but by a large and bustling city!