Chapter 8

Walking on foot, Garen and Norzak have traveled through many cave tunnels and climbed many narrow crevices. In two days, the duo has made their way through many twists and turns, now finally reaching the passageway leading to the surface world. When he took his first step out into the open world, blinding light caused Garen to narrow his eyes as he adjusted to the sun’s ray. First glance, the rocky mountain terrain wasn’t all that much different but the sight of weeds near the exit proved it wasn’t a lie. Staring upward towards the blue and white sky, Garen’s longing for home grew ever more deeply as he took in a breath of fresh clean air.

In good health and outfitted with provisions, he was ready to part ways at this spot. But after carefully inspecting himself, he could see his black leathering clothing and everything else in his possession was given solely by Norzak’s generosity. Garen felt he needed to say something, anything will do. He simply couldn’t end their meeting in such a manner as a sense of remorse chewed away at his heart for his folly.

“Norzak, you know the things I said before, please forgive me. Those words weren’t how I really felt… I’m finally thinking clearly now, please, my mind wasn’t thinking straight you know?” Garen wanted to keep going but was interrupted.

Raising a hand in a forestalling gesture as he spoke, “its fine, I understand. I won’t blame you for acting the way you were but know this.” Norzak paused for a moment, making sure his words got through to Garen. “I will most certainly hold your future actions into account, there will be no excuses.” Then out of thin air, an orb of light shrouded around Norzak’s forestalling hand, in moments, a masterfully crafted silver sword engraved with rune symbols appeared. “Judge me by my actions and not my appearance, I do not ask you to trust me completely but do not doubt my sincerity thus far.” Norzak tossed the mysterious sword towards Garen.

Surprised and excited, Garen immediately inspected the silver sword, wondering why he was given a weapon so suddenly. “I’m a bit confused; I don’t believe there is a need to arm myself. How could anything around here possibly get past you? Garen questioned in a worried tone.

“You will understand soon, for now, keep that weapon at hand. We are in dangerous grounds here and not even I can be certain in keeping you out of harm’s way, you understand me?” Norzak’s voice sounded serious and worried but he walked onward without taking another glance towards Garen.

Unable to understand why someone like Norzak , a undead being capable of wielding destructive spells and slaughtering monsters in droves, was acting scared. “That’s not like him” Garen pondered before realizing another fact. “Wait, you’re coming with me? I thought you were only intending to bring me back to the surface!” Bewilderment haunted Garen’s mind as he chased after Norzak.

Soon the two had left the mountain pass containing the cave passageway they had escaped from. The mood in Garen was finally started to lift as he saw vegetation’s all around; bushes, pine trees, and grasses of all kinds welcomed them as they walked along a path that seemed long neglected. Yet the air was eerily quiet as if devoid of wildlife, other than small games and insects scavenging for food, they did not meet a single person on the road. If Garen had inspected the forest terrain more closely, he would understand something was seriously wrong in the land.

Somewhat bored and agitated by the lack of words between them, Garen wanted to learn more about his traveling companion. “There’s something bothering me and I’ve been meaning to ask you. Why are you going through such lengths in helping me and giving me so much?” Garen asked out of curiosity.

Continuing along the rugged path without stopping, Nozark turned his head before replying, “I’m curious about you, or to be more precise, I’m curious about what’s inside you and your body.” Raising a finger to point at the center of Garen’s chest, “I can sense the same energy that created the mist inside your body, and I wish to learn the cause of it. That is the main reason I helped you in the first place, does that answer your question?”

Even though Norzak’s answer seems logical, Garen could tell he wasn’t speaking the entire truth as one of his bony hands reach inside a pocket. Somewhat satisfied by the partial truth and a little disturbed, Garen felt relieved knowing the reason wasn’t some insane undead plot waiting to be unleashed upon him. He always believed others will only lend a hand if they wanted something from another. Contemplating whether to inform his companion of the mysterious voice he heard in his near death experience, Garen felt it was better to keep this knowledge to himself as leverage in the future. Not to mention this person was a undead ghoul and a powerful magician to top it off, who knows when he might turn on me if he finds me of no more use.

The sun has already risen late into the afternoon and they were reaching the edge of the forested lands, marking their journey half complete. If continuing at their speed, they might have been able to reach the city by late night, but lady fate hasn’t been kind to Garen. A loud scream echoed into the sky, alerting Garen and Norzak to the danger awaiting them pass the cover of the forest. Uncertain by the sudden cry for help, Garen’s body acted before his mind could react as he ran forward in haste – truly a man of action before his thoughts.

Left behind in the dust, Norzak stood there alone, shaking his head in disappointment for such rash actions. “I better spend some time disciplining this boy soon. If he acts this way in every situation, there will be no end to the troubles coming our way.” Picking up his pace, Norzak followed closely behind Garen’s trail.

End chapter 8